This article contains several comparisons which contrast the older Kino Lorber Studio Classics Blu-ray transfer (2015) with their new 4K-sourced restoration. The frames aren’t necessarily exact matches, but should give a solid indication of the visual differences.
Returning to Blu-ray is Steve De Jarnatt’s offbeat and futuristic Cherry 2000 starring Melanie Griffith and David Andrews. De Jarnatt’s feature debut is a cutely horny action-romance concoction mixing elements of cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic style with a uniquely campy approach.
KL Studio Classics previously released the film to Blu-ray in 2015, and is now bringing it back in a deluxe treatment with a new master, tons of extras, and enhanced packaging.
Print Damage
It’s evident throughout that the new restoration features a cleaner image, through I’m not sure whether this is due to specific cleanup or a different source. The new HD master is sourced from a 4K scan of the original camera negative (the older master wasn’t similarly advertised so it seems likely it was scanned from a later generation print).
In reviewing specific exact-match frames, I found many instances where scratches and speckles in the 2015 print were no longer visible.
Other Characteristics
The improvements or differences in the newer master are pretty consistent throughout.
The dimensions are slightly corrected; addressing a slight horizontal stretch that made the image a bit too wide. (This can also be observed on the left and right edges where a bit of additional image is pulled in).
The image is also noticeably more vibrant than before, with great color saturation and contrast.
The grain is also cleaner, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. The grain was quite “chunky” in the older version; I’m not sure if the cleaner appearance is due to finer resolution, a better source, or artificial cleanup.
Color Timing
Conclusions
Overall, the newer master is one of superior fidelity, and seems to be closer to the original objective. That said, I have a soft spot for gnarly prints with a lot of character; ultimately I like both versions. While it may sound kind of silly, in my mind it’s ultimately the correction to dimensions that gives the newer print a definitive edge.
Of course the new master is just one angle on this package – the updated 2-disc release also features numerous additional extras including new restrospectives and two of de Jarnatt’s early short films, a slipcover and reversible art, and subtitles (which were omitted on the original release), making it overall a much more enticing and complete edition.
The only question that gives me slight pause of recommending the newer edition is the possibility that they might soon put out a true 4K UHD release. Given that this is sourced from a 4K master and paired with Kino’s track record, this seems well within the realm of possibility. But as for me, I’m quite happy with this Blu-ray.
