There are iconic action movies, and then there is Die Hard. The Bruce Willis starring film set the standard for situational thrillers for decades and we still are describing certain flicks as “Die Hard on a plane” or “Die Hard in the White House.” Also, it is the blueprint for which all other action films since are judged.
Fox has unleashed a 30th anniversary Blu-Ray edition of the classic flick and it is in the stunning 4K upgrade that is a marvel for the ears and eyes.
For anyone who has been living under a rock for three decades, Die Hard stars Willis as NYPD officer John McClane. He is heading to Los Angeles at Christmas time to visit his wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) at her new high-powered job in one of LA’s swankiest and newest buildings, Nakatomi Plaza. The couple are having a rough go of it, what with them living 3,000 miles apart and each so committed to their jobs that their marriage has come in second—and we know that isn’t good.
John arrives at the building and his wife shows him to a room where he can get changed and chill out as her company holiday party starts to get into full swing. Then, terrorists show up—led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman, in one of many career defining turns)—and the sounds of automatic weapon fire certainly grab the attention of the not-so-happy-to-be-here NYPD officer. They don’t know he’s in the building and have no idea what a thorn in their side he will become over the course of the evening. Giddy up, ladies and gentlemen, an entertaining ride of the highest order is up and running.
Other than the visual and sound upgrades (which are stellar, seriously, like beyond brilliant), the bonus features are the same. So, if you already have the previously released Blu-Ray and do not have a 4K means to witness the technological marvel, sit tight and wait to purchase this puppy when you have a TV set that gives you the jaw-dropping visuals and sound that is the 4K experience.
Now, if you do not have Die Hard in your movie collection already, then race to your nearest retailer (or go online as most of us do nowadays!) and nab this 30th anniversary edition.
For this cinephile, the highlight must be the inclusion of the full-length screenplay. Being able to watch the film and study it from an aspiring screenwriter position is a priceless education in how to pen an actioner that works on every level. Even if you just appreciate the art of screenwriting, it is an utter joy.
The commentary track by director John McTiernan and production designer Jack DeGovia is terrific and adds layers of insight to the Die Hard experience. We usually recommend a commentary track on its merits and place its need to watch element as secondary. As in, watch the film without the track and then upon a subsequent viewing delve deeper into the commentary. But, since an enormous majority of us have seen the film (most likely repeatedly), I say pop in this 4K upgrade and turn on the commentary track right away!
Another commentary element that is priceless is the scene-specific commentary by special effects supervisor Richard Edlund. Want to know not only “how did they do that?” but also “how did it all come together?” Well then, you get answers by the boatload and it is stunning to look back at this film knowing how much technologically has changed in cinema in that time. What they were able to accomplish in Die Hard is simply stunning and a lesson in fierce determination by a cast and crew that knew they were making something truly special.
The News Casts Featurette is an interesting take on experiencing the film, as is the Interactive Style Gallery which is exactly as it sounds. For kicks and fun, be sure to check out the trailers and TV spots and notice how much the “selling” of movies have changed over the decades—and also, how much they haven’t changed.
Film Grade: A
Bonus Features: B-