One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the iconic 1975 film directed by Milos Forman and featuring Jack Nicholson in an unforgettable Academy Award-winning role, is set to make a grand re-entry into our lives—this time digitally in 4K ULTRA HD and on 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc, hitting shelves on November 11th, just in time for the 50th anniversary of its initial release on November 19, 1975. This restoration was lovingly crafted by the Academy Film Archive, with a little help from Teatro Della Pace Film and the ever-passionate producer Paul Zaentz. Picture this: a brand-new 4K scan taken straight from the original 35mm camera negative, complete with a dusting of magic for the opening shot and titles. It’s not a full-fledged reconstruction, but boy, does it deliver a stunning upgrade from the standard Blu-ray editions that had us longing for just a tad more clarity. And let me tell you, it’s presented in the film’s original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, which feels just right.
Based on Ken Kesey's gripping 1962 novel of the same name, this film isn’t just a story about a misfit—it's about the fight for autonomy in the face of a stifling system. Our protagonist, Randle McMurphy (played with manic brilliance by Jack Nicholson), feigns mental illness to find himself inside a mental hospital, where a motley crew of patients becomes his unlikely family. But lo and behold, there’s Nurse Mildred Ratched (Louise Fletcher), a force of nature who embodies the very definition of control and conformity, making even the most hardened inmate seem like a puppy in her presence.
The film swept the Academy Awards, claiming all five of the premier Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor for Nicholson, Best Actress for Fletcher, Best Director for Forman, and Best Screenplay for Hauben and Goldman. Its colorful history doesn't end there; it began life as a stage play in 1963, with Kirk Douglas portraying McMurphy—a journey that he kick-started by securing the rights to bring Kesey’s world to the stage and screen. And in 1993, the United States Library of Congress deemed this film "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," ensuring its place in the National Film Registry for all time.
The ensemble cast is a treasure trove of talent, with standout performances from the estimable Nicholson and Fletcher, alongside Will Sampson, Danny DeVito, the vibrant William Redfield, Brad Dourif, and Christopher Lloyd, who each etched their names into cinematic history with their roles.
Now, let’s talk about this 4K UHD Blu-ray release—it's not just about watching a film; it’s about experiencing it! It includes a few new and previously released special features:
- Conversations on Cuckoo Group Therapy (New): Producer Michael Douglas leads a lively discussion with Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, and Brad Dourif about the unconventional casting that birthed this legendary ensemble fifty years ago. The nostalgia flows like coffee at a diner at midnight!
- Conversations on Cuckoo: Moviemaking Memories (New): Producer Michael Douglas and the cast members Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, and Brad Dourif reminisce about the electric atmosphere of working alongside Jack Nicholson and director Milos Forman.
- Completely Cuckoo: This feature gives you an insider’s look at the making of the film, tracing its roots from Kesey's quintessential novel through to the stage production and ultimately the monumental cinematic achievement that captivated hearts.
- Deleted Scenes:
- Pecking Party
- Where are your Cloches?
- Meet Nurse Ratched
- First Group Therapy
- Shaving Chief
I’ll confess, my first encounter with this film was a rather questionable parenting choice back in the late 1980s when I watched it as an edited TV version—a move that left my mother reeling. Yet, I was enamored. Over the years, I’ve revisited it more than a handful of times, and I can say with confidence that this new 4K UHD Blu-ray release is the pinnacle of all my cinematic experiences with it. The picture is a revelation, boasting a stunning clarity that makes the colors leap right out of the screen. Yes, there are still a few slight encoding issues—some scenes bear a hint of grain or noise because, let’s face it, it's an older film, and we embrace its character with open arms!
Audio-wise, you have two flavors to choose from: the default DTS-HD Master Audio (5.1 remix) and a throwback “Original Theatrical” (2.0 Mono). The 2.0 option does have that rough-around-the-edges issues, but if you want a more polished auditory experience, the 5.1 remix is the way to go.
In conclusion, Warner Bros. and the Academy Film Archive have poured their souls into restoring this cinematic masterpiece, leaving it looking gloriously authentic, just like the gritty ‘70s world it inhabits. Jack Nicholson turns in a performance for the ages, and Louise Fletcher’s portrayal of Nurse Ratched is simply chilling. This film is an intriguing plunge into the depths of the human psyche, a character-driven narrative that will haunt you—in the best way possible. So, if you’re looking to expand that 4K UHD Blu-ray collection, I can promise you this is a must-have! ╌★★★★★
〜B.J. Burgess
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“The plot thickens… especially when you comment.” 〜B.J. Burgess