‘Westworld’ 4K UHD Review (Arrow Video)
Stars: Richard Benjamin, James Brolin, Yul Brynner, Dick Van Patten, Norman Bartold, Alan Oppenheimer, Linda Gaye Scott, Terry Wilson, Majel Barrett, Anne Randall | Written and Directed by Michael Crichton
Boy, have we got a vacation for you… that was the tagline for one of the most imaginative films of the 1970s. Novelist-turned-filmmaker Michael Crichton made his directorial debut with the film Westworld, starring Hollywood superstar Yul Brynner in a role he would be remembered for forever. The film is now over half a century old and yet still seems groundbreaking! Now Arrow Video have restored and released this amazing adventure on 4K for the first time.
Welcome to Delos, the futuristic resort where, for $1,000 a day, wealthy vacationers can live out their wildest fantasies in hyper-realistic theme parks. In the Old West zone, friends Peter (Richard Benjamin) and John (James Brolin) saddle up for adventure, unaware that their dream holiday is about to turn into a nightmare. When a malfunction sends the park’s android hosts off script, the Gunslinger (Yul Brynner, in his iconic black-clad role) begins a relentless pursuit, obliterating the line between simulation and survival.
Most films that are over half a century old feel their age, but Westworld isn’t one of them. Crichton crafts a universe that feels classic yet still strangely futuristic, even by today’s standards. The story itself is quietly ominous, tapping into the age-old fear of mankind playing God and the terrifying idea of technology turning against its creators. It’s eerie, thrilling, and ultimately a wonderfully absorbing adventure.
Richard Benjamin and James Brolin both deliver strong performances, but the undeniable standout is Yul Brynner. He barely utters a word, yet his presence is so commanding that it lingers long after the end credits roll.
Arrow Video have restored Westworld in 4K from the original camera negative, presenting the film in a stunning 2160p UHD Blu-ray transfer with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible). There are multiple audio options available, including the original restored lossless 4-channel stereo, 2.0 stereo, and 1.0 mono tracks, alongside a newly remixed 5.1 DTS-HD MA surround option. English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are also included.
It had been a long while since I last watched Westworld, and revisiting it in 4K was an absolute pleasure. The level of detail is genuinely mind-blowing, with colours that leap off the screen and an image that is razor-sharp throughout. It’s difficult to fully convey just how impressive this restoration is — Arrow have done remarkable work here. And the restoration is only part of the story. Arrow Video have also packed this sci-fi western classic with a wealth of bonus features, some of which I was genuinely thrilled to experience for the first time!
Special Features:
- Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and film historian Daniel Kremer
- Cowboy Dreams, a newly filmed conversation between actor Richard Benjamin and producer/screenwriter Larry Karaszewski
- At Home on the Range, a brand new video interview with actor James Brolin
- HollyWorld: Producing Westworld, a brand new video interview with producer Paul N. Lazarus III
- Sex, Death and Androids, a brand new appreciation of the film by author and film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
- On Location with Westworld, an archival behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film from 1973
- Beyond Westworld, the 48-minute pilot episode of the 1980 follow-up television series
- Theatrical trailer
- Image gallery
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Arik Roper
- Collectors’ perfect-bound booklet featuring new writing on the film by David Michael Brown, Priscilla Page, Paul Anthony Nelson, and Abbey Bender
- Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Arik Roper
- Six postcard-sized artcards
Arrow Video have added a strong selection of new bonus features, including an audio commentary, interviews, and a featurette. All of these are welcome additions, but for me, the true standout is the Beyond Westworld pilot. I’d never had the chance to see it before, and while it’s nowhere near the level of the original film, it’s still a fascinating and surprisingly enjoyable extra – a genuinely special bonus feature to have included.
***** 5/5
If you like 70s sci-fi, you will no doubt like Westworld. And if you do, I highly recommend Arrow Video’s 4K release. It is definitely worth the upgrade – head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
______
