A Simple Plan 4K Ultra HD

In "A Simple Plan," Hank Mitchell (Bill Paxton) and his wife Sarah (Bridget Fonda) have big dreams and a baby on the way, but are stuck in the small Minnesota town where Hank grew up alongside his sweet and native brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thorton). One day while walking in the woods, Hank, Jacob, and Jacob's friend Lou (Brent Briscoe) discover a small plane buried in the snow, with a dead pilot inside –– and a duffel bag containing over $4 million in cash. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to grasp the American dream in one fell swoop, if they can just keep it a secret ––but Hank soon learns that keeping that secret will come at a terrible cost. (Gary Reber)

Special features include new commentary by critics Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme, new commentary by Production Designer Patrizia von Brandenstein, "Of Ice And Man" interview with Cinematographer Alar Kivilo (HD 08:18), "Standing Her Ground" interview with Actor Becky Ann Baker (HD 06:23), Dead Of Winter" interview with Actor Chelcie Ross (HD 10:45), on-set interviews with Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thorton, Bridget Fonda and Producer Jim Jacks, behind-the-scenes footage, theatrical trailer, reversible sleeve and illustrated collectors' booklet.

The 1.85:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on Kodak 35 mm film stock using the Panavision Panaflex Platinum camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format remastered from the original negative by Arrow Films and approved by Director Sam Raimi. The picture has a smooth grain structure. The color palette is perfectly natural within the winter snow covered rural setting. Colors are rich and warm and perfectly saturated. Clothing colors exhibit vibrancy. Flesh tones are perfectly natural throughout, even in an all-snow field environments. HDR contrast is excellent. Blacks are natural and shadows are well delineated. White levels are perfectly realistic such as the snow covered earth, pavements, and snowing. Resolution is superb. Closeups of facial features such as skin pores, lines and hair are finely resolved. Clothing fabrics are vividly discernible. Structural and object textures are revealing of fine detail. This is a terrific looking filmic picture that is compelling throughout. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is perfectly supportive of the picture's production design. The outdoor scenes provide just enough atmospherics support including the crow hawking. Truck sounds, snow mobile sounds and general atmospherics all sound realistic. Sound effects sound dynamic, such as shotgun fire. The orchestral score is the lesser sound element though it occupies a wide soundstage with extension to the surrounds. Dialogue, which is the primary sound element is executed well with excellent intelligibility and spatial integration. Surround envelopment is generally low keyed. This is a well-crafted holosonic® soundtrack that delivers realism throughout with excellent fidelity. (Gary Reber)