THE RUNNING MAN 4K UHD BLU-RAY REVIEW + FULL SCHWARZENEGGER COLLECTION

Review of the recent 4K UHD disc release to Paul Michael Glaser's 1987 film The Running Man starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Also included is a look at all the Arnie movies in my collection - just an overview of all the boxes, gatefold sleeves and cases shown together but hopefully nice to look at as such.
The Running Man is not the best 4K you're ever likely to see but looks to be a good representation of the film as it appeared in cinemas when new.
Sound is DTS HD 5.1 Image aspect ratio is 1.78:1 Comes with HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
While I don't exactly praise the image quality it probably is too good for our home screens as there are two scenes where we can see actors too clearly. The first is when Maria Conchita Alonso is being chased through her apartment by Arnie and she is shouting some rather amusing dialogue but her lips are not moving. The second is when the stalker 'Dynamo' is coming towards camera and clearly saying something but no dialogue is audible.
There is quite a bit of bad language in this film and it is quite violent at times. The opening preface script in the film states the year as 2017 but the boxes and all publicity material seems to state 2019. That script is actually quite prophetic today but not to be taken too seriously... unless gladiatorial games suddenly make a return!
I don't mention the Harold Faltermeyer score in this review but I think it's a major factor in this film's success. The concluding song over the end titles is great. I've always loved this score.

[@garytilford6503]

I just want to clarify a few things regarding the German mediabook editions, just in case anyone wants to get one. There is a 4 disc standard blu ray edition which has SILVER foil lettering on the front. First blu ray is the film, second blu ray has the extra features, then there is a dvd and a CD soundtrack. There is also a 3 disc 4k mediabook edition which has RED foil lettering on the front. 4k disc and first blu ray have the film and the second blu ray has the extra features. So both of these sets have a bonus blu ray loaded with extras. The picture quality on my 4k mediabook edition looks great to my eyes. You can get the 4 disc blu ray edition for just £20 as I write this.

[@moviecollector5920]

Well let's pint this comment to the top then Gary! Ta velly muchly. John.

[@Kazimation]

These German Mediabook releases sound a look better than the standalone 4k release 👍

[@moviecollector5920]

@@Kazimation Having the original Dolby Stereo sound does suggest that it would Kazimation. Often the remixes for modern audiences don't turn out as good as they should and this is probably one of them. John.

[@snowymatrix]

I'm waiting for this 4K to drop to a nice price then I will buy and swap out the DVD in my German 4 disc set with the 4K disc then I will have an ultimate set for this prophetic film!

[@moviecollector5920]

@@snowymatrix I expect it will appear for a tenner or equivalent in other countries so that's a good idea. We do need to support the new releases when they're new though otherwise distributors won't feel there is any point issuing new product in the future. But I'm sure you already purchase quite a few when they first appear, just wanted to make the point for others who may be reading this. John.

[@CastlesForEyes]

Arnold had an impressive 80's & 90's run of films. Still fun to watch

[@moviecollector5920]

Some great films that still stand up today perhaps. John.

[@roygalloway688]

Enjoyed this film immensely. Leave your brain at the door and enjoy the ride. I have the Capelight 4k Media Book of this, which comes with the film on Blu-ray and an extras disk. Shame they thought nobody else would be interested.

[@moviecollector5920]

Quite a few have commented that they have the mediabook. Apparently there were two versions and one came with the soundtrack CD too which sells for quite big money as a standalone on eBay. John.

[@billg3356]

Fun video, John! I saw Running Man twice at the theater when i was a kid, and probably two dozen or so times on VHS, but I haven't watched it in probably 30 years. It really is a fun 80s cheesefest, with a cool cast, and a killer score by the great Harold Faltermeyer. By the way, I've always meant to comment on your B-roll footage. You always put a lot of effort into it and I really enjoy seeing your collections. You have great stuff, my friend, and I appreciate that you take the time to set it up and show it off.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Bill. I try to make the uploads akin to something we could have expected in a television film review programme years ago before television became complete crap so I'm glad to know you like them. The score of The Running Man is a major reason for its enduring appeal as far as I'm concerned. John.

[@filmparadiset7793]

Arnold and Stallone i still de best of 80's & 90's action movies!

[@moviecollector5920]

I think many, if not most, will agree with you there. John.

[@Memfys]

This channel is a treasure.

[@moviecollector5920]

So is the bloke responsible!!! Seriously though, thank you for saying so. John.

[@thribs]

The movie came out the exact day I was born. I've always liked the music in this one. Movie even predicted the idea of Deep Fakes.

[@moviecollector5920]

Watching this film again after a number of years, it is surprising quite how prophetic it actually is. There's quite a lot that has/is actually coming to pass. Frightening really. John.

[@SimonLeicester]

People might knock Arnie as an actor but if you add up all his massive hits it’s a very impressive back catalogue. This is worth rewatching if it pops up on TV. Couldn’t really justify the 4K for this one though. Great and useful review as always. Thank you

[@moviecollector5920]

You may spot a copy for a tenner soon Simon and then you may not be able to resist. I didn't bother at £20 but it was in the HMV 2 for £30 so as there was nothing else that took my fancy I decided to give it a go. Had a good time with it actually. I just mentioned 'Aftermath' to another commenter. I think that film proves Arnie's acting credentials. John.

[@SteamedhamsEdnalovescock]

Yeah annie had a good run in musicals aswell

[@moviecollector5920]

@@SteamedhamsEdnalovescock Good point Ted. He does have one of the world's most beautiful singing voices!

[@skywalkerranch]

Awesome film then and awesome now. Thanks for this fantastic review, John.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you for saying so. You'll need to get a Blu-ray for the extras to go with this one...

[@darkvader7231]

Excellent review John, watching you is like watching Barry Norman's film night or film 80, 81, 82 etc..!! You took me back to the 70's with Starsky and Hutch, I would eagerly await it each week, loved huggy bear in it and the cop leader, Dobi I think his name was😊

[@moviecollector5920]

Captain Dobi was indeed his name. I've watched those DVDs three or four times over the years and still love the show even if it's dated a bit (to say the least). I do try to make these videos like television film programmes of old before telly became complete crap and not worth watching but I don't think they're for everyone. I do my best though and so it's good to know some people really enjoy them which makes it all worthwhile. John.

[@michaelmyers3709]

The VHS was pretty open matte. Definitely recall seeing a springboard when Arnie is going through the air from one of Dynamo’s lightning bolts.

[@moviecollector5920]

I should run the whole of that VHS again now that you've reminded me about it Michael. Fun days but these days we take home movies too much for granted. John.

[@jessechristensen6028]

I won’t lie jingle all the way is still a favorite of my family’s if we’re talking Arnold movies.

[@moviecollector5920]

I don't think I've ever managed to see that one Jesse. Shame on me! John.

[@jessechristensen6028]

Shut up! Well at least for me being a kid born in the mid 90’s this was a class Christmas movie. So I guess it’s not as popular in the UK as in America during Christmas I guess? Well I do recommend hunting down and yes it dose have a pretty decent blu ray as well.

[@saint6563]

UHD is for collectors & hobbyists. OST & Atmos [when appropriate] are a must. Don't compromise sound; which even on Silent Movies is important.

[@moviecollector5920]

I agree Saint, the original soundtrack should be chosen where possible. Such a shame it wasn't included but it doesn't really bother me as the remix wasn't that bad, just too loud for some sound effects which spoiled it somewhat. Atmos would probably ruin this film completely so at least it hasn't been taken that far. John.

[@2namtaB]

You forgot to mention that Jesse The Body Ventura was in it from Predator. ❤

[@moviecollector5920]

I was going to mention a whole lot more but I wanted to keep the running time down where possible. John.

[@2namtaB]

@@moviecollector5920 got to say I love all the Arnie classic films, but also a couple of the later ones like End Of Days & Eraser (uncut version).

[@moviecollector5920]

@@2namtaB I think Eraser is pretty terrific and I rather like End of Days too. There are so many hugely entertaining films with the Arnie name on them. Shame he never really got the recognition he deserved but I'm sure he's happy enough with his enduring popularity and the fortune he made at the same time. John.

[@2namtaB]

@@moviecollector5920 😂

[@djlumimies]

You do surprise me by reviewing in a row Changeling, Deep Impact and now, Running Man. And it is such a pleasent surprise, so different, but yet so imaginitive celluloid art. Humble thanks, great content!

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you. Please to know you've been enjoying the show lately. Don't know what I'm going to do next but I'll come up with something. John.

[@jokerfleckcast3196]

This film is a documentary and more relevant than ever. Ironically Arnie himself has become what his character was against in the film. "Screw your freedom" - Arnie in 2021

[@moviecollector5920]

I expect Arnie was poking fun or lashing out at the way things are going. It seems hopeless to many of us but we mustn't give up. John.

[@clarku4]

Predator 4K was pretty spectacular. Running Man was great on blu ray so not sure if I need then 4K upgrade.

[@moviecollector5920]

I probably recommend sticking with the Blu-ray of The Running Man then. I haven't seen the Blu-ray but if it's good then a good Blu-ray usually means spending more on another disc that may be a little better is a waste of money. Get another 4K title instead or a couple of Blu-rays. John.

[@alaindelacourt9030]

salut belle revue sur se film et belle vidèo comme toujour

[@moviecollector5920]

Bonjour Alain at merci de toujours commenter. John.

[@garytilford6503]

Hello John, I opted for the superb German mediabook which comes with 3 discs. There's the 4k blu ray, the standard blu ray and a bonus blu ray which is packed with extra stuff. Far better than the US and UK releases which just had the film on 4k and nothing else. Cheers. Gaz.

[@moviecollector5920]

I wish you'd told me sooner Gary! John.

[@garytilford6503]

@@moviecollector5920 It was Keith at Euphoria Pictures who brought it to my attention a couple of years ago. I may be wrong but I seem to recall you mentioning his channel before. Cheers. Gaz.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@garytilford6503 Yes, we speak quite often on the telephone too. Always a lot of fun and never a quick call. I never seem to be able to remember all the myriad 4K releases in different markets. Germany have always had special editions going back to the Super 8 days of home movies. I have a few of them but each one I have, the mastering of the 4K is a bit second rate. Luck of the drawer I suppose. John.

[@Kings_Gambit]

I'm a huge Arnie fan and The Running Man is one of my favourites of his, from the decade, and of sci-fi in general. I've owned it in most home video formats. I just bought the blu-ray steelbook when Capelight released the 4K. I dragged my heels on importing it but eventually got it mere months before Paramount announced their own release. The Capelight disc has a roughly 10-15% higher bitrate than Paramount's release. It also has a DTS-HD 7.1 surround track, vs the 5.1 on the Paramount disc. It's a very enjoyable watch as a long-time fan of the movie. I believe I have all Arnie's 4Ks. I hope you'll consider reviewing some of his others! Still waiting for the Conan films to be announced! Thanks as always for the review.

[@moviecollector5920]

I think this is the fourth Arnie 4K that I've done a review of. Total Recall, Predator and Last Action Hero are the three others. Terminator 2 was a sort of faux 4K from a master created for a 3D release in some format which should like an abomination to me but possibly done to make it more appealing to youngsters. John.

[@RedLP5000S]

Aaahnold was the top box office draw and king of action films in the Eighties. Yes, even surpassing Stallone. No one could touch Schwarzenegger. It's great to see his works continuing to receive all the latest updates. ✌🏻🇺🇸

[@moviecollector5920]

It's great to have them in such good quality. The Running Man isn't the best looking film in history but it's probably only ever looked better as a master print or 70mm blow-up which I think was done for premiere houses capable of running 70mm. John.

[@pr248]

You know who really loves this film? Whitman, Price and Haddad! You remember them? They are watching this 4K disc under the Maui sun.

[@moviecollector5920]

Ah yes, last year's.... losers!

[@michaelmyers3709]

They’re not watching anything, they’re worm food.

[@Dave-ox8vw]

Another great review John, thanks

[@moviecollector5920]

You're welcome Dave. John.

[@zero15388]

Picked this one up a few weeks ago, great, nostalgic treat.

[@moviecollector5920]

It certainly is. A ridiculous but fun treat. John.

[@delboy3k1]

Great video. I have running man 4k steelbook so i have your transfer and enjoyed it and like you i thought back to my arnie collection through the years. Vhs pan and scan. Vhs letterbox. Laserdisc. Vcd. Dvd. Bluray then 4k so ive spent a fortune on arnie stuff and loved every period for different reasons. Starsky and hutch...well who can forget the music and look of that show. Lalo shifrin for season1 so gritty and the eventual well known theme for the show on season2 onwards. Glasier did a couple of movies as director but runningvman was my fave of his films. Excelsior sir :-)

[@moviecollector5920]

Wot no Super 8 films Delboy? Cor, one of those would have cost more than the rest of your Arnie collection when new but they're very special to have. I think Starsky & Hutch actually had a different theme for each of the four seasons but I'd have to check. I liked the first the best but that might change next time I watch them all... if I ever get the time again. John.

[@delboy3k1]

@Movie Collector this is why I come here. I never had a projector, so your knowledge is invaluable to me. Yes, the scores changed for starsky and hutch, but the theme for seasons 2 3 and 4 sound quite alike with passages re used. The shifrin season1 theme is my fave. Excelsior john

[@raymondhall8629]

Hi John thank you for the information regards to the running man I only have it on DVD

[@moviecollector5920]

I don't know why I never got it on DVD Raymond. I suppose I knew the film so well it seemed like a waste of money but it's worked out in the end because I hadn't watched it for years and so the 4K was even more special as a result. John.

[@mikeamizzle]

Love all your videos on Arnie films John. I always enjoy your takes on these.

[@moviecollector5920]

I hope a few more of his films get the 4K disc treatment Mike. More excuses for Arnie reviews that way. John.

[@dougquaid570]

Thanks John. I grew up with this one and always loved it. I have the German version. We really need a 4k version of Conan the Barbarian and Commando. I don't think Disney are too keen to remaster them. Also the terminator and a decent version of 2

[@moviecollector5920]

There's a whole load of Arnie films that would be huge sellers on the 4K market. I suppose there are good reasons why they're not being done but time will tell. John.

[@Wildmutationblu]

Great collection, thank you for sharing. In case you didn't know, Richard Dawson was once married to Diana Doors and he also starred in Hogan's Heroes and became a gameshow host during the 70's

[@moviecollector5920]

I don't think I knew any of that Terry. Quite a career by the sounds of it but best of all is he delivers one of the most immortal one-liners in this film: "Only in a re-run!" That's a classic. John.

[@mataiguana5]

I like the film, own the 4k steel book and it looks and sounds just great.

[@moviecollector5920]

It was never quite the best looking of films Joshua but it's good enough and excellent considering this is a home video. Who would ever have thunk home video would be as good as it is today? John.

[@andylikesstuffchannel]

Total Recall is up there with his best. Remember watching Running Man on Video back in the day. I won't lie it took a couple a viewing to appreciate it. Great Review John

[@moviecollector5920]

Total Recall is wonderful and a great 4K to enhance its enjoyment at home too. We're rather spoiled for great quality film entertainment in the home these days. Arnie has his name on some truly great films. John.

[@craigosterberg5045]

The Running man I enjoyed in the theater. Thanks John.

[@moviecollector5920]

That's two of us who like it Craig! John.

[@DarthHater100]

Running Man really takes me back. Had a couple really awesome summers as a boy, as my friend's family had "cable" with the Movie Channel, which was pumping out so many exceptional films in the 1987-1988 era. Die Hard, Robocop, Predator, Princess Bride, Full Metal Jacket, Top Gun, Space Balls, Willow, Running Man and many others were my very first exposure to these types of movies. Just kids stuff until that point, and it opened a whole world of a lifelong love of films. As an 8 year old, I literally thought Running Man was THE greatest movie ever made, by far. It had everything. Incredibly compelling leading man, Richard Dawson's spot-on villain, the one liners, the payoffs as villains get their due justice via brutal death in the end, the premise, the music, the different bosses to fight. Chainsawed crotch for the win! Total overthrow of the oppressive state, the truth about the massacre hoax has been revealed, and the cheesy kiss with the leading lady to top it off. It was just so perfect to me. Hit every note I wanted. I was quite surprised to find as an adult, that it is considered a low brow brainless trashy B-movie. Although I like Wizard of Oz, at the time I'm like "this movie is exactly one million times better than Wizard of Oz".

[@moviecollector5920]

Well as much as I like The Wizard of Oz I think I've watched The Running Man a lot more times which says it all. I love it but now that I''m a little bit older I can see that it's not a great film but it is a hugely enjoyable film. That doesn't matter to me at all. If I like a film, I like it and that's good enough for me. The Runnng Man is one of those. It has too many good elements in its favour not to be enjoyed but I do think it's more of a boys film than a girls film because my wife has never been particularly keen on it even if she does sit there with me every time I put it on. We didn't have cable over here. The only option for home cinema was Super 8 films and they were expensive but it did mean we were watching the films as big as it was possible to project them. In the end, my parents had a room added to their house so we could have a dedicated cinema room and so we were then about 8 feet wide. This was about 1980 and I've had a home cinema of sorts in every flat and house I've bought almost all the time ever since. John.

[@DarthHater100]

@Movie Collector I do admit, it's not the masterpiece that I thought when I was 8, but it was my equivalent of only hearing Seseme Street music your whole life, and then discovering rock and roll. That's so cool that your family was screening film in their home back then. Thanks for the thoughts, John.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@DarthHater100 We both like The Running Man and that is all that matters Darth. We enjoy it every time we watch it and that means it's a good film even if it's not a masterpiece. I'll never tire of seeing it and judging by the comments on here there are a lot of others who feel similarly about it. John.

[@warpathh]

What a beautiful release!

[@moviecollector5920]

I'm glad you like it M J. There seem to be quite a few of us who do. John.

[@warpathh]

@@moviecollector5920 the good ole days of action cinema that didn’t take itself too seriously.

[@jamessiddle7389]

Excellent review John.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you James. John.

[@mirvmn2]

Another great review John :) Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in lots of great films in the 80's and The Running Man is an action packed and fun film that I've seen many times and never tire of. I agree that Terminator is Arnold's best film, it is also in my top 5 favorite films of the 80's and is a masterpiece in my opinion.

[@moviecollector5920]

The Terminator might be my second favourite film so we're largely in agreement again. I too think it's a masterpiece and might even be a better film than my favourite film which goes by the name of Alien. John.

[@SteamedhamsEdnalovescock]

Great vid . Grew up watching the running man simply awesome

[@moviecollector5920]

Another misspent childhood by the sound of it Ted. Welcome to the club! John.

[@KeepYaHeadUpTS]

I got the German media book 4K of this a while back and judging by Keith Euthoria Pictures they're quite similar. I agree with you in terms of sound and picture quality. For me it reminded me of watching it late night on terrestrial TV and finding it amazing I got to see an Arnie movie. Those times hold some happy movie memories. Great review as always John.

[@moviecollector5920]

We take access to movies for granted today Darren but back then they were still special. Even if most people only had video tape or telly, it was still great to see a good film every now and then even if the general quality was comparatively poor. John.

[@KeepYaHeadUpTS]

@@moviecollector5920 I agree. To be honest I didn't know any different and could never imagine people having projectors in their house. Movies were magical and not readily available and that made it all the more exciting when watching them on TV or going to a video store. I almost wish we could go back in time

[@moviecollector5920]

@@KeepYaHeadUpTS The access to films in the home did help to ensure that cinema was always special. The major studios seem to be actively killing cinemas today though. John.

[@theskinner3040]

Always been one of my favs and judging by your collection your also a big arnie fan … great review as always

[@moviecollector5920]

I really do need to source the Arnie films that are missing from my collection though. Twins is one of them for example. I don't know why I never got a copy on anything but somehow it slipped through the net. John.

[@davemillage6129]

Hi John! Thanks for reviewing this like some other subscribers I may have to get it only because of my fondness for arnie films. My kids giggle but his movies bring us back in time hahah in that nostalgic sense. Agree this isn't the best film of his but if the price is right in time i'll add it into the collection. Sometimes the itch to add a title is too great and we hunt for deals lol. With no HMV here we are stuck monitoring the daily amazon prices lol uuuugh . Seems the picture quality and audio aren't too bad either so that is encouraging! Hope all is well over there and all the best! D !

[@moviecollector5920]

I got this one in a 2 for £30 offer in HMV Dave. I was just looking and decided on a couple of titles on the spur of the moment. That's something that not many people are able to do these days thanks to the dreaded Amazon so it's important not to take it for granted where we do still have the opportunity. HMV are still expanding and about to open a store in the Republic of Ireland so you never know what may happen in the future if enough people support the one remaining chain store over here that's worth going into. Others may argue that 'Pets At Home' is another but that one doesn't seem to interest me so much! John.

[@MartinPearman]

Spot on review and exactly how I felt about it when I picked it up about a month ago. I never owned it on any other format so I thought it was about time and like you it sits alongside my UHDs of Total Recal and Predator (the latter I still have to watch).

[@moviecollector5920]

Don't forget Last Action Hero Martin because I think that's one of Arnie's best. The cinema setting probably elevates it even further for me. John.

[@MondoChelloveckMovies]

Great video John, interesting to hear your history with it and I do find it strange that this was pretty bare bones 😳 I found the second half of the film had the better picture quality and was great to see all those various Arnie editions and that sign off was amazing!! 🤣🤣👍👍

[@moviecollector5920]

Morning John. I didn't notice a change in image quality but what you possibly picked up on there was the fact that the film is pretty much all in darkness within the game zones. At that point the low light means increased visible film grain. Were it shot in full sunlight like the scenes at the airport then it would have given a different impression. Would have been a crap film though as the dark setting is a vital element in its success. There is a German release of The Running Man with an extras disc and a few other things if the special edition is tracked down but apparently the grading applied to the 4K is different and not considered to be as good. I'll be back.... and not only in a re-run! John.

[@BAJF93]

I would love to see a 4k release of Conan the Barbarian. Any news on that?

[@moviecollector5920]

I've not heard anything about Conan Filip. Sorry.

[@cheekster777]

Thank you John.

[@moviecollector5920]

What kept you?!?

[@hblanche]

Definitely one of my guilty pleasure movies. I rushed to pick up a copy of the film on 4K since I didn't own a copy in any other format. I bought the German Ultra Collector's Edition Mediabook which includes the blu-ray, two audio commentary tracks, a 44-page booklet with nice photos and sketches but German text, and a bonus disk full of extras.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thanks for rubbing it in Henri! You're about the fifth person to tell me about it. I had been told before but completely forgot. John.

[@RoyMurphy1]

Nice work John 👍..... would have loved to see some screenshots of the 4k Vs VHS 😆....

[@moviecollector5920]

I was setting up to do them when my VHS clogged its head. Waiting for a cleaning tape which is due tomorrow or Thursday. Sorry about that. The 4K is better even if the VHS frame is much taller - which it shouldn't be, it's just how things were often done back then to avoid the pan and scan process. John.

[@adamtrons]

Great review. I've enjoyed this film over the years. It's dark and yet somehow campy or humorous at the same time. Composer Harold Faltermeyer of Top Gun and Beverly Hills Cop turns in a great score as well. Speaking of Arnold's films, the first TERMINATOR is one of my favorites and it's hard to believe it's still not on 4K. I don't understand why they would release T2 in 4K before the original. Perhaps there are legal or technical problems but I believe it was remastered on blu-ray a while back.

[@moviecollector5920]

The Terminator was Orion Films so there may still be some rights issues embroiling it. It took the ambition of Carolco to untangle things to be able to make a sequel and look what happened to them. A 4K of The Terminator has the potential to be a huge 4K hit. Nothing will ever trump having a copy on Super 8 though even if I have a friend with a 35mm print. John.

[@C4rL72]

I cant wait to pick this up, even before your terrific review, any serious movie buff needs Arnie/Sly collection and some of the early films have turned out to be good 4k transfers. great Review John

[@moviecollector5920]

Apparently the German 4K of this one has a Blu-ray and an extras disc Carl so it might be worth seeing if that one is easy to get hold of. It's also got the original Dolby Stereo sound. John.

[@C4rL72]

@@moviecollector5920 Thanks John, I just got hold of Sinbad Golden Voyage and Christine on Blu-Ray and in line with Running Man we cant expect a pristine copy such as Jaws or A New Hope or Shining but even sub standard transfers are still the best these films will ever get. Im so Looking forward to Jaws 2 ( I hope its as good as Jaws for PQ ). I will own this regardless as I dont own it on BluRay but at least with your videos I cant expect a great review and Im willing to part with my hard earned. regrads Carl.

[@etms]

Dans le même genre, you also have Le prix du danger (The prize of peril) de Yves Boisset 👍🏻

[@moviecollector5920]

Why have I never seen that film? I suppose it's French language so was overlooked over here which is terrible. Tell No One is one of the greatest thrillers even made and I couldn't care a toss about having to read subtitles so I now want to see The Prize of Peril too. John.

[@danielparker3842]

Being a huge fan of Arnold's films I am happy to see them come to 4k. My personal favorite is CONAN THE BARBARIAN. I had always hoped they would make the sequel as they talked about doing on the secondary commentary track on the blu-ray but at 79 years old I don't know if John Milius who directed is still directing movies. It would be great for a second film that would depict how Conan became a king and with today's CGI it would be truly epic. Unfortunately the only one I see available in 4K is the 2011 remake which, in my opinion, is an inferior film. However the A.S. version still looks pretty good on blu-ray. I did get to see it when it was released on the big screen in 1982 and one of the more striking features of the film was Basil Poledouris' bombastic movie score which helped to carry off the film and make it succeed on so many levels. The cinematography was spectacular as well.

[@danielparker3842]

I also want to add that Arnold's thick accent also was a big plus for the character as one might expect the character to speak this way.

[@moviecollector5920]

I only ever saw any of the Arnie Conan films on the telly Daniel so I'm not really in a position to pass judgement on them. I remember not liking them much at the time but that's the telly and therefore not a fair representation as films have to be seen in a cinema even if it's a small screen cinema like most are today. Small probably helps though because image quality isn't often what it once was. John.

[@skywalkerranch]

I have this on a german vlu ray and a zavvi blu ray steelbook too.

[@moviecollector5920]

Now how did I guess? I'd never purchased any of the interim releases since that VHS copy. Glad I didn't now as it was like watching it for the first time with this 4K disc. John.

[@danboy77]

Hi John. Not sure if I have seen The Running Man, I must of back in the day. Totally agree with you regarding The Terminator, I have the remastered blu ray and i found it a real treat especially the sound. Commando was always a bit of a guilty pleasure too 😂

[@moviecollector5920]

Now I should have got the Super 8 feature print of Commando Danny. It was a stunner. But I didn't much care for the film at the time and so I put the purchase off. I've always regretted it but you can't have 'em all. John.

[@comiccollex958]

Pure nonsense and such great fun! Took my first serious girl friend to the cinema to see this on our first date at the Odeon in Coventry, not sure that she appreciated it like I did 😀Thought the transfer looked decent on my system and not sure could be improved with the limited source material. Essential purchase for any self respecting Annie fan

[@moviecollector5920]

As long as your wife didn't find out eh? About taking your girlfriend to see The Running Man that is. I don't know how this one was transferred but if it was the original camera negative then that's as good as it's going to get. It's good, just not exceptional for a 35mm cine transfer. John.

[@eastwood4lifefan334]

Thanks for sharing, big Arnie fan myself & I too had the pleasure of watching “The Running man” at my local cinema, totally agree it’s not as good as the first two Terminator movies, Predator & True lies, but still a fun & entertaining Arnie with its characters, I have the 4K German media book & the Zavvi blu ray steelbook of it which is a nice edition, top notch technical review on the 4K release 😎👍

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Mr. Eastwood. I've been told the German release has a different grading applied to the 4K disc so the choice for these alternatives is never as easy as it seems. It's not the greatest film ever made but I do really enjoy it and always have and pleased to have such a good quality home video release. I think Last Action Hero is another of his better 'Arnie' films and that one looks even better on 4K. I hope a few more of his movies get the 4K disc treatment in the years to come. John.

[@eastwood4lifefan334]

@@moviecollector5920 Like many, I think the first Terminator & True Lies could be epic 4K releases, but I’m not so sure Cameron would release True Lies as it’s be said it’s politically incorrect 😬😔but a Spanish grey market blu ray release might only be the best option for Arnie fans as I have.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@eastwood4lifefan334 It hadn't occurred to me that True Lies might be politically incorrect. I think it's just gone up in my estimation! John.

[@lencolgan987]

Congratulations on another excellent review.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Len. John.

[@gregorpfueller6659]

Hi John, i think a better choice for you might have been the german 4k release… for it has the original stereo PCM track on it and a fantastic 7.1 upmix which was done by lionsgate back in the mid 2000s where they did brilliant soundwork on all their releases… the picture qualiity is identical…

[@moviecollector5920]

I didn't even know it existed Gregor. Oh well, guess I'll stick with the VHS for now!!! John.

[@philbxr]

I picked up the Capelight German release last year before Paramount put this one out. You're right, 7.1 compared to 5.1. It's an absolute classic, so many great Arnie one-liners. Love the Harold Faltermeyer OST too.

[@gregorpfueller6659]

@@philbxr yeah this one grew on me over the last years… rarely do i like upmixes of stereo mixes but this one nails it perfectly… from the opening when the score starts playing you notice that you‘re in for a special sonic treat… i wonder why paramount opted to use anything but that great lionsgate upmix… or the original stereo…

[@moviecollector5920]

@@philbxr Well said. The Faltermeyer score is a major ingredient in this film's success. It wouldn't have been anywhere near as enjoyable without it. John.

[@philbxr]

@@moviecollector5920 and you can't beat the 80s power cheese right at the end... John Parr - Restless Heart!!

[@cp070476]

I use a function on my Pioneer cinema amp called 'ALC' Auto Level Control. It's brilliant! Keeps voices nice and loud but cuts out the ridiculously loud sound effects. It's a must even if you don't have neighbours. 👌

[@moviecollector5920]

That sounds similar to the 'Midnight' mode. I've never actually tried it but it might smooth over loud surround tracks a little. John

[@cp070476]

@@moviecollector5920 It's a must function John. I like quite loud dialogue, it makes the film. DTS HD Master Audio soundtracks are ridiculous for decibel level indifference. Blow your ears out! It's not pleasant. Just recently bought a new 4k Pioneer cinema amp and it does not have ALC. I will sell it. It's a must. Denon also do something similar. It makes films so much more enjoyable. Cheers John.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cp070476 I don't find I the problem very often but that may be the Pioneer THX amps that I use which may be smoothing things out owing to all the extra processing that's done for THX. See if you've got a 'Midnight' mode on your new Pioneer before selling it. John.

[@cp070476]

@@moviecollector5920 It has 'Midnight' mode but it doesn't do what ALC does. It really is very clever what it does. As an example John, listen to the start of 'Dredd' if you have it. Narrative Intro starts then cuts to him on his motorbike. It is deafening compared to the dialogue. Interstellar start is also very loud! The engine sound of the spaceship is crazy loud. I don't like the volume variations. Cheers.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cp070476 I haven't watched the 4K of INTERSTELLAR for over five years but I did see it at the IMAX recently and that opening was sensational. I suppose the sound system in that auditorium is built for it and it didn't come across as overly loud but you do feel everything as though you've got a MAGI fan system under your seat pushing and pulling the air so you feel like you're being punched in the chest. Volume is therefore secondary to what you're feeling. You're making me wonder if the answer is a bigger subwoofer but I think you and I have discussed exactly that one before and you already have an enormous one... a subwoofer that is! John.

[@Private-Hudson]

A great film and review as usual John.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thanks you Private Hudson. Corporal Hicks says "Hello" by the way. John.

[@mikewilding3199]

Checking my collection there is a distinct lack of Arnies movies in general in my collection. The two representatives being. Total recall (4k) and Terminator 2 DvD and Laserdisc. Was going to get T2 but heard do many negative reports decided not to bother. But I might take a punt on running man thanks to this review

[@moviecollector5920]

If you know what to expect with The Running Man 4K Mike, it should not disappoint. Apparently there's a German release with a disc of extras and the film on Blu-ray which might be worth looking out for. I'm happy just to have the film but would have liked to have seen Mr. Glaser talking about it somewhere. John.

[@mikewilding3199]

Will keep an eye out for german release failing that I'll get the standard edition

[@Dis-Emboweled]

With Mic Fleetowood and Dweezle Zappa in the movie, it was always an interesting movie. I tell millenials who are discovering Arnie movies is The Running Man is Arnies greatist one-liners: the movie

[@moviecollector5920]

I agree, some of the greatest one-liners he was ever given. There are one or two terrible ones too though but that makes it all the more enjoyable. Fabulous tosh that doesn't come any better. John.

[@bobswanson8464]

I read the Steve King (Richard Bachman - I read in the collection of the "The Bachman Books") story "The Running Man" in 1985 (give or take a year), so I was EXTREMELY Excited to hear they were making the story into a movie. All I can say I was completely disappointed with how they made the "Redid the Story/Movie"...while sitting in the theater, i just kept on saying "This is NOT the story of The Running Man". Over the years, I have been able to Forgive the Producers/Studio/Writers...and just enjoy it as a "Campy" Arnold Movie. It is a fun movie that does keep some of the story-lines from the original story. But, after 911, I have become very grateful that they did not keep the "The Running Man" story, I never would have been able to watch the movie again. On that horrible day, I did think of the story I read 25 years earlier and how I could never read the book again...and I wondered if that is where the evil men got the idea from. I now enjoy the Movie "The Running Man" and look forward to picking it on 4K...I have rented it on DVD decades ago, but I do not think I have ever owned it.

[@moviecollector5920]

I always remember the ending of the book with Ben Richards managing to take the plane into its final destination with his intestines hanging out and getting caught up on something. But I don't think it was an influence for the felling of the Twin Towers because I think that may have come from one of the Tom Clancy 'Jack Ryan' books. In that one the plane is flown into the Capitol building on a day when all the politicians are in there. It was a gripping book but a bit to close to what became a reality at the end of it. Today we have more excess deaths in our country every month than died on that dreadful, evil day, only at the moment they are dying from an unspecified medical condition and our government is making no indication of being interested or taking it seriously. Heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrest are killing people from all age groups and it's not down to the after effects of any virus so there's only one other common denominator and that appears to be why it is not being looked into. Are we all ticking time bombs or was it only one of the medical interventions that was on offer that is causing it? I wish they'd damn well tell us. John.

[@bobswanson8464]

@@moviecollector5920 Did not know about the Tom Clancy Novel, will have to look into that. I have always been a very active person, so COVID and working from home has made me put on weight and not be as "Healthy" as I have been in the past. I have to force myself to get out of the house and go on walks/exercise. Lack of activity can kill you/me.

[@Kthomasritchie]

A remake is in development with Edgar Wright currently attached to direct. Guessing it will be closer to the original novella.

[@moviecollector5920]

I'm not sure the original novel would make for a good film Kenny. Having said that, I still remember quite a bit from that novel all these years later so it couldn't have been that bad. John.

[@gurdipvirdee7176]

John, Excellent review. Is the super 8 print to The Terminator better than the blu ray. All can say you have the original mono on the super 8. ❤

[@moviecollector5920]

I haven't seen the Blu-ray of The Terminator Gurdip but film and video are two different things and although I would expect the Blu-ray to be just about perfect, there's nothing to compare with having an historic, great film like this running on film. It's an absolute treasure, even more so than the Super 8 print of Predator. We've run The Terminator on Super 8 many, many times and we need to do it again soon. It did have the original mono sound and it was good but I re-recorded it from the stereo tracks of the DVD which made it sound even better. It is possible to flick the switch on the projector to play it in stereo or mono but I'm pleased with the way the Dolby Stereo decodes as it is. John.

[@mobey56]

I still have this on DVD and I'm still on the fence if I should upgrade

[@moviecollector5920]

There might not be much difference or advantage in doing so Mobey. Hold out and maybe if you see a 4K copy singing like a bird then grab it then. John.

[@luisd7636]

love this movie. doesn't hold up but I remember seeing it in movies. I'm a sucker for sci-fi. I downloaded on Apple TV when it was on special but still haven't gotten around to watching it. I would not mind a remake so we can see it with modern special effects. The gameshow host almost stole the show.

[@moviecollector5920]

The game show host, Richard Nolan, apparently was a game show host in real life Luis so that probably helped his steal every scene he was in. I'm not sure modern special effects are going to do anything for a remake because they'd likely use computer images and they often stick out like a sore thumb and ensure the image quality of the rest of the film is dumbed down to match the lower quality of the artificially generated scenes. Hopefully that's beginning to change now though but most are still output at 2K and that's why they usually look so poor. John.

[@luisd7636]

@@moviecollector5920 Very true on the 2k. It doesn't make sense that some directors like Nolan put out movies in amazing looking high resolution and beautiful images yet everybody else has not caught on.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@luisd7636 Christopher Nolan had a lot of hits one after the other. That gave him a lot of clout with the studio (Warner Bros.) and so when they asked him to make a third Batman film but in 3D he said he'd make it if he could make it in IMAX. The real IMAX and not any of the video camera fudges. TENET wasn't the biggest hit by any means but given the world it was released into in the Summer of 2020 it was probably considered a success. As a result, he's been able to make OPPENHEIMER and if that one doesn't wake film makers and major studios up around the world then I don't suppose anything will and the terminal decline of cinema will continue unabated. My own theory is that the reintroduction of a D:150 system would stem the tide and that would probably mean movie makers wouldn't have to shift way from shooting on video necessarily as the deeply curved screens (hopefully HUGE, deeply curved screens) would mean that there was an obvious different between cinema and a mobile phone. Right now, youngsters in particular don't think there's much difference, if any. Only two days ago I had a young chap who was adamant that his OLED television was better than any cinema including a genuine IMAX so that did emphasize the problem and how youngsters have suffered by never having seen a high quality movie presentation in a good, traditional cinema picture palace. A cheap solution is needed so that local cinemas can enjoy the rewards and the cost of a lens and a new screen (albeit screens ain't exactly cheap) might just be the answer. If it works then maybe cinemas would have the funds to invest in a future video projector that actually had a shutter in it to improve the image quality on screen. That might just bring us back to the standards enjoyed up to the latter part of the 1990's. John.

[@cheekster777]

Capelight put out a 2-Disc standard Blu-ray release of The Running Man that included Bonus Features on the second disc for anyone who was disappointed with this barebones 4K UHD Blu-ray release.

[@moviecollector5920]

Did Paul Michael Glaser appear in those extras Cheekster? I might be tempted to find a copy if so. John.

[@JungleJeffarnold]

I didn't see The Villain or Hercules in New york there?? 😂 Bought Running Man 4k as soon as it came out, It's been one of my favourite films forever.

[@moviecollector5920]

There seem to be quite a few of us on here who really do like the film Jeff. But you're right, I haven't got either The Villain or Hercules in New York. I haven't even got Twins but I saw it so many times years ago that it never seemed to get onto my shopping list. John.

[@JungleJeffarnold]

@@moviecollector5920 I've got most of his films I think I paid something silly like 50p for Hercules in New York, It's one of those it's so bad it's good things . . .

[@MrPugheaven]

The running man is just one of those... it was always a true B Movie for me... a bit like Raw Deal (1986) and Red Heat (1988)... the weird thing is, The Running Man (1987) was made same year as Predator (1987) times YET looks like it was made by an O'Level student for £10k hahaha... a little like Red Heat... they both feel realllyyy low budget... BUT I do appreciate it, it's a great little fun film. Interested to see your view on the Arnie views... in order, I'd have to go in order... Predator (there's just something timeless about it PLUS Stan Winstons creature is the greatest ever, proper prosthetics not stupid CGI), The Terminator, Terminator 2, Total Recall, End of Days, True Lies, The 6th Day, Commando, Eraser, Escape Plan, The Running Man... wow as I'm writing this you do realise how many great films he's done... him and Stallone are my personal action heros having grown up with them...

[@moviecollector5920]

Aftermath is a serious film and a very good performance from the big man. But you're right, there have been so many great films. The only reason they're not quite so great any longer is because unlike me he's no longer a youngster. As for the creature in Predator, this is the reason why alien films are such a disappointment today and that's because everyone resorts to computer imaging to create them... and it doesn't work. Someone will no doubt come up with a bunch of films where it has worked but I'm speaking generally. Edge of Tomorrow was almost ruined by the CGI aliens but the rest of the film was so good that they got away with it. John.

[@MrPugheaven]

@@moviecollector5920 Hi John. I agree with aftermath... he was really good in it... understated just like in Maggie... which was a little underated as well. Regarding CGI... said years ago it would be the death of acting and also films and were getting there. I recently watch an American Werewolf In London on 4k... Rick Bakers manual effects... no CGI anywhere... another film now ruined by poor CGI was Alien 3 (special edition only)... a film poorly received but a film from my favourite dirdctor that is becoming mpre appreciated for the change in direction. HOWEVER.. WOW some of the computer effects just take you out of the film... such a shame because a man in a suite and/or real effects just work... and this now makes Alien 3 look the worse one of them all. The Thing... especially the incredible 4k... the effects just pull you in... because theyre real!!! Glad us older foke appreciate "REAL" effects!!!... infact just as I was finishing another incredible example arguably the best is 1987s Robocop... one of my fave SCIFI ever... the suite and Wellers makeup... probably the best ive ever seen other than Predator

[@moviecollector5920]

@@MrPugheaven This is why Christopher Nolan is the best film maker in the world today, because he asks his people to come up with practical solutions wherever possible. That ensures top quality and keep things real. Essential when filming and presenting in genuine IMAX too. It's easy to pass effects work over to a computer animator today and worry about it later but the downside of that is you might end up with a load of complete cobblers! John.

[@darkpoethd9913]

Spotted my Laserdisc of Terminator there.. Did you ever own the superb leather bound T2 S E lazerdisc? I did...

[@moviecollector5920]

I've never actually run that LaserDisc of T2 as it was only purchased to re-record the sound on the Super 8 print. The end result of that process was bloody impressive back in 1993. We had our 10ft roll down screen in our central London flat and that print at ten feet wide got run quite often. Those were the days. John.

[@stephenfielding8914]

Hello John, you refer to your ‘pride of place’ Super 8 prints of Terminator and Terminator 2… have they both survived well, neither fading or picking up any tram lines due to accidental dirt in the gate? Btw, never seen Running Man, although see all the other Arnie flicks you mentioned! Cheers

[@moviecollector5920]

Both films were post 1982 Stephen so I hope they'll be fine for the rest of my life. There will undoubtedly be a scratch here and there because they're Super 8 and have been run many times. I also re-recorded them both so that usually takes a bit of backwards and forwards. But I give them a clean every five years or so and that tends to keep them lubricated which fills in any small lines that may have been incurred, unless a bloody great emulsion scratch ever gets in but that certainly wasn't the case the last time I ran both of them about three years ago. If we were fully set up here in our new house we'd have run them again in the past year. I have a lot of Super 8 catching up to do once the cinema is completed... and 35mm for that matter but I have been running quite bit of 35mm lately. John.

[@timothymathetes]

I was just thinking: now that I know that you are an Arnold Schwarzenegger expert, and especially seeing you have a flim reel, I really would like to know you think about the Terminator 2 4k. I got one for myself, but I think it might be a fake disc, AKA bootleg.

[@moviecollector5920]

I don't have the 4K of Terminator 2 Timothy but that's not entirely because I have the Super 8 'Scope print. If I do see a copy cheap enough I will get it because I'm pretty sure the 4K is a bit of a fake because it was from a master being created for a 3D abomination. To do 3D from 2D films the editors seem to need to remove film grain and that tends to destroy the picture. What you have may be that release because almost everyone has complained about it. The 70mm blow-up was beautiful and although the Super 8 certainly isn't that good it's still pretty good. There's nothing like running a piece of movie history on film and this is one of 'em. John.

[@timothymathetes]

I noticed that you didn't mention Commando, which is great for letting off some steam. Also, have you heard about the online censorship of films? If so, what do you think about it?

[@moviecollector5920]

I didn't get the Super 8 of Commando Timothy which is one that I've long regretted because in terms of print quality it was about as perfect as you could wish for. The reason I didn't get it was because I didn't much care for the film at the time but I'm sure I'd enjoy it much more today. John.

[@timothymathetes]

@moviecollector5920 Just so you know, I agree with you about True Lies and The Last Action Hero. Those are a couple of jewels in the crown of cinematic history.

[@james-he1op]

i had no end of t2 on varoius formats but the windows hd version was the strangest i still have the original region 1 ultimate version the region one live edition the region one extreme edition

[@moviecollector5920]

I've only ever seen Terminator 2 on film James. I don't think anything is going to change that unless I somehow manage to destroy the Super 8 print. A friend has the 35mm master from which the Super 8 prints were struck too and we've run that once or twice. Very nearly put one of his 35mm reels on at the recent BFCC too. John.

[@megansavage7152]

Arnold sweaty knickers

[@moviecollector5920]

You shouldn't have been looking! John.

[@alexdas2000]

I imported the German version because of the 7.1 audio

[@moviecollector5920]

Apparently it has the original Dolby Stereo too Alex so next time you watch give that a go and let us know if you think it's better than the remix. John.

[@dmitripopov8570]

I vaguely recall this movie. I believe I was too little to watch it. I trusted the familiar face of Arnold, but the movie turned out to be less action and humor, but more realism and violence. Quite possibly, it was still during the Soviet Union. For me personally, the record in the harshness of grain still stands with "the Fifth Element" 4K release. Surprisingly, the worst quality on a 4K release is once again with Luc Besson's Euphoria Productions' "Valerian...". Who are your "winners" in these categories? I wonder why there are no special features on this disc. They could have made a short one about a comparison between the book and the movie. I saved a VHS collector's set of Indiana Jones movies + few cassettes of the TV series. I might still also have George Michael's Greatest Hits VHS somewhere too. But movie-ways, that is all. Do you ever get back to watch them? Also, since that equipment became as cheep as it can get, did you eventually get yourself the best VHS player you could find? Great review and an interesting choice of the film, as always! Dmitri

[@moviecollector5920]

I didn't have a problem with visible grain on the 4K of The Fifth Element Dmitri but it is sharper than the less grainy 35mm print and I did feel it was likely a touch of 'sharpen' had been applied in the video editing process. Valerian is a 2K video but has been converted to be applied to a 4K disc. It still looks great.. really great on my system. As for VHS, it was always crap so I only ever put money into a player that had all the functions I needed as buying something more expensive for something I barely used would have been a waste. LaserDisc was the preference for watching videos but I had got a back caralogue of almost 100 tapes so I always kept a VHS player around. Finding a good one that is reliable today is not easy. I was going to shoot a few stills off the VHS but went to do it after going through the tape and the head clogged. Cleaning tape didn't do the trick so I have a new one on order in the hope it brings the player back to life. VHS was never much good in this regard. John.

[@dmitripopov8570]

@@moviecollector5920 Ow.. the VHS player cleaning.. It does resonate with me... brings back memories. Those cleaning tapes usually help, but if there is too much dust inside, a can with compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a precision nozzle might do the trick. In any case, good luck! I bet movies look much better on your system, than on TV. There is magic to the whole process. At the moment, I am tide up to write a good letter. So, I have to wait for a better opportunity. Have a lovely end of the week!

[@mikettc7803]

Interesting that "Dolby Atmos" is printed on the disk. I compared this 4K to Total Recall due it's similar style/themes/release year and I thought this was the superior presentation, though I agree the 5.1 is a little overexuberant. Always enjoyed this film. In the era of extreme reality TV and fake news, this film is remarkably relevant today even if it is very tongue-in-cheek. Loved the review.

[@moviecollector5920]

It's also prophetic in terms of the control of information and a few other things. The Dolby Atmos claim may relate to a foreign language option but I didn't spot it and I don't think it's there. There are often mistakes on the inlays and covers of discs.

[@mikettc7803]

@@moviecollector5920 Scary to believe we are likely closer to that prophesized reality than anyone could have imagined in 1987.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@mikettc7803 It was science fiction but not so science fiction as I considered it at the time. What is most frightening about it all today is that every major Western nation is on the same path with things being carried out concurrently. I can only make educated guesses as to why that is but now that we're finding out that journalists within their news organizations are being muzzled it does all start to feel a bit Soviet Union. John.

[@Kazimation]

Big Arnie fan, I have the new Blu-ray Steelbook. Don't know if it has the original Dolby soundtrack but judging by the mediocre review and no bonus features at all, think I'll stick with what I've got for now 👍

[@moviecollector5920]

I haven't seen the Blu-ray but I expect that there won't be a lot in it compared to the 4K. I think you'd have to be a huge fan of this film to justify buying it again when it was never the best looking film in the first place. But I can confirm the 4K is better than the VHS if that's any help. John.

[@Downhuman74]

Great review. I sorta loved this movie until I read Stephen King's original story-- that original story is LEAGUES better than the movie and would have made a fantastic if particularly grim movie all its own (although it probably would have been banned after 9/11). To be fair, the Schwarzenegger movie is hardly an adaptation at all -- bearing almost no resemblance to the original story. But the movie has it's own charms and has become prophetic all the same. I'll probably grab it at some point.

[@moviecollector5920]

I often think about the twin towers connotation when remembering the Backman novel but there was a Tom Clancy that almost replicated the terrible events completely and I wonder if that's where the idea came from. Yes, the book would have made a very interesting film but this one bears little resemblance other than the name really. Good fun though and some of the best one-liners ever. John.

[@URBONED]

Germany got a really great release of this with a heap of extras and the original artwork on the box. Unfortunately the 4K scan (same as on this release) wasn’t colour graded very well and looks super flat and desaturated compared to this one. A real shame to either trade off picture for better overall release or a much nicer picture but a barebones release. Pretty slack of them in my opinion, so many old features they could have ported over with little effort.

[@moviecollector5920]

You always seem to have valuable information for us on here Luke. Thank you. Up to now comments have suggested the German release is the same copy of The Running Man within a different 4K disc so it's important for me to now know that is not the case. Anyone else who mentions it I can now give them a better response. John.

[@LennyNero2019]

The German mediabook has a whole bonus BD with 2 hours worth of docs, and a soundtrack CD. I think a UK steelbook release also had a similar disc with almost all of those special features. See you got a DVD of End of Days there, got it too, but upgraded a little (as the transfer is the same, as for DVD, just less compressed) to HD DVD in 2007. Like that movie a lot as well, was especially fun watching it in theaters in December 1999, when its events are set. I think that's the only movie to have been set only a month ahead of its initial release. So it became instantly dated, but I don't care. 😂

[@moviecollector5920]

I've been told that the German release is from the same 4K master but not graded as well. That often seems to happen with the German releases Lenny. I don't think I knew about the steelbook but it's possible I saw it and didn't consider it because they tend to cost quite a lot more. End of Days was fun but I think we could have done without some of the computer effects. That was the era it was made in though so we have to accept that sometimes computer animation on film looks less than good. Arnie films are usually a lot of fun and that was another of them. 'Aftermath' is one of those rare films where he's playing a serious role and there's none of the typical Arnie humour. If you haven't seen that film it may surprise you. John.

[@LennyNero2019]

@@moviecollector5920 I agree, CGI is never good, in my opinion, unless you don't notice it, if it 'organically' fits in the picture. I must say I missed Aftermath entirely for some reason, but I've seen Maggie from the same period at the end of his career, where he tried such dramatic roles, and it was also completely serious and pretty good.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@LennyNero2019 I haven't seen Maggie yet Lenny so I'll look out for it in HMV. You're spot on about CGI. How you've described it is the same as I say to people. If it's seamless then it's good. If it's not then get rid of it. Deep Impact had some obvious animation added to it which spoiled the film a bit but it was a fantasy anyway so they sort of got away with it. The same CGI quality in another film would ruin it. John.

[@garytilford6503]

The soundtrack CD only comes with the Blu Ray mediabook and not the 4k edition, which is unfortunate in my opinion.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@garytilford6503 It can be tracked down and purchased separately Gary but does seem to be rather expensive so as you say, 'unfortunate'. John.

[@cheekster777]

*I'll be back!* 😎

[@moviecollector5920]

Only in a re-run!

[@cheekster777]

@@moviecollector5920 🤣

[@BAJF93]

Here is Subzero, now plain zero!

[@moviecollector5920]

Yes, that's a terrible line Filip. There are a few bad ones in this but I find it's all part of the appeal. John.

[@finlaywelburn]

Do you plan on watching Edgar Wright’s remake ?

[@moviecollector5920]

I would expect so Finlay. Edgar Wright did make Last Night In Soho so he deserves attention for whatever he does next. John.

[@finlaywelburn]

@@moviecollector5920 He is a great director who has made great films. If only he made films more often.

[@truefilm6991]

Well I guess Running Man was shot on 35mm full frame open matte, intended for 1.85:1. I have seen the BluRay a whole back and yes, it's grainy, but wonderfully "filmic". James Cameron stated in his DVD comment track for Aliens that film stocks were very grainy back then. I'm pretty sure they got much smoother when the Eastman EXR stocks (my favorite) were introduced in 1989. Thank you for the great video! I would have loved to watch those Derann prints.

[@moviecollector5920]

I wonder why the stocks might have been grainy. There were some fine grains available for Super 8 and they were basically sliced from 35mm. Aliens was a grainy film but it suited it. The Super 8 prints of that one are grainy but a year later and Predator wasn't grainy... or at least, it wasn't on Super 8. It's a conundrum. John.

[@Celestialrob]

Hey John, True Lies is probably my favorite Arnie movie, though I have not seen it since Laserdisc days. Total Recall sits high on my list as well. You're right that T1, T2 and Predator are also up there. You probably know that the producer has confirmed that True Lies, Titanic and The Abyss are coming out on 4K later this year. I need to experiment with your HDR trick. Your review summarized.... "A complete load of nonsense" 😁

[@moviecollector5920]

The Running Man isn't exactly a great film but it's damned good fun Rob. Ridiculous fun. The reason so many people tell me a video transfer has excessive film grain when it doesn't is because their telly or projector is set too bright. Having the ability to turn the HDR down with a press of a button does negate the need for messing with other menu options and it usually works. Not always, but usually. Now get back into your cinema and run something decent! John.

[@Celestialrob]

@@moviecollector5920 Hi John, nothing wrong with fun movies, even when they awful. It's part of why this hobby is so fun! My son has picked out the next two. The 4K's of parasite and Blade Runner 2049, neither of which I've seen.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@Celestialrob People speak highly of Parasite but the trailer put me off so you'll have to let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy them both. John.

[@bioshock6935]

Will you be doing the 4k review of hard target van damme film and blood sport

[@moviecollector5920]

Probably not as it takes a lot of work and won't be very popular. I do have the PAL LaserDisc and that's a good 'un probably owing to the quality of the original shoot. Timecop is my favourite Van Damme. I have the LD of that one too. John.

[@bioshock6935]

@@moviecollector5920 ok np but you will be very taken back how popular the film is

[@moviecollector5920]

@@bioshock6935 Sometimes review of lesser titles do surprisingly well. Hard Target might be one of them but I can't afford to buy them all just for a review video that might hold little appeal. At other times, popular films don't do well as reviews so it's not an exact science. John.

[@Newgodofwar]

The disc has Dolby Atmos logo on it, but it has a DTS HD 5.1 audio track. Could it be a misprint?

[@moviecollector5920]

It may well be an error because I didn't see any foreign language Dolby Atmos but I wasn't particularly looking at the non-english tracks when I went in there. There are often mistakes on the inlays and slip cases - it's easily done. John.

[@cheekster777]

No release of this movie on 4K UHD Blu-ray or standard Blu-ray ncludes Dolby Atmos. The best available audio tracks are: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz/24bit) English LPCM 2.0 Stereo (48kHz/24bit) Some releases (UK and U.S.) instead have: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cheekster777 Apparently the German release does have the original Dolby Stereo tracks so that should be the one to go for. It has an extra features disc too i think.

[@cheekster777]

@@moviecollector5920 - Correct John. There are multiple different German releases by Capelight. 2-Disc, 3-Disc and 4-Disc (which includes the soundtrack CD). There is a long history of Germany getting the best and sometimes first 4K UHD Blu-ray releases of many different movies. Unsure why but they often set a high standard that is not often beaten.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cheekster777 Germany even had special and different versions of Super 8 home movies back in the 1970's and 1980's. It's been going on for a long time. John.

[@stevephlyer]

This is the film that defines the term “cult classic”, and thus demands ownership.

[@moviecollector5920]

You should have written me a script Steve! John.

[@stevephlyer]

@@moviecollector5920 any day, sir!

[@danielwalters2045]

They should’ve just left it on standard Blu Ray, No Ultra 4K Blu Ray or GOD FORBID 8K Blu Ray

[@moviecollector5920]

Is the Blu-ray as good as the 4K disc then Daniel? John.

[@danielwalters2045]

All Blu Ray’s are. People now days are more or less sticking to Streaming Services so ULTRA 4K serves no purpose

[@moviecollector5920]

@@danielwalters2045 Aha, I see what you're saying now Daniel. It's going to be something with your setup causing you not to get the best out of 4K and you're not alone there. The only perceptible difference is HDR so that is what to concentrate on. I never fully appreciated Blu-ray until 4K came along and although superior owing to HDR, I could not perceive the supposed increased resolution. Put the same discs on a huge cinema sized screen though and I expect it would be obvious. As for streaming, that's for casual movie watchers so let's hope there are enough of us true enthusiasts to keep the disc market going. If 4K isn't viable maybe HDR will be applied to standard Blu-ray and it wouldn't matter much if 4K was dropped. I don't know what to recommend to get your system working to its best potential but focus on HDR and trying to get the colour and density to ensure you can differentiate between the superior and lesser formats. Blu-ray ain't that much lesser most of the time though so perhaps concentrate on a 4K release like Superman 2 which contains an old Blu-ray because then the difference will be obvious to you. Good luck. John.

[@jhberg17]

Saw it in the theatre when it came out, certainly not one of his best. Haven’t watched it since.

[@moviecollector5920]

It's a lot of fun with some wonderful one-liners. You might actually enjoy it more today as it has a nostalgia value on top of the fun factor. John.

[@garyharper2943]

I love the movie. I have the German media book, not sure if it’s the same transfer, but probably is. Looked great on my Benq. Nice review.

[@moviecollector5920]

Apparently the transfer is the same Gary. I wish I'd known about it but alas, you didn't tell me! John.

[@garyharper2943]

@@moviecollector5920 actually I did, but I can’t remember what review I mentioned it. It also is a three disc set. It also has a lpcm 2.0 soundtrack as well as a 7.1 dts-hd . Looks like you’ll have to double dip…just don’t tell the wife!

[@moviecollector5920]

@@garyharper2943 Your wife just left Gary but I didn't tell her!

[@garyharper2943]

@@moviecollector5920 don’t worry she, like Arnie, always comes back!

[@moviecollector5920]

@@garyharper2943 Or as Arnie says in Terminator 3, "She'll be back!"

[@michaelmyers3709]

Love The Running Man, Arnie was always at his best in sci-fi. Still contest the reason the movie didn’t do that well in theatres was because the trailer is absolute trash. Compare it to the awesome trailer for Predator released the same year.

[@moviecollector5920]

I'll also have to take another look at the trailer. John.

[@mitchelllawrence2798]

Whilst I respect your judgement on reviews, I gotta disagree with some of them here. The Running is a classic Sci-fi and much better film than the likes of The Last Action Hero and True Lies... The whole concept of it set in a dystopia world/society is a better backstory alone. How can you not love the soundtrack, scene with the ladies dancing and interact between characters?

[@moviecollector5920]

Well I've always very much liked The Running Man so you won't have any disagreement from me Mitchell. I do think Last Action Hero is even better though and True Lies for that matter. But they're all highly entertaining fun so who cares which is best when they're all so good? John.

[@rhumash5977]

The running man is a ridiculous film. The transfer didn't look bad though

[@moviecollector5920]

Completely ridiculous Rhu... but a lot of fun too. John.

[@ColonelSternlove]

Soundtrack is amazing in running man, but bar a few cheesy lines and sequences, it’s one of his weaker films for me. I’m just awaiting True Lies and The Terminator.

[@moviecollector5920]

You mean you haven't got a Super 8 print of The Terminator Clark? Shame on you! Seriously though, I hope The Terminator does get a 4K disc release because I think it would be massive. John.

[@ColonelSternlove]

@@moviecollector5920 Haha - no super 8 print but I have the film Super8! Haha. Yes - The Terminator is due a proper remaster. Essential viewing, along with T2.

[@edwardsanchez3708]

Stop lying! You're mom told us your favorite Schwarzenegger movie is kindergarten cop

[@moviecollector5920]

"Boys have a penis and girls have a vagina!" Yes, I do know that Arnie flick rather well too. Saw it on opening night at The Empire. John.

[@InimicusSolitus]

Terrible movie. The book is way better.

[@moviecollector5920]

It might be terrible in some - or many - respects, but it's damned good fun. The book has hardly any resemblance so there's not really a comparison to be made. John.

[@robertszvetics210]

No special feature I'll pass on this disc and be happy with my bluray.

[@moviecollector5920]

Sounds like you already have all the special features there Robert. I was happy with the VHS tape but it was nice to see this one looking just like a film print with the new 4K. John.

[@robertszvetics210]

@@moviecollector5920 it was released on bluray twice with two audio commenties and a short documentary.

[@wernerherzog3502]

John, in 1987 at the age of 40 Arnold Schwarzenegger became the king of science-fiction-action movies with the release of PREDATOR in June then THE RUNNING GIRL in November. Maria Conchita Alonso was still pretty tasty at the time of filming and i liked that song that accompanied the end titles. END OF DAYS is another ludicrously under-rated Arnie movie (essentially COM-GIRL-DO meets THE EXORCIST). BTW John, $38 million worldwide wasn't a very impressive take off of a $27 million budget, it must've only just got its money back.

[@moviecollector5920]

I don't think it would have made its money back on the box office alone Barry. But the VHS market was growing around that time and so the 1990 release that I was given soon after it came out might have tipped it over into profit and it's probably been making money ever since. I too love that song at the end. Altogether now, "NO MORE LONELY NIGHTS..." John.

[@wernerherzog3502]

@@moviecollector5920 "SHOUT IT FROM THE HIGHEST STEEPLE, GONNA' TELL ALL THE PEOPLE, I'M GONNA' BOMBAY-ROLL PAULINE HICKEY IN THOSE NOT-SO LONELY NIGHTS".

[@wernerherzog3502]

"THIS IS NO DREAM, I'M REALLY IN BED WITH THE COMPLETELY NAKED 17 YEAR-OLD PAULINE HICKEY AND THE COMPLETELY NAKED 18 YEAR-OLD MARIA CONCHITA ALONSO, THIS WILL BE NO RESTLESS NIGHT, SHOUT IT FROM THE HIGHEST STEEPLE, AS I JOYOUSLY PERFORM LITERALLY EVERY IMAGINABLE, CONCEIVABLE, ACHIEVABLE, AND POSSIBLE SEX-ACT IN THE KNOWN UNIVERSE WITH BOTH THOSE INCREDIBLE SEX-POTS FOR 24 HOURS-A-DAY NON-STOP UNINTERRUPTED FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR".

[@moviecollector5920]

@@wernerherzog3502 You should be a song writer Barry. Might get banned by the BBC but that'd generate the controversial publicity enough to guarantee a hit. John.