The Shining 4K Ultra HD Review

THE MOVIE — 4.0/5

Plot Synopsis: Writer Jack Torrance (JACK NICHOLSON), a former alcoholic, accepts a job as the winter caretaker for the Overlook Hotel high in the Rocky Mountains, isolating him, his wife (SHELLEY DUVALL) and their psychic young son Danny (DANNY LLOYD) until spring. But when the first blizzard blocks the only road out, the hotel’s stored energy from evil past deeds begins to drive Jack insane… and there may be no escape for his family in this haunting story of madness, memory and violence.

Quick Hit Review: The Shining is an interesting movie for sure. Although not the perfect horror-thriller, and certainly not one of Stephen King’s better adaptations (think I like Carrie and Misery are better), yet still is highly entertaining thanks to the atmosphere set up by co-screenwriter and director Stanley Kurbrick, along with his cinematographer John Alcott, which really gives such a beautiful setting, and overall resort, a truly haunting setting, even before the specters enter the picture. Course, I’m also a sucker for movies set in remote locations.

One of the mixed feelings I have over the film has to do with Jack Nicholson. On the one hand, he gives a terrifying brilliant performance once Jack goes full-on whacko, but beforehand, and perhaps Kubrick and Nicholson wanted the character to give off an uneasy vibe, but it didn’t seem he was all that far removed going from family man to crazy. Again, perhaps that was what they were after, serving as a more willing conduit for the evil spirits.

As I said, Nicholson’s Jack Torrance was generally rather good, even creepy towards the end and has two iconic scenes: one as he’s backing up his poor and terrified wife (“ I said, I’m not gonna hurt ya. I’m just going to bash your brains in!”) and the other, of course, “Here’s Johnny!” The lines themselves aren’t amazing, but Nicholson’s delivery was pitch-perfect.

The performances from Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd weren’t always overshadowed by Nicholson but they do take a backseat, however Lloyd at least had a good balance of innocence and utter creepy especially when Tony comes out (“Redrum! Redrum!”), that said, kids in movies kind of have a built-in creepiness that doesn’t take much to turn on.

In any case, The Shining isn’t exactly a classic in my book but it is still hell good, in particular the cinematography, set design and the sound design, along with the amazing and haunting score from Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind, neither surprisingly had a long career (this is Carlos’ only credit, Elkind also worked on TRON and Woundings).

SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.75/5

This release comes with a semi-glossy slip cover. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy.

Audio commentary by Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown and Stanley Kubrick biographer John Baxter

Video from the Overlook: Crafting The Shining (30:22) – Enter the terrifying world of the Overlook Hotel as only Stanley Kubrick could envision it.

The Visions of Stanley Kubrick (17:17) – A detailed look at one of cinema’s greatest visual storytellers and his unique ability to move audiences through the magic of unforgettable images.

The Making of The Shining (34:59) – This cinema verite documentary offers a rare glimpse into the directing style of Stanley Kubrick as he interacts with stars Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall and others.

Wendy Carlos, Composer (7:31) – Composer Wendy Carlos reflects on working with complex auteur Stanley Kubrick and developing music scores for The Shining and A Clockwork Orange.

VIDEO – 4.75/5

AUDIO – 4.5/5

OVERALL – 4.25/5

The Shining is a great and eerie atmospheric horror-thriller that might feature Jack Nicholson’s best performance, at least early on, only later when going full-on psycho, but still an entertaining flick from Stanley Kubrick. This 4K UHD release from Warner offers up excellent video and audio transfers and a decent selection of bonus material.