'Kick-Ass' 15th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook Review - A Twisted Take On The Superhero Genre

Not all superheroes wear capes — some don a customized wet suit and dub themselves Kick-Ass! Based on a beloved comic series, this 15th anniversary release of the twisted, high octane action-adventure from director Matthew Vaughn (the Kingsman films) follows a comic book-obsessed teen (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who reinvents himself as a crime-fighting hero, with one glaring problem: he has no training or actual superpowers. In a near-death confrontation with a ruthless drug dealer, Kick-Ass is rescued by a pair of costumed, highly skilled vigilantes — Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and his daughter, Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz). When they all join forces along with another rookie avenger called Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a brutal mobster and object of Big Daddy's vengeance pushes their alliance and skills to the brink.
For previous thoughts on Kick-Ass , please see our 4K UHD review of the film here.
Video Quality
The 15th anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Kick-Ass from the Lionsgate Limited line comes in its original 2.40:1 in 2160p with Dolby Vision. The film was first released on 4K UHD Blu-Ray in 2017, a release which was repurposed in 2020 for the Best Buy exclusive SteelBook. This new 4K UHD Blu-Ray is not the exact same disc that was released previously thanks to new special features and a new encode, but the general viewing experience is not a notable difference from what came before. The fact that this does not come with an accompanying Blu-Ray may also be a drawback for some viewers.
Unfortunately, there are still elements that make this one of the weaker titles on the format. The most notable improvement from the old Blu-Ray is in its vivid, heightened color palette which makes the film seem even more like a surreal dream. There are significant gains in visual pop and saturation that make the bold colors leap off the screen even more. Where the film falters more so are the pushed black levels that give the film an oily sheen in darker elements that are not appreciated. The argument that this could be a benefit to the fantastic ambiance of the film is valid, but it just looks a bit strange in the end. Any improvements in the compression on this 15th anniversary do not change this in a major way. The highlights in the film are more defined with whites more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found.
Skin tones experience a tiny bit of DNR at times which gives a waxy appearance that robs some of the detail. The transfer reveals an increase in the depth of field in the varied locations that we visit around the city. In the wake of the various scenes of destruction, you can more clearly make out textures within the production design, not to mention the textures of the costumes. The grain in the film can be a bit problematic with some instances of unnatural swarming in a few instances. This coupled with some unsightly print damage in a few shots feels like a problem that should not be on the table for such a recent release. There are definite benefits to this 4K upgrade, but it is not the homerun some fans may have hoped for in the end, and those with the previous 4K UHD Blu-Ray will not be treated to a notable upgrade.
Audio Quality
This disc comes equipped with a dynamite Dolby Atmos presentation that will give your system a workout. This has always been a title that sounded practically perfect, but the addition of the height channels makes this one supremely immersive. Sounds are appropriately rendered with precise directionality from the more kinetic action scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue. The overhead channels are especially welcome during some of the fight scenes in a way that makes it feel more immersive.
Ambient details are plentiful and quite satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. The score envelopes the room in a really pleasing manner that transports you into this world. Dialogue is presented perfectly clear without ever being overwhelmed by any of the competing sonic elements. The gunfire and forceful hits provide an all-encompassing soundscape that kicks in throughout all the speakers. The low end is very active in a way that may have your neighbors complaining. The mix will more than satisfy fans of the film. Optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are provided.
Special Features
Lionsgate has provided Kick-Ass with an optional sleek new SteelBook that is truly lovely in person. The case comes with a removable clear slipcase with some additional artistic elements. The front artwork is a nicely animated depiction of Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Big Daddy, and the rear features a similar depiction of Frank D'Amico and Red Mist. The interior sports a comic book-style depiction of Kick-Ass with his jetpack flying through the city. Photos of the Steelbook can be found at the end of this review. Audio Commentary: Director Mathew Vaughn provides a decent commentary track recorded at the time of the film's premiere in which he lays out the development of the film and takes you scene by scene detailing some of the different elements that had to come together during production to create this film. A bit dry at times, but overall entertaining. Pure Cinematic Fun: A new 20-minute interview with director Matthew Vaughn in which he reflects on the creation of the movie and its legacy. Still Kicking Ass: A new 20-minute piece in which the stunt team for the movie discusses pulling off the action in the film. The Work Of Art: A new 13-minute featurette with comic creator Mike Millar in which he discusses the creation and inspiration for the original comic. Physical Media Kicks Ass: A nearly two-minute new excerpt from the Matthew Vaughn interview in which he discusses the importance of physical media on his young life. A New Kind of Superhero – The Making of Kick-Ass: An extensive four-part documentary clocking in at an impressive 1 hour and 53 minutes which details the creation of the film from the initial development of the source material through production and release. There are a vast array of interviews with the cast and crew that delve into the shooting of the stunts, the rendering of the special effects, the scoring of the film and much more. It is difficult to imagine any questions you have about the film would not be covered in this deep dive. It's On! The Comic Book Origin of Kick-Ass: A 21-minute piece that takes a closer look at the source material with a specific focus on the story and artwork as detailed by the creative team. Theatrical Trailer: A two-and-a-half-minute trailer for the film is provided here. Redband Hit Girl Trailer: The minute-long NSFW trailer focusing on Hit Girl is provided here. Final Thoughts
Kick-Ass was a breath of fresh air when it debuted a decade and a half ago, and in most ways it still holds up as a supremely fun addition to the superhero genre. While some of the attempts at humor are a bit dated, there is still much to laugh and plenty of hard-hitting action to thrill you. The performances are pretty fantastic all around, and it is wild to see where some of these performers have ended up in the intervening years. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released the 4K UHD Blu-Ray in a stunning SteelBook package that collectors will love. The disc itself struggles a bit in the video department, but the audio presentation is top notch and the new and archival special features are very in depth. If you are a fan of the film, this is a solid release overall. Recommended
Kick-Ass is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray in Limited Edition 15th Anniversary Steelbook Packaging through Lionsgate Limited.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.

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