Ask a room full of action/sci-fi fans for a top 10 list of their favorite movies and I think you’d be hard pressed not to hear the name Robocop mentioned a few times.  This Paul Verhoeven classic holds a special place in movie fans hearts; and for a good reason.  Although I was a little late to the game, only seeing this film for the first time last month, I can now absolutely confirm that Robocop is an excellent film, and this brand new 4K UHD Limited Edition from Arrow Video was the perfect way to first be introduced to this 1987 classic.  This release marks the first global 4K UHD release of one of the greatest Sci-Fi Action films of all time. Although it is not technically categorized as a horror film, there are enough blood and guts flowing to make any horror fan grin from ear-to-ear.  Let’s break down this release even further and figure out why the new limited edition from Arrow is the definitive copy for your collection.

Packaging and Art

Like the Arrow Video Limited Edition box sets that have come before it, Robocop is no exception to the quality that Arrow Video generally produces.  In this case, we have a hard outer shell featuring Paul Shipper’s take on the classic poster art.  Once you pull out the Ultra HD softcase inside, you’ll find a reversible slipcover featuring both the aforementioned Shipper art design, and the original Mike Bryan poster art.  Inside the softcase there are 6 still cards from the film, both the UHD disc and Blu-ray disc, as well as a Robocop security warning sticker.  As a homeowner, I found this supplement to be extra appreciated.  After all, who’d want to break into a house protected by Robocop, am I right?  Outside of that we have a booklet detailing the films legacy and production, as well as a double sided poster.

Bonus Features

Arguably the most bonus features I’ve ever seen on a disc…

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

  • 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative by MGM, transferred in 2013 and approved by director Paul Verhoeven
  • Newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper
  • Director’s Cut and Theatrical Cut of the film on two 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray discs with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
  • Original lossless stereo and four-channel mixes plus DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Dolby Atmos surround sound options on both cuts
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing on both cuts
  • Six collector’s postcards (Limited Edition exclusive)
  • Double-sided fold-out poster (Limited Edition exclusive)
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork (Limited Edition exclusive)
  • 80-page Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Omar Ahmed
  • Christopher Griffiths and Henry Blyth, a 1987 Fangoria interview with Rob Bottin, and archive publicity materials (some contents exclusive to Limited Edition)

DISC ONE – DIRECTOR’S CUT

  • Commentary by director Paul Verhoeven, executive producer Jon Davison and co-writer Ed Neumeier (originally recorded for the Theatrical Cut and re-edited in 2014 for the Director’s Cut)
  • Commentary by film historian Paul M. Sammon
  • Commentary by fans Christopher Griffiths, Gary Smart and Eastwood Allen
  • The Future of Law Enforcement: Creating RoboCop, an interview with co-writer Michael Miner
  • RoboTalk, a conversation between co-writer Ed Neumeier and filmmakers David Birke (writer of Elle) and Nicholas McCarthy (director of Orion Pictures’ The Prodigy)
  • Truth of Character, an interview with star Nancy Allen on her role as Lewis
  • Casting Old Detroit, an interview with casting director Julie Selzer on how the film’s ensemble cast was assembled
  • Connecting the Shots, an interview with second unit director and frequent Verhoeven collaborator Mark Goldblatt
  • Analog, a featurette focusing on the special photographic effects, including new interviews with
  • Peter Kuran and Kevin Kutchaver
  • More Man Than Machine: Composing RoboCop, a tribute to composer Basil Poledouris featuring film music experts Jeff Bond, Lukas Kendall, Daniel Schweiger and Robert Townson
  • RoboProps, a tour of super-fan Julien Dumont’s collection of original props and memorabilia
  • 2012 Q&A with the Filmmakers, a panel discussion featuring Verhoeven, Davison, Neumeier, Miner, Allen, star Peter Weller and animator Phil Tippett
  • RoboCop: Creating A Legend, Villains of Old Detroit, Special Effects: Then & Now, three archive featurettes from 2007 featuring interviews with cast and crew
  • Paul Verhoeven Easter Egg
  • Four deleted scenes
  • The Boardroom: Storyboard with Commentary by Phil Tippett
  • Director’s Cut Production Footage, raw dailies from the filming of the unrated gore scenes, presented in 4K (SDR)
  • Two theatrical trailers and three TV spots
  • Extensive image galleries

DISC TWO – THEATRICAL CUT

  • Commentary by director Paul Verhoeven, executive producer Jon Davison and co-writer Ed Neumeier (originally recorded for Theatrical version of the film)
  • Two Isolated Score tracks (Composer’s Original Score and Final Theatrical Mix)
  • Edited-for-television version of the film, featuring alternate dubs, takes and edits of several scenes (95 mins, SD only)
  • Split screen comparisons between the Director’s Cut and Theatrical Cut, and the Theatrical Cut and edited-for-TV version
  • RoboCop: Edited for Television, a compilation of alternate scenes from two edited-for-television versions, including outtakes newly transferred in HD from recently unearthed 35mm elements

Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1, Original lossless stereo & 4-channel mixes

The audio on this disc is PHENOMENAL.  One of the best audio restorations and Dolby Atmos mixes for an older film that I have heard in my theater room.  This goes on my favorites list with the 4K restoration of Apocalypse Now‘s new audio mix.  The soundscape is super 3 dimensional, utilizing every speaker I have.  The surround channels were active and present, and this audio mix really immersed me in what was happening on screen.  For an older movie, this really blew me away.  No, it’s not going to sound like Transformers, but for the source material, this mix is so fucking good.  The only 2 things I would like to mention is that it could have utilized the height channels more often, and I do think your viewing experience could be even better by turning up your subs, or overall bass in your system because I found the mix to be a slight bit mid heavy.  The movie did activate my subs and even bass-shakers quite a bit, but as always…I WANT MORE!

Video: Native 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative by MGM, transferred in 2013 and approved by director Paul Verhoeven

I am so thankful to report that the 4K restoration has me as excited as the Atmos mix did.  Good god, this is a pretty transfer.  Colors were rich and vibrant, with great black levels.  Although there are some softer scenes, especially in dark moments of the film, the resolution quality on  every other scene was superb.  Pores, wrinkles, and clothing details were clear and crispy, making the film almost look as good as films shot today.  The enhancement of the resolution may bring out some of the grain for viewers who are sensitive to that; however, that is to be expected with any older restoration.  I think this might be one of the best Arrow visual restorations I have ever seen.

Overall

I think anybody who collects 4K films should have a copy of this restoration on your shelf.  This one may rank as one of my favorite classic film restorations, and definitely one of my favorite Arrow restorations.  This is a great example of how 4K and HDR can make older films look incredible, and I think this is demo worthy for anyone looking to show off an older film in their home theater or hifi system.

 

 

 

 

 

Gear Used for Reviews:

Speakers:
Klipsch RF-7 Fronts
Klipsch RC-7 Center
Klipsch RF-82ii Surrounds
Klipsch RS-7 Back Surrounds
Klipsch RSW-115 Subwoofer (Front)
BIC Acoustech PL-200ii Subwoofer (Rear)
Dayton Audio BST-1 High Power Pro Tactile Bass Shaker
OSD ICE660 Dolby Atmos In Ceilings

Seating:
American Signature Fiero Theater Recliners

Projector:
Epson 5050ub

Screen:
Silver Ticket 135″ 16×9 High Contrast Grey screen with 0.9 gain.

Rack: (SysRack 18u)
Denon x3700h
Episode 150 Amp
Dayton Audio BSA-200 Power amp
Sony UBP-X700 4K Bluray
Sony BDP-S6700 4K upscale Region Free Player
Apple TV 4K (2021)
Xbox One S
PS4
AC Infinity Aircom T8
TCP-4 Rack Fan
2x AC Infinity Axial Fans
AC Infinity Airframe T7
URC MX450 Universal remote/base/RF adapter.
Monster Power Conditioner

Cables:
Component cables – Key Digital 4K HDR 4:4:4 HDMI Pro Cables

Projector Cable – Key Digital 4K HDR 4:4:4 Fiber Optic HDMI

Acoustic Treatment:
6 – 2×4 4″ panels
2 – Auralex 2x2x2 panels
2 – Arial acoustic diffusers
3 – 1.5×3 4″ Ceiling panels
Black Velvet treatment to front stage

Paint:
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black