48 Hrs (Paramount Presents) Blu-ray Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Newly restored for this release, Paramount offers a clean, well managed transfer for 48 Hrs. Grain varies, although never to a problematic level. The encode is stable and consistent, even when lighter black levels overexpose to reveal additional grain. For Blu-ray, it's beautifully managed vintage stock, plus totally spotless.

Reinvigorated by a 4K scan, 48 Hrs doesn't show superlative sharpness, but a natural veneer that allows firm, organic detail. San Francisco exteriors capture the city as it was in full, nothing missed. Higher fidelity elements like facial textures jump forward where the cinematography allows. Clearly though, this is an accurate, organic master.

Mirroring the touch of a hard action flick from the late '70s, the reserved palette dries any primaries. Digital tools leave the browned hues as-is, saturation dull, even lifeless. 48 Hrs looks every bit its genre and era. Even contrast is lacking. Given how this looks, an HDR pass is unlikely to add much. Same goes for the dusty black levels.

Audio

Only available in a TrueHD 5.1 remix (an optional isolated score too), the original audio is far too emboldened. The way gunshots piercingly blare from the rears becomes a distraction rather than an addition. Discrete use is poor at best, making direction hard to track, even though they pump out additional decibels compared to the fronts. Sure, 48 Hrs features lots of surround action, but it's overcranked. Shame the original audio mix isn't offered.

A jazzy score drops to the low-end, the bass fine, or at least more in-line with the rest of the sound. It's overall smooth and clean, no undue fidelity issues to point out.