To Kill a Mockingbird 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Universal shows off a clean, pleasing scan for this 4K debut, coinciding with To Kill a Mockingbird's 60th anniversary. Grain is typically preserved well, a few shots rendered unnaturally smooth by noise reduction; this comes and goes, with no apparent reason or consistency. Look at the kids around 10:45, with their waxy clothes and faces. On the opposite end, it's splendidly natural (and this is the norm), if not precise like comparable films of this vintage in 4K. Imagery runs slightly soft, if with little detriment to texture.

There's detail aplenty to see around town, whether trees, wood on home, clothing, or hair. Definition overall makes gains over the HD presentation, however menial.

Well calibrated gray scale brings out natural contrast in the film stock. Tones in the mid-range show variety and transition smoothly. Crisp contrast pairs well to the stable, dense black levels.

Audio

The only uncompressed track is a 5.1 DTS-HD mix; the original mono is offered, but only in DTS. Thankfully, the surround option respects the source, keeping the audio front-loaded to enhance the score and nothing else. Dialog remains centered.

Elmer Bernstein's score is clear enough to sound recorded yesterday, even bringing slight low-end to the orchestration. For sixty years old, To Kill a Mockingbird's music has no reason to sound this spectacular.