Awakenings 4K Review: Robert De Niro & Robin Williams Movie Is Still Powerful

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Awakenings 4K release is a wonderful way to celebrate one of Robin Williams‘ best non-comedic roles. Inspired by an incredible true story of a medical breakthrough allowing catatonic patients to awake after decades, it is brought to life thanks to stellar performances by Williams and Robert De Niro. The new 4K release looks and sounds great, with multiple bonus features included as well.

“Robert De Niro and Robin Williams star in this powerful, true story of a maverick doctor and the patients whose lives he changes. Dr. Malcolm Sayer is a shy research physician who uses an experimental drug to awaken the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, and he reveals life’s simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the doctor,” says the synopsis.

Directed by Penny Marshall, the 1990 drama received plenty of accolades, including three Academy Award nominations. While it came up short, there’s no denying that both De Niro, who plays the patient, and Williams, the neurologist, put on fine performances. It’s a beautiful film, and one that shows how courageous patients can be even when dealing with something as disorienting as waking up decades later.

As far as the technical details, the film has a new 4K restoration and looks stellar. Featuring HDR10 and Dolby Vision, it looks gorgeous and is full of detail. While the film isn’t showing you gorgeous locales, as it often takes place inside hospitals, the higher definition gives it a wonderful realism and allows you to appreciate the finer details of Williams and De Niro’s performances. The new Dolby Atmos mix also sounds fantastic and makes everything sound clear as day.

The Awakenings 4K release features some solid bonus features. There’s a six-minute making of video, which features some on-set footage, plus comments from Williams, De Niro, and Marshall. There’s also a theatrical trailer, plus archival interviews with the cast and crew that last nearly nine minutes.

Awakenings 4K Review: Final Verdict

If you’re a fan of Robin Williams, then you’ll want to own this Awakenings 4K release. Not only is it one of Williams’ finest acting performances, but it has been presented so wonderfully with a transfer that looks and sounds gorgeous.

Source: Comingsoon.net