Some Like It Hot was first added to the prestigious Criterion Collection on DVD and Blu-Ray in 2018, and is now available in an upgraded 4K UHD + Blu-Ray edition. (You may recall that Kino Lorber were first to bring the comedy classic to 4K UHD in 2022; however, that edition is now out of print.)
“Criterion created their 4K restoration from the film’s original 35mm negatives for the 2018 Blu-ray release, and here that transfer is presented in Dolby Vision HDR. The higher definition and richer contrast accentuates both the film noir lighting that Wilder used for scenes like the garage shootout and car chase in Chicago while sunlight Florida is radiant without being blown out. Costuming textures, hair, and the smoky interiors really benefit from the higher resolution, and Wilder’s deep focus shots are well-served by the transfer.
The film’s original mono track was also remastered from the 35mm magnetic tracks, which is presented uncompressed here, and there’s also a 5.1 surround DTS HD track (only on the 4K disc). The dialogue is sharp without sounding tinny, even in the original mono, and comes through most during the musical sequences with the occasional explosion of gunfire.
Some Like It Hot is presented in its original 1:85:1 aspect ratio on both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs.
The bonus features here are identical to the 2018 Criterion Blu-ray release, and all except the audio commentary accompanying the feature on the 2nd Blu-ray disc. It’s nothing wildly original, but it’s comprehensive as we’ve seen from this film.
Kino Lorber Studio Classics previously released the film to 4K UHD, also as a Blu-ray combo with a respectable alternate – and slightly lesser – set of bonus features. There’s some overlap, and both editions have some material not present on the other, but ultimately the Criterion version brings more to the table.”
– Brendan Agnew, Cinapse
The Marilyn Report 