East Of Eden (1955) Warner Bros 4K UHD Review

In Hollywood there is few more tragic deaths than that of James Dean. A young man who had all the potential in the world to be one of the best actors in cinema history, yet his life was cut short because of his love for auto racing. On September 30, 1955, while speeding in his 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder he was involved in a car accident and died.

His Hollywood career was just getting started. He only made three films, Rebel without a Cause, East of Eden and Giant. A sad end to a promising career. But the three films he left behind are amazing pieces of cinema. Now the good folks at Warner Bros are releasing a 4K UltraHD / Digital of 1955's East of Eden

East of Eden film was adapted from John Steinbeck's classic novel of the same name. The film is a biblical Cain and Abel story, but set during World War I in 1917 on a family farm in California. The film follows teenager Cal Trask (James Dean, Rebel Without a Cause) who longs for the affection that his father (Raymond Massey, Abe Lincoln in Illinois) reserves for his brother Aron (Richard Davalos, Cool Hand Luke), but his efforts meet only rejection. To make matter worse Cal is in love with Aron's girlfriend, Abra (Julie Harris, Requiem For A Heavyweight). Cal finds himself so frustrated in his search for love and acceptance that he reveals a long-held secret about their mother to Aron. This knowledge may just tear the family apart.

Elia Kazan directs his best film in East of Eden. This is my humble opinion, although he has directed some really amazing films in his career. James Dean and Julie Harris really have a undeniable onscreen chemistry. Raymond Massey is pure gold and Richard Davalos is a great foil in this sibling rivalry. This is such a great film!

Warner Brothers has transferred East of Eden to 4K UltraHD in 2160p in 2.55:1 aspect ratio. There are several audio options, a Dolby Atmos-True-HD in English, DTS-HD Master Audio in English, Dolby Digital French and Spanish. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Warner Bros has restored this classic in 4K and what a restoration it is. When watching this one in comparison to the DVD and Blu-ray releases. The picture is crisp and clean and really takes you back in time. You really feel you're in 1917 California.

Now in addition to a beautiful looking 4K transfer. Warner Brothers has also added a very nice audio commentary by Richard Schickel. We also receive a digital copy that you can redeem on VUDU/ Fandango, Movies Anywhere or Youtube. 

Every time I think about James Dean, I think of all the great films we could have seen from this amazing actor, but sadly never will! That is why having all three of his films are a must for any a classic film fan. This new 4K UHD release of East of Eden is an absolute must own!

So, if you love the films of James Dean as much as I do, you need this 4K/digital of East of Eden for your collection. Head over to Amazon or MovieZyng and order your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) East if Eden 4K UHD receives.....