Plot: What’s it about?
I’m not really sure why – I’ve had plenty of time to think about this, but for some reason certain movies stand out to me more than others. And it rarely has to do with the content of the film itself. I can remember where I was when I saw (insert title here) and so forth. So, I don’t really recall why, but my mother went to the video store (that was where we went before we had streaming services) and came back with, you guessed it, K2. My brother and I had never heard of it, but we watched the film nonetheless and before viewing this new 4K offering all I could remember was that the main character kept calling the other one “H.” As it turns out “H” was short for Harold, the character portrayed by Matt Craven in the film. Bear in mind this was, as of this writing, 35 years ago. Give this guy a break. Flashing forward, I couldn’t resist the urge to request this when I saw Kino was putting it out. It’s been a while.
Believe it or not, the film is based on a 1982 one-act stage play by Patrick Meyers. It’s hard to fathom this concept of two guys climbing the world’s second tallest peak on stage, but…they did it. We meet Taylor (Michael Biehn), a narcissistic womanizer who somehow needs adrenaline to exist. Counter to him is Harold (Matt Craven), a physicist and a family man. They’re different, but best friends nonetheless. Climbing is their passion and it unites them and it’s a chance encounter with Phillip claiborne (Raymond J. Barry) that lands them a chance to ascend the infamous K2 mountain. In a nutshell – that’s it. When it comes to films about mountain climbing, that’s kind of it. Yes, the bond between Harold and Taylor is explored, as are their limits and willingness to survive, etc. but at the heart of it all is a simple story about man vs. nature and, ultimately, man vs. himself.
Admittedly, at the time, I had no idea of the sordid history of this film. It received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and was purchased by Miramax. Harvey Weinstein, ever the troublemaker, changed the score, shortened the run time and, well, essentially altered the film from what it was to what it is. Director Franc Roddam described this process as “a living nightmare.” So, even then, Weinstein was causing trouble. He’s now located in Riker’s Island prison if that makes anyone feel better. But switching gears back to the film, I found that it still packed a punch three plus decades later. Biehn and Craven were (and are) two competent actors and it’s their performances that carried the movie. It’s taut and harrowing – in other words, a great movie-watching experience.
Video: How’s it look?
Given that the last time I saw this movie was on a 27″ tube TV while watching it on VHS, I think it’s safe to say that a lot has changed. Kino’s new 4K re-master of the film delivers some jaw-dropping scenery with gorgeous photography from cinematographer Gabriel Beristain. It never goes over-the-top, so to speak, featuring realistic climbing sequences and some breathtaking stunt work. It’s so refreshing in this day and age to go back and watch a movie like this, unburdened by fake-looking CGI. The 1.85:1 HEVC image breathes new life into this film.
Audio: How’s it sound?
This is a point of contention with the film. Weinstein removed the score by Chaz Jankel’s score at the time of release and had it replaced with one done by Hans Zimmer. Evidently, some lawyers got involved along the way and we now have Jankel’s score back in the film. I can honestly say that I have no recollection of the score since seeing the film last, all I can say is that this one works. The DTS HD Master Audio mix puts out some ambiance and when you consider it’s two guys on a mountain, this one delivers the goods. It won’t blow the roof off the place, but then again – it’s not supposed to.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – It’d have been nice to hear a commentary from Franc Roddam, Michael Biehn or Matt Craven, but it wasn’t meant to be. Rather we get critics Bryan Reesman and Max Evry as they dish on the film’s history, the production and everything in between. It’s a good track and I do like how Kino is able to come up with new commentary tracks from older films.
- The Ascent and Descent – This 45 minute featurette is new to the disc and does have Franc Roddam (which is odd that he wouldn’t lay down a commentary track, but…whatever). But Roddam pulls no punches with some of his comments as he gives us the history of the project, the overall reception as well as the film’s enduring appeal. In essence, it’s got everything you want and/or need to know about the movie.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
This is one that’s stuck with me over the years and I really can’t identify why. It’s good. But given all the film’s I’ve seen and continue to see, it’s odd. Seeing the film for the first time in so long and looking this good was a real treat. For those who haven’t seen it, this one’s a real gem.
