The Running Man - The second film based on King's book in 4K

The new The Running Man attempts to revive one of modern science fiction's most unsettling ideas: transforming human suffering into entertainment. The film directed by Edgar Wright reinterprets the novel written by Stephen King, under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, bringing back into focus a society where media manipulates reality and the public feeds on spectacularized violence.

The premise remains powerful: in a socially fractured America, protagonist Ben Richards, out of necessity, agrees to participate in a brutal television show where he becomes the target of professional assassins. The idea is simple and disturbing: the longer he survives, the more the audience enjoys it, the richer he becomes. Into this context steps the character played by Glen Powell (Top Gun - Maverick), who runs to escape death in a world dominated by propaganda and image manipulation.

New Reading of Stephen King's Novel

Wright tries to modernize the material by introducing current themes like deepfakes and digital disinformation. The concept works on paper, because it shifts King's critique from traditional television to the media chaos of the online era. However, the film struggles to find a balance between spectacle and satire. The tone constantly oscillates: too light to be truly unsettling, too chaotic to be incisive.

As the minutes pass, the tension weakens, while the narrative accelerates to a hasty and unengaging ending. The political idea remains interesting, but its strength is lost within a blockbuster that prefers rapid entertainment over true dystopian ferocity. The result is a curious but unfinished film, leaving the feeling of a missed opportunity, only partially exploited. Here is Elisa Giudici's review.

Digitally shot primarily at 4.6K resolution (Arri Alexa 35) and some scenes at 8K resolution (DJI Ronin 4D) for a final 4K master, within which post-production hopefully remained for the insertion of copious CGI effects. Original image format 2.39:1 (3840 x 2160/23.97p), HEVC encoding on a BD-100 triple layer disc. Technically, we have an excellent video signal, with Dolby Vision support, color extension and deep blacks where permitted by the cinematography of Chung-hoon Chung (Last Night in Soho, The Handmaiden, Oldboy 2003). Viewing is obviously recommended on native 10-bit screens.

The audio compartment is less impressive, with Dolby Digital 5.1 Italian channels (640 kbps) being just acceptable. This track is still capable of adding verve to the narration if listened to via a true multichannel system, despite shallow bass and sufficient soundstage presence from the rear channels and dialogue from the center. The original Dolby TrueHD 7.1.4 (24 bit) with ATMOS objects is distinctly superior, boosting the dynamics across all channels, delivering a much more exhilarating soundscape. For example, the assault on the hostel in Boston where Richards hides, or going directly aboard the plane towards the finale, are all worth listening to.

The Running Man (2025) 4K

29,99

Single-disc edition that includes a wealth of extras: audio commentary with screenwriter and director Edgar Wright, actor Glen Powell, and screenwriter Michael Bacall. Deleted and extended scenes (11'). Various production and making-of focuses on story, characters, set design: The Hunt Begins (11'), Hunters and Hunted (16'), Welcome to The Running Man: Creating the World (17').

And also filming (28'), a collection of stunts (2'), hair, makeup, and costume tests (26'). Also included are full videos of many of the shows and content featured in the film, such as commercials; 3 theatrical trailers and 3 spots. Italian subtitles. Cardboard slipcover (O-Card).