When I first popped in the Amadeus 4K UHD disc, I was immediately struck by how vibrant and crisp the restoration is. The rich textures of the period costumes—every embroidered waistcoat and powdered wig—look like they could jump off the screen. It’s like seeing the film for the first time again.

The sound design is where this edition truly shines. Mozart’s compositions burst through with such clarity that I caught myself pausing scenes just to revel in the layers of strings and woodwinds. The scene where Salieri first flips through Mozart’s original scores? Chills. You can practically hear the paper crinkle under his trembling fingers.

I debated between the theatrical cut and director’s cut, but honestly, stick with the original. Those extra 20 minutes? They drag. The pacing suffers, and some added scenes (like Salieri’s awkward dressing-room confrontation) feel like deleted scenes for a reason. The theatrical version keeps the tension taut—no filler.

Watching this in 4K also highlights Forman’s genius framing. The candlelit opera scenes have a painterly glow, and Vienna’s grandeur feels tangible. But what stuck with me most was Salieri’s unraveling—Abraham’s performance is even more haunting in ultra-HD. That final confession? Devastating.

Minor gripes: The digital copy redeemed in HD, not 4K (annoying), and the packaging could be sturdier. But for film buffs, this is essential. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a revelation.