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'Babe: Pig in the City' 4K UHD Review

Updated: Jan 31

Physical Media Release Date: 01/13/26.

Label: Kino Lorber.

Form of Release: 4K UHD.

The Verdict: A Must-Buy


“Even more imaginative” (The Washington Post) than the original classic Babe, Babe: Pig in the City takes the three musketeers Babe, Ferdy and Mrs. Hoggett on a crusade in the midst of a bustling metropolis where despite incredible obstacles, they’re able to turn enemies into friends, raise enough money to save the farm and combine the two worlds into one. Once again, it’s Babe’s kind and steady heart that achieves the miracles in this beloved motion picture that’s bursting at the seams with high-spirited fantasy and wonderment! Delightfully directed by George Miller (Mad Max, Happy Feet), Pig in the City sees Magda Szubanski and James Cromwell reprising their roles as the Hoggetts, with Mickey Rooney joining the fun as Fugly Floom, for a “magical” (Roger Ebert) journey that’s been heralded a “masterpiece” (Chicago Reader)!

Technical Review:

Babe: Pig in a City debuts on 4K UHD courtesy of Kino Lorber! This upgrade offers a brand-new master from a 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative. Babe: Pig in a City is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen in 2160p resolution, with a Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) grade applied.


The remaster isn't the most flawless of recent releases from Kino Lorber, with noticeable blemishes such as discoloration from time to time and grain. This can be warranted with a remastering of older films, although some serve better in their transfer than others and this one being a 90s film - its little harder to ignore. Although in comparison to previous offering, this is by far the best its ever appeared.


With a DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio / stereo track, the film doesn't suffer from any notable errors or drop-out. The dialogue and score from Nigel Westlake are clear and full of clarity in the final cut.


Special Features:

  • NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Writer Julie Kirgo and Writer/Filmmaker Peter Hankoff

  • A Darker World: NEW Interview with George Miller

  • Theatrical Trailer


Rotten Tomatoes Scores:

  • Tomatometer: 67% (as of 01/13/25)

  • Popcornmeter: 41% (as of 01/13/25)


Physical Release Specs & Other Details:

  • MPAA: PG

  • Runtime: 97 minutes

  • Original Release: 1998


Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1


Audio

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)


Subtitles

English SDH


Discs

4K Ultra HD

Blu-ray Disc

Two-disc set (1 BD-100, 1 BD-50)


Digital

Not Included


Packaging

Slipcover in Original Packaging


Playback

4K Blu-ray: Region free

2K Blu-ray: Region A

Positives and Negatives

+ First Time on 4K UHD

+ Positive Critical Reception

- Negative Audience Reception

+ George Miller Directed

+/- A Bizarre Sequel to the Babe

+ x03 Special Features

+ Audio Commentary

- NO Digital Code Included

 
 
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