ReelBars

Billy Wilder · 1950s

4 films directed by Billy Wilder from the 1950s, on 4K Blu-ray, ranked S to D by transfer quality. 1 S-Tier pick including Some Like It Hot.

Some Like It Hot

Some Like It Hot(1959)

8.1/10

dir. Billy Wilder

S-Tier

In Prohibition-era Chicago, musicians Joe and Jerry witness a mob hit, and flee the state in an all-female band disguised as Josephine and Daphne, but further complications set in.

Criterion Collection · 4K + Blu-ray
Sabrina

Sabrina(1954)

7.5/10

dir. Billy Wilder

A-Tier

Kino Lorber's announcement got immediate pre-orders. People were eyeing the Blu-ray when the 4K dropped, and the relief in the comments was palpable. The slipcover artwork is beautiful and the special features are loaded, with two commentary tracks and multiple featurettes. Paramount loosening their licensing policy is part of why this exists. Breakfast at Tiffany's in 4K is the next Hepburn title everyone keeps requesting.

Kino Lorber · 4K + Blu-ray
Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard(1950)

8.3/10

dir. Billy Wilder

A-Tier

Paramount A-Tier 4K. Billy Wilder's Hollywood noir finally got a 4K release after years of collectors asking for it. Paramount put it out at a fair price without limited edition nonsense, and the transfer has gotten a mixed reception on forums. Barnes and Noble has had it around $14.96 USD, which is hard to argue with for a film this important. Black and white films done well in 4K can be stunning, and early reports suggest this one looks good even if it's not reference-tier.

Paramount Pictures · 75th Anniversary Edition
Stalag 17

Stalag 17(1953)

7.7/10

dir. Billy Wilder

C-Tier

Kino Lorber C-Tier 4K. Billy Wilder's POW comedy-drama is better than its tier suggests. The Kino release landed with a shrug from collectors who were hoping for Sunset Boulevard instead, and the C-Tier reflects limitations in the source material rather than a bad job by Kino.

Kino Lorber · 4K + Blu-ray