Kino Lorber just released a 4K UHD/Blu-ray edition of the 1997 thriller Dante’s Peak, starring Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton. 

The story focuses on a dormant volcano that comes alive and threatens a small town, of which Hamilton is the mayor. Brosnan takes on the role of a volcanologist whose theory about the upcoming eruption and ultimate destruction is initially rebuffed by the other scientists, but soon becomes apparent as the volcano bursts to life.

As the people race to safety, Rachel (Hamilton) and Harry (Brosnan) join forces to locate her two kids who have gone up the mountain to help their grandmother. As the imminent danger encroaches on the town and the mountain, the power of this eruption unleashes lava and ash, and deadly gas.

The story is tense as the scientists and townsfolk try to evacuate to safety while Harry and Rachel are making their own way but things are not easy for them. With all the chaos of the ash and gas, their escape is not cut and dried.

Brosnan is perfect for this role. He is a stabilizing force for Rachel and her family as they maneuver down the mountain to safety. As dramatic thrillers go, this is pretty good, and definitely entertaining. It has all the aspects of a dramatic thriller combined with a family story – of survival.

The bonuses on this new 4K UHD + Blu-ray edition include a “making of” featurette.

Dante’s Peak is rated PG-13 for disaster related peril and gore. Parents need to keep this in mind before viewing it with kids. Fans of the show will enjoy the new 4K UHD version which is crystal clear with a new HDT Dolby Vision Master. It brings the drama to the screen like never before.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.