When SHERLOCK HOLMES arrived in cinemas in 2009, many were skeptical. Robert Downey Jr. had just played Iron Man, and director Guy Ritchie was best known for Madonna videos and the crime/heist thrillers Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and Snatch. It didn’t seem like an obvious choice for the reinvention of London’s greatest detective. But it was. SHERLOCK HOLMES is a feast of fun and whimsy, an entirely rousing romp and a great mystery.

An exciting script and a genuinely intriguing mystery elevate this film to one of the best interpretations of the titular sleuth since Basil Rathbone.  All of the performances are splendid. But, it is Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law’s bickering detectives that are the real treats. They complement each other’s characters so well, and with such genuine affection, harkening to the excellent screen pairing of Newman and Redford. Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler brings feisty fun and plays the role so well that you are never quite sure she is friend or foe until the latter half of the film and Mark Strong plays a compelling villain. If you haven’t seen this film and its sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows in some time, now is a perfect time to enjoy them all over again and in the best possible presentation.

The new 4K UHD transfer from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is stunning, and brings the film more depth and brightness, really showcasing Philippe Rousselot’s fantastic visuals. The musical score is one of composer Hans Zimmer’s best, and the sound has been expertly mixed, immersing you within the dark alleys of London and the chaos of 221B Baker Street.

The only downside to both new releases is the lack of new extras or bonus features. Everything was brought over from the original Blu-ray transfer, and it would have been great fun to hear some of the players revisit these films some 11 years after the first release. But, regardless of the lack of new content, these new transfers are the best possible way to see these films.

The game’s afoot. Now go and experience the fun, thrills, and mystery all over again.

The SHERLOCK HOLMES 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is now available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.