Sony Pictures’ release of their Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 4 brings me another iconic film that was missing from my viewing history, the Robert Benton film, Kramer vs. Kramer. Based on the novel by Avery Corman the film stars Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep as the titular Kramers.

Hoffman is Ted Kramer, a man working in advertising whose career occupies more of his time than it should, and consequently, his wife, Joanna (Streep) leaves him and their son, Billy (Justin Henry). Ted is completely shattered by this reversal of fortunes and must learn to be a full parent while trying to balance his job at the same time.

Hoffman is nothing short of a powerhouse in this film, he was going through a divorce at the same time as the making of the film, so more often than not, he may have played himself as opposed to a character. There’s so many moments he shines and gets the most out of young Henry, the french toast, the ice cream, the hospital, the pair work so good together, and you buy into every moment they put on screen because it’s real.

The film walked away with five Oscars, Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It was nominated for eleven altogether, including Best Supporting for young Henry, and Best Supporting for Jane Alexander. There’s a reality to the film, as everyday events are brought before the camera’s watchful eye and documented in this enduring and iconic movie.

It’s a heart-wrenching film. You watch Ted and his son grow closer, and he realizes what it means to be a parent, and the sacrifices he has to make, the love he has for the boy, the worries, the triumphs, the hopes, and the fears.

That’s all well and good until Joanna returns and wants Billy, moving the narrative to a brutal courtroom battle.

It’s a powerful film made all the better because of the performances of every member of the cast and illustrates the harshness, the bitterness and the love that can take place during divorce and custody proceedings.

It’s an emotionally raw film and beautifully made. It looks absolutely stunning on 4K, the colours are full and deep, and the details drawn out of the scan of the negative make the film look fresh and sharp.

Like the rest of the films in this six-film collection from Columbia, it comes loaded with extras. On the accompanying Blu-ray there’s an engaging documentary about the making of the film with interviews from Hoffman, Streep, Henry, Alexander and the filmmakers.

On the 4K disc, there are some additional extras including the film’s theatrical trailer, a series of connected featurettes culled from a screening interview with Benton and Henry, a collection of deleted scenes, and an informative commentary by film professor, Jennine Lanouette.

This was an emotional and rewarding watch, and it makes a perfect addition to the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection. A beautiful, enduring and iconic film filled with powerful performances. This one remains a must-see classic.