The Long Kiss Goodnight (Limited Edition) 4K Ultra HD Review

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Directed by Renny Harlin and written by Shane Black, The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) stars Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson in an action film praised for its sharp dialogue, intense scenes, and compelling characters. Though not a blockbuster at release, it has gained a cult following for its clever writing, dynamic performances, and energetic pacing. 

Plot Overview

Geena Davis plays Samantha Caine, a small-town schoolteacher with amnesia who slowly begins to uncover her past as a highly trained assassin named Charly Baltimore. When fragments of her old life resurface, she teams up with Mitch Henessey (Samuel L. Jackson – Pulp Fiction), a low-rent private investigator, to unravel the mystery of her identity. What starts as a personal quest soon spirals into a deadly conspiracy involving government operatives, assassins, and a terrorist plot. 

The film’s structure is classic Shane Black—snappy one-liners, unexpected twists, and a balance of humor and brutality. Unlike many action movies of the era, The Long Kiss Goodnight doesn’t just rely on spectacle; it invests in its protagonist’s psychological journey, making her transformation from meek Samantha to ruthless Charly feel earned. 

Performances

Geena Davis delivers a career-best performance, seamlessly transitioning between Samantha’s gentle, maternal persona and Charly’s cold, calculated brutality. Her physicality in the action scenes is impressive, and she sells both the emotional vulnerability and the badass confidence of a cold killer with equal conviction. 

Samuel L. Jackson, as always, steals every scene he’s in. His character, Mitch, serves as both comic relief and the film’s moral center. His chemistry with Davis is electric, and their banter provides some of the movie’s most memorable moments. Jackson’s timing and charisma elevate what could have been a standard sidekick role into something far more engaging. 

The supporting cast, including Brian Cox as a shady government official and Craig Bierko as the sadistic villain Timothy, add depth to the story. Bierko, in particular, plays his role with a smug menace that makes him a perfect antagonist. 

Direction & Action Sequences

Renny Harlin, known for Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger, brings his signature action style to the film. Highlights include a snowy car chase, a diner fight, and an ice skating shootout. A notable scene features Samantha/Charly escaping an exploding building while handcuffed, showcasing Davis’ physicality and Harlin’s suspense. 

What sets The Long Kiss Goodnight apart from other ’90s action flicks is its willingness to let the protagonist be genuinely dangerous. Charly isn’t just a fighter—she’s a trained killer, and the film doesn’t shy away from showing her ruthless efficiency. This makes her character far more compelling than the typical “reluctant hero” trope. 

Shane Black’s Script

Shane Black, the mind behind Lethal Weapon and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, infuses the film with his signature style—witty dialogue, self-aware humor, and a Christmas setting (a recurring motif in his work). The script balances humor and violence perfectly, with Mitch’s sarcastic commentary contrasting Charly’s deadly seriousness. 

One of the script’s strengths is how it handles Samantha’s identity crisis. The gradual reveal of her past isn’t just a plot device—it’s a psychological unraveling that forces her to confront who she really is. The film asks whether identity is shaped by memory or choice, adding a layer of depth rarely seen in action movies. 

Legacy & Cult Status

Despite strong performances and a smart script, The Long Kiss Goodnight was a box-office disappointment. Some critics dismissed it as just another action movie, while others praised its subversive take on the genre. Over time, however, it has been reevaluated as a hidden gem—a film that dared to center a female action hero long before franchises like Kill Bill or Atomic Blonde made it mainstream. 

Final Verdict on the Film

The Long Kiss Goodnight is a near-perfect action film—fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly intelligent. Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson make an unforgettable duo, and Shane Black’s razor-sharp writing ensures that the film never feels mindless. If you’re a fan of ’90s action with a twist, this is a must-watch. 

The Video

The Long Kiss Goodnight has been restored by Arrow Films from the original 35mm negative, approved by director Renny Harlin. It is presented on 4K Ultra HD in a 2.39:1 HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) Dolby Vision format. This 1996 action film shows natural qualities but exhibits some film softness, likely due to the condition of the negative and the practical effects used. Despite this, the transfer appears clean and retains detail. The Dolby Vision grading enhances the colors and visual effects, particularly in scenes with explosions and fire. The Christmas decorations and neon lights are noticeable, although the highlights are not excessively bright or exaggerated.

The Audio

I watched with the Atmos remix that is included, but English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 stereo mixes are also included. I think the Atmos mix is good and has a very good dynamic range, but it could have been better. There isn’t a lot of height awareness and the low end is decent, but hardly floorboard rattling. Dialogue sounds good and is free from clipping.

The Supplements

This limited edition release comes with a lot of new interviews and a lot of archival features.  

Limited Edition Contents:

• Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sam Hadley
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Clem Bastow, Richard Kadrey, Maura McHugh, and Priscilla Page
• Seasonal postcard
• Thin Ice sticker

Bonus Features (on 4K):

• Commentary by Walter Chaw
• Commentary by Joshua Conkel & Drusilla Adeline
• Image Gallery (4K)

Special Features Blu-ray Disc:

• Girl Interrupted (1080p; 00:16:02) – An interview with actress Yvonne Zima who played Caitlin in The Long Kiss Goodnight, filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Symphony of Destruction (1080p; 00:09:06) – A new interview with stunt co-coordinator Steve Davidson about his work on the film, filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Long Live the New Flesh (1080p; 00:11:53) – An interview with make-up artist Gordon J. Smith, filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Amnesia Chick (1080p; 00:19:32) – A visual essay on dueling identities in The Long Kiss Goodnight by film scholar Josh Nelson, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• The Mirror Crack’d (1080p; 00:38:36) – A visual essay about domesticity and liberation in The Long Kiss Goodnight by film historians Kevin Marr, Howard S. Berger, and Angela McEntee. Recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• A Woman’s World (1080p; 00:14:20) – A visual essay by film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p; 00:02:32) – Previously unseen on UK and US editions of The Long Kiss Goodnight, these two deleted/extended scenes are significantly different to the way they appear in the final version of the film.
• Promotional Interviews (1080i) – Vintage interviews, filmed as part of the original electronic press kit:
  • Renny Harlin (00:02:16)
  • Geena Davis (00:01:28)
  • Samuel L. Jackson (00:01:24)
  • Craig Bierko (00:00:42)
• Making of (1080i; 00:05:53) – A vintage promotional featurette created for the original electronic press kit.
• Behind the Scenes (1080i; 00:08:14) – Footage from the filming of The Long Kiss Goodnight, originally part of the electronic press kit.

The Final Assessment

The Long Kiss Goodnight is a high-octane, brilliantly written thriller that deserves more recognition. Arrow’s restoration gives it new life and a chance for reconsideration in the best possible format today. Recommended.

The Long Kiss Goodnight (Limited Edition) is out on 4K Ultra HD April 8, 2025 from Arrow Video

• Rating Certificate: R (for a substantial amount of strong bloody violence, and for strong language)
• Studios & Distributors: New Line Cinema | Forge | The Steve Tisch Company | Arrow Video
• Director: Renny Harlin
• Written By: Shane Black
• Run Time: 120 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
• Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K UHD)
• HDR Format: Dolby Vision (HDR10 Compatible)
• HDR10 Metadata:
  • MaxLL: 787 nits
  • MaxFALL: 517 nits
  • Max. Luminance: 1000 nits
  • Min. Luminance: 0.0001 nits
• Primary Audio: English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Compatible)
• Secondary Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1 | English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Street Date: 8 April 2025