The Intern (2015) [4K UHD Review]

The Intern, the 2015 comedy-drama directed by Nancy Meyers, brings warmth, humor, and a refreshing look at generational differences in the workplace. Starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, the film presents an unlikely friendship between a retired widower who re-enters the workforce as an intern and a young, ambitious CEO facing the pressures of running a growing company. Now, with the recent 4K UHD release, The Intern gets a high-definition treatment that brings new life to the charming visuals and gentle storytelling that made the film a favorite among many.

This 4K upgrade enhances the movie’s visual aesthetics, making the experience even more enjoyable, while also offering fans an array of special features that provide insight into the production process. For fans of light-hearted, character-driven cinema, this release is a must-have.

The Intern came out 10 years ago, it might as well have been 50.

The Intern follows Ben Whittaker (played by Robert De Niro), a 70-year-old widower who is feeling bored with retirement. He decides to rejoin the workforce through a senior internship program at About The Fit, an e-commerce fashion startup run by Jules Ostin (played by Anne Hathaway). Jules is juggling her rapidly growing business, her team, and her personal life, often struggling to find balance. Ben quickly becomes an invaluable asset—not just because of his work ethic, but because of his wisdom, emotional intelligence, and steadfast demeanor.

The setting of The Intern is quintessential Nancy Meyers—beautiful interiors, cozy office spaces, and the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York. The office at About The Fit is designed to evoke the spirit of startup culture, with an open floor plan, casual dress codes, and the constant buzz of creativity. These spaces contrast nicely with Ben’s old-school approach to office life—he wears a suit and tie, always brings a briefcase, and offers sage advice from the perspective of a man who’s seen it all.

The film moves between the energy of the office and Jules’ picturesque home life, showing her struggle to navigate her professional ambitions while trying to keep her family intact. It’s a visually appealing mix that emphasizes Meyers’ love for creating environments that feel aspirational yet relatable.

There were a lot of Workaholics in a Nancy Meyers movie

Ben Whittaker — Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro as Ben Whittaker delivers a nuanced, heartfelt performance that is both gentle and wise. Ben is the quintessential mentor figure—full of old-school manners, patience, and a depth of experience that makes him instantly likable. De Niro’s charm is in how he underplays Ben’s character; there’s a quiet confidence to Ben that grounds the film. He never oversteps his role but finds ways to help Jules and his colleagues at every turn, whether by offering advice, listening, or simply being present.

De Niro brings humor through Ben’s interactions with modern technology and startup culture—he’s slightly out of place, but he never lets it faze him. His character is a reminder that experience is valuable, and his steady presence is a comforting element throughout the film.

Jules Ostin — Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway portrays Jules Ostin, the young and ambitious CEO of About The Fit, with grace and vulnerability. Jules is a woman under pressure, balancing the rapid growth of her company with her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Hathaway captures Jules’ stress, passion, and moments of self-doubt, making her a complex character who feels real and relatable. She is not a perfect leader—she is often overwhelmed and makes mistakes—but she cares deeply for her company and her employees.

The chemistry between Hathaway and De Niro is the heart of the film. The dynamic between Jules and Ben starts off awkwardly but quickly evolves into a supportive friendship that helps Jules see the value in slowing down and trusting others. Hathaway’s portrayal of Jules’ gradual acceptance of Ben’s wisdom and her journey towards understanding her own limitations is both touching and powerful.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast adds a lot of warmth and humor to the story. Rene Russo plays Fiona, the office masseuse who becomes Ben’s romantic interest, bringing a light, romantic subplot that adds to Ben’s reawakening. Adam DeVine, Zack Pearlman, and Andrew Rannells each play Jules’ employees, adding comic relief with their millennial quirks and admiration for Ben’s old-fashioned skills and work ethic.

The camaraderie between Ben and the younger employees is one of the highlights of the film. Whether he’s teaching them how to dress professionally, offering relationship advice, or simply listening, Ben becomes a mentor not only to Jules but to the entire office. Their respect for him grows as they see the benefits of his experience and perspective.

Nancy Meyers had style

Nancy Meyers brings her signature style to The Intern—beautifully lit interiors, thoughtfully designed spaces, and a warm, inviting color palette. Meyers is known for creating environments that feel aspirational, and The Intern is no different. Stephen Goldblatt, the cinematographer, uses natural light and soft focus to create a cozy, almost nostalgic feel throughout the film, reflecting Ben’s old-fashioned yet timeless qualities.

Meyers also excels at capturing the nuances of character interactions. The “walk and talk” scenes between Jules and Ben showcase their evolving relationship, and the way Meyers uses space within the office highlights the differences in their approaches. The pacing is gentle, allowing the characters to develop organically without rushing the emotional beats. The direction emphasizes connection, communication, and the beauty of intergenerational friendships.

Let’s talk about The Intern 4K UHD

The 4K UHD release of The Intern provides a significant upgrade, making Nancy Meyers’ meticulously crafted visuals even more engaging. The 4K format brings out the vibrant colors of the office, the cozy textures of Jules’ home, and the overall aesthetic that makes Meyers’ films so visually pleasing.

Video Quality

The 4K transfer elevates the visual experience of The Intern, enhancing the film’s warm color palette and fine details. The textures of Ben’s tailored suits, the intricate decor of Jules’ home, and the bustling atmosphere of the About The Fit office are all rendered with stunning clarity. The HDR (High Dynamic Range) makes the colors more vivid, providing greater depth, particularly in scenes featuring both brightly lit office environments and more intimate settings like Jules’ living room.

The sharpness of the 4K format allows viewers to fully appreciate Meyers’ attention to detail in set design. Every object feels purposefully placed, and the 4K presentation highlights these details, making the settings feel more immersive. The subtle expressions on characters’ faces, the warmth of natural light, and even the bustling cityscape of Brooklyn all look beautiful, enhancing the film’s cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Audio Quality

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is crisp and clear, perfectly complementing the dialogue-heavy nature of The Intern. The sound design isn’t bombastic, but it suits the film’s tone, with dialogue always at the forefront and a gentle score by Theodore Shapiro filling in the background without overwhelming the scenes. The enhanced clarity helps bring out the subtleties of character interaction—small sighs, chuckles, and the bustling office noises that make the environment feel alive.

Special Features

The 4K UHD release also comes with a number of special features that add depth to the experience:

• Designs on Life
• Learning From Experience: A featurette that explores the making of the film, focusing on the dynamic between Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. The cast and crew discuss their experiences on set, and Meyers talks about her goals for the story—particularly highlighting generational differences in the workplace.
• The Three Interns

Boomers on Cinema

The Intern is ultimately about connection, generational wisdom, and the need for balance in life. It tackles the idea of a seasoned individual re-entering a workforce that often prioritizes youth and innovation over experience. Ben Whittaker represents the values of loyalty, patience, and empathy—qualities that often get overlooked in the fast-paced world of modern business. His steady presence brings a calming influence to About The Fit, and his willingness to adapt without losing his core values is what makes him a character worth celebrating.

The relationship between Ben and Jules is the emotional core of the film. Jules is initially skeptical of Ben’s usefulness in the modern startup world, but she quickly realizes that his perspective is exactly what she needs. The film’s depiction of their evolving friendship is refreshing; there is no romantic tension, just mutual respect and understanding. Their dynamic is a testament to the importance of mentorship, and it serves as a reminder that we all have something to learn from each other, regardless of our age.

The film also addresses the challenges of balancing work and personal life. Jules is portrayed as a capable but overwhelmed CEO who struggles to keep her family life intact. Through Ben’s guidance, Jules learns to let go of some control and accept help when it’s offered. This theme resonates deeply in an era where the line between work and home is often blurred, and The Intern handles it with empathy and warmth.

The Legacy of The Intern

While The Intern may not have been seen as a revolutionary film upon its release, it has gained a reputation as one of Nancy Meyers’ more heartfelt and thought-provoking works. It’s a movie that champions intergenerational friendship, offering a perspective that bridges the gap between young, ambitious professionals and older, more experienced individuals. In a time where workplace culture can often feel impersonal and fast-paced, The Intern is a reminder of the importance of human connection and the value that comes from learning from those who came before us.

The film’s optimistic portrayal of older workers re-entering the job market is both hopeful and inspiring. Ben Whittaker is the idealized version of what we all hope to be—adaptable, kind, and still eager to contribute, even in later years. The positive representation of aging and the mutual respect between characters of different generations offer a feel-good message that resonates beyond the screen.

Final Thoughts on The Intern 4K UHD

The 4K UHD release of The Intern is a welcome upgrade for fans of this heartfelt film. The enhanced video and audio quality make Nancy Meyers’ warm, inviting visuals even more enjoyable, while the special features offer deeper insights into the production and the dynamics between the cast members. The crisp details of the 4K presentation allow viewers to fully appreciate the effort that went into creating the film’s settings, costumes, and overall aesthetic.

For those who loved The Intern for its humor, warmth, and the brilliant performances of Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, this release is an excellent addition to your collection. It captures the essence of a film that is both comforting and insightful—reminding us of the value of experience, the importance of kindness, and the beauty of connections that bridge generations. Whether revisiting it or experiencing it for the first time, The Intern in 4K UHD is a treat that highlights the best aspects of Nancy Meyers’ feel-good storytelling.

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