4K Digital Review of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

 

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a near perfect film and is on digital, 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray for the first time. 

In the year 1805, Napoleon has conquered all of Europe with the exception of England. All that stands between him and invading England is the Royal British Navy. Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey (Russell Crowe), commands the HMS Surprise, a 28-gun frigate, with orders to stop the French 44-gun privateer Acheron. 

Intended to be a trilogy, Master and Commander was based loosely off the acclaimed novels by Patrick O-Brian. While the movie was critically acclaimed and received no less than 10 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, the box office return was only modest at best. Plus, the film was largely overshadowed by several films including Elf and the epic Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. 

But Master and Commander is a masterclass in world-building. Think James Cameron and Titanic when it comes to attention to detail. You will feel like the 19th Century has come back to life. Much of the movie was shot on a real frigate out on sea. The HMS Rose is still in San Diego and you can still take a tour of this ship. They even built a second full size replica to film at the Fox Baja Studios. Even the actors portraying the ships crew were trained in their sailing responsibilities. 

The heart and soul of this movie is the friendship between Aubrey and Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany), the ship's doctor and naturalist. While these two men are complete opposites, they share a bond and respect for one another that cannot be broken.    

Video:

The film has been remastered into 4K from the original negatives and the results are stunning. There is so much fine detail to take from fabrics, to skin tones, to hair, to rope and sails. All the colors feel earthy and natural. Just a beautiful remastering job. 

Audio:

The audio is now in a Dolby Atmos mix that must be heard to be believed. The level of immersion is quite remarkable. From exterior shots where you can hear the men yelling at one another from the rigging above you. The interior shots where you can hear the men running on the decks above you. The quiet moments where you can hear the creaking of the ship to the waves hitting the ship's hull. In the battle sequences you can hear the cannon balls shoot past you, the timbers shattering around you and the clanging of swords everywhere.  

Bonus Features:

• The Hundred Days (SD – 68:38)
• In the Wake of O’Brian (SD – 19:24)
• Cinematic Phasmids (SD – 30:02)
• On Sound Design (SD – 17:47)
• Interactive Canon Demonstration (Audio Feature)
• HBO First Look (SD – 25:02)
• Historical and Graphic Trivia Track
• Deleted Scenes (SD – 6 scenes – 24:20 in all)
  • Weighing Anchor (SD – 4:16)
  • Shipboard Life (SD – 9:50)
  • Superstition (SD – 3:20)
  • Dentistry (SD – 1:08)
  • Articles of War (SD – 2:43)
  • Galapagos (SD – 3:00)
• Multi-Camera Shooting (SD – 6 angles – 2:42)
  • Surprising the Surprise
    • 4 Camera Setup (SD – 6 angles – 2:42)
  • The Final Battle
    • 4 Camera Setup (SD – 6 angles – 5:19)
    • 3 Camera Setup (SD – 5 angles – 2:08)
    • 2 Camera Setup (SD – 4 angles – 1:59)
  • Split-Screen Vignette (SD – 4:30)
• Trailers
  • Theatrical Teaser (SD – 1:19)
  • Theatrical Trailer (SD - 2:43)
  • International Trailer (SD – 1:02)

Conclusion:

A perfect film filled with an unbreakable friendship, historical authenticity, and an amazing naval adventure. Solid video and immersive audio along with great bonus features will make Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World a welcomed addition to your film library.

*The movie was sent by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the this review. The review I strictly my own opinion.*