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.*

4K Digital Review of Lilo & Sitch (2025)

 

One of my favorite Disney animated films has been given the live-action treatment. Director Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) gives us a more character driven take on the animated classic. It is more grounded and utilizes Hawaiian culture as part of the heart and soul of the movie and not just a cultural backdrop. The bond between Lilo and Nani is where this movie shines. 

Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a misunderstood little girl who is imaginative and feels like she doesn't fit in. Her sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) is a high school student struggling to raise her sister while grieving over the loss of their parents. She is also trying to finish high school and work to make ends meet. The supporting characters bring warmth while not taking anything away from the heart of the story. Amy Hill's Tutu is the perfect caring auntie. David (Kaipo Dudoit) gives Nani quiet support and encouragement. Tia Carrere as the social worker provides caring and understanding. Changes to the story and to the characters from the animated version do not take away from the originals fun and chaos but also bring in dealing with grief and displacement.

Stitch, voiced once again by Chris Sanders, is still the same ball of chaotic energy with a lot of heart as well. Here he complicates matters rather than fixing them. When he begins to change, it feels genuine and not just a plot point.  

In the end, Lilo & Stitch is more than just action sequences and laughs. It is about ohana, who is your family and who is there for you. It is about the connections of family, friends, culture and what it means to love and fight through adversity.

Video:

While not flawless, the 4K streaming video is beautiful. The blending of CGI and live-action is mostly seamless. The high resolution of the 4K does seem more obvious that there are both CGI and live-action elements. Other than that, the physical sets and clothing offer high amounts of detail to take in. The physical locations, such as the beach, offer such fine details as the grains of the sand. And as we have come to expect from Disney, the color palette is outstanding. Another fine transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track here is wonderful. It is full of moments of complete immersion such as the opening escape sequence and the surfing sequence. Such great use of all of the channels. Dialogue is crystal clear. The sounds of Stitch scurrying about sounds great from the rear channels. The Hawaiian ambient music and the environment sounds in the outdoor scenes are so vibrant in the rear channels. Another great track from Disney.

Bonus Features:

• Deleted Scenes:
• Nani Cleans Up
• My Name is Nani 
• ‘Ohana Means Family: Making Lilo & Stitch – Learn how an animated classic becomes an instant live-action favorite. Explore the challenges of bringing Stitch into the real world, how the familiar images of the original were recreated, and join returning cast members on a set that embodies ‘ohana.
• Drawn to Life – Check out scenes from the animated original film alongside their live-action counterparts to see how these beloved key moments were faithfully recreated. And uncover some easter eggs along the way!
• Bloopers – Take a look at some of the fun mishaps on set with the cast and crew of Lilo & Stitch.
• Scenes with Stitch – Hear Stitch talk about some of his favorite scenes as he watches the movie play.
• Escape To Earth
• Feeding Fish
• Hula Performance
• Stitch Gets Named
• Bath Time
• Watch This 

Conclusion:

Lilo & Stitch is a welcomed addition to your library with expanding the story and making it a true Lilo and Nani story. Light but enjoyable supplements and fine audio and video round off this digital release.

Lilo & Stitch is now available on digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD.

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

4K Digital Review of Thunderbolts*

 

As Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes to an end, Thunderbolts* gets the MCU back on track with a story of misfits who end up working together for a greater cause. These misfits include Yelena (Florence Pugh), her dad the Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). They join forces with Bucky Barns (Sebastian Stan) and CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Valentina, who is being investigated for her possible connection to a secret project, sets all of them up to gather them together to be eliminated. Bob (Lewsi Pullman) is the only successful part of this secret project and might be the key to stopping Valentina. 

The movie stands on its own as we make way for Phase 6. We get an impressive band of people who feel alone for different reasons and what they do to get through and not let the darkness win. We don't get the polished fight sequences. We get the fight sequences of those that have no superpowers, just the ability to punch and shoot. And at the end we get a tease of things to come in the future of the MCU. 

Video:

The 4K streaming video is wonderful. Colors are vibrant and details are razor sharp. Black levels are nice and inky. Another fine transfer from Disney and Marvel.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is another solid effort from Disney and Marvel. The dialogue is crystal clear. The action sequences, especially those towards the end of the film, really engage the surround channels. Just another Marvel-ous listening experience. 

Bonus Features:

• Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut.
  • Door is Unliftable
  • Gary Announcement

• Assembling a Team to Remember – Spend a bit of quality time with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts* as they divulge how the film’s fictional team of superpowered mavericks, misfits and antiheroes was assembled.

• Around the World and Back Again – Discover the eclectic locations and astounding production design that helped make Thunderbolts* a rousing reality, including a visit to the sprawling sets in Kuala Lumpur where we join Florence Pugh performing stunts atop one of planet Earth’s tallest buildings and blowing up buildings on the streets.

• All About Bob, Sentry & The Void – Deep dive into the making of three different characters: Bob, Sentry, and The Void – all performed by Lewis Pullman.

• Gag Reel – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Thunderbolts*

• Director’s Audio Commentary – Watch the film with audio commentary by director Jake Schreier.

Conclusion:

The MCU is back on track with Thunderbolts* as Phase 5 comes to a close. A powerful film on what it feels like to be alone and to not let the darkness win. Top tier video and audio along with decent supplements make this a welcome addition to your library.

Thunderbolts* is available on digital, Blu-ray and DVD. 

*The film was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

4K Digital Review of The Amateur

 

The Amateur has all the tools for a great one-man-army story but sadly fails on the execution. Rami Malek plays Charles, a CIA crytographer, who loses his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) to a terrorist attack. Charles begins to go through the evidence and with a CIA training session with Robert (Laurence Fishburne) is off to track down the terrorists. 

What starts off as a great movie is bogged down in the second act with needless rehashing of what Charles is going through. Strange story choices as well as new characters that have nothing to do, pull you out of the momentum of the film.    

Video:

The 4K UHD streaming video is a great presentation. Everything is sharp and crisp with lots of details. Another fine transfer from Disney. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track here is practically perfect. Wait until you hear the big pool scene. The way that the sound washes (sorry for the pun) over you is phenomenal. The environmental effects are consistent and engaging throughout the movie. The score plays well in the surround channels. Dialogue is crisp and clean.

Bonus Features:

• The Team – Join the cast and crew as they reflect on what drew them to this bold project. Rami Malek shares his dual experience as both actor and producer. Director James Hawes and others discuss how the script blends emotional depth and high-stakes action.
• The World – Explore how the film’s production combined real-world locations with intricate set designs to create a visually stunning and immersive world, from the shadowy halls of CIA headquarters to the bustling streets of Europe.
• The Pool – Go behind the scenes as the talented creative team uncovers how Charlie’s ingenious plan involving the sky pool was conceived, planned and executed, blending practical effects and cutting-edge technology to deliver a show-stopping moment.
• The Score – Listen in as the composer and director talk about the challenges of creating the score’s various themes — and using unusual instruments and techniques — to bring emotion and drama to this unique thriller.
• Deleted Scenes:
• Sarah Wonders How Charlie Can Trust His CIA Bosses 
• Henderson Blasts Heller for Failing a Training Exercise
• Heller Tracks Gretchen Through Paris
• A Third Assassin Chases Heller Through the Hotel Basement
• Heller Asks Inquiline Some Personal Questions

Conclusion:

The Amateur starts off really strong and then struggles to get to the finish line. The audio and video quality is solid with some enjoyable bonus material. 

The Amateur is available on digital and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is my strictly my own opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Snow White (live-action)

 

This live-action Snow White was called by many as a disaster. Most of the internet buzz was highly negative and definitely from more people that clearly did not see the movie than by those that actually watched it. There are some story changes that might be deemed as "Disneyfied" modern approaches here. There is a large multi-ethnic cast. There are also several new songs that have more of a contemporary feel. Rachel Zegler as Snow White was delightful and her songs were perfect for her. 

I guess it could be argued that the story changed made this more of a Cinderella story than a Snow White story but for me they fit the modern approach to telling this tale. All in all, a good effort that sadly got more slack than it deserved. 

Video:

The 4K streaming video is stunningly gorgeous. Here the CG elements almost flawlessly combine with the practical elements. The colors literally explode off the screen. Take time to enjoy the highlights of Snow White's color palette or the darker tones of the Evil Queen's palette of teal and jade. This is a masterclass in digital transfers.

Audio:

The Atmos audio track matches the video quality note for note. Dialogue is crisp and clear. The score feels like it is floating around you through the surround channels. The environmental sounds, especially those of the forest, are noticeable throughout the movie. Scenes with the Magic Mirror and the wild mine car sequence make the most of creating an immersive audio experience. 

Bonus Features:

·       Sing Along with the Movie: Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with onscreen lyrics.

 

·       Deleted Scenes:

o   Anguish and Opportunity

o   Danger in the Woods

o   Hunt for Snow White

 

·       Fearless, Fair, Brave, and True: Making Snow White – Take a look behind the scenes with director Marc Webb, cast and crew as they share their vision for this live-action reimagining of Snow White, highlighting how they honor the legacy of the original story, including the characters, set design and more.

 

·       Merry Tunes – Go behind the songs with filmmakers and songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Hear about their new songs and how they beautifully intertwine with the classics.

 

·       Fairy Tale Fashion – Get an in-depth look at the fashion and costuming for the film, featuring legendary costume designer Sandy Powell. Along with filmmakers and cast, Sandy provides insight into how she brought iconic looks to life for Snow White, the Evil Queen and more.

 

·       Bloopers – Discover all the fun and laugh along with the cast as they have the time of their lives making Snow White.

Conclusion:

This version of Snow White has very impressive visuals and fun, new songs. Zegler is great as Snow White. The technical aspects of the film are stellar. The bonus materials are few but enjoyable. A welcomed addition to your library.

Snow White is available on digital now. 

*This film was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

Trailer Now Available for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart”

 

Check out an exciting new trailer and image for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart,” launching exclusively on Disney+ on June 24. Says Dominique Thorne, who stars as young, genius inventor Riri Williams, “What was interesting for me was how different Riri’s story and entrance into the MCU was in comparison to other characters. After bringing Riri to life in the world of Wakanda, we had an amazing opportunity to follow that up with a deep dive into the character that allows for the exploration of her origin story. We’re not necessarily going back in time; it’s more of catching up and seeing the effects of how those first pivotal moments of her life have shaped her, and seeing the person that she’s trying to become.”

 

Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Television’s “Ironheart” pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Thorne), determined to make her mark on the world, returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant, but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos).The series also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam and Anji White. Chinaka Hodge is head writer; episodes are directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. Executive producers include Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Zoie Nagelhout, Chinaka Hodge, Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler. Produced in association with Proximity Media.

“Elio” – New Trailer and Advance Tickets Now Available

 

Tickets are now on sale wherever tickets are sold for Disney and Pixar’s “Elio,” the cosmic misadventure that introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. Opening exclusively in theaters on June 20, “Elio” features a fun and funny array of aliens with whom Elio aligns himself in hopes he can relocate to outer space permanently. Moviegoers who can’t wait till the release date can check out early-access screenings on June 18—check local theaters for more information. Plus, showcasing fun alien characters like liquid supercomputer Ooooo, friendly ambassador Helix, Elio’s new alien friend, Glordon, and space warlord Grigon.

 

For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Elio,” the universe calls back! When Elio is beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio’s all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be. Directed by Madeline Sharafian (“Burrow” Sparkshort), Domee Shi (“Bao” short, “Turning Red”) and Adrian Molina (co-screenwriter/co-director of “Coco”), and produced by Mary Alice Drumm (associate producer of “Coco”), the film features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga, Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa and Shirley Henderson as Ooooo. 

4K Digital Review of Tombstone

 

In the year 1878, Tombstone in the Arizona territory is a boomtown. Ex-lawmen Wyatt (Kurt Russell) and Virgil Earp (Sam Elliot), and their younger brother Morgan (Bill Paxton) have moved here along with their wives. Wyatt's friend "Doc" Holiday (Val Kilmer), who is suffering from tuberculosis, has also come to town in hopes the dry weather will help him get better. 

A gang known as the Cowboys have also settled down in Tombstone. Their illustrious leader is "Curly" Bill (Powers Boothe). They have a skilled gunman in Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn). They want the freedom to do what they want and the innocent people of Tombstone stand in the way. The Earps feel that they need to protect the town's people. This all leads towards a fateful and historic showdown at the O.K. Corral.

Video:

This 4K transfer is a brand new scan of the original negatives and is absolutely spectacular. Every detail is vastly superior to the Blu-ray release back in 2010. The textures of materials, to the clouds in the sky are all sharp and crisp. Dimly-lit scenes are as detailed and focused as daytime scenes. One of the finest transfers from Disney.

Audio:

The audio track is essentially the same from the Blu-ray. Dialogue is rich and clear, the surrounds are enveloping and there is a lot of atmospheric ambiance. An excellent audio track then and an excellent audio track now.

Bonus Materials:

• The Making of Tombstone 
• An Ensemble Cast
• Making An Authentic Western
• The Gunfight At The O.K. Corral

• Director's Original Storyboards: O.K. Corral Sequence
• Trailers & TV Spots

Conclusion:

A solid film with an amazing cast surrounding a legendary story of the Wild West. The video and audio are some of the best ever. A highly recommended addition to your library.

*The movie was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review and the review is strictly my opinion*

4K Digital Review of Captain America: Brave New World

 

Captain America: Brave New World, picks up where we left off on the Falcon and the Winter Soldier Disney+ series. Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is still trying to take on the mantle of being Captain America from Steve Rodgers. General Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) has just become President of The United States and wants Sam to work with him. Sam is hesitant after the Sokovia Accords but agrees to work with the reformed Ross. 

While at the White House, Sam's friend, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), attempts to assassinate the President. Sam and Joaquin (Danny Ramirez), the new Falcon, try to find out what really happened. Every lead goes to Professor Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson). Sterns has been alive all of these years and has been working with Ross to create super weapons for the United States. Ross changed his mind about letting Sterns free and now Sterns is out for revenge. Now Captain America must summon all of his strength to take down Sterns and save the world from the brink of disaster.

Video:

The 4K stream is beautiful here and is a visual treat for the eyes. All of the details are marvelous here from cloth, to skin tones, to the energy coming from Cap's new wings. The colors are bright and vivid here. Another stellar transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio completely compliments the video transfer. Audio levels are perfect and the audio mix is fantastic. The surround and main channels are all working overtime with the sheer amount of action that takes places throughout the entire movie. One of the better streaming audio tracks from Disney.

Bonus Features:

●      Deleted Scenes:

○      A Heartfelt Thanks

○      The Mission

○      Stick Around

●      Assuming the Mantle

●      Old Scores, New Scars

●      Gag Reel

●      Audio Commentary

Conclusion:

Captain America: Brave New World does a great job of bringing Sam Wilson's Captain America to the forefront. Sam is making Cap his own and shows his heart and his intelligence are his greatest strengths. A solid audio and video presentation along with some fun bonus features, including audio commentary, make this a welcome addition to you library.

Captain America: Brave New World is out on digital platforms, DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD.

* This movie was sent to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment strictly for the purpose of review. The review is strictly my opinion.*