World War Z

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "World War Z" presents a mixed bag in terms of video quality, especially when comparing the remastered Blu-ray and the UHD versions. The remastered Blu-ray, while offering an increase in brightness, doesn't necessarily bring a significant improvement in detail or sharpness over its Paramount counterpart or the extended cut. In some cases, this heightened brightness detracts from the film's inherent atmospheric and tonal darkness, though certain darker scenes do benefit from improved black levels. The inconsistency in visual upgrades and the alteration in brightness levels create a varied viewing experience that might not satisfy those looking for a substantial upgrade in picture quality.

On the other hand, the 4K UHD presentation offers a moderate, yet noticeable improvement in clarity, sharpness, and color depth over the Blu-ray version. Facial details and textures receive a commendable boost, making close-up shots more impactful. The Dolby Vision grading enhances the overall palette without overbrightening, maintaining more natural and lifelike skin tones and better black and white levels, thus providing a more stable and cinematic image. Despite being sourced from a 2K digital intermediate and displaying a digital tinge characteristic of its original filming technique, the UHD version manages to elevate "World War Z" to its most visually pleasing presentation yet, even if these improvements are somewhat restrained.

However, it's critical to highlight that the 4K restoration might not live up to some viewers' expectations for a definitive upgrade. The overall softness and occasional lack of texture can be disconcerting, given the anticipation surrounding 4K remasters. While certain scenes, particularly those lit by fire or flares, dazzle with added vibrancy and contrast thanks to Dolby Vision, the presentation struggles to fully capitalize on the format's potential. This results in a viewing experience that, while certainly the best version of "World War Z" available, may leave enthusiasts debating its value against its cost, underscoring a missed opportunity to showcase the film in its truest visual splendor.

Shout! Factory's release of "World War Z" on 4K UHD Blu-ray comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which, despite being a step down from Paramount’s previous 7.1 lossless track, offers an impressively rich and spacious audio experience. The track's quality is evident in its deep, dynamic range and its ability to handle both the subtle nuances of quieter scenes and the booming chaos of action sequences with equal finesse. The presentation excels in clarity and balance, allowing both the film's music score and varied sound effects—from heart-pounding bass in action scenes to the clear, centered dialogue amidst frenetic zombie chases—to shine through without overwhelming each other. This robust audio mix demonstrates that, even with fewer channels, the craftsmanship involved ensures a top-tier listening experience that nearly reaches the heights of its predecessor.

Despite the curious decision to downgrade to a 5.1 mix from the original 7.1, the soundtrack does not fail to deliver on intensity and atmospheric immersion. From the initial ominous drumbeats of the opening logos to the intricate layering of environmental sounds like rain, crowds, and even the distinct echoes of gunfire within confined spaces, the audio mix succeeds in pulling the listener into the heart of the action. The LFE channel is put to effective use, lending weight and depth to scenes with significant impact or explosions, ensuring that each moment of suspense or high-octane action feels as impactful as intended. Even in quieter moments, ambient sounds are meticulously placed across channels to create a realistic sense of place and movement.

The transition from serene domestic settings to the chaos of a world under siege is masterfully handled, with audio cues playing a pivotal role in elevating the tension and urgency of the film's narrative. The mix adeptly navigates the spectrum of sound, from the intricacies of whispered conversations and the subtle rustle of movement to the overpowering roars of engines or zombie hordes. The use of directional audio enriches key scenes, creating an enveloping atmosphere that enhances both immersion and emotional engagement. While the move to a 5.1 mix might initially seem like a downgrade, it is executed with such precision that it nearly replicates the enveloping experience of a more expansive setup, solidifying its position as a noteworthy achievement in audio presentation for home entertainment.

Shout! Factory's 4K UHD edition of "World War Z" enriches the viewing experience with an impressive array of extras, effectively balancing brand-new content with valuable carryovers from the original Paramount release. Notably, this edition does not include a digital copy or slipcover, which might deter some collectors. The newly introduced extras, such as in-depth explorations of zombie lore, practical makeup effects, and the film's score, stand out as highlights. Additionally, the extended cut Blu-ray features an exclusive Zombie Town Hall with genre luminaries that is a must-watch for fans. Although some extras appear to be sourced from other editions, their inclusion here makes for a comprehensive package. This release captures the essence of the "World War Z" phenomenon, offering both new insights and preserving crucial elements from previous releases.

Extras included in this disc:

NEW! Re-Inventing Zombies: Delves into the unique approach to zombie characteristics.

NEW! Becoming a Zombie: Focuses on practical makeup effects for zombies.

NEW! The Score of World War Z: Insight into the creation of the film's score.

NEW! How to Survive the Apocalypse: A five-part series on apocalypse survival strategies.

NEW! TV Spots: Collection of seven promotional TV spots.

NEW! Theatrical Trailer: Official movie trailer.

NEW! Zombie Town Hall: A roundtable discussion with leading figures in the zombie genre.

Origins: Exploration of the novel's concepts and challenges in adaptation.

Looking to Science: Discusses the scientific underpinnings and plausibility within the film.

World War Z Production: A four-part documentary detailing various aspects of filming.

Shout! Factory's release of "World War Z" in the latest 4K UHD format revitalizes Marc Forster's popular 2013 apocalypse thriller starring Brad Pitt. Enhanced with 2160p resolution and Dolby Vision, the movie's visual presentation is richer and more immersive than ever before. Accompanying the high-definition upgrade, the audio experience is equally impressive, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack across all three versions of the film: the Theatrical Cut, the Extended, Unrated Cut, and a remastered Blu-ray edition. Shout! Factory's dedication to bringing both new and legacy content into this release enriches the viewing experience beyond mere visual and auditory enhancements, making it a definitive edition for fans and newcomers alike.

In "World War Z," Brad Pitt's portrayal of Gerry Lane, a retired UN investigator thrown into a global zombie pandemic, strikes a uniquely resonant chord in our post-pandemic world. The film's message, advising humanity to "Help each other," encapsulates a universal truth applicable to any crisis. Unlike typical zombie narratives that emphasize gore, "World War Z" opts for a more grounded approach, leveraging its PG-13 rating to focus on the chaos and societal breakdown triggered by the outbreak, rather than the bloodshed. This shift allows for a broader appeal, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced action and realistic scenarios—like the visually striking episode in Jerusalem—which add depth to the story without compromising its accessibility.

The movie's strength lies not just in its technical achievements but in its storytelling philosophy. Eschewing traditional zombie genre tropes for a more real-world "what if" scenario, it crafts a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. The tension is masterfully balanced between high-octane chase sequences and moments of gripping suspense, as simple as the sound of a rolling can inducing terror. Central to this narrative is Gerry's journey, motivated by a fundamental desire to protect his family—a relatable drive that lends emotional depth to the spectacular visuals. With this re-release, "World War Z" doesn't just boast technological enhancements but reaffirms its status as a compelling commentary on human resilience and solidarity in the face of unthinkable horror.

World War Z" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a compelling package that, despite a few notable shortcomings, showcases an unforgettable apocalyptic adventure with visuals that are as breathtaking as they are terrifying. The film itself garners appreciation for its robust storytelling and rapid-paced action sequences, setting itself apart from the zombie genre's more traditional narratives. It might not delve deep into the sociopolitical critiques familiar to fans of Romero or carry the gritty rawness of "The Walking Dead," but it compensates with a cinematic spectacle that's both thrilling and meticulously crafted. The director's ability to cater to hardcore genre enthusiasts while simultaneously appealing to a broader audience is evident, marking "World War Z" as a standout film of 2013 for its sheer entertainment value.

The 4K UHD release by Shout! Factory, however, brings about mixed feelings. On one hand, the visual upgrade is undeniable, serving the film's spectacular special effects and fast-paced scenes well, making them pop with clarity and detail that surpasses previous home video releases. Moreover, the inclusion of new extras not found in the original Paramount Blu-ray edition, along with the content from the original release, provides a comprehensive package that adds value for fans and collectors alike. Conversely, the absence of an audio upgrade to 7.1 or Dolby Atmos and the omission of the extended cut in 4K/Dolby Vision are sore points. These omissions notably limit the audiovisual potential and immersion that could have been achieved with this release.

In conclusion, while "World War Z" on 4K UHD Blu-ray impresses with its visual presentation and additional content, it stops short of being the definitive edition due to missed opportunities in audio enhancement and content selection. Regardless, the release remains a compelling upgrade for enthusiasts seeking to experience the film's apocalyptic frenzy with heightened clarity and detail. It's a must-own for fans willing to overlook its imperfections for an overall enjoyable revisit to one of the most entertaining zombie narratives of the past decade.