This review focuses on the technical merits of Disney’s UHD release of Avengers: Infinity War on Blu-ray, specifically its 4K presentation and Dolby Atmos sound.
Avengers: Infinity War UHD – The Image
The physical 4K edition of Infinity War features a 2160p resolution and HDR10. Notably absent is dynamic HDR (Dolby Vision), which is present in the digital edition (available on iTunes in the US, but not in Sweden at the time of writing) and generally enhances color vibrancy and luminance. However, physical media retain the advantage of avoiding compression and bandwidth limitations, allowing for potentially superior picture and sound quality.
The film was shot on a 6.5K Arri Alexa 65 camera, with the master created in native 4K, providing a strong foundation for a pristine 4K transfer. While the resulting image is undoubtedly impressive, with improved detail and enhanced lighting effects compared to the Full HD Blu-ray, it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The somber tone inherent in this initial chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 3, coupled with the dark cinematography, results in a somewhat subdued image. The vibrancy and dynamic range often associated with 4K HDR presentations are less pronounced than expected. This leads to a slightly muted and dim presentation, impacting contrast and overall detail. The inclusion of Dolby Vision or HDR10+ might have mitigated this; however, the final result, while good by current standards in Sweden, falls short of being a top-tier Marvel UHD release.
Avengers: Infinity War UHD – The Sound
In contrast to the image quality, the audio on the UHD release is a standout feature. The Dolby Atmos track, a 7.1.4 mix built upon a TrueHD container, delivers a dynamic and immersive experience. Expect robust and well-defined bass, along with a clear and focused front-center channel that ensures dialogue intelligibility. The improvement over the DTS-HDMA 7.1 track on the standard Blu-ray is significant, with the latter feeling somewhat restrained in comparison. This Atmos track is a genuine highlight.
Avengers: Infinity War UHD – The Extras
Consistent with typical releases, the extra material’s featurettes are concise, edited segments suited for shorter attention spans. Several deleted scenes are included, though their absence from the already lengthy film (2 hours and 30 minutes) is not particularly noticeable. The gag reel provides some lighthearted moments. However, the most insightful bonus content lies in the commentary tracks (available on the Blu-ray edition) featuring directors Anthony and Joe Russo, along with the screenwriters. These commentaries offer a deep dive into the film, its effects, and connections to the comic book source material, appealing to dedicated Marvel fans.
Summary
The initial act of Avengers: Infinity War can feel somewhat deliberate, establishing the assembled Avengers – a group even more formidable than in the 2012 film – as they unite against the seemingly insurmountable Thanos. However, the narrative quickly escalates, introducing high stakes and unexpected turns that evoke a range of emotions. Serving as an effective prelude to Avengers: Endgame (scheduled for UHD release in Sweden soon, and which we will review), Infinity War is a worthy addition to any Marvel collection. While the image quality is marginally improved on UHD (though not flawless), the compelling Dolby Atmos soundtrack makes it a worthwhile upgrade. This remains a prime example of Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking.
