TL;DR
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on UHD is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful MCU film, even better on a second viewing. While Drax's humor can be overdone, the HDR picture is vibrant with excellent IMAX aspect ratio expansion, and the Dolby Atmos sound, once adjusted for initial low volume, is immersive. The UHD also boasts great special features, including director commentary. If you loved the film theatrically, this UHD edition offers a premium experience that solidifies its place as a top MCU entry. Dive into the full review to see why this release is a must-have.
Having previously reviewed Guardians of the Galaxy – Vol.3 during its theatrical release, this review will focus specifically on the UHD edition.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Vol.3 is the thirty-second installment in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) and, notably, the film that rekindled my interest in Marvel. Recent years have seen a proliferation of films, many of which have lacked compelling narratives, significant challenges, and meaningful consequences.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Vol.3 proved even more engaging upon a second viewing, solidifying its position as the most emotionally resonant film within the MCU. As previously noted, the film is not without its imperfections. The filmmakers’ inclination towards Bautista’s portrayal of Drax occasionally leads to jokes being prolonged and repeated excessively. However, these are minor shortcomings. The visual effects, too, appear improved compared to other films in the franchise.
The visual presentation is in 2160p with HDR, resulting in a vibrant picture with excellent color accuracy. Select sequences are presented in IMAX format, expanding the aspect ratio from 2.39:1 to fill the screen during key action scenes and the final battle. The high bitrate ensures smooth playback, even during rapid panning shots, with no discernible blooming or compression artifacts.
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, providing a well-executed and immersive surround sound experience. However, the initial audio mix is notably low. An approximate 10dB increase in volume was required to achieve a comparable listening level. Once adjusted, the audio performance is commendable.
The UHD edition includes a wealth of supplementary material, offering both entertainment and insightful information. Of particular interest is the commentary track featuring director James Gunn, providing a deeper exploration of the film’s creation.
In conclusion, Guardians of the Galaxy – Vol.3 remains a must-see film and stands as one of the strongest entries in the MCU. It sets a high benchmark for future installments.
SF Studios provided the review copy for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted impartially, with a focus on the interests of our readers and consumers.
