TL;DR
This UHD review dives into a new cinematic Superman, praising its more human and vulnerable portrayal, which, while not for everyone, is a refreshing take on the hero. The reviewer highlights the stunning visual quality of the UHD edition, especially the vibrant colors and impressive detail, and the immersive Dolby Atmos sound. Despite minor quibbles like a logo change and some CGI reliance, the film's strengths shine through, amplified by extensive bonus features. Though lacking a commentary track, this release is a strong recommendation for fans looking for a warmer, more grounded Superman. Discover if this take on the Man of Steel is your new favorite in the full review!
Having previously reviewed Superman upon its theatrical release earlier this year, this review will now focus specifically on the UHD edition.
As a long-time admirer of the character, Superman remains one of my favorite heroes. A recurring criticism of recent cinematic interpretations has been the depiction of Superman as overly powerful and, at times, excessively violent. Therefore, when director James Gunn assumed creative control at DC and initiated a new vision for Superman, my anticipation was high.
I saw the film twice in the cinema and have now watched it on my home theater setup. After three viewings, I remain impressed with this iteration of Superman. However, certain creative choices were less favorable, notably the decision to alter the iconic logo to a design I find less appealing. This artistic choice is particularly perplexing given the simultaneous return to the character’s classic external briefs, reminiscent of the original design. Nevertheless, such minor grievances do not detract significantly from the overall experience.
The film also exhibits pacing issues in parts, and some sequences appear overly reliant on digital effects, despite the general commitment to practical builds. The use of practical effects, including filming in real snow, is commendable and a refreshing contrast to the prevalence of digital environments in contemporary cinema.
A More Human Superman
While some critics have contended that this portrayal depicts Superman as vulnerable and frequently overwhelmed, this approach is precisely what I appreciate. His character is neither invulnerable nor immortal, which maintains a consistent sense of threat. True to his comic book origins, he frequently confronts formidable challenges and overcomes disadvantages through ingenuity and determination.
The film retains its appeal after multiple viewings, a quality I found lacking in Man of Steel. While Henry Cavill‘s portrayal of Superman was commendable, the narrative and execution of that film ultimately proved to be its weaker points.
Technical Brilliance in UHD
The UHD edition presents the picture in 2160p Ultra HD with HEVC/H.265 compression, supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10. The image is pristine, demonstrating excellent detail reproduction, particularly evident in textures such as costumes, metallic surfaces, and intricate cityscapes. The color palette is vibrant and the contrast is meticulously balanced, contributing depth and dynamism to both dark and bright scenes. Dolby Vision is effectively utilized to enhance visual effects, especially during the dynamic flying sequences.
A notable sequence features Superman in dialogue with Lois Lane in her apartment while a battle rages outside the window. The image composition in this scene is particularly striking, achieving an almost three-dimensional quality.
The Dolby Atmos track delivers an immersive soundscape with precise channel separation. The height channels are deployed with great effectiveness in action sequences, particularly during the battle against a colossal monster in Metropolis. Dialogue remains clear and distinct, even amidst intense sonic activity.
Bonus Features and Final Words
In addition to the reference-quality audio and video, the disc features a substantial collection of bonus content, totaling nearly 100 minutes. It is refreshing to encounter such comprehensive behind-the-scenes material. The longest documentary runs for approximately an hour, complemented by several shorter segments. A notable omission, however, is the absence of a commentary track.
In summary, this UHD release of Superman is an essential acquisition. My sole reservations preventing a perfect score pertain to two aspects: the aforementioned lack of a commentary track, and the recognition that this specific interpretation of Superman may not resonate with all viewers. While I personally appreciate it, many fans may favor the darker, colder aesthetic of the Snyderverse interpretation. In my view, Batman embodies darkness and cold, whereas Superman represents light and warmth.
The future of Gunn’s DC Universe remains an intriguing prospect. While a sequel has been announced, the current industry landscape, including uncertainties surrounding Warner Bros and potential mergers with entities like Netflix, introduces questions about future developments. Regardless of future changes, this iteration of Superman stands as a compelling viewing experience for fans.
SF Studios provided a review copy for this test. The sender of the material has no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.
