The Bridge on the River Kwai 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

The Bridge on the River Kwai 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released a UHD SteelBook packaging variant for the classic 1957 film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai.' The film was previously released to the UHD format in 2017 and again in a re-pressing that discarded the fluff UHD extras from the format's early days. This edition includes new video with Dolby Vision color grading (thanks to the forum members who pointed out the error in the previous writing). The included Blu-ray is identical to the 2010 release. See the 'Special Features and Extras' section of the review below for more on the SteelBook's look and feel and the "Video" section for a few brief words on the Dolby Vision color grading.

The Bridge on the River Kwai 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

This UHD is a bit different than previous editions. This version includes Dolby Vision color grading as opposed to the previous release's HDR coloring. The differences are not subtle, but neither are they transformative. The Dolby Vision offers some tweaked tonal essentials. The result is a somewhat browner, more beige coloring as opposed to the brighter tones on the HDR disc. This version looks a little more tonally grounded and lifelike. In some scenes with more expressive colors away from the camp, such as at the 81-minute mark, viewers will notice the same trend, with flowery colors and vegetation greenery appearing a bit deeper and more naturally inclined. There are no immediately obvious differences in terms of textures and clarity. This is certainly the nicer looking of the two, but it's probably not worth the double-dip splurge for anyone but the most ardent videophile or fan of the film.

The Bridge on the River Kwai 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For a full UHD audio review, please click here.

The Bridge on the River Kwai 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Sony's elegant glossy SteelBook will show some handling fingerprints. The front panel is a breathtakingly beautiful bit of artwork that features the winding river Kwai cutting through harsh terrain. The completed bridge towers over it and runs perpendicular to the river. A setting sun appears prominently at the top. A few parachutes dot the scene as they fall from the sky on the top left side. The rear panel is yellow with an explosive plunger and some rocks and vegetation center. The wire extends to the left side. The legalese has been moved to the SteelBook's very bottom. The spine features the film's title in silver text, center; and a Sony logo, bottom, both against a black background.

Inside, the digital copy code is tucked underneath the left-hand-side tabs. The two discs, one UHD and one Blu-ray, are situated on the right in staggered-stacked formation. There is no inner print; it is simply a classy uniform rose color.

For a list of the included bonus content, please click here.

The Bridge on the River Kwai 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

This is a wonderful SteelBook for a wonderful film and a wonderful UHD. The Dolby Vision color grading is excellent. It's an improvement to the HDR but not a must buy double-dip. For packaging collectors, hardcore fans of the film, and first-time buyers, this package earns my highest recommendation.