Aquaman 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		0.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		2.5

Aquaman 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Warner Brothers has released the hit DC Extended Universe film 'Aquaman' to the Blu-ray 3-D format in no less than three configurations: this Amazon exclusive that includes only the 3-D disc and a digital copy; another which adds a 2-D Blu-ray, and a Best Buy exclusive that tosses in a DVD on top of the 3-D, 2-D, and digital versions. It's interesting to see the studio throw three versions on the market when most other studios have abandoned the format. But hold the praise. Warner Brothers has not exactly rolled out the red carpet for any of these 3-D releases; each 3-D disc lacks the Dolby Atmos soundtrack found on the 2-D Blu-ray and UHD discs, and the 3-D version of the film is also absent the IMAX 1.78:1 scenes: the entire film is presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. It's a solid A/V presentation in a vacuum but far from the triumph it could have been.

Aquaman 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from a 2-D Blu-ray copy of the film.

Warner Brothers presents Aquaman on Blu-ray 3-D within a steady 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Unlike the Blu-ray and the UHD, which included numerous scenes at the 1.78:1 IMAX aspect ratio, this presentation foregoes any aspect ratio shifts. A point off the score for that.

Analyzing the 3-D image with controversy set aside, without allowing any of the baggage to weigh on the presentation, reveals a really great 3-D experience. There's a natural depth to practically every scene. From barrooms to barren deserts, from resplendently realized Atlantis to ancient undersea ruins, the film just works in the 3-D format. James Wan and Cinematographer Don Burgess seem to have shot the film with the format in mind. Though it was converted in post production, it looks authentic and right at home with the added depth and dimension. The digital effects hold up, the landscapes sprawl, the characters take shape, and action explodes off the screen. There are some striking visuals to be found. Vast underwater vistas and incalculably large Atlantean constructs are the most prominent, with a number of shots that seem carefully manipulated for maximum 3-D impact. Even in static shots in more confined spaces, everything seems arranged just so to deliver the best 3-D image possible. Even up on the surface, the 3-D visuals stretch. A beachside training sequence in chapter six, when Nuidis Vulko (Willem Dafoe) trains a teenage Arthur Curry (Kekoa Kekumano), the landscape extends to infinity. There's also no shortage of elements that appear to protrude from the screen, including small underwater particles, larger hunks and chunks of debris flying towards the viewer, a number of weapon barrels when pointed in the appropriate direction, and at several points tridents strike outward towards the viewer in training and combat alike. It's a thrill.

The standard visual components don't suffer under the 3-D parameters. While the image appears a little darker than the Blu-ray (and a fair bit compared to the Dolby Vision-enabled UHD), the color palette appears accurate, boasting good contrast and well defined color depth, even down in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Textural elements are terrific. The 1080p resolution is more than enough to see and explore all of the practical and digital highlights the movie has to offer with perfectly acceptable definition and detail, whether considering faces, costumes, or environments.

Note that the "Video" score is marked zero because there is no 2-D Blu-ray disc included in this set.

Aquaman 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Much like Warner Brothers has not fully committed to the 3-D experience with the video presentation, the studio has also refused to give 3-D the full audio experience. As per common studio practice, this 3-D release drops the Dolby Atmos track in favor of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack (which is also included on the Atmos-enabled Blu-ray and UHDs, and is inexplicably the default soundtrack on both releases). Point knocked off for that, but the 5.1 track is certainly no slouch. From the first time the white-clad Atlantean shock troops break into Tom Curry's house with a potent explosive thud, fans will realize they are in for a best-case scenario soundtrack for this configuration. Effects are confidently strong, with potent subwoofer output, enveloping surround integration, well defined discrete effects, spacious and detailed music, and fundamentally clear and center-focused dialogue. There are many examples of note that showcase the track's prowess. Any action scene is a delight, dialogue exchanges are clear, and music is triumphant. The lack of Atmos is more than disappointing, but this isn't exactly a monumental downgrade. It's the same thing Sony, for example, does with its Blu-ray discs that release with a UHD counterpart.

Note that due to home theater logistics, I was not able to review the 5.1 track included on the actual 3-D disc. This audio review is based on the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track included on a 2-D Blu-ray copy of the film, which should be identical to that included on the 3-D disc.

Aquaman 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplemental content on the 3-D disc. Why Warner Brothers stripped this Amazon exclusive set bare and is charging the most for it is a mystery. The other releases offer more, and are cheaper. For 3-D fans choosing either of those sets (linked above), click here for full supplemental content reviews. This release ships with a Movies Anywhere digital copy code.

Aquaman 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The actual on-disc 3-D presentation is terrific and the 5.1 track is great. If this came out six or seven years ago it would be a reference quality release. But it's nearly impossible to recommend today and against the other Aquaman home video options on the market. No Atmos, no IMAX, no extras, and Warner Brothers and Amazon are charging an arm and both legs. This is a bad value approaching a whopping $50 (!!!!!!!) after taxes. At least the Best Buy exclusive offers a more substantial package, which includes the 2-D Blu-ray with Atmos, IMAX, and Extras, at 2/3 of the price (and a Slipcover for those who care...which is also missing on this release). That's a fair value, even considering the stripped-down 3-D disc.

But, overall, it's a shame that the 3-D disc is given second-class treatment around the edges, because the 3-D visuals, IMAX or no, are really quite good. The movie is a natural fit for the format, and this reviewer found it a blast to boot. Buy the Best Buy version instead, and for anyone willing to spend around $50 in the first place, pair it up with the terrific UHD. It's not the best of both worlds since the 3-D disc is not the best of anything, but that's the best use for anyone budgeting around $50 for Aquaman.