7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Two Chicago firefighter brothers who don't get along have to work together while a dangerous arsonist is on the loose.
Starring: Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason LeighAction | 100% |
Crime | 35% |
Thriller | 29% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Mystery | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS:X
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French (Canada): DTS 5.1
Japanese: DTS 5.1
Portuguese: DTS 2.0 Mono
Spanish: DTS 2.0
Latin American Spanish
English SDH, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Universal has released Director Ron Howard's 1991's firefighting film 'Backdraft' to the UHD format. The disc includes new 2160p/HDR video and DTS:X audio. The bundled Blu-ray is identical to that which released in 2011 and brings with it the totality of extras to be found in this set.
The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.
Universal is on a roll of late with its catalogue UHD releases; Hellboy II: The Golden Army and Field of Dreams are both standouts, and the 2160p/HDR release of
Backdraft further solidifies the studio's recent run of excellence. Ron Howard's 1991 picture is a visual standout on the format whether in
bright daytime exteriors or
in smoldering low light interiors. The UHD picture is razor sharp in those daytime exteriors. There are many examples of the transfer's excellence and
vast superiority over the Blu-ray, but a good spot for study can be found
at the 54-minute mark when the McCaffrey brothers talk after a fire. Brian is sitting on the truck's rear end and Bull is leaning against it (and will
eventually take a seated position alongside his brother). The UHD reveals
the uniform's textures with superior command, including stitches, grime, and velcro. Facial textures are complex and the back of the fire truck -- the
steel plating, various valves, and a caution sign -- are tack-sharp. The shot is a highlight example of how the UHD betters the Blu-ray for clarity, detail,
and sharpness by leaps and bounds. It's a significant boost that is maintained throughout, yielding picture-perfect character portraits, well defined
smoldering ruins, and
wonderful detail around Chicago, whether out on the streets, in the station, or at various locations such as a bar or Bull's boat. The grain structure
presents
naturally and organically. It's slightly more dense at night or in low light, and a handful of shots appear slightly flat and soft (Brian and Jennifer
speaking outside a bar early in the film). Overall, however, the image's clarity and detail are superb.
The HDR color spectrum solidifies the image without fundamentally altering the movie's longstanding color elements. The adds to pop, depth, and
detail hugely impress, all giving the film a more organic and lifelike palette. Fire engine reds are obviously one of the standouts, offering a greatly
refined color that brings a much-needed added depth and punch that blows the Blu-ray away, a Blu-ray that appears comparatively light and
faded in comparison. Black firefighting jackets appear more robust and the yellow safety bars brighter and more intense. Blazes are the greatest
beneficiaries, finding a significant add to fiery oranges, red, and whites, bursting out of the screen with an intensity befitting a movie about firefighting.
Even the opening title card, featuring the letters enflamed around a black background, offers a serious increase in depth and stability. Skin tones are
right on the money and low light black levels and shadow details are excellent. The UHD further handles smoky, hazy building interiors with ease,
showing no banding or other compression issues. It's a smooth ride for Backdraft on UHD from start to finish. Fans will be thrilled.
Backdraft's DTS:X soundtrack will put even the most stout and studly of audio systems to the test. The track produces a frenzy of intense bass in every firefighting scene. An early movie explosion rumbles with terrifying depth. An explosion minutes later offers not just strong bass but a detailed rush of energy that pushes through the stage with incredible intensity. When battling the fires alongside the crew, listeners will feel the flames, experience debris falling all around, hear water dripping, and fear the roaring flames. Stage immersion and absolute intensity are second to none. Bottom line, bass is absolutely prolific throughout; it's an intense experience in the DTS:X configuration which is a fine refinement that enhances the core elements while maintaining the fundamentals. Additional sound effects are nicely detailed and integrated, such as the blaring fire engine horn or the bustle around fire scenes. The track employs positive energy and spacial awareness in busy locations like a barroom in chapter two. Hans Zimmer's wonderful score enjoys strongly defined detail, presenting with a nice, wide front end spread and a modestly engaged but very complimentary surround support. Dialogue is finely detailed, nicely prioritized (though slightly hard to hear when competing with the most intense roaring flames), and grounded in the center channel. Slight examples of reverb are audible as the situation warrants. This one's a rush.
Universal's UHD release of Backdraft includes the 2011 Blu-ray which brings with it the entirety of the supplemental content for this release. A
Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.
Universal has another UHD hit on its hands with Backdraft. The 2160p/HDR picture is exemplary, the DTS:X soundtrack is of reference quality, and the included supplements on the bundled Blu-ray are just fine. The movie is fairly good, too, and holds up as both an action film and character study. Highly recommended.
1991
1991
Remastered Edition
1991
1991
1990's Best Of The Decade Collection
1991
1991
Anniversary Edition
1991
2011
2014
2012
2012
2019
2008
2013
2014
2015
2018
2023
2021
2014
2020
1988
The Dirty Harry Collection
1976
Special Edition
2008
1996
2012
2017