Backdraft 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Backdraft 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman May 16, 2019

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.

Young Brian McCaffrey watched his firefighter father die in a horrific blaze. Two decades later, Brian (William Baldwin) carries on the family tradition, graduating into the Chicago Fire Department where he is assigned, against his wishes and despite a bribe, to his older brother Bull's (Kurt Russell) company. The rookie finds himself overwhelmed by and underperforming in his first blaze. His struggles only further distance him from Bull. Brian is ultimately reassigned to arson investigation alongside veteran Donald Rimgale (Robert De Niro) who is exploring the possibility that a string of recent, deadly fires around the city point back to the work of a long-imprisoned arsonist.

For a full film review, please see Jeffrey Kauffman's writing attached to the 2011 Blu-ray here.

Backdraft 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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.

Backdraft 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

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.

• U-Control
• Ron Howard Introduction
• Igniting the Story
• Bringing Together the Team
• The Explosive Stunts
• Creating the Villain: The Fire
• Real-Life Firemen, Real-Life Stories
• Theatrical Trailers

Backdraft 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

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.