Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Big Fish 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released Director Tim Burton's 2003 film 'Big Fish' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio. The included Blu-ray has also been remastered and is home to several extras that are new to the format. The film originally released to Blu-ray in 2007.

Big Fish 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from the new 1080p Blu-ray disc included with this set.

Big Fish makes a big splash on the UHD format. Sony's 2160p/HDR presentation equips the picture with a newfound sense of filmic excellence that is apparent in practically every shot. The picture holds steady to a natural grain structure, one which appears unblemished and absent any manipulation for one reason or another. The end result is that highly desirable, naturally occurring, and visually pleasing cinematic texturing. Details are crisp and stout, clearly well ahead of the aged MPEG-2 Blu-ray and also well capable of leading the charge against the included remastered Blu-ray which is fine in isolation and itself a solid improvement over the 2007 Blu-ray but nowhere near so capably stout and sure as this UHD. Whether facial definition, the young Edward's finely combed head of hair, rich environmental details, or costumes, the picture's steady command of its visual elements will delight most every viewer. Location details are of particular note. In true Burton fashion there are some spectacular sets and finely honed and quirky production details, though certainly such are toned down within his usual working peculiarities in order not to overwhelm the tenderhearted story center. Still, quaint small towns, exotic circuses, and any number of other extraordinary or grounded environments leap off the screen with pinpoint command of both broad and fine details alike; viewers will be able to soak in every last bit of textural excellence in every shot.

The HDR color spectrum brings new opportunity for pinpoint color control and accuracy to the film. The picture thrives under the parameters, finding greatly improved presentation essentials as colors flourish by bringing about both improved depth and striking brilliance. The film maneuvers through a full spectrum, from intense, screen dominating reds and greens to more subdued scenes where grays and flatter tones prevail. No matter the scene or color application, though, Big Fish's color output thrives. The feel for more precise balance, localized brilliance, and gradated nuance are also improved. The picture has a very natural appearance, one that is full of positive, expressive life that neither the old nor the new Blu-ray can match for sheer tonal dominance and excellence. Add in sublime black levels and popping, expressive whites (look no further than a sorority house front door around the one-hour mark) and the film's HDR color excellence is never in question. Just as important, there are no obvious print blemishes or encode faults to report, either. It's difficult to imagine Big Fish looking any better than it does here.

Big Fish 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Big Fish has also earned an audio upgrade in the form of a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The track is pleasantly rich and robust, engaging and effortless in delivery. The big takeaway here is the expansion through the back and above, both working to create a fuller, more complimentary sound field that brings the track alive like never before. Certainty this film's sound design is not going to challenge the most high octane and incessantly active tracks for sheer intensity but for precision, immersion, and fidelity this one's perfectly good. The overhead channels are more supportive than they are home to an endless string of discrete effects, aiding in building a more substantial, room-filling, and believable -- insofar as some of these sounds can be labeled as "believable" -- sound elements, including the giant's footfalls and booming voice, crowd and circus din, and other examples of the track's more robust sonic moments. Essentially, though, the track enjoys a more seamless feel for total stage saturation. The track is smooth and efficient with no coverage gaps and certainly no want for greater elemental clarity. That extends to music as well, which is rich and wide and full of life. It is, of course, most dominant along the front but also appreciably immersive as necessary. Subwoofer extension is used in a complimentary role as well with a few moments of more intense engagement but its primary function here is to add body to the track, not to define or overwhelm it. Dialogue is clear, well prioritized, and center focused for the duration.

Big Fish 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There are no extras on the UHD disc, but the remastered Blu-ray included in this set features a handful of extras that were not on the 2007 Blu-ray. It does carry over the commentary track. Extras which are new to Blu-ray are marked as such below and reviewed. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with a non-embossed slipcover.

• NEW! Original EPK (1080i): This piece is broken down into two segments. Behind the Scenes (14:25) is simply a collection of random scenes from the making of the movie. Interviews (24:28) features relatively short and well categorized sit-downs with Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Steve Buscemi, Danny De Vito, Tim Burton, Richard D. Zanuck, Bruce Cohen, and Dan Jinks.
• NEW! The Character's Journey (480i): This piece is broken down into three segments. Edward Bloom at Large (8:45) explores the varied story elements and wild character maneuverings that define Edward's stories. It focuses primarily on McGregor's work but also spends a few moments on Finney's performance, too. Amos at the Circus (4:37) looks more closely at Danny De Vito's character. Fathers and Sons (7:20) explores the dynamic between Will and Edward.
• NEW! The Filmmakers' Path (480i): This piece is broken down into four segments. Tim Burton: Storyteller (6:44) begins with the cast sharing their favorite Burton films and moving on to feature Burton talking up the story's complexities, cast and characters, various technical details and filmmaking approaches, and more. A Fairytale World (9:32) looks at the "tall tales" that are integral to the film, the picture's aesthetics, key support characters, and more. Creature Features (6:26) explores the trademark Tim Burton-style creature design and special effects. Finally, The Author's Journey (7:58) looks more closely at the original source work and its author, Daniel Wallace.
• Audio Commentary: Tim Burton and Moderator Mark Salisbury.
• NEW! Easter Eggs (480i): Included are The Finer Points (1:58), a look at making the time freeze circus scene; and Tim Burton on Golf Cart (1:10), a shot in which the director drives down a street on a golf cart which is trailing fireworks.
• NEW! Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 2:21).

Big Fish 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Big Fish blends together Tim Burton's imaginative tall tales with the frayed yet intimate bond between father and son. It's one of Burton's least quirky pictures and certainly the one with the biggest heart. Sony's new UHD release is a stunner. The 2160p/HDR video presentation is first-class, the Atmos soundtrack is terrific, and the studio has included a large number of extras that were not present on the now very old original Blu-ray release. Highly recommended.