Close Encounters of the Third Kind 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Close Encounters of the Third Kind 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released Director Steven Spielberg's classic alien arrival masterpiece 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' to the UHD format. The film features a gorgeous new 4K/HDR-enhanced video presentation, three cuts of the film, a digital copy code, and two new extras in addition to all of the previous Blu-ray's supplements. The studio has chosen not to remix the soundtrack for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, leaving the original DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack in place. The studio has also released a pricier but attractive and unique boxed version.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Sony's UHD release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind brings home audiences closer than ever to the movie. The film -- all three cuts thereof (Theatrical, Special, Director's) -- receive the 2160p/HDR treatment for this release, all included on the same UHD disc. The presentation is unsurprisingly excellent, similar to another classic Spielberg film to recently release on the 4K format, E.T.. The picture is gorgeously filmic, retaining a natural, critical grain structure that accentuates the innate qualities of its source photography. Presentation is largely even, though it feels a bit sharper at the outset as it swirls about during a sandstorm. A few darker corners, which cannot hold true black, also feature grain that takes on a somewhat snowier appearance. On the whole, however, the image's organic film-quality presentation is wonderful. Details are fantastic, with only the occasional softer shot or visual effects breaking up the precision. Faces are expertly presented, boasting intimate pores and complex hairs with no strain. Definition is striking elsewhere, such as during Roy's first close encounter in his truck or when Jillian's house falls under nearby alien influence and items jump out of the refrigerator and other things turn on, unscrew, and so on. Environments are crisp and there's plenty of detail to be found in the alien suits at film's end. The HDR color palette offers a pleasant boost to depth and saturation. Never does this not look like Close Encounters. There are no drastic alterations to the palette or a major tweaking of any one shade. The HDR colors are complimentary, offering an upgrade in terms of core qualities rather than redefining them. Black levels hold deep beyond a few edges that inch more towards paleness. Flesh tones are steady and some of the characters who partially turn red as a result of alien encounter are nice and flush. The image shows no compression or print anomalies of note. In direct comparison to the Blu-ray, grain is more prominent, details are much sharper, colors are significantly firmer...a noteworthy point of comparison comes during a sequence in chapter five, around 40 minutes into the film, in India. Terrain is significantly sharper, the yellow attire is noticeably more vibrant and well saturated. The UHD presentation is a very positive upward boost for the film.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

With its UHD release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Sony has missed an opportunity to expand the soundtrack to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X; the film is teeming with moments that would certainly benefit from greater immersion. Whether blaring alarms during one early scene, the moment when the alien craft hovers over Roy's truck, and of course the sonically critical climax, the film's soundtrack seems ripe for a greater exploration into overhead expansion. Would such really be any different than the HDR processing on the video side? Regardless, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is still very strong, offering significant low end extension in many key moments, fantastic spacing and effortless movement, crisp definition, and consistent delivery of pinpoint detail. Still, one can only wonder what the experience might have been like, opened up to a new track. For a full review of the included DTS presentation, please see the Blu-ray.com review of the original 2007 release here.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Close Encounters of the Third Kind's UHD release contains two new extras on Blu-ray disc in addition to all of the legacy supplements and one carryover extra on the UHD disc. Also included on the UHD disc is the studio's usual collection of cast and crew still photographs and highlight reel, categorized "Moments" (2160p/HDR/DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1): Roy, Strange Occurrences, Close Encounters, and Jillian. The UHD also includes three cuts of the film: Theatrical (2:14:45), Special Edition (2:12:29), and Director's (2:17:14). Below are reviews of the new extras and a listing of the legacy supplements, included on the Blu-ray discs packaged with this release. A UV digital copy code is included with purchase.

UHD/Blu-ray (feature film discs):

• A View From Above: A pop-up visual that explores the changes between the three cuts of the film.

• NEW! Three Kinds of Close Encounters (1080p, 22:02): This new extra begins with a look back at the movie's impact at the time it was made. It goes on to explore filmmaking techniques, the human character drama in the film, crafting key scenes, the film's terrors and tensions, John Williams' score, cast and performances, Spielberg's passion for Arrival, the film's legacy and the spirit it maintains today, and more. Speakers include Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, and Denis Villeneuve.
• NEW! Steven's Home Videos & Outtakes (1080p, 5:25): Spielberg reveals some of his behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the movie.
• Steven Spielberg: 30 Years of Close Encounters
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Making of Documentary
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Watch the Skies
• Deleted Scenes
• Storyboard Comparisons
• Extensive Photo Gallery
• NEW! Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Original Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 6:01).
• NEW! Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Special Edition Trailer (1080p, 1:57).

Close Encounters of the Third Kind 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is an undeniable classic and, even with some stiff competition, the finest alien encounter film ever made. Sony has largely done right by Steven Spielberg's 1977 masterpiece. Those hoping for remixed audio will be disappointed, but the included 5.1 track is very good, and the highlight, of course, is the spectacular 2160p/HDR video presentation. Two new extras are included, both very strong, one featuring thoughts from three of today's top filmmakers and one a fun little collection of Spielberg's home movies from the set. This UHD release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind earns my highest recommendation.