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 this special edition of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' to UHD, a boxed set of the film that includes all the content of the basic UHD release as well as unique packaging and a glossy booklet. See the 'Supplements' section below for more on what's included.

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

For a full UHD video review, please click here.

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

This UHD release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind contains no new audio options. For thoughts on this exclusion, please click here. For a review of the included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, please click here.

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

Sony may not have packed this special edition of Close Encounters of the Third Kind with a monumental collection of added content, but what's here is very good. The studio has of course bundled in the standard 3-disc UHD release into a box that, when closed with the case inside, measures approximately 7" high, 5.75" wide, and 2.25" deep. The box is made of sturdy enough cardboard. It splits in two, with the top lid removable to reveal a space for the disc as well as a companion booklet. A standard info sheet, which reproduces the back-panel content on the UHD packaging and the slipcover, is glued to the top section. The box is recessed a bit in the middle and depicts a 3D rendering of the diminutive aliens walking out of their spacecraft, recreating a key moment from the film's climax. The panoramic image wraps around just a bit to the box's sides. What really makes the presentation stand apart, however, is that by way of an activation button on the bottom right side of the box, the image illuminates and the famed music from the scene plays. The effect lasts about 10 seconds. That said, the studio did miss a an opportunity. The back of the box features the light-up board that in the film reflects the notes being played. Unfortunately, they do not light up when the button is pressed.

The included glossy page booklet, dubbed as a "visual history" for the film, offers a collection of still photographs from the set. Some are in color, some in black and white. The only diversion from photographs is the inclusion at the end of the "A View From Above" timeline that compares and contrasts all three versions of the film. While there are no essays or anything else in the book, it's still a valuable item that fans should enjoy. Certainly, the content here could not be labeled as "substantial" but the packaging is going to be a fun novelty item and will look great on the shelf. A nice inclusion would have been the film's acclaimed soundtrack on CD.

For a breakdown of what extras are included on the bundled Blu-ray disc, please click here

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

Sony's special edition UHD release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind delivers a wonderful 2160p/HDR image. No new soundtrack options are included, but the studio has bundled in the old Blu-ray and a special features disc that contains two new extras. The special edition packaging is fun and functional, though the failure to illuminate the light board presented on the back is a bit of a disappointment. The booklet is a nice add as well, but the real treasure is certainly the movie and its UHD presentation. Whether the standalone release or this boxed set, Close Encounters of the Third Kind on UHD earns my highest recommendation.