Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Concussion 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Blowback.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 30, 2016

Sony has released a 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Concussion day-and-date with the 1080p Blu-ray, the first such release from the studio.

The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.

Most living things are fragile. Some are more resilient than others, and while man may fall somewhere in the middle of the most hearty-hardly hearty organism scale (completely unscientific placement), his brain power -- reason, logic, memory, discovery -- have allowed him to cheat the system, to learn how to become stronger, more immune, and generally safer from the most common pitfalls to be found out there in the wild. Combine that with his unique dexterity and he can build shelter, grow food, and take natural and manmade medicines. He's learned how to eat right, take care of his body, and live longer and stronger than ever before. Indeed, the human brain -- and the entire human body, for that matter -- is a marvelous thing, the thing that has allowed man to rise in the ranks to the top of the food chain and make his world a better place. Yet that human brain remains a very fragile thing. For all its complex wonders, there's not a lot of cushioning around it. A blow to the head can be fatal, or it can cause irreversible trauma. Protecting the head is paramount in nearly every activity that involves some form of risk, like riding a skateboard or a motorcycle, working in construction, or playing sports, perhaps the most satisfying, yet potentially dangerous, of "friendly" human endeavors and competition. That want, that almost innate need, to take risks for the sake of the goal seems a uniquely human characteristic, much like all of the aforementioned gifts that have seen mankind improve his place in the world over the years. Football has long recognized the need to protect the head, and the technology that does so has greatly improved over the years, from leather pads to the custom fitting gear of today that are the safest they've ever been. But even that's not enough. Concussion tells the story of a doctor, a man completely distanced from the passion, propaganda, and power that dominates in the National Football League, who challenged the status quo that head injuries were serious business and that the game itself was driving many of its players into an early grave.

When Mike Webster (David Morse), an ex-Pittsburgh Steeler and NFL Hall-of-Famer, dies following a long bout of mental health issues, Forensic Pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith), a man who identifies himself as someone who specializes in "the science of death," receives the call to perform the autopsy. With the public spotlight shining brightly on the death -- Webster was a popular player and key cog during the Steelers' Super Bowl dynasty in the 1970s -- the autopsy is expected to be little more than a formality. But Omalu is puzzled by his findings. Rather than "a mess" of a brain Omalu was expecting based on the symptoms Webster showed prior to his death, it instead appears normal. No man in recorded history, Omalu says, has gone so mad, at such a young age, without serious and readily evident brain trauma. He begins to investigate deeper and, against the advice of his colleagues, works on exposing the dangers of repeated concussions suffered by football players, beginning in youth football and all the way through a professional career, pitting him against the NFL itself in the process.

Concussion is at once difficult to watch and impossible to resist. The movie deals with uncomfortable and challenging health-related realities and political gamesmanship that's played with the lives of others. The movie pits an individual's health against the ultimate test of big business, an organization in the National Football League that "owns a day of the week" and reportedly lied about its health data, an allegation brought to light only days prior to this review's publication. Some league officials and owners still do not accept the link between football and severe head trauma. Concussion makes a compelling case for the link. The film effortlessly blends complex scientific details, the realities former players face, the politics of health and sport, and some entertainment value, though certainly the movie is more a dramatic facilitator meant to share information than it is a more traditional "fun" movie. If nothing else, Concussion proves very effective at what it does, playing as essentially a semi-fictionalized exposé that never feels like it's holding back as it makes a strong, and heartbreaking, case against the sport and the dangers it poses to its players.

Concussion often uses juxtaposing images and sounds to enhance the story. For instance, Justin Strzelczyk's breakdown plays against fans cheering on the very game, the very same type of hits, that have driven him mad. The movie also accentuates a moment of sensuality when a kiss is seen in close-up, perhaps the most gentle "collision" one can have to the head, certainly in stark contrast to the smash mouth hits that are seen throughout the movie. Director Peter Landesman masters the movie's needs, creating a foundational knowledge that's detailed but accessible and refusing to shy away from the realities of repeated head injury and, most notably, how they effect several former players seen in the movie. Will Smith is likewise brilliant in a mature, screen-commanding role. The accent is a little disconcerting at first but he effortlessly and affably falls into his idiosyncratic character and conveys plenty personality, authority, and concern for others in the part. Smith shows a tangible grasp of the work his character practices but also the emotional center that drives him to challenge the status quo. He's supported by several exceptional performances, notably from David Morse in an unforgettable role as ex-Steelers Center Mike Webster and Albert Brooks as famed Pittsburgh Forensic Pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht.

Concussion 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Sony's 2160p UHD/HDR release of Concussion offers modest improvements and refinements over its already stellar Blu-ray release. Generally, looking at it in full and away from raw A-B comparisons, the image immensely satisfies. Details are outstanding, exquisitely refined and effortlessly complex. Facial pores and other features are probably the most immediately striking component. Close-ups are captivatingly realistic. The digital source is indeed a touch flat and inorganic -- there's not much of a tactile, textural feel to the movie -- but that doesn't prevent the source material from capturing seriously complex detailing as intimate as the camera can capture, the television can display, and the human eye can see. The movie was reportedly photographed at 3.4K and finished at 2K; neither the standard Blu-ray nor the UHD make any mention that they were "Mastered in 4K," leaving it likely that this UHD is simply an up-convert from the 2K DI. Still, there's no mistaking the UHD's ability to offer finely honed pinpoint detailing across the board, which also includes surgical scrubs, fine attire, and small accents around medical facilities, courtrooms, homes, and offices, is quite the sight to see. Black levels hold true. Source noise or any other artifacts are never problematic.

The UHD disc is definitely a little more flush and full. Color depth is certainly greater with the HDR brush-up, though whether the slightly warmer flesh tones and generally deeper palette are reflective of the photographic intent is anyone's guess. It's not quite as cold as the BD, but it still hangs on to its broader color scheme while tightening up some of the more prominent colorings. Details are definitely a little more refined, too. Pores and wrinkles are a little deeper, and even where the Blu-ray doesn't quite reach the absolute finest little skin details -- where it smoothes out even just a tiny bit on cheeks, chins, or foreheads -- there's more raw detail on the UHD. It's not leaps-and-bounds better, but it is noticeable. That's on a direct A-B compare, though. Anyone watching the standard BD, particularly on anything other than a gigantic screen size, won't feel as if they're missing out on anything. Both are plenty good. At 65", the differences are noticeable, but not so revolutionary as to render the Blu-ray obsolete. UHD/HDR scoring is still in its evolutionary phase. The release looks terrific, but is it a "5?" Arguably, yes, but it's neither the sort of image that defines the UHD/HDR experience or, even if it's simply by the film's own nature, presents a canvas that truly dazzles in every respect. 4.0-4.5 feels more apropos at this stage of the format's lifespan.

Concussion 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Beyond the boost in video resolution and HDR colors, Sony has further spruced up Concussion with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, replacing the standard Blu-ray's traditional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This review is based on a 7.1.4 setup, which is the "traditional" seven-channel plus subwoofer configuration with the addition of four "object" or "overhead" speakers to the mix. Unfortunately, there's not much to distinguish one from the other. The Atmos track, with the added back-surround channels, feels more enveloping at several key junctures, chief amongst them at a dance club where Omalu and Prema share their first dance to the song Move Ya Body by Nina Sky. Music, whether popular or score, enjoys terrific spatial awareness, separation about the stage, and flawless clarity. Instrumentals are precise and the sense of big, cinematic detailing is terrific. Trains rattle and power through the stage with a heavy, foreshadowing presence. Again, the sense of precision placement and clarity to the effect is notable. Mike Webster's injection at the 22-minute mark is a revelation in sound delivery. Gentle rain falls in chapter seven, but the Atmos overhead speakers fail to offer a serious overhead sensation. Dialogue delivery enjoys rich clarity and natural center placement. Prioritization is always excellent. As a general listen, there are no complaints; as an Atmos track, it's a bit underwhelming. Score it 5/5 for its raw excellence, but the real lack of notable use of the overhead channels knocks the final score down.

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

While Concussion contains no new "supplements" on the UHD disc (the commentary track is available on the UHD disc), it does offer a slick new menu system (and presumably the early standard for Sony UHD releases) in which different pages are selected by scrolling up and down and side-to-side. Beyond the usual scene selection and language tabs, there's also an option to watch character-specific highlights under the "Moments" tab for Dr. Bennet Omalu (16:04), Prema (13:24), Dr. Julian Bailes (12:43), and Dr. Cyril Wecht (9:42), all of which offer both 2160p video and Dolby Atmos audio. There's also a Cast & Crew tab that appears to only offer a still image accompanied by character and actor name. All of the previous edition's supplements carry over on the included 1080p Blu-ray disc (click here for more information). The 1080p Blu-ray and a UV digital copy code is also included with purchase.

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

Concussion brings a serious discussion about sports and safety to the forefront. The medicine surrounding concussions is improving. The NFL is re-examining its concussion protocols. Other sports are taking the issue seriously. One can only wonder, though, whether it's all enough considering that athletes are getting faster and stronger by the season; do those incremental improvements in athletic ability offset incremental improvements in player safety? This is not an easy film to watch. What happens to the former players is harrowing, and just as disturbing is the larger world around the NFL that pushes back against Dr. Omalu's findings. The movie doesn't enjoy much of a traditional "entertainment" value but it's a very well done dramatized exposé and a must-see. Sony's UHD release of Concussion features very strong 2160p video and an Atmos track that does everything well, except offer a more organic or noticeable overhead presence. A few good extras are included on the 1080p disc. Buyers with the proper equipment to run this release should have no reservations about choosing it over the standard release. Highly recommended.