Daybreakers 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Daybreakers 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Daybreakers is a fantastic and must-see horror action-adventure. Executive produced by Peter Block (Frozen, Crank) and Jason Constantine (The Expendables, See No Evil), Daybreakers combines action filmmaking with horror-thriller tones to create something special. The genre film is an under-the-radar cult classic that has gained momentum with fans over the years.

In the not-too-distant future (now ironically the past) of 2019, almost the entire human species has been transformed into vampires. The vampires are desperate for human blood or blood to keep civilization continuing and the resources are dwindling. The remaining humans left alive are not enough of a blood-supply to keep the vampires alive. Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke) is the rare vampire who is willing to drink pigs’ blood to survive over human blood, but the vampires are determined to come up with another blood supply – either a replacement that tastes the same or close to the same or some other option that can work for the population. Edward works for his elite boss, the corporate lead Charles Bromley (Sam Neill) at such a business – determined to find the solution to a low blood supply.

Meanwhile, a small band of surviving humans works together to try and combat the vampires and find a cure for human civilization: the beautiful and tough-willed Audrey Bennett (Claudia Karvan) and the eccentric Lionel 'Elvis' Cormac (Willem Dafoe).

The performances are terrific and a huge part of the charm of the film. Ethan Hawke is outstanding in the leading role. Hawke is one of the best actors of his generation and he delivers a superb and must-see performance. Hawke provides one of the best vampire performances ever put to film and subtle nuances of his performance allow the role to provide gravitas and emotional depth.

Sam Neill is great alongside Hawke. Neill provides a superb performance as an upper-class CEO who prioritizes corporate greed and interests first and foremost. The group of human characters are well portrayed by the cast of actors, too. Claudia Karvan is gorgeous and badass in her strong supporting role as Audrey Bennett. Willem Dafoe is undeniably cool and charming as the strange hero Lionel 'Elvis' Cormac.

The score composed by Christopher Gordon (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, Mao's Last Dancer) is top-notch and one of the great strengths of the production. The music plays a great role throughout the film. The score by Gordon is sublime and a perfect backdrop to the horror-action within the filmmaking. A tense and evocative score that suits the material well.

The cinematography by Ben Nott (Predestination, Winchester) is one of the great highlights of the film. A sublimely beautiful looking film and one that perfectly showcases  the horror elements while also giving strong action-adventure vibes in the second half of the film, the cinematography balances the horror elements alongside the human resistance action-adventure aspects well. The visuals are consistently breathtaking and make a huge impression.

Edited by Matt Villa (The Great Gatsby, Elvis), Daybreakers is well-paced fun. The editing style handles the tone of the film exceptionally well. The horror and action filmmaking elements are well managed alongside one another. The flow of the film is noteworthy and the editing crescendos with a superbly edited finale to the film.

The production designs by George Liddle (Dark City, Interceptor) are outstanding and some of the most compelling visuals in any genre film of the production era. Liddle is a top talent with his genius work of Dark City a clear inspiration behind the involvement on Daybreakers. The results pay off with another master-class effort by the production designer.

The art direction by Bill Booth (Thor: Ragnarok, Aquaman) is another compelling aspect of the film. The stylistic flourishes certainly provide Daybreakers a blockbuster aesthetic that is impressive to see within such an ambitious horror production. Booth provides Daybreakers with plenty of great art direction and the results are an even more effective genre film.

The costume designs by George Liddle (Kangaroo Jack, Burke & Wills) work well for the genre filmmaking. The costumes are impressively realized. The costumes are effective for both the vampire and human characters. There is a clear contrast between the designs for humans and vampires and the efforts showcase the humanity in the surviving humans against the bleak realities of the vampires.

Written and directed by The Spierig Brothers – Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig (Predestination, Winchester), Daybreakers is an incredible genre film and it is one that far surpasses expectations to create something undeniably entertaining and compelling from beginning to end. The filmmaking is creative, experimental, and bold. The visionary filmmaking allows for the genre elements to flow with ease. The balance of horror and action-adventure is something that makes the filmmaking stand out as even more special and compelling. Daybreakers is top-tier genre filmmaking and The Spierig Brothers – Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig – take command of the film to make something truly special for genre fans to enjoy. Daybreakers continues to gain momentum with new fans and deserves a reputation as a cult classic.

Daybreakers 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on 4K UHD by Umbrella Entertainment, Daybreakers is presented in HEVC / H.265 in 2160p 4K UHD resolution. The 4K UHD release also features a stunning high-dynamic range grade in either HDR10 standard or Dolby Vision. The Dolby Vision grade provides an additional layer of metadata for those who are equipped for Dolby Vision playback. The 4K release preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The presentation is robust and engaging. The 4K UHD clarity and detail is top-notch throughout the entire presentation. The HDR grade is stunning, too – delivering impeccable depth and detail in the presentation. The cinematography looks beautiful and is so well reproduced.

Daybreakers 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Dolby Atmos (newly mixed for the home media release) or the original theatrical audio presentation of DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1. The high-resolution lossless audio sounds crisp and clear on the release. The Atmos audio is fantastic and it utilizes the Atmos surround sound atmospheric speakers to create an even more enveloping and immersive soundstage. Dialogue is clear and is well reproduced. The score is well integrated into the sound mix. The sound effects sound crisp and are well done throughout the presentation. The audio is certainly impressive in spades.

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

The Umbrella Entertainment collector's edition comes packaged in a deluxe chipboard artbox with stunning artwork. The box-set also includes a deluxe book, eight art cards, a double-sided poster, and a slipcovered copy of the release. The deluxe packaging is gorgeous and one of the best aspects of the premium release. Another exemplary edition by Umbrella Entertainment.

On disc supplements include:

Audio Commentary with co-directors Peter and Michael Spierig and editor Matt Villa

Audio Commentary with co-directors Peter and Michael Spierig and creature designer Steve Boyle

"Making of Daybreakers" Feature-Length Documentary (HD, 2:01:38)

Daybreakers Gag Reel (HD, 2:02)

Animatics (HD, 49:53)

On the Set of Daybreakers Featurette (HD, 45:01)

Art Department and Lighting Tests (HD, 1:28)

Makeup, Costumes and Hair Tests (HD, 9:01)

Makeup and Effects Test (HD, 12:51)

Daybreakers Stunt Department Featurette (HD, 7:08)

Trailer (HD, 2:27)

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

Daybreakers is a fantastic action-adventure horror-thriller with great performances. Ethan Hawke delivers one of his career best performances as Edward Dalton. The filmmaking is top-notch and entertaining throughout. A cult-classic gem that should continue to be discovered by audiences.

The Umbrella Entertainment 4K UHD release features a stunning 4K presentation, two impressive lossless audio presentations – select either a newly mixed Dolby Atmos presentation or the original theatrical audio as DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround sound, and a plethora of bonus features. The collectors set includes gorgeous deluxe packaging and collectables. A must-own premium edition for fans of the film. Highly recommended.