Die unendliche Geschichte 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Die unendliche Geschichte 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

A fantasy masterpiece arrives on 4K UHD.

The Neverending Story is a charming fable based on the novel by Michael Ende. The fantasy epic is an imaginative joy to audiences worldwide. Produced by Bernd Eichinger (Downfall, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer), Dieter Geissler (Sleepy Hollow, The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter), and Bernd Schaefers (Where the Rivers Flow North, The Name of the Rose), The Neverending Story is one of those rare gems that never outstays its welcome. (The story would later continue in The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter).

Bastian (Barret Oliver) has an unending affection for books and the world of imagination literature offers. A book-worm, Bastian lives with his father (Gerald McRaney), while reading an unending pile of books (to bring an escape from reality). Upon getting a copy of The Neverending Story book, Bastian begins to read the enchanting fantasy tale.

The story unfolds in a world known as Fantasia. The Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) is the leader of Fantasia. After becoming seriously ill, Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) must set out to discover a cure. Dangerous evils lurk around every corner but Atreyu seeks to find the salvation to “the nothing” illness plaguing The Childlike Empress. The beautiful dragon Falkor also enters the equation of the story: as it helps Atreyu soar across the skies. Can Atreyu find the cure before it is too late?

The performances were impressive in The Neverending Story. Noah Hathaway is exceptional as the hero of the tale, Atreyu. The performance gives The Neverending Story a sense of whimsy. Tami Stronach similarly impresses as The Childlike Empress. The role has an aura of mystery.

Never forget to dream.

One of the key ingredients to The Neverending Story is the vivid cinematography by Jost Vacano (Das Boot, Starship Troopers). The Neverending Story is one of the most beautifully lensed fantasy films of all time. The cinematography gives the filmmaking a sense of magic that helps bring this tale to life. The visuals help the filmmaking to feel as absorbing as a good piece of literature.

The art direction by Johann Kott (Seven Minutes), Herbert Strabel (Brass Target), and Gotz Weidner (Das Boot) is stunning. The Neverending Story has some of the best visual effects ever put to film. The effects work stuns with exquisite art direction that exudes creativity and imagination in spades.

The music composed by Klaus Doldinger (Peter in Magicland, To the Bitter End) and Giorgio Moroder (Flashdance, Midnight Express) is hypnotic and enticing. The original score is utterly compelling and bewitching. With Moroder on board, the music is enchanting and absorbing. A first-rate masterpiece.

Not to be forgotten, the costumes by Count Ul De Rico and Diemut Remy make an impression. The costumes enhance the filmmaking in spades – improving the experience. Atreyu and The Childlike Empress both have effective costumes that seem well-designed for the fantasy setting.

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen (Air Force One, Enemy Mine), who co-wrote The Neverending Story alongside Herman Weigel (In the Fade, The Name of the Rose), The Neverending Story is a classic. There is something magical about every frame of The Neverending Story. Few fantasy classics are as rewarding as this gem. A masterpiece that comes from the heart.

Die unendliche Geschichte 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 4K UHD from Constantin Film, The Neverending Story is presented in 2160p in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The presentation is in native 4K UHD. The print looks stunning and retains a naturalistic aesthetic. The colors are more impressive on this presentation than on any other home-media offering to date. The HDR adds a subtle but effective element to the presentation (helping make the colors more lush and rewarding). The print is also exceptionally clean: there aren't any issues with print damage (wear, tear, and scratches). A stunning restoration.

Die unendliche Geschichte 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a English DTS-HD High Resolution 5.1 surround sound presentation. The high resolution audio sounds crisp throughout. Dialogue was clear and easy to understand. Though the track isn't as immersive as a full lossless audio track, the clarity is still enormously satisfying and fans will be pleased.

Die unendliche Geschichte 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Neverending Story: Making-of (SD, 16:45)

Clip (SD, 3:45)

Storyboards Excerpt (HD, 4:21)

Trailers promoting other releases are also provided.

Die unendliche Geschichte 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Neverending Story is one of the best fantasy films of all time. The filmmaking is imaginative and enchanting. The storytelling is one of the key reasons it became a classic: audiences were swept up in the fantasy fable. The 4K UHD features an outstanding restoration in native 4K. Highly recommended.