Downton Abbey 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Downton Abbey 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Universal has released the 2019 film 'Downton Abbey' to the UHD format. The film is, of course, the big screen debut based on the smash hit television show of the same name. New specifications for this release include 2160p/Dolby Vision video and Dolby Atmos audio. No new extras are included, but the legacy Blu-ray extras are included on both the UHD disc and the bundled Blu-ray, which is identical to the disc Universal released in 2019.

Downton Abbey 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc.

Downton Abbey's 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD presentation is a striking example of the format's excellence. It's not a radical reworking of the Blu-ray but rather a healthy, commendable, and satisfying upgrade in every way. The Bu-ray remains a well-rounded image but the UHD fine tunes the experience with an assortment of textural and color upgrades that push the film to its maximum visual output. First, clarity is terrific. The picture is clean and crystal clear. Noise or other source maladies are never a problem (and neither are encode issues, for that matter). The 2160p resolution yields higher output textural fidelity and definition well beyond the Blu-ray, which itself is not lacking crispness and intimacy but is certainly dwarfed for the overall gains in evidence here, including, of course, basics like faces and clothes that come alive with newfound revelatory definition and intricate examples of natural intimacy that the Blu-ray simply has not the muscle to present. Of course, environmental touches inside the house -- both the "upstairs" and "downstairs" locations -- present here with resplendent definition, allowing the audience to soak in the architectural peculiarities and fine little touches with definition and detail never before experienced in this world. Add in the beautiful detail on things like animal fur and green grass and the picture absolutely thrives in a higher gear compared to the 1080p issue.

The Dolby Vision color grading makes just as much of an impact, if not more. Perhaps the most readily evident sign of improvement comes in white balance; whites are beautifully crisp and bright, greatly exceeding those found on the Blu-ray; while the SDR color grading is not comparatively creamy, the boost to white purity cannot be missed. On the opposite end of the spectrum, black level depth is astounding, whether formal attire or shadowy corners. Color bounce and brilliance are wonderful, yielding through the remainder of the spectrum a vitality that is second to none. Green grasses dominate. Colorful clothes abound with vivid authenticity and wonderful saturation. Warm woods delight. Flesh tones are stable and accurate. There's not a color element in the film that is not enhanced, presenting not only with more depth and accuracy but also nuance and gradation excellence. Overall this is a wonderful UHD presentation from Universal.

Downton Abbey 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Dolby Atmos audio presentation is richly presented. The opening title score is luxurious. It's absolutely filling through the entire stage while boasting exceptionally lifelike detail coming out of every speaker. The net effect is startlingly beautiful, with stability abounding and a very prominent, yet still balanced, subwoofer support adding just the right touch of heft to the proceedings. The track further yields impressive natural atmosphere outside the house; the sense of immersion in light breezy winds, rustling leaves, and chirping birds effortlessly draw the listener in, while in town pedestrian footfalls, galloping horses, passing motor vehicles, and the like paint a beautifully rich and true sonic picture for every landscape the audience encounters in the movie. The track simply exudes elegance and subtlety while at the same time maintaining stature, stamina, and all of the qualities of a very large Hollywood audio production. Add in perfectly rendered dialogue, which is always well prioritized and balanced in the center channel, and the result is one of the best drama audio track on the market today.

Downton Abbey 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Universal brings Downton Abbey to the UHD format with the same slew of extras from the 2019 Blu-ray. Below is a list of what is included (along with new resolution and color grading characteristics); please click here for full coverage. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with a slipcover.

• Cast Conversations (2160p, Dolby Vision): Included are Upstairs Cast (7:26) and Downstairs Cast (9:26).
• The Royal Visit (2160p, Dolby Vision, 3:15).
• True to the Twenties (2160p, Dolby Vision, 2:15).
• Deleted Scenes (2160p, Dolby Vision, 5:33 total runtime).
• Welcome to Downton Abbey (2160p, Dolby Vision, 2:47).
• The Brilliance of Julian Fellowes (2160p, Dolby Vision, 2:14).
• Downton Abbey Series Recap (2160p, Dolby Vision, 10:09).
• Audio Commentary: Director Michael Engler.

Downton Abbey 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

For fans of the Downton Abbey franchise, this UHD is a delight. It's certainly not a revolutionary release in terms of how it enhances the Blu-ray, which is only a few years old and still a wonderful technical effort. However, the way it tightens the picture, brings out the very best in both textural presentation and color saturation make this the definitive edition and one that absolutely immerses the viewer into the show's world. Not to be outdone is the reference Dolby Atmos soundtrack which likewise aurally brings the listener into the world. The supplements are fine and only transition from the Blu-ray; there are no adds and no subtractions. Very highly recommended and a must buy for fans. Packaging collectors should be on the lookout for the SteelBook variant.