Edge of Tomorrow 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Edge of Tomorrow 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

"Die Another Day" was already taken.

Reviewed by Randy Miller III June 30, 2022

Nearly eight years after its debut on Blu-ray, Doug Liman's Edge of Tomorrow has been resurrected a second time on 4K UHD. Boasting a new upscaled transfer outfitted with HDR10 enhancement, it promises stronger visuals and an all-new Dolby Atmos track along with the same slate of bonus features from that earlier disc. Although neither of its A/V reworkings offers a night-and-day improvement over the solid Blu-ray (and in some respects, may even be a slight downgrade), those who enjoy this action-packed sci-fi take on Groundhog Day will enjoy revisiting it in 4K.

For a synopsis and appreciation of the film, please see Kenneth Brown's 2014 Blu-ray review linked above. I've long considered Edge of Tomorrow a solid and intriguing sci-fi spectacle that makes a big impact on first-time audiences, although subsequent viewings reveal a somewhat sloppy third act that can't quite match its earlier heights.

Edge of Tomorrow 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

NOTE: This review's screenshots were sourced from the 4K disc but downsampled to 1080p SDR. Although they obviously do not reflect the disc's true on-screen appearance with HDR10 enabled, the nonetheless reveals tangible differences in fine detail, black levels, and of course color timing in comparison to the Blu-ray.

In comparison to the included Blu-ray (which is 100% identical to the previous release), Warner Bros.' upscaled 2160p transfer offers more than a few immediately noticeable improvements. Although overall color timing is not dramatically different, Edge of Tomorrow now has a slightly darker and cooler appearance that is, for the most part, supported well by its HDR10 enhancement (with a glaring exceptions -- see below); in short, it feels fresher and even revitalized in otherwise drab-looking locations, allowing its excellent cinematography and well-framed compositions to shine through more naturally. Black levels are more smoothly supported and hold plenty of weight as well, as Edge of Tomorrow's contrast levels are likewise improved while giving brighter hues and true whites their time in the spotlight, especially well-lit interiors and holographic displays. Simply put, this 2160p transfer leaves a stronger first impression while also looking more film-like, which is also due to this triple-layered (100GB) disc granting the main feature ample breathing room while displaying virtually no compression artifacts including posterization and banding.

Other areas of this new transfer, especially where the darkest sequences are concerned, aren't as impressive and, at times, even distracting. The final stretch of the film (which already marks a decline in visual storytelling to begin with) looks particularly rough, as large portions of the frame are swallowed by total darkness while patches of color stand out unnaturally. For lack of a better description it almost looks artificial in appearance, like a heavily processed color photo, and these compounded problems makes the climax even harder to follow. It's not a deal-breaker, of course: this part of the film didn't look all that great on Blu-ray to begin with, but in all honesty the 4K is not an improvement here and maybe not even a side-step. So, in a turn of events that will also be mirrored in the audio section soon enough, what we have here is an overall better experience that nonetheless shows room for improvement.

Edge of Tomorrow 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For those without the benefit of Atmos-capable receivers and speakers, one might assume the 4K's unfolded Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track to be a straight port of the Blu-ray's impressive DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio mix. It's not, though: some of the film's infamously rock-bottom LFE frequencies (which actually begin in its opening moments, such as a series of descending tones that likely killed more than a few entry-level subwoofers and soundbars) are now softened, resulting in a track that doesn't dig quite as deep as its predecessor. For those with such equipment, this might actually be a good thing: you'll hear these tones more clearly instead of infrequent rattles... but if you're in the other camp, prepare to be slightly disappointed. In all other respects, though, it offers a similar sonic experience to the previous track, including no shortage of whizzing surround effects and chaotic bursts of action as detailed in Kenneth Brown's Blu-ray review. Of course, the Atmos channels offer an olive branch of crucial height channels during several key moments, including the disastrous landing in France, Vrataski's training arena, and a final showdown under the Louvre Pyramid. It really is a definitive effort save for the bass filtering but, if you're not set up for Atmos and have no absolutely no plans to do so, the Blu-ray's audio might actually sound a tad better depending on the strength of your subwoofer.

Several subtitle options are included on both discs, as well as a few foreign dubs. Frustratingly, the 4K's French and German DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio tracks are more in line with the original Blu-ray's mix.

Edge of Tomorrow 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This two-disc release ships in a keepcase with improved cover art, a glossy slipcover, and a Digital Copy redemption code. Bonus features are identical to the previous release and are included on the Blu-ray disc only.

• Operation Downfall - Adrenaline Cut (2:34)

• Storming the Beach (8:59)

• Weapons of the Future (8:25)

• Creatures Not of This World (5:38)

• On the Edge with Doug Liman (42:37)

• Deleted Scenes (7 clips, 7:38 total)

Edge of Tomorrow 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Doug Liman's Edge of Tomorrow is a standout sci-fi spectacle that offers an engaging story anchored by excellent performances and plenty of action; even with a shaky third act, it still leaves a strong impression eight years later. Warner Bros.' 4K UHD offers some fundamental A/V improvements in the areas of fine detail, contrast, and overall stability, while the added Atmos height channels bring even more chaos to the film's most active firefights. That said, the image runs a little dark, its HDR10 usage can be distracting, and said Atmos track also filters out some of its lowest sonic frequencies. Clearly a recommended disc overall, but one that still shows a little room for improvement.