Erin Brockovich 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Erin Brockovich 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Steven Soderbergh's ('Traffic') 2000 film 'Erin Brockovich' makes its 4K UHD debut courtesy of Universal. Based on true events, the film stars Julia Roberts in the title role, a performance for which she won an Oscar for Best Actress. Roberts is joined by Albert Finney (Ed Masry), and Aaron Eckhart (George) in an early role in a film that focuses on one woman's quest for justice against Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), a company guilty of polluting a community's water supply and causing significant harm to hundreds of people. The disc brings forward all of the legacy on-disc supplemental features, but no new content is added to the mix. A slipcover, Blu-ray disc, and a Digital Code redeemable through Movies Anywhere are also included.

Erin Brockovich 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Erin Brockovich arrives on 4K UHD with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 1.78:1. On the whole, the presentation looks wonderfully filmic and true to its roots. The reliance on natural lighting adds to the warmth of the image as well, and also creates the sense for the viewer that they are an unseen observer of the events depicted. Film grain is fine and resolves naturally and without issue. While some softness lingers, fine detail can be high, with stubble and wrinkles visible on Albert Finney's face, and each strand of hair of Julia Roberts's sometimes untamed mane of curls being discernible. Costuming elements, whether they be Roberts' leathers, worn and faded denims, and others, present with a solid tactile quality. The color palette is slightly muted, but colors are generally nicely saturated within these limits. Primaries can hover on the verge of popping, but never quite burst to that degree. Whites are never exactly brilliant, though they do come close, but blacks can be inky and absorbing. The scenes around Hinkley and other exteriors, and quite a few interior shots as well, have a noticeable yellow tint to them, imbuing them with a Southwestern desert heat and grit. Depth and dimensionality are pleasing. Skin tones are healthy and accurate. The source appears to be in excellent shape, and the image looks quite good in motion. It's a welcome upgrade over the previous Blu-ray.

Please note the screenshots are sourced from the included Blu-ray disc.

Erin Brockovich 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Instead of a Dolby Atmos track, Erin Brockovich 4K is equipped with an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track that is equal to the work it's tasked with accomplishing. Much of what it needs to handle is dialogue, and each of Roberts' quips, barbs, and witty retorts is intelligible, defect-free, and front and center focused. Immersion is doled out sparingly, with the front channels doing most of the heavy lifting here. Surrounds do spring to life on occasion, however, adding a bit of texture to the Xeroxing of documents as Roberts duplicates water records, and in support of the background score. These are tastefully done and never overwhelming. Real-world sound effects are well rendered, with the throaty rumble of George's motorcycle in the early goings of the film being particularly impressive and benefiting from a healthy bass presence. Surrounds are used very subtly, providing atmospheric sounds such as distant trains, dogs barking, traffic, and voices around the crowded office where Roberts' character works. Occasionally, music is allowed to dominate, however briefly, and Sheryl Crow's "Redemption Day" is enjoyable sonic highlight. It's a very solid (but never showy) track.

Erin Brockovich 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

All of the legacy on-disc supplemental material is carried forward to this release and includes the following:

• Deleted Scenes

• 'Erin Brockovich': A Look at a Real-Life Experience

• Spotlight on Location: The Making of Erin Brockovich

• Theatrical Trailer

• 100 Years of Universal: Academy Award Winners

• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Erin Brockovich 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Julia Roberts is captivating in her role as a single mother with a chip on her shoulder, fighting for a cause in which she believes. Not deterred by a lack of experience or education, her personality, perseverance, and intelligence were instrumental in securing a landmark legal victory, and the film captures her experiences as the titular character with wit and charm. Soderbergh's direction keeps the dramatic tension high while Susannah Grant's script allows for quick releases by way of Brockovich's often hilariously profane and derogatory outbursts. The film is an excellent reminder that wrong-doers, regardless of their size and resources, must always be held accountable. With solid technical merits, Erin Brockovich 4K comes highly recommended.