From Here to Eternity 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

From Here to Eternity 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released the classic 1953 film 'From Here to Eternity,' starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Deborah Kerr, directed by Fred Zinnemann, to the UHD format. At time of writing, this UHD disc is exclusive to the third volume of the prestigious 'Columbia Classics Collection' boxed set, where five other films are included. The film was previously released to Blu-ray by Sony in 2013. That same Blu-ray is included. This set includes all of the legacy Blu-ray extras. Additionally, several new extras are on the UHD disc. New UHD technical specifications include 2160p/Dolby Vision Video and Dolby Atmos audio.

From Here to Eternity 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

Sony's 2013 Bu-ray offered excellent video quality which remains so even today, but this new 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD release of From Here to Eternity is the great superior. The increased resolution brings a sharper picture to the screen. The increases in clarity are immediately obvious. Small details like eyebrows, facial pores, uniform textures, patches on uniforms, and the like are clearly improved, boasting here superior definition thanks to increased clarity and the razor-sharp filmic texture; the Blu-ray almost looks slightly soft in comparison. Environments are well defined, too, whether pavement, building facades, sandy beaches, or other key locales seen throughout the film. The level of fine detail gain over the Blu-ray may not be monumental, but the sharpness adds a new level of definition and intimacy to the picture that greatly enhances a watch.

The Dolby Vision grading also brings newfound life to the film's grayscale, and it is the more obvious area of image gain for the picture. The image is brighter and more vibrant, but at the same time it's more stable with dramatic improvements to tonal gradations in the midrange. The shading here is just beautiful, but it is at the ends where the picture thrives. Whites are bold and brilliant, bringing great improvement from the comparatively creamy and pasty look on the Blu-ray. Black level depth is superb. There is no mistaking that shadow details are stellar, and that black depth gain is magnificent. The sense of perfect contrast in every shot is a delight. The film looks brand new in every way. With no encode or source flaws to be worried about, this is black-and-white vintage film UHD perfection from Sony.

From Here to Eternity 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Sony brings From Here to Eternity to the UHD format with a new Dolby Atmos soundtrack, expanding on the previous Blu-ray's 5.1 lossless presentation. For the most part, the track remains grounded and front focused. Dialogue propels the majority of the content here, which is true to its center placement and as clear and capable as can be expected. Before the action towards the end, the track offers only sporadic stretch. Falling rain at the 20-minute mark offers some surround immersion. A busy street and club sequence a few minutes later come to life with lively music and engaging atmosphere that envelops the listener, including some good, balanced bass in support of music. There is also some quality depth and movement to crashing waves during the famous beach scene, supported by pleasantly wide and detailed music. The finale is where the track shines. Bass during explosions hits with potent depth and detail. Surround and overhead engagement are magnificent as planes zip, men scream, and guns fire with superior directionality and, as needed, plain overhead content. This is a breathtaking clinic on Atmos usage, particularly for an older film.

From Here to Eternity 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Sony's UHD release of From Here to Eternity incudes all of the legacy Blu-ray bonuses on the Blu-ray disc (note that this set does not include the lobby cards that were included with the old Blu-ray) while also bundling in several new supplements on the UHD disc. New content is marked as such and briefly reviewed below. Coverage of the legacy extras can be viewed by clicking here. As it ships in the above-linked "Columbia Classics" boxed set, a slipcover and a digital copy code are included.

UHD:

• NEW! Strength and Sacrifice: The Making of From Here to Eternity (1080p, 20:14): Looking at the true history of the Pearl harbor attack, combined with film clips. The piece moves on to look at James Jones' novel that inspired the film, the film translation and pushing the censorship envelope, Fred Zinnemann's direction, cast and characters, the screenplay, James Jones' contributions to the film, the film's award wins and legacy, and more.
• NEW! Eternal History Revisited: Filming the Unfilmable (1080p, 29:58): Looking at the challenging themes in the film, the original novel's characteristics, the depiction of the military and real military history during the novel's and film's release, casting and performances, stories from the shoot, and more.
• NEW! Eternal History Revisited: Final Victory (1080p, 22:46): Looking at how the film redefined Frank Sinatra's career, additional casting and performances, the reported Lancaster/Kerr affair, the famous beach scene, changes between book and movie, and more.
• NEW! From Here to Eternity 1980 TV Pilot (1080p, 4x3, Dolby Digital 2.0, 1:37:25): The first of the miniseries episodes. Note that some music has been removed from the presentation. The remainder of the series is included on a bonus Blu-ray disc included in the Columbia Classics Collection set.
• NEW! Trailers (1080p, 4x3): Included are Theatrical Teaser (1:03) and Theatrical Re-Release Trailer (2:15).

• Eternal History: Graphics-in-Picture Track
• Audio Commentary: Tim Zinnemann, Director Fred Zinnemann's son; and Alvin Sargent, a longtime Zinnemann partner.
• Making of From Here to Eternity (480i, 2:23)
• Fred Zinnemann - "As I See It" (480i, 9:33).

• NEW! From Here to Eternity TV Series: Part 1 (1080p, DD 2.0, 4x3, 1:36:07).
• NEW! From Here to Eternity TV Series: Part 2 (1080p, DD 2.0, 4x3, 1:36:45),
• NEW! From Here to Eternity TV Series: Part 3 (1080p, DD 2.0, 4x3, 1:36:37).

From Here to Eternity 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

From Here to Eternity is one of the best films of the 1950s and a landmark picture for a number of reasons. It may not be so scandalous now as it was then, but it remains a near faultless cinema experience, blending together incredible storytelling, captivating narratives, and superb acting in what is certainly one of the classic, unforgettable pictures of its, or any, time. Sony's new UHD release of From Here to Eternity features standout 2160p/Dolby Vision video, excellent Dolby Atmos audio, and a high quality assortment of extras, both legacy supplements and several new features on the UHD disc. As it ships in the above-linked third volume of the Columbia Classics Collection, From Here to Eternity earns my highest recommendation.