7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.2 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.2 |
Aliens launch an all-out invasion against the human race. The world's only hope lies with survivors, uniting for a strike against the invaders.
Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd HirschAction | 100% |
Adventure | 72% |
Sci-Fi | 58% |
Thriller | 40% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
French: Dolby Digital Mono
English SDH, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
UV digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
20th Century Fox has re-released 'Independence Day' to Blu-ray in celebration of the film's 20th anniversary and the upcoming release of the sequel, 'Independence Day: Resurgence.' The two-disc set also replaces the original release from 2008. This edition boasts a remastered 1080p transfer, a new retrospective documentary, and adds plenty of archival extras missing from the previous Blu-ray. Key supplements from the previous release, such as the dual commentary tracks, are also included. Unfortunately, no new audio track is included, but the carryover 5.1 lossless presentation is still top-shelf, even after all these years.
They're here.
20th Century Fox touts this new release of Independence Day as "newly restored" without spilling out any more detail. With a 4K UHD release on the horizon and original 35mm elements on hand, there's no reason to presume this isn't from a 4K scan. The results certainly point in that direction. This is, at least until the UHD releases (and it'll be interesting to see how the HDR treatment alters the presentation), the best the film has ever looked on home video, certainly not a surprise but Fox's presentation is authentically filmic and endlessly attractive. The only real down side is that black levels are prone to pushing towards crush. Otherwise, the presentation is spectacular from every angle. Fine grain layers atop the image in an organic, evenly dispersed field. Rarely does grain spike in intensity, and never do details disappoint. Effects shots are noticeably softer, but core images look terrific. Dense fabric military uniforms showcase extremely fine material textures. Casse's red crop duster is home to a fine layer of dirt and intimate little scratches and dents. The flight sticks inside fighter jet cockpits reveal authentic wear. Cruder surface area details at SETI, the varied areas down in the bowels of Area 51, or the more elegant appointments in the White House and on Air Force One all present with a tangibly authentic sense of place and definition. Facial features are perhaps most impressive. Every pore, mole, strand of facial hair, and stubble are organically revealed. Colors are likewise superb, presenting with a natural balance and vibrance that never pushes too bright or dull, whether sunny daytime or darker nighttime exteriors, in the more evenly lit White House or in the dank and drab alien mothership. Flesh tones appear true to natural (and makeup enhanced) complexions. Outside of a few pesky black level concerns, this is a terrific presentation and an honest improvement over the previous Blu-ray release, particularly as it tightens up fine detail, grain, and color. But the single nicest compliment one can pay to this presentation is that it looks straight-out-of-the-theater. It's refined, natural, and ever pleasing. For audiences who grew up on the movie and have seen every iteration -- theatrical, VHS, cable, LaserDisc, DVD, and even the previous Blu-ray -- this is a real treat.
This Blu-ray release of Independence Day is caught in the middle of disappointment. Packaging proclaims that the release includes a 7.1 lossless soundtrack, and the upcoming UHD release is set to include a DTS:X presentation. This release contains neither. Rather than deliver on packaging promise or simply add the DTS:X track (the studio is likely holding that back to further enhance the 4K release's "premium" status), this release contains only a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless track. All that said, it's still a fabulous track, even if it's identical to the previous release's 1.5Mbps track. For more thoughts, click through the link that leads to the previous Blu-ray release's review above.
Independence Day contains supplemental content on both Blu-ray discs. Both commentaries from the original release carry over, as does the
trivia track. The only "new" extra on disc one is a trailer for the new movie. Disc two contains a new retrospective and material new to Blu-ray but
previously available on older home video releases. Note that this release also contains an extended cut of the film, which runs 2:33:33, as well as
the theatrical version.
Disc One:
Independence Day still holds up as one of the best guilty pleasures out there. A Summer popcorn muncher that defines the term, the movie is packed with the perfect balance of action, humor, good characters, great visual effects, and memorable moments, essentially everything that makes a "blockbuster" a "blockbuster." It'll be interesting to see if the sequel can match the original's charm, excitement, and lasting appeal, a tall order to be sure but one that team of Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich are capable of filling. As for this new Blu-ray, it's terrific. A strong improvement over an already good transfer is alone worth the price of admission. A few more new extras would have been nice, but the legacy supplements are terrific. The absence of a new audio track is the only real drawback to this release. Still, it comes very highly recommended.
20th Anniversary Edition
1996
20th Anniversary Edition
1996
20th Anniversary Edition | 4 Exclusive Mondo Cards + Alien: Covenant Movie Cash
1996
1996
1996
1996
Awards O-Ring Slipcover
1996
Comic Con Exclusive
1996
20th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition
1996
Special Edition | Fox Icons
1996
20th Anniversary Edition | Limited Edition
1996
1996
2016
20th Anniversary Edition
1997
2012
20th Anniversary
2003
1998
2004
2009
+ Extended on BD
2013
2011
Director's Cut
2009
2022
2014
15th Anniversary Edition
2005
1991
2018
2010
2013
1986
2014
2011