Lord of War 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Lord of War 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman June 6, 2023

Lionsgate is continuing its seemingly random release strategy with regard to both 4K UHD versions of previously released 1080 titles, as well as offering a bit of extra allure courtesy of SteelBook packaging, another marketing tool where Lionsgate's choices can often surprise. Lord of War received a very early release on 1080 disc way back in 2006 (!), and this may be another case where, as I've joked repeatedly with regard to any number of other random 4K UHD releases from Lionsgate, there were "remainder" copies of the 1080 discs lying around and this seemed to be a good way to maybe unload some of them. Therefore, even if you're not a huge fan of this particular film but still have an "archeological" interest in early Blu-ray releases, the 1080 disc in this package may offer a bit of quaint nostalgia with its MPEG-2 video codec, DTS ES 6.1 audio codec, and helpful features like its "Menu Tutorial Help" option. Despite my snarky joking about many of these Lionsgate 4K UHD releases, the fact is while there have been a few misfires along the way, Lionsgate often does a rather commendable job with their 4K upgrades of older titles, and I'd argue that this release offers a chance to reassess a rather interesting film, with some noticeable improvements in both video and audio, along with some supplemental features and the SteelBook packaging itself.

As mentioned above, Lord of War was a very early foray into 1080 Blu-ray from Lionsgate, and those wanting more of a plot summary are encouraged to read Martin Liebman's Lord of War Blu-ray review of that now long ago release. I'd only add that given "current events" involving Ukraine and Russia, some plot points in Lord of War are suddenly more relevant than they might have been even in 2005 when the film first came out. I'd also maybe make the point that director Andrew Niccol sometimes likes to offer significant stylistic flash and flair, which may occasionally conflict with the efforts of writer Andrew Niccol. Finally, for those interested, it appears there may be a sequel to this film in the works.

Lord of War 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: Screenshots are sourced from the 1080 disc also included in this package.

Lord of War is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 2.40:1. This was shot on film and finished with a 2K DI, but despite this apparently not having a native 4K rescan, I was consistently impressed with the look of this presentation. There are two clear areas of difference and/or improvement from the old 1080 version (which those who compare scores will note I'm rating a little bit lower than Marty did back in the day, in the latest installment of "different reviewers means different opinions"). The first of these is detail levels, where in close- ups especially, like the fantastic fleeting looks at fingers holding bullets in the opening credits scene, fine detail is at least marginally improved. Throughout the presentation there are clear if subtle upticks in general detail and fine detail levels across the board, and even some wide vistas can offer at least decent fine detail levels receding into the distance. The second major element and one which actually probably struck me personally even more than detail was the palette, now aided and abetted by HDR and/or Dolby Vision. While there are certainly a lot of warmer tones scattered throughout the film, what I found particularly appealing in this new iteration was the nuance toward the cooler end of the spectrum. Some of the blues, greens and interstitial tones like teals are really remarkably vivid in this version, which actually makes some sudden pops of red and the like even more interesting. Speaking of red, the kind of weird orange-red push that is evident in the 1080 version is at least somewhat toned down now, though I'd argue still visible. Longtime readers of my 4K UHD reviews know I'm not always a fan of how shot on film productions look in the increased resolution this format offers, but I have to say grain in this presentation actually looked nicely organic for the most part. There are definitely some moments, especially in a couple of interior scenes and frankly in some more brightly lit outdoor moments against sunny blue skies, where things can look a bit on the chunky side.

Lord of War 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Lord of War enjoys a sonic upgrade as well, with a nicely rendered Dolby Atmos track. While surround activity is consistent and begins from the get go with the great use of Stephen Stills' iconic For What It's Worth, Atmos engagement is arguably a bit more reserved at times. Some of the outdoor material in particular benefits from increased verticality, and the side and rear channels are regularly populated by ambient environmental sounds. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available.

Lord of War 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The 1080 disc sports no real bonus features, other than that aforementioned extremely useful "Menu Tutorial Help". The 4K UHD disc offers the following bonus items:

• Audio Commentary by Writer / Director Andrew Niccol


• The Making of Lord of War (HD; 20:28) is an archival video piece with upscaled quality but some interesting interviews and behind the scenes footage.


• Making a Killing: Inside the International Arms Trade (HD; 15:18) is another archival video offering with some pretty sober assessments of the subject by people like William Schulz from Amnesty International.


• Deleted Scenes (HD: 6:34) are anamorphically enhanced but still obviously upscales.

Additionally, the SteelBook houses a digital copy. The SteelBook veers away from some other recent efforts by not offering an "illustration" per se, but more of a photo realistic approach. The color scheme is rather interestingly on the neutral side, with an emphasis on beiges and ochres, with just a bit of bloody spill (?) toward the bottom of the front cover. (The mylar O ring kind of cheekily adds sunglasses for Cage and what looks like blood spilling from his cheek, which may account for the "red lake".) The inside left panel offers a curiously upside down Cage caressing a bullet.

Lord of War 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Gun control advocates could probably use Lord of War as Exhibit A in their appeal to people about certain mad activities involving international gun trade, but that said, one of the interesting things about this film is that its stylistic bells and whistles may overshadow its screed like proclivities. I really liked the look and sound of this new 4K UHD presentation, and the supplements and SteelBook packaging are also enjoyable. Recommended.