Lucy 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		4.0

Lucy 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Universal previously released 'Lucy' to 1080p Blu-ray in August 2013. This UHD release marks Universal's debut into the 4K disc era, alongside 'Oblivion' and 'Lone Survivor.'

Lucy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Lucy (4K digital intermediate, according to the film's IMDB tech page) marks one of three titles to make up Universal's first foray into the world of UHD, and the results are stellar. The 2160p, HDR-enabled presentation dazzles from the first shot of a primitive ape from long, long ago. The creature's fur and cruder detailing is remarkable, while environmental detail surrounding is clear, focused, and impeccably defined. The digitally sourced image continues to wow for the duration. It's not flat or smooth, but it is very clean and healthy. Vibrancy is incredible. Clarity is striking. Skin textures are impeccable, revealing a level of facial nuance that's quite a step up from basic 1080p Blu-ray. Viewers will note every small detail on Scarlett Johansson's skin and the texture of her lips. Every character enjoys the same level of sophisticated detailing, whether splatters of blood, weathered lines, deep pores: nothing escapes the 2160p image's eye. Clothing textures are immaculate as well. A knock-off Stetson hat at the beginning is so richly presented, revealing the finely interwoven structure and material texture, that one can practically feel the item in the hands. Environmental details -- particularly big, bustling cityscapes -- look amazing. The level of depth, distant nuance, and fine attention to detail are all remarkable. Colors are fabulous, too. Every shade sparkles, whether rich, vibrant reds or deep, dark mahogany seen in the offices near film's start. Blue hospital garb is amazingly well saturated. The sheer variety visible in various city shots is remarkable, and the authenticity and fullness is second to none. Pure whites are blindingly perfect and blacks go effortlessly deep and true. The UHD image shows no signs of compression anomalies. This is a first-class release from Universal.

Lucy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Lucy's Dolby Atmos soundtrack excels in every facet. This review is based on a setup with seven traditional front, center, and surround speakers (plus subwoofer) and four "height" channels. The added overhead channels are used wisely, enhancing some of the film's more aggressive, swirling, fast-moving effects, such as when Lucy's internals react to the drugs or stretch her limits further. There's a shooting, swirling effect, blasting through the stage with multiple and seamless movements that are not just pushing through the stage's periphery but also straight on through, and above. The overhead effects aren't necessarily discrete, but the added layer meshes exceedingly well with the content the remainder of the channels yield, resulting in one of the most advanced sound moments ever heard in a home theater. The film begins with a powerful low end thud, a fine room-filling sensation that's seamlessly deep and potent. High energy and perfectly defined depth is maintained throughout as the low end saturates the stage with remarkably detailed, deep, and efficient power. Music is detailed and fluid, fully immersing the stage and delivering remarkable clarity throughout the range and around the entire listening area. The track features well placed discrete effects and fluid imaging, too. Gunfire pops with very strong weight and zip, with perfectly defined surround implementation. Dialogue is clear and detailed with a natural center positioning. This is a first-class Atmos track from Universal.

Lucy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Universal's UHD Blu-ray release of Lucy contains no supplemental content on the 4K disc. The included 1080p disc carries over the bonus material from the previous release. Please click through the link at the top of this review for more information. A voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy code is included with purchase.

Lucy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

With Lucy, Universal has delivered a reference-worthy UHD disc right off the bat. While it took the studio a bit longer than some of the other big players to jump into the game, this first release does not disappoint in the least. Video is striking and the full immersion audio is the perfect compliment. No extras unique to the UHD are included. The menu is very simple and clean without the usual sleekness and curvature of the typical Universal Blu-ray. This is a healthy step up from the 1080p Blu-ray in terms of both video and audio. UHD-capable viewers should definitely add this release to their collections. Highly recommended.