Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Monsters University 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Disney has released the campus-centric prequel Pixar film 'Monsters University' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR encoded video resolution and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. No new extras are included but the studio has bundled in two Blu-ray discs that contain extras previously found on the 2013 Blu-ray release.

Monsters University 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

Like its predecessor on UHD, Monsters, Inc., Monsters University's 2160p/HDR-enhanced UHD presentation delivers at times modest, but in the aggregate satisfying and necessary, visual upgrades over the previously issued 2013 Blu-ray. The resolution bump renders textures mildly more sharp and appealing, but this is by far the lesser of the two upgrades on the disc. The picture's increases in overall clarity and object definition are marginal at best, showing fur, odds and ends around campus, and attire such as fraternity sweaters with enough new clarity to notice but not enough to transform the viewing experience. That speaks to the existing Blu-ray's excellence and the limitations at the source. This is an improvement, but don't expect to suddenly unearth new information that the Blu-ray couldn't show; this is a refinement at best.

The HDR colors don't bring about an explosion of new tonal identities, either, but the increases here are more pronounced than they are on the resolution side. The school's dominant blue colors are all the rage throughout. They're bold, beautiful, and far deeper and more visually appealing than what the Blu-ray can offer, which looks a little dispirited, to use a college term, in comparison across the entire spectrum, really. Red sweaters, greens around campus, and of course the diversity of colors that swirl around the screen when seeing the myriad of monsters all enjoy good, positive gains in terms of both depth and vibrance. These changes may not be the most drastic in the world, or even amongst the Pixar films on UHD, but the image is certainly buoyant and tonally robust in a way its predecessor could not be. Add improved whites and blacks, a real sense of depth and dimensionality on the 2-D plane, and an absence of source and encode issues and this is clearly the finest Monsters University has ever looked for home consumption.

Monsters University 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Monsters University features a not-so-scary Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The presentation is volume challenged, wanting more upward movement from a calibrated reference level. It's also fairly thin and flat, lacking substantial bass and solid footing to its core presentations. Spacing is at least a high point. the Atmos track takes full advantage of every speaker at its disposal, creating a wide, engaging, and seamless listening environment for the duration. The collegiate music beats that accompany the opening titles is about the most robust component in the film. It's also widely immersive with a satisfying surround wrap and a good, not great, low end presence, not as strong as it might should be but pleasing in the aggregate. Music throughout follows suit, never lacking stage engagement or foundational clarity but absent that finishing depth. Dialogue is clear and well prioritized as it maintains a firm front-center place of stage entrance. On the whole, the track is enjoyable with a modest volume boost. Could be better, but it's not terrible as it is.

Monsters University 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Monsters University UHD disc contains no supplemental content, but the pair of bundled Blu-rays do include a rather large assortment of content. See below for a list of what's included and please click here for full coverage. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.

Blu-ray Disc One (Feature Film):

• The Blue Umbrella
• Audio Commentary

• Campus Life
• Story School
• Scare Games
• Monthropology
• Welcome to MU
• Music Appreciation
• Scare Tactics
• Color and Light
• Paths to Pixar: MU Edition
• Furry Monsters: A Technical Retrospective
• Deleted Scenes
• Promo Picks
• Set Flythroughs
• Art Gallery

Monsters University 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Monsters University has a lot of fun exploring Mike and Sully's collegiate careers, taking place before Monsters, Inc. It's a breezy, colorful film that comes to life on UHD with a handsome 2160p/HDR video presentation. Audio could be a little better, unfortunately. The included supplemental content carries over from the old Blu-ray and remains of high quality and wide breadth. Highly recommended.