Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Mortal Engines 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

From producer Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings), Mortal Engines is a post-apocalyptic spectacle which is set in a distant world on the brink of total chaos. The feature marks the directorial debut of Christian Rivers (who worked on both The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings film series as a head CGI artist). The beautiful Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar) and the eccentric Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan) team up and go on a perilous quest with the odds stacked against them as they deal with the dastardly Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving).

The feature has somewhat inconsistent performances from it's cast (while I enjoyed the lead actors, the supporting cast fares no better than what one might expect from a CW TV series). The storytelling is also somewhat uninspired (which is surprising given the involvement of the great Peter Jackson). However, even with some of the undeniable shortcomings on display in the filmmaking of Mortal Engines this is still a worthwhile endeavor. The weaknesses in the cast and story are counterbalanced by a high level of spectacle and entertainment.

This is a fun big-budget action film with plenty to offer and its enormously well-designed CGI world is breathtaking to behold. If Rivers proves himself incapable of handling a big-budget film on the same level as an auteur like Jackson, the director still proves to have a knack for crafting a film with enough entertainment-value to be given another shot as director. I anticipate seeing what he may come up with next. Mortal Engines may not be great but it's a journey well worth taking.

A must-own 3D/4K steelbook combo edition.

To read more on the film and release please refer to the full review published by my fellow Blu-ray.com colleague, Martin Liebman. Please note my rating on the film itself is my own opinion on the film.

Mortal Engines 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented on 3D Blu-ray with a 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encode, Mortal Engines is a spectacularly immersive transfer that will take one's breath away. While the 3D itself is a conversion (which is downright hard to believe given how incredible it is), the size and scale of the production is so enormous that this is a perfect example of the benefits of the 3D format and gaining an extra dimension. This film has one of the best 3D presentations I have ever seen.

The level of detail on this presentation is off the charts: everything looks more impressive. Having seen the film theatrically in IMAX 3D (as well as on this 3D Blu-ray), I found the 3D presentation on Blu-ray to be true to the theatrical release. From the small details in the landscape shots to the sweeping action on display as mechanized machines swerve through the land, Mortal Engines stands out as a perfect example of how far conversions have come for the 3D format.

While an average 3D conversion still doesn't come even remotely close to matching the quality of productions filmed in native 3D, a high class conversion like Mortal Engines is so close in quality that one can't tell the difference. I noticed no issues with crosstalk on my display. The film looks great: 3D is one of the best ways to experience Mortal Engines and anyone with a 3D capable display should make the effort to see it in this format.

For a complete evaluation of the video quality on the standard Blu-ray release please click here to view the published review on the standard edition. Please Note: The steelbook edition includes 3D, 4K, and standard Blu-ray editions.

Mortal Engines 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For a complete evaluation of the audio please click here to view the published review on the standard edition.

Mortal Engines 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited edition steelbook release of Mortal Engines is a must-own for die-hard fans. The release comes with the 3D, 4K, and standard Blu-ray editions. The set is jam-packed and the steelbook set features special art-work (as taken from one of the theatrical posters). While a minimalist art choice, Mortal Engines also benefits from a high gloss print. The steelbook looks premium in hand. An outstanding collectible and a comprehensive package.

For a complete break-down of the on-disc supplements please click here to view the published review on the standard edition.

Mortal Engines 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

If anyone is looking for a great 3D or 4K demo disc to show off to friends and family, Mortal Engines is certainly a great release to consider. This film has an incredible presentation and it's such a joy to experience it in 3D. While the film was produced in native 4K, Mortal Engines is a must-see in 3D for anyone equipped to see it this way. A great presentation, excellent audio, and an enticing set of extras help make this a release that belongs on the shelf of every 3D enthusiast.

Fans of collectible steelbooks will be pleased with the outstanding Mortal Engines: 4K/3D/Blu-ray combo pack edition. The release has a nice cover-art and comes jam-packed with every essential presentation option. The design is first-rate and the glossy print quality feels premium.