Mulan 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Mulan 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Disney has released the 1998 animated film 'Mulan' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio. No new supplements are included but the bundled Blu-ray, which offers the same video and audio as the 2013 issue, carries over the critical extras from the 2013 release.

Mulan 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

Mulan earns a new identity on the UHD format with a hugely impressive 2160p/HDR-graded presentation. Most of the textural gains are subtle rather than dramatic. The existing Blu-ray does a fine job of presenting the animation's lines and inherent details with delightful accuracy. It's sharp and sure, and so too is the UHD. Here, the upticks are found in the nitty-gritty details. Lines are a little more firm, losing many of the hints of unevenness that can be seen on the Blu-ray. Character models offer modest gains to clarity, and the most obvious improvements come with static backgrounds and objects (terrain, structures, and the like). While any gains to detail are light, they add up to a more satisfying presentation in total.

However, it's through the HDR color grading that the presentation finds its true worth on the UHD format. Colors are bolder, deeper, more expressive, and yield improved gradations, where subtle transitions are completely smooth and natural. Every tone benefits, whether the most intense reds and natural greens or less dynamic, but certainly still vital, earthy tones. HDR is a delight and often a dynamic and dramatic difference maker, solidifying the entire palette with previously unseen color accuracy and depth. Some of the best examples are Mushu's red color, the explosions seen during the snow battle in chapter 22 (which really pop off the screen) and George Takei's "First Ancestor" character which glows a gorgeous cool blue/green color that leaps off the screen with impressive intensity and assured boldness. Whites are terrific (horses, snow) and low light and shadowy corner black levels are superb. The image shows no problematic compression issues, but one or two pops and splotches do pop in, hardly enough to in any way detract from a superb HDR grading that brings new life to this animated favorite.

Mulan 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Disney has been known for less that stellar audio tracks these past few years with various films lacking -- slightly to severely -- quality low end response. That is not a problem with the studio's new Dolby Atmos soundtrack which offers excellent, and borderline prodigious, subwoofer usage. Listen to the full battle in chapter 22. The two key elements here are the explosions and the avalanche. Both bring plenty of power to the sequence, the former popping with delightful depth and the latter pushing through the stage with a sustained and detailed rumble. The track outputs impressive bass at other junctures, too, including galloping horses and musical percussion. The latter is very impressive in support, helping to create a full, rich listening experience to score and songs alike. Musical delivery is clear, smooth, detailed, and immersive. Balance is wonderful with the track dominant up front but enjoying seamless surround integration as well. Some light overhead engagement is in evidence when thunder cracks and rolls in chapter eight, though the accompanying rain offers little aggressiveness even in the surrounds, never mind the top. Some of the more intense thunder strikes do generate a decent low end response as well. Mild environmental support elements are well integrated as well for both positioning and clarity. Dialogue is clear, accurate, and center positioned. If only all Disney tracks were this impressive!

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

Mulan's UHD disc contains no supplements but the bundled Blu-ray, which is nearly identical to the 2013 issue (which shared a disc with Mulan II), contains all of the key legacy extras. See below for a list of what's included and please click here for full coverage. This release ships with a Movies Anywhere digital copy code and a slipcover.

• Audio Commentary: Producer Pam Coats and Directors Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook.
• Deleted Scenes
• Classic Backstage Disney
  
  
  • Mulan's Fun Facts
  • The Journey Begins
  • Story Artists' Journey
  • Design
  • Production
  • Digital Production
• Classic Music & More
  
  
  • Music Video: "I'll Make a Man Out of You" performed in Mandarin by Jackie Chan.
  • Music Video: "Reflection" performed by Christina Aguilera.
  • Music Video: "Reflejo" performed by Lucero.
  • Music Video: "True to Your Heart" performed by Raven.
  • Music Video: "True to Your Heart" performed by Stevie Wonder & 98 Degrees
  • Songs of Mulan
  • Mulan's International Journey
  • Multi-Language Presentation

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

Mulan may be one of the more unheralded of Disney's animated films yet it's a high quality effort with gorgeous animation, a good story, fine voice acting, and plenty of replay value (this reviewer's three-year-old daughter is currently in love with it). Disney's UHD is exceptional, delivering a stout 2160p image supported by brilliant HDR grading. The Atmos track is excellent, too. No new extras are included, but the bundled Blu-ray brings over all of the key legacy content from the 2013 release. Very highly recommended.