Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		2.5

Superman: Red Son 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

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Reviewed by Randy Miller III March 12, 2020

NOTE: The 1080p screenshots on this page are all sourced from the included Blu-ray disc and do not represent 4K's native 2160p format. For 20 more 1080p screenshots, please refer to my Blu-ray review.

Based on writer Mark Millar's 2003 three-issue Elseworlds comic series, Superman: Red Son is Warner Bros.' latest DC Animated Universe (DCAU) adaptation. This "what if?" story imagines a timeline where Superman is raised in the Soviet Union rather than small-town America, with his powerful presence greatly affecting The Cold War and other aspects of history in both countries and the world at large. Featuring guest appearances from Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Braniac, and others -- many of whom greatly differ from their "standard" counterparts -- Red Son offers a mostly compelling tale that shows the versatility of one of DC's most iconic and enduring franchises.

For a full synopsis and critique, please refer to my Blu-ray review. Warner Bros. has also prepared a 4K edition of Superman: Red Son and, while technically an upscale of the source material rather than a true 4K offering, its more refined visual presentation -- including some good use of HDR -- makes it the best version currently available.

Superman: Red Son 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Although Red Son can't boast a true 4K presentation due to its source material, it's almost immediately apparent that this UHD's 2160p transfer easily outpaces its Blu-ray counterpart. Colors and image detail offer the most immediate and lasting improvements, with far fewer stray artifacts and other compression-related issues also being a key factor. The format's native resolution and good use of HDR easily explain those first two, as Red Son serves up an extremely robust and varied palette that benefits greatly from the boost. Reds and other primaries practically leap off the screen at times, while subtle variances between certain shades are now a good deal more apparent. Low-light scenes also look more impressive, thanks to darker colors standing out more strongly against pure blacks and dark gray interiors. As for the compression artifacts? Those can still be seen on occasion, especially during sequences involving "CGI effects" -- using that term very loosely, of course -- such as Superman's heat vision and a few electrical bursts. This leads me to believe that such artifacts might be part of the source material, given Warner Bros.' consistently solid track record for well-authored discs and the 4K's high bitrate, with other potential problem areas smoothed over by subtle grain effect layers and textured backgrounds that would reveal more problems if they were completely smooth.

Superman: Red Son 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For an overview of the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track, please refer to my Blu-ray review.

Optional subtitles, including English (SDH) and a variety of foreign dubs and subs (which do not include German, unlike the Blu-ray), are included during the film and most of the bonus features. These are formatted perfectly and, like the default audio mix, do not contain any obvious sync issues or other defects. But again, why not include a Russian dub? This is a completely missed opportunity, both for the audience and added authenticity.

Superman: Red Son 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Like its Blu-ray counterpart, Red Son arrives on 4K in a standard dual-hubbed keepcase with two promotional inserts, including a Digital Copy redemption slip. The cover artwork evokes the style of a vintage Soviet propaganda poster and its matching slipcover has a handsome matte finish with subtle metallic highlights. It's a great packaging presentation that really suits the main feature. The on-disc extras are similar in size and scope to other DCAU releases.

For a list and synopsis of these bonus features (all contained on the Blu-ray disc), please refer to my Blu-ray review.

Superman: Red Son 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Although it struggles with pacing and the story undercuts its source material, Superman: Red Son has several great moments and a fine original score. That said, it's for seasoned fans only: the sudden appearance of certain characters and events often comes without any context, so anyone unfamiliar with deeper aspects of Superman lore may feel lost along the way. Warner Bros.' 4K release supports the film with a more refined visual presentation, the same great lossless audio, and a few promotional or loosely-related bonus features. This one's still probably closer to "try before you buy" than a clear recommendation, although it's the version to get if you're already set up for 4K.