The Mummy 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Mummy 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Universal has released the classic 1932 film 'The Mummy,' starring Boris Karloff and directed by Karl Freund, to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video. This set includes the same primary audio track and the same supplements from the 2013 Blu-ray. All of the extras also appear on the UHD disc. Note that, at time of publication, this disc is exclusive to a second volume of the four-film Universal Classic Monsters collection (please click here for more on volume one).

The Mummy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

The picture looks magnificent. Despite the very rare pop or scratch (which do elevate in a couple of shots; look right after the 28-minute mark for example), the print is clean and the encode is very efficient. Grain management is healthy and attractive. Grain is light and complimentary, never spiking in density or reducing so as to appear absent; this is a very fine, pleasantly occurring structure. Details are very high. The picture is noticeably sharper than the previous Blu-ray, which is conveniently included and facilitates comparison. While the HDR grading is more impactful for the obvious differences, the UHD captures more essential clarity and definition to faces, period clothing, and appointments in tombs and classy locales alike delight for the sheer complexity of props and set pieces. Naturally soft shots are few, but present. Overall, however, the picture is sharp and clear and very filmic.

Universal's HDR application breathes new life into the picture. Black and white though it may be, there is a vividness and accuracy in play that blows the Blu-ray out of the water. There is a clear superiority to whites. Look at the opening title cards. While the letters are not true white, pushing a mild bright gray, there is nevertheless a tangible increase in vitality, stability, accuracy, and overall presentation excellence evident on the UHD's HDR color grading. The background grayscale, too, appears richer and more dynamic, as it does throughout the film. As with the best UHD HDR (or Dolby vision) grayscale images, the sense of tonal distinction, separation, and nuance is on full display. There is a renewed sense of grandeur within the grayscale elements compared to the relatively dull, stale, and creamy look on the Blu-ray. Overall, this is a terrific presentation. It is difficult to imagine even the most demanding videophile being disappointed in this work.

The Mummy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

This UHD release simply repurposes the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono lossless soundtrack from the 2013 Blu-ray. Please click here for a full review.

The Mummy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of The Mummy includes all of the legacy extras from the 2013 Blu-ray. All of the extras can be found on the included Blu-ray, which is identical to the 2013 release, and on the UHD disc itself. As it ships in the Universal Classic Monsters boxed set, a digital copy code is included with purchase. For full coverage of the supplemental content, please click here.

• Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
• He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
• Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy
• The Mummy Archives
• 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era
• Trailer Gallery
• Audio Commentary: Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong.
• Audio Commentary: Film Historian Paul M. Jensen.

The Mummy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Mummy is a classic in every way, and so is this UHD. The picture is gorgeous, and the carryover audio and supplemental content re great, too. Very highly recommended!