The Mummy Ultimate Trilogy 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Mummy Ultimate Trilogy 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Universal never makes it easy.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman May 23, 2017

Update June 6, 2017: Universal has forwarded a new, sealed copy of the trilogy along with a note stating that the slots that hold the discs have been specially coated to protect the discs from scratching. Further, the studio states that the packaging and discs have been tested and no flaws were discovered. Universal believes my copy to be a fluke. Finally, the studio says that no complaints have been received about the packaging. I will be viewing the movies (4K versions only) again over the coming days and will update the reviews with results. I have also forwarded the forum link to Universal.

Update June 9, 2017: All three new copies of the 4K discs played flawlessly. The Mummy was twice scratched upon initial removal but was able to play without issue. The others showed no signs of damage, not scratches and not the larger surface wear exhibited on the previous discs. The discs were sent to me directly from Universal, factory sealed, in the same fold-open packaging. Upon receipt, I immediately transferred the discs to different cases to minimize potential wear. I have also been notified that Universal has acknowledged receipt of the forum thread and the representative I have been in contact with is taking another look at the issue after previously being told there were no widespread problems. Even with mine playing perfectly, there certainly does appear to be more widespread problems and all three of my discs working perfectly is not a sign that everything is now fine with the release. I will update again if there is reason to do so.

Universal has released the three main films from the 'Mummy' franchise to the UHD format. The set includes 'The Mummy,' 'The Mummy Returns,' and 'Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.' Missing are the spinoff films The Scorpion King, The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption, and The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power. The package includes the new UHD discs as well as the Blu-ray counterparts, which contain the bulk of the special features. 4K/HDR-enhanced transfers and DTS:X soundtracks are new for each UHD release. Unfortunately, packaging problems are holding back an otherwise high-quality release. Read on for more information.

For full film reviews, please refer to the original Blu-ray.com listings below:

• The Mummy
• The Mummy Returns
• The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

The Mummy Ultimate Trilogy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.

For full video reviews, please click through these links that direct to the individual UHD releases:

• The Mummy
• The Mummy Returns
• The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

The Mummy Ultimate Trilogy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For full audio reviews, please click through these links that direct to the individual UHD releases:

• The Mummy
• The Mummy Returns
• The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

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

First, a note on the packaging. As mentioned in the video review links above and as can be found on the Blu-ray.com forums, the packaging has not been met kindly and reports of scratched discs are running rampant. The Neopack-style packaging folds open, twice, to reveal a total of four panels and six sides that hold discs. Rather than housed on a hub, the discs slip in and out of each sleeve by the top. This allows for full-panel artwork on the UHD panels and supplemental listings on the Blu-ray sections. The discs snap into place when inserted, but are prone to some rattle and will slip partway out of the top when turned over. They're also exposed to the elements, and with no slipcover or box, the slots are likely to attract some dust. Additionally, it's next to impossible to remove the discs without fingerprinting the disc's edges. Worst, though, are the reports of scratches. In my set (which was purchased; Universal did not provide a screener), several of the discs are scratched and those that are not do show some points of wear from moving about inside the hubs; every disc has one or the other, some both. The Mummy sputters, breaks up, drops sound, and eventually refuses to play at the 58-minute mark. Playback resumes by chapter skipping ahead. The Mummy Returns suffers much the same fate, failing at about the same timestamp, but will not progress any further. Tomb of the Dragon Emperor plays flawlessly, despite two prominent scratches. I have contacted several Universal representatives about this problem but have yet to receive a response.

As for supplements, each UHD disc carries over the available commentary tracks: three for The Mummy and one each for the other two films. No new UHD content is included. Legacy extras are on the included Blu-ray discs. The package does include a UV/iTunes digital copy voucher, good for all three films. For supplemental reviews, please see the original Blu-ray.com listings below:

• The Mummy
• The Mummy Returns
• The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

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

This is another Universal UHD release where the talk is about more than the movies. The packaging looks great, but it's completely non-functional and prone to damage discs. That's a shame, because Universal has done a really good -- great -- job on these discs. The transfers are excellent, the new soundtracks are enjoyable, and all of the old supplements are included on the recycled Blu-ray discs. This set would come very highly recommended were it not for the product-destroying packaging. Pick it up if (hopefully when, and soon) Universal makes it right.