7.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
While a zombie virus breaks out in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan.
Starring: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-sik, SoheeHorror | 100% |
Foreign | 54% |
Thriller | 11% |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Korean: Dolby Atmos
Korean: Dolby TrueHD 7.1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Note: Well Go USA released their 1080 version of Train
to Busan over five years ago (nearly six, actually), and are just now getting around to a 4K UHD release of the title. This review reprints
relevant portions of my review of the 1080 release.
Train travel, for all its perceived peacefulness, isn’t for the faint of heart. While the trappings of locomotives have had technological upgrades over
the
course of the century plus this mode of transportation has been in use, there are still some undeniable facts that have to be taken into
consideration if
one is considering traveling this way.
First of all, things obviously take longer on trains, even “new, improved” high speed offerings like the Acela. Second of all, the ride can often be at
least
a little choppy, meaning if you’re on one of these vehicles for more than a day, sleeping can be a bit of a challenge (I say this from repeated
personal
experience). No matter what the passing inconveniences of choosing this way to get from Point A to Point B might be, they probably pale in
comparison
to the conceit that drives (no pun intended) Train to Busan: a “zombie outbreak” on board a high speed train on its way to the titular
destination.
The film utilizes its inherently claustrophobic setting to up the ante of a zombie horde attempting to attack innocent bystanders (and/or by-riders,
as the
case may be), but it also has a kind of interesting subtext which seems to be alluding to some socioeconomic issues that South Korea is facing. The
film
is often viscerally exciting, even if it ultimately tips into Grand Guignol territory as well as indulging in a liberal slathering of schmaltz in its
endgame.
Note: Screenshots are sourced from the 1080 disc.
Train to Busan is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Well Go USA with a 2160p transfer in 1.85:1. Despite having a 2K DI (per the IMDb), this
4K version actually does show some nice upticks in fine detail levels across the board, at least with regard to some of the practical items like textures
on fabrics of costumes or even things like the upholstery and carpet in the train itself. The CGI can still be a bit soft looking, and I'd argue that some of
the aerial shots depicting the carnage in urban areas isn't especially aided by the increased resolution of this release. Where I think most viewers may
end up appreciating this 4K UHD version is with regard to HDR and/or Dolby Vision. As I mentioned in my original Train to Busan Blu-ray review with regard to the video side of things in the 1080
version, some of the grading choices are a bit odd, but the "greenish" hues I mentioned there have an almost slightly orange bent now, which I guess
maybe tips them toward chartreuse territory. The prevalence of blues also has some really interesting new highlights that are kind of in the aquamarine
or teal territory. Shadow detail is at least marginally improved as well. My score is 4.25.
I always find it kind of oddly interesting when the same label puts out product with different specs, and in this instance, Well Go USA is offering a Dolby Atmos track on this 4K UHD disc in place of the DTS:X track on the 1080 disc. I frankly noticed little if any difference between the two, and the Atmos track like the DTS:X track offers both consistent surround activity as well as frequent bursts of LFE. Both panning and overhead effects are noticeable, and some of the cacophonous zombie scenes offer really fun cartwheeling effects marauding through the side and rear channels. The same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English dub that was on the 1080 disc is included here. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout, and optional English subtitles are available.
The 4K UHD disc boasts no supplemental material, and my score above reflects that fact. The few supplements detailed in my 1080 review linked to above are of course included on the 1080 disc in this package. Additionally, packaging features a slipcover.
Train to Busan is that rare film that doesn't shy away from any number of genre conventions (including both disaster and zombie genres), but which still manages to do something new with the material. "The Narrow Margin" setting gives this film some really nicely claustrophobic anxiety levels, and the developing relationship between an estranged father and his little girl offers some unexpectedly moving emotional content. If the film falters at the very end, the rest of the journey is exciting and often quite scary. Well Go USA's 4K UHD presentation offers solid video and audio, and comes Highly recommended.
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