Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Paramount has released Michael Bay's 2009 film 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' to the UHD format with new 2160p/HDR/Dolby Vision video and Dolby Atmos audio. The film shines, visually and sonically, on the format. No new supplements are included, but this three-disc set carries over all the extras from the previously issued BD release.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 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. Also note that this UHD contains Dolby Vision. We are not currently equipped to review Dolby Vision but are researching equipment options and will be upgrading soon.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was shot on film but finished at 2K (not uncommon for effects-heavy films). Paramount's UHD, then, is presumably an upscale from that source. This is also presented at a steady 2.39:1 aspect ratio and is not the IMAX edition that was available on Blu-ray. But beyond any technical details, the raw image looks fantastic. Textural boosts above the Blu-ray are obvious even without checking back in on the previous release. It's easy to see that the increased resolution brings significantly finer detail and sharpness than any Blu-ray is capable of delivering. Human skin is intricately revealed at a fine level that showcases all sorts of imperfections and textural qualities. Clothing is likewise much more firm, as are various environments, like an old, dusty room full off papers and books and other little treasures during a sequence in chapter 11 featuring Sam and company visiting with Simmons. City environments look remarkably complex and tactile, as do wooded areas and slicker interiors. Digital constructs are amazing, too. The intimacy and intricacy of the Transformers in close-up is something to behold; the effects hold up 100% and the increased resolution only seems to add to the complexity, not subtract from the realism. The HDR color palette shines. Bumblebee yellow might be the top standout in the film. The improved depth is startling. The color is a bit darker than the Blu-ray has on offer, with a bit more of an orange twinge here, but it's presumably more accurate. Color punch, generally, is fantastic. Green grasses practically steal one's breath and additional colors, even small accents on airplanes, signs, and other smaller elements and background objects, are gorgeous. The Devastator transformer, made up of multicolored construction equipment, is a particular standout midway through the movie. Black levels are stable and pleasing and flesh tones are fine within the traditionally warm Michael Bay push, though the film isn't as scorching as some of his work. This is a top-flight UHD that fans of the film and franchise are going to love.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen's new Atmos audio track offers more incentive to upgrade to the UHD than even the picture quality. The track offers the expected bonanza of sound, establishing its dominance right off the bat with the full-bodied, surround-intensive, and effortlessly flowing and harmonized studio logo elements that move about with that distinctive Transformers pulse. The film's low end is frequently dominated by that deep, electronic footprint, which sends balanced but punishing waves of intense sonic perfection into the listening area. Some more generalized bass certainly supports music and many action effects, but that trademark sound certainly represents the track's signature highlight. Musical engagement is wide and deep, yielding the same exacting clarity as heard in the various sound effects. Swooping and sweeping and perfectly immersive sounds of battle, transforming robots, and other such high-yield sound effects dominate with a smoothness of stage traversal and richness of clarity that will be the envy of most other tracks on the market, Atmos or otherwise. Overhead speakers frequently support to create a more enveloping listening bubble, though some distinct sounds of battle and support elements, like blaring alarms at the 32-minute mark, do prove incredibly enjoyable. Dialogue is unsurprisingly perfect, rounding out a must-listen track.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen contains no new bonus content, but it does carry over the Michael Bay, Roberto Orci, and Alex Kurtzman commentary track. A UV/iTunes digital copy code is included with purchase. For a full supplemental content review, please click here.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's a really great movie buried inside Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. If Michael Bay would go back and cut -- slice and dice, not trim -- the fat, this (and the others) would prove to be much more agreeably intense and enjoyable Action films. Revenge of the Fallen has several long stretches of absolute engagement, of mesmerizing action extravaganza filmmaking, but storytelling is weak and bad humor is a killer. As it is and as all the films are, Revenge of the Fallen is just too much, a celebration of excess that also proves the law of diminishing returns. Paramount's UHD is at least spectacular, with near-reference upscaled 4K video and reference Atmos audio. Supplements carry over from the old release, and are generous in quantity and high in quality. Recommended.