U-571 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

U-571 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Lensed in 2000, the World War II naval actioner 'U-571' arrives on 4K UHD disc courtesy of Universal in the 'U-571: 25th Anniversary Limited Edition SteelBook 4K'. Directed by Jonathan Mostow, the film features an all-star cast that includes Matthew McConaughey ('Interstellar'), Bill Paxton ('Aliens'), Harvey Keitel ('Imaginary Crimes'), and Jon Bon Jovi ('Ally McBeal'). The new 2160p presentation with Dolby Vision is again accompanied by the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, and the disc is fleshed-out with on-disc extras that first appeared on a mix of previous HD-DVD and Blu- ray releases. No new supplemental material is included. A Blu-ray disc, and a Digital Code redeemable via Movies Anywhere are also included. Please scroll down to the 'Special Features and Extras' section below for a discussion of the new SteelBook.

U-571 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For a discussion of the film's 2160p presentation, please follow this link.

U-571 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

While I am somewhat puzzled by the absence of a Dolby Atmos track, it's fair to say that the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that accompanies U- 571 4K is no slouch. You can read about that track here.

U-571 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The color scheme for the new U-571: 25th Anniversary Limited Edition SteelBook 4K is dominated by fiery and dramatic reds, yellows, and oranges. As the deeper red sky transitions to brighter oranges and yellows as it nears the horizon, the film's title is found in textured and weathered steely letters. A distant fighter plane is visible between the numbers "5" and "7". Just below that, a submarine makes its way through the roiling seas toward the viewer, as explosions erupt out of the water around it. The back cover maintains the same color scheme and gradations of both the sky and the sea. A submarine, this time headed toward the left, sits perfectly on the horizon. A burst of yellow explodes from behind it, rendering the craft in a sensational red silhouette. Universal's logo is centered at the bottom, and a product number is found in the lower right corner. The spine is a simple black field with the film's title centered and rendered in the same steely letters as are found on the front. The Universal logo sits at the bottom. The SteelBook features a matte finish. There are no embossed, debossed, or spot-glossed elements.

Opening the SteelBook, the tabs on the left secure the Digital Copy. On the right side, the 4K UHD disc and the Blu-ray disc, are stagger-stacked, each on their own hub, with the 4K UHD disc on top. Removing all of these items exposes a two-panel image of the primary cast, printed in a red/yellow/orange color scheme that is complimentary to the SteelBook's exterior. As such, the SteelBook does an admirable job of conveying the brand of the tense, fiery, wartime action found in the film.

For a discussion of the on-disc supplemental material included on this release, please follow this link.

U-571 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Competently-crafted World War II films never seem to lose their appeal, and while this particular tale may not be inhibited or incumbered by the facts, it is certainly populated with a steady stream of tense action scenes. The reliable Paxton and Keitel deliver as one would expect in their roles, and they're ably assisted by McConaughey. With fantastic sets and sound design, the film is engaging from every angle. A new Dolby Atmos track would have been appreciated, but the DTS-HD MA track performs well enough. And while the newly minted 2160p presentation offers some modest improvements, there are still a few elements that prevent it from achieving perfection. For the film's fans looking for a visual upgrade, those wanting more interesting and vibrant packaging, or those who have yet to add the film to their collections, U-571: 25th Anniversary Limited Edition SteelBook 4K comes recommended.