Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Who Framed Roger Rabbit 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Disney has released the 1988 fan-favorite film 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio. No new supplements are included, but the bundled Blu-ray, which appears to be identical to the 2013 issue, is included and brings with it the full suite of legacy extras.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

Disney brings Who Framed Roger Rabbit to the UHD format with a standard 2160p/HDR presentation. The image is a solid one, capturing the contrasting essence of real and animated flavors with satisfying balance and visual acumen at both ends. The picture is handsomely filmic, holding to a pleasing grain structure that bears the fruit of a classy filmic image. Grain is consistent in density and presentation elegance throughout. Fine detailing is not radically elevated so as to completely trounce the Blu-ray, but viewers will appreciate the adds to general clarity and fine object crispness, revealing both real world elements – human skin, period clothes, and the various complex set pieces (such as Valiant's kitchen) -- and animated characters for just about all they're worth. The image is certainly not the mot complex ever committed to film or the UHD format -- there are crisper, sharper images on the market -- but most fans will be satisfied with what's here and for the modest increase in stature from the dated, yet still fairly good, Blu-ray.

The HDR color spectrum adds a nice amount of tonal depth to the bold red opening title card and a little more authenticity to black depth as well. The white titles are brighter and crisper, less creamy and soft looking as well, though they do not reach the level of peak luminance and pure white intensity as found on some UHD presentations. The HDR grading handles the blend of abundant cartoon color and classic noir stylings with excellent balance; while the color palette always looks a hair depressed – even intense reds like Jessica's hair and dress aren't so over the top bright as to look, well, cartoonish -- there's a clear step up in depth and brilliance compared to the Blu-ray while at the same time many of the real-world colors are nicely tuned as well. Live action scenes are rendered far moodier with a darker contrast. Look at the scene when Valiant discovers the will in the photograph in the 36-minute mark. The Blu-ray looks very well and evenly lit, bright and not a shadow to be found. The UHD conversely is warmer with less light source intensity at work; it's almost like a key light from the set was removed. It's fairly transformative but the darker contrast and reduced brightness support rather than distract from the movie's noir narrative structure.

The image appears to be free of any encode maladies and the print is in fine shape; there are no splotches or pops or scratches in evidence. While not a showstopper, this is a solid UHD, a good upgrade from the Blu-ray (particularly in terms of how the HDR grading enhances the film's mood) and a presentation fans are sure to enjoy.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

In addition to new video, this UHD release of Who Framed Roger Rabbit includes a new Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The presentation is not particularly aggressive; it lacks authoritative bass and serious stage fill, favoring a simpler sound output that, even in the track's most would-be sonic high points plays rather unenthusiastically with not much in the way of serious audio spread and full stage extension. The result is a track that doesn't inspire much aural giddiness or sonic glee, even if it's balanced enough with its front dominant posture and mild surround work. Score is pleasantly clear and detailed, lacking triumphant aggression at reference like everything else but playing to core satisfaction. Dialogue is clear and center positioned for the duration. It's also well prioritized. There's not much of real sonic interest here.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of Who Framed Roger Rabbit contains no extras beyond the legacy audio commentary. The bundled Blu-ray, which is identical to Disney's 2013 release, includes all of the legacy supplements. See below for a list of what's included and please click here for full coverage. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with a non-embossed slipcover.

• Audio Commentary (Also available on the UHD disc)
• The Roger Rabbit Shorts
• Deleted Scenes: The Pig Head Sequence
• Who Made Roger Rabbit
• Before and After
• Toon Stand-Ins
• Behind the Ears: The True Story of Roger Rabbit
• On Set! Benny the Cab

Who Framed Roger Rabbit 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Who Framed Roger Rabbit may not be so cutting edge today as it was over three decades ago, but it holds up as a visually splendid and engaging tale that blends the real and animated worlds in a vintage noir crime film with, despite its cartoon proclivities, an adult edge. Disney's UHD is fine, offering fair upgrades to picture and sound over the Blu-ray. There are no new supplements, but there's nothing missing, either. Recommended.