Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		4.0

Wind River 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman September 10, 2024

Lionsgate continues to perhaps baffle with its various re-releases and packaging options, with the latest example being this Walmart exclusive SteelBook release of Wind River on both 4K UHD and 1080 discs, a film which Lionsgate released on 1080 disc "way back" in 2017. As odd as Lionsgate's releases (and/or re-releases) can be, in this particular case, Wind River is a rather provocative film which may be due for some reconsideration, since it really didn't seem to cause much of a stir when it was first released. Along with rather handsome SteelBook packaging, Lionsgate is providing a new Dolby Atmos mix of the film's evocative soundtrack, which along with the upgraded resolution of the video may in and of itself engender fleeting thoughts of double dipping for anyone who bought the first 1080 release.

For my thoughts on the film, please head over to my Wind River Blu-ray review of Lionsgate's old 1080 release.

Wind River 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: Screenshots are sourced from the 1080 disc in this package. I actually think these screenshots provide a more accurate representation of the color space in particular than if I had offered captures from the 4K disc which would have been downscaled to 1080 and in SDR.

Wind River is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 2.39:1. Captured with Arri Alexas and finished with a 2K DI, this ostensible "upscale" to 4K boasts some impressive new fine detail levels and a palette that is measurably heightened by HDR / Dolby Vision. All of the blue toned material suffusing several key sequences have an intense cobalt hue that isn't quite as vivid in Lionsgate's already excellent 1080 presentation. Kind of interestingly, some of the introductory "farm" material featuring Jeremy Renner is almost sepia toned now, with a somewhat desaturated look that is actually surprisingly evocative. A lot of the nighttime material finds at least marginal, and at times more than merely marginal, improvement in shadow definition. Despite the barrenness of so much of the wilderness in this film, and also despite its rather troubling undertones, Wind River can be an amazingly scenic viewing experience, and the 4K version definitely provides new luster to some of the wider vistas in particular. Fine detail sees improvement in everything from the textures of ice crystals and snow to some of the layers of fabric that several characters wear as they forage for clues in the great (?) outdoors. This is another 4K UHD presentation where digital grain is probably a little less subliminal looking than in the 1080 presentation, but I personally didn't find anything that struck me as overly artificial looking.

Wind River 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Lionsgate is to be commended for offering fans a new Dolby Atmos mix of this film's very evocative soundtrack. All of the weather effects ranging from blizzards to whipping winds help to keep the Atmos speakers active, and as with the 1080 disc's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, "regular" surround engagement is consistently engaging. The glut of outdoor material helps, and all of the great effects like the panning roar of snowmobiles that I mentioned in the review of the 1080 release are well in evidence again. There is great attention paid to sometimes subtle placement of ambient environmental effects even in relatively quieter dialogue scenes. Occasional hyperbolic touches like a somewhat unneeded gunfight offer bursts of LFE. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available.

Wind River 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K UHD Disc

• Trailer (HD; 1:42)

1080 Disc =

• Deleted Scenes (HD; 3:11)


• Behind the Scenes Video Gallery (HD; 9:54)

Additionally, the SteelBook packaging is quite "moody", with the outside panels bathed in cobalt blues, with an icy moon illuminating an allusion to a scene from the opening moments of the film, a "key event" that sets the entire plot into motion. The inside panels offers an illustration of our intrepid tracker on a snowmobile seen from above with a quote from the film. A mylar O ring adds the film's title and two principal stars to the front, along with a plot summary and credits information on the back.

Additionally, a digital copy is included.

Wind River 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The vagaries of maintaining "momentum" in the film industry are inexplicable at times. Taylor Sheridan seemed to have earned a solid spot on the A- list after the one two punch of Sicario and Hell or High Water, and while Wind River was at least a moderate box office success, for some reason it didn't seem to capture the kind of attention the preceding two films had. Interestingly, Sheridan's forays into television, including the massive hit Yellowstone, may have helped to burnish his reputation at least as much as any of his feature films have. All of that said, Wind River is an unusually visceral piece, even if it's also unavoidably troubling and perhaps even disturbing. This new 4K UHD version offers great looking video and a nicely upgraded Atmos track. The handsome SteelBook packaging should also appeal to collectors. Highly recommended.