Kingdom of Heaven 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
SteelBook Director's Cut
Score: 95
from 8 reviewers
Review Date:
A visually stunning 4K restoration with excellent technical merits and substantial bonus features, making this Director’s Cut a rewarding upgrade.
Disc Release Date
Native 4K
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
HDR10
Dolby TrueHD
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Video: 92
Kingdom of Heaven’s 4K UHD transfer impresses with its HEVC/H.265 2160p presentation, enhanced brightness, and rich HDR/Dolby Vision grading that improves shadow detail and color accuracy—making both the Director’s Cut and Roadshow Version essential upgrades.
Audio: 99
Kingdom of Heaven’s 4K UHD presentation delivers an outstanding Dolby Atmos mix, offering immersive, dynamic surround activity with nuanced environmental effects, crisp dialogue, and remarkable score fidelity—making full use of height channels and sonic space without ever sounding cluttered.
Extra: 98
An impressively comprehensive release, the 4K UHD Blu-ray features the Director's Cut and Roadshow versions with multiple commentaries, extensive SD legacy extras from prior editions, interactive features, and a stylish SteelBook, but lacks the Theatrical Cut and some original TV specials.
Movie: 89
A strong 4K steelbook release from 20th Century Studios presents both the director’s and roadshow cuts, dropping the theatrical version but carrying forward most supplements (some lost to lapsed licensing), with detailed restoration and rich historical context for Ridley Scott’s epic.

Video: 92
“Kingdom of Heaven” arrives on 4K UHD via Disney/Buena Vista with an HEVC/H.265-encoded 2160p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The presentation benefits from a noticeable uptick in brightness and nuanced color temperature differences compared to previous 1080p editions, resulting in superior image vibrancy. HDR and Dolby Vision grading are key factors, providing deeper and more dynamic contrast, especially in highlights and shadow detail. This advance notably rectifies some of the shadow crush that characterized earlier Blu-ray versions, revealing more granular detail in both dim and well-lit sequences. Both cooler blue and warmer amber palettes stand out vividly, reflecting Ridley Scott and John Mathieson’s visual intentions with impressive clarity and fidelity.
The 4K image demonstrates strong detailing, most prominently in brightly lit scenes where textures and environmental nuances become exceptionally crisp. Film grain is maintained at a pleasing, organic level that enhances rather than detracts from the overall presentation, avoiding any trace of splotchiness. Subtly, the blue color grading takes on a slightly teal quality in this release—a creative choice that harmonizes well with the film’s tone and provides added visual depth without yielding to stylization excesses. Overall, “Kingdom of Heaven” in 4K achieves a theatrical, cinematic look that leverages modern home video technology to honor its acclaimed direction and cinematography.
Audio: 99
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kingdom of Heaven" delivers a substantial audio upgrade, featuring a new Dolby Atmos mix that significantly elevates immersion compared to the earlier DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The Atmos presentation brings newfound spaciousness and dynamic dimensionality, most noticeable in the Overture and throughout Harry Gregson-Williams’ score, which now benefits from increased fidelity and enveloping presence. Dialogue remains crisp, clean, and frequently benefits from subtle directional placement. The mix is particularly adept at balancing clarity with environmental ambience—early scenes on horseback offer a lush array of well-positioned ambient effects, and moments like the swinging of an axe or horse hooves are rendered with precise left-to-right and height-channel movement.
As the film transitions from quiet atmospherics to large-scale sequences, the Atmos track flexes its dynamic range. Scenes such as group dinners in vast stone halls, forest campsites alive with nuanced wildlife cues, and urban environments in Messina and Jerusalem showcase discrete surround activity, convincingly drawing out unique sonic spaces for each location. Action sequences, particularly the Siege of Jerusalem, exemplify aggressive yet controlled use of the surround and overhead channels—the trajectories of trebuchet boulders and clashing swords are staged with pinpoint precision. Throughout, the mix steers clear of muddiness or clutter, maintaining both subtlety in quieter passages and impressive muscularity during dynamic set pieces.
Additional technical features include English 2.0 Descriptive Audio and multiple subtitle options (English, French, German, Spanish). The end result is a highly nuanced and reference-caliber Dolby Atmos soundtrack that deftly balances atmospheric subtlety with bombastic cinematic impact, making full use of contemporary immersive audio technology while preserving exceptional clarity and stage separation.
Extras: 98
The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kingdom of Heaven" are impressively comprehensive, reflecting the disc’s legacy as a benchmark for in-depth special features from the medium’s golden age. Both Director's Cut versions (standard and Roadshow, complete with overture and intermission music) are included, supported by three feature-length audio commentaries and a factoid-rich "Engineer’s Guide" viewing track. While the Theatrical Cut, "The Pilgrim’s Guide" trivia track, and two legacy cable TV featurettes are omitted, virtually all significant supplements from prior special editions are preserved, largely in SD. The content spans development materials, extensive production featurettes, interactive sound design, exhaustive galleries, and a variety of archival pieces, amounting to dozens of hours. Presentation is bolstered by attractive packaging and a digital copy, reaffirming this edition’s stature for collectors and cinephiles.
Extras included in this disc:
- Director's Cut Versions: Standard and Roadshow editions with overture, intermission, and exit music.
- Ridley Scott Introduction: Intro to the Director's Cut.
- Commentaries: Tracks from director/producer Ridley Scott, writer William Monahan, actor Orlando Bloom, executive producer Lisa Ellzey, VFX supervisor Wesley Sewell, first AD Adam Somner, and editor Dody Dorn.
- The Engineer’s Guide: Pop-up factoid track during feature playback.
- The Path to Redemption: Extensive behind-the-scenes documentary.
- Production Sequences: Script drafts, story notes, galleries, cast rehearsals, costume and set design features.
- Production Featurettes: Historical commentary, siege breakdowns, storyboards, and photography.
- Post-Production: Deleted/extended scenes with optional commentary, interactive sound design suite, visual effects breakdowns.
- Release/Director's Cut Content: Premieres coverage, promotional galleries, trailers/TV spots (including 50 TV ads), and a feature on creating the Director’s Cut.
- Archive Section: Production grid with categorized access to featurettes; short form profiles (Scott, Bloom), wardrobe, production features.
- Packaging: Special edition SteelBook with art and digital copy.
Movie: 89
20th Century Studios, in partnership with Disney/Buena Vista, has released a new 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Kingdom of Heaven," following up on the earlier multi-disc HD version. While the new edition omits the theatrical cut and a handful of special features—likely due to expired licensing agreements—it delivers the film in two versions, the Director’s Cut and the Roadshow Edition, both regarded by many as more complete and nuanced than the original theatrical release.
Set in the year 1186, "Kingdom of Heaven" centers on Balian (Orlando Bloom), a French blacksmith suffering a crisis of faith after his wife's suicide—a fate believed to condemn her soul to damnation. The narrative quickly escalates when Balian’s true heritage is revealed by Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), a Crusader knight who comes to offer him a new beginning in the Holy Land. Following Godfrey's untimely death, Balian reluctantly inherits his father's title and responsibilities in Jerusalem, burdened by promises and grappling with his own doubts. Ridley Scott imbues the film with a scale and atmosphere that carefully balances intimate human drama with sprawling medieval conflict.
This 4K release preserves Scott’s epic vision with exceptional clarity and dynamic range. The restoration highlights the film’s intricate production design, nuanced costuming, and historically inspired landscapes with superior resolution and color fidelity. Dialogues, character motivations, and political intrigue remain front and center, allowing both the emotional and technical aspects of the film to resonate powerfully.
Total: 95
Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven: Director’s Cut arrives in 4K UHD as a comprehensive and thoughtfully executed restoration that finally does justice to this under-recognized epic. The upgrade from previous editions is evident throughout, with significant improvements to picture quality; the film’s sweeping landscapes and intricate period details are showcased with new levels of clarity thanks to the 4K resolution and HDR enhancements. Colors are richer, contrast is deeper, and fine textures—whether in set design, costume, or the robust battle sequences—are rendered with impressive precision.
Supplementary materials curated by Charles de Lauzirika enrich the viewing experience and stand out as particularly thorough and insightful, offering substantive background on the film’s production and themes. While some may note minor omissions—such as the absence of specific versions of the film or certain supplemental content—these do not detract from the overall technical and presentational strengths of the release, which also boasts attractive SteelBook packaging for collectors.
In conclusion, this 4K UHD edition of Kingdom of Heaven: Director’s Cut represents a high-water mark for home video presentations of Ridley Scott’s historical films. The technical merits, combined with an evocative director’s cut and exemplary bonus features, make this an essential upgrade and an engaging way to rediscover a film that offers both visual spectacle and substantive storytelling. Whether revisiting after a lackluster experience with earlier versions or encountering it for the first time, viewers will find this release both rewarding and highly recommendable in a modern home cinema context.
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AV Forums review by Mark Costello
Video: 90
Both include a region-free 100gb UHD disc which houses two versions of the directors cut of the film (the 190-min film and a 194-roadshow version which includes an overture, intermission and exit music),...
Audio: 100
There are moments where fine detailing is tremendous – the many suits of armour and their fine chainmail links have real tactility and definition especially – but it's in the faces where you can tell most:...
Extras: 100
In fact, so transparent and dynamic is the track that these moments suddenly become more noticeable and serve as a beautiful reminder of how an audio track can not just support but fully enhance the visuals....
Movie: 90
Reappraised in the years since its muted theatrical release, largely thanks to the transformative Director’s Cut, it remains a film of contradictions: some of which work (visually awe-inspiring yet more...
Total: 90
Add in one of the handsomest steelbooks seen in a while and to say I’m really rather pleased with this is somewhat of an understatement… Kingdom of Heaven on 4K from Disney is available in both standard...
Video: 96
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Audio: 96
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Extras: 100
Disc 1: 4K Ultra HD Director’s Cut Roadshow Version & Director’s Cut • Introduction by Director Sir Ridley Scott • Roadshow Commentary with Orlando Bloom, Ridley Scott and Writer William Monahan • 2 Additional...
Movie: 90
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Total: 96
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
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Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey Kauffman
Video: 100
To my eyes these new versions are just slightly brighter than the previous version I reviewed, something that rather interestingly can add highlights to both the cooler and warmer ends of the spectrum...
Audio: 100
Even in the Roadshow Version, for example, there's new breathing room and a noticeably more enveloping quality to the Overture, but once the film actually kicks into gear, the surround activity is consistently...
Extras: 100
The Scholars Speak (SD; 26:38) features talking heads discussing the film's historical veracity Unholy War: Mounting the Seige (SD; 17:04) shows the behind the scenes activity involved in one of the film's...
Movie: 90
and in collaboration with current corporate owners Disney / Buena Vista, they're back with this new 4K edition of the film (in SteelBook packaging), which offers two versions of the film (the theatrical...
Total: 100
As is probably clear from both my prior review and this review, I am a huge fan of this film and was delighted to see it announced for 4K. There may be some niggling qualms from some in terms of both some...
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The Digital Bits review by Bill Hunt
Video: 95
All of these problems were caused by the fact that Scott elected to cut over an hour of footage from the film’s running time to allow for more theatrical screenings, and thus a better chance for the studio...
Audio: 100
And the Siege of Jerusalem itself is a sonic marvel, with Saladin’s trebuchets flinging massive boulders high into the air to soar down from the height channels....
Extras: 100
And for you younger readers, this title is a perfect example of the kinds of incredibly elaborate and comprehensive special editions the so-called “Golden Age of Discs” was famous for—there are easily...
Movie: 0
But when an unfortunate turn of events leaves Godfrey mortally wounded, he knights Balian—making him swear to protect the King of Jerusalem, as well as the weak and innocent—and then dies, leaving the...
Total: 98
The Director’s Cut is a much grander and more rewarding experience—a feast for the mind as well as the eyes and ears—and one that represents Ridley Scott at his world-building finest....
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Do Blu review by Matt Paprocki
Video: 80
This isn’t just for the impressive density in the color-graded blues that dominate numerous scenes, but the way flames break through the darkness with ample intensity....
Audio: 100
...
Extras: 100
The real meat of the bonuses is on a third disc, a Blu-ray, with the two-and-a-half-hour making of split into five sections (with still galleries, storyboards, and more interspersed), with additional featurettes...
Movie: 80
Balian wonders if God exists, why his people do this to one another, showing the sham of a burning bush tale, but mystified when the man he speaks with disappears into the desert....
Total: 90
...
Video: 80
Regardless, this is a first-rate effort leaving the film looking sharper and more detailed than before....
Audio: 100
Obviously the busier the scene the more attentive the channel usage is through the soundscape, but even in the quietest moments, imaging is well applied to maintain space and dimension....
Extras: 100
Ridleygrams Colors of the Crusade (SD 32:14) Costume Design Gallery Production Design Primer (SD 6:52)...
Movie: 100
However, there’s something about a number of his recent films like Gladiator II, Napoleon, Exodus: Gods and Kings, or even pulpy sci-fi material like Alien: Covenant that feels rushed and without the same...
Total: 100
It’s not just adding length it’s adding plot depth and character development expanding the scale of the film into a truly epic undertaking....
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Home Theater Forum review by Todd Erwin
Video: 100
A fine layer of film grain is evident throughout, and fine details like battle scars, fabric textures and imperfections in Baldwin’s metal mask receive a noticeable improvement, even when comparing the...
Audio: 100
Released theatrically on 35mm film in 5.1 with highly compressed Dolby Digital, DTS and SDDS soundtracks, Disney has upgraded the sound to lossless Dolby Atmos (with a backwards compatible Dolby TrueHD...
Extras: 90
Movies Anywhere: Roadshow version in 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos; Theatrical and Director’s Cut in 1080p Dolby Digital+ 5.1 under special features....
Movie: 80
This is the preferred version of the film, which adds more character development (including romance between Balian and Sybilla) and adds a necessary subplot of Sybilla’s son that better explains not only...
Total: 90
Although sold out at most retailers almost immediately, more inventory should be on the way....
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Why So Blu? review by Adam Toroni-Byrne
Video: 100
Black Levels: Black levels are exceptional, bringing dark moments to the brink of crush without losing a bit of detail....
Audio: 100
This means that regardless of the scene, you’ll hear a great contrast of surround activity, giving your system plenty to work with and plenty for the ear to hear surrounding you in the listening area....
Extras: 100
The Engineer’s Guide (Director’s Cut Roadshow Version Only) brings up facts as the film plays1080 Disc TwoThe Path to Redemption (SD; 2:21:49):Development, including: Tripoli Overview Early Draft Screenplay...
Movie: 100
Hidden behind a silver mask and speaking with calm authority, Baldwin embodies the film’s central themes—tolerance, duty, and the quiet tragedy of leadership....
Total: 100
For those of you who’ve been curious about the film for all this time, let your curiosity go and get a copy....
Director: Ridley Scott
Actors: Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson
PlotIn 12th-century Europe, Balian, a French blacksmith, is grappling with grief and the loss of his family. His life takes a radical turn when Godfrey of Ibelin, a fabled knight, arrives claiming to be Balian's long-lost father. Godfrey presents an opportunity for redemption and a life of purpose: he invites Balian to join him on a journey to the Holy Land. The Kingdom of Jerusalem, a fragile buffer state, stands as a place where Christians, Muslims, and Jews have managed to maintain a tenuous harmony. Balian, seeking solace and redemption, accepts, becoming Godfrey's apprentice and an heir to his legacy.
Upon arrival in Jerusalem, Balian becomes entangled in the political and social complexities of the time. As a lord of Ibelin, he takes on the responsibility of defending the kingdom's people and upholding a delicate peace. He gains the respect of the local king and falls in love with the beautiful and formidable Princess Sibylla. However, the peace in Jerusalem is under threat as factions within the city vie for power and forces outside its walls, led by the zealous and relentless Guy de Lusignan, aim to wage war for control of the holy city. Pressured by the expectations of his new-found role, Balian must navigate through the intrigues of war and diplomacy, striving to maintain balance and protect the rights of the common people amidst the looming specter of conflict.
Writers: William Monahan
Release Date: 06 May 2005
Runtime: 144 min
Rating: R
Country: United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Morocco, United States, Italy, France
Language: English, Arabic, Latin, Italian, German