Wonder Woman 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 84
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
Wonder Woman shines in 4K with top-notch audio/visuals, extras, and strong performances.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 84
Warner's Ultra HD Blu-ray of Wonder Woman shines with enhanced detail, vibrant colors, and deep blacks, preserving filmic texture despite its 2K DI origin, offering a visually rich and faithful presentation.
Audio: 87
Wonder Woman's Ultra HD Blu-ray excels in Dolby Atmos, delivering an enthralling sonic experience with precise, dynamic audio, and a score that amplifies action, complementing its visual spectacle.
Extra: 76
The Wonder Woman Ultra HD Blu-ray set dazzles with its extensive behind-the-scenes extras, exploring the film's production and character influence, but disappoints by requiring disc swaps for content access and omitting a 'play all' feature.
Movie: 85
Wonder Woman shines as DC's best yet, celebrating female power with Gal Gadot's standout role, despite familiar tropes and a need for a stronger finale.
Video: 84
Warner's release of "Wonder Woman" on Ultra HD Blu-ray provides an impressive video presentation, capitalizing on 4K's potential even with the inherent limitations from its 2K Digital Intermediate upscaling. It's framed in the movie's original 2.40:1 widescreen aspect ratio, employing 10-bit video depth, a Wider Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. While it might not fully showcase the higher resolution potential of its Arri Alexa HD and 35mm film origins, the detail and texture enhancement over its 1080p counterpart is undeniable. Particularly noteworthy is the nuanced increase in detail across costumes, hair, and varied environments – all of which contribute to a visually richer cinematic experience. The use of HDR and WCG significantly elevates the depth of black levels, expanding shadow detail and overall color richness. From the vibrant greens of Themyscira to the nuanced shades in WWI trenches, the presentation boasts a compelling depth and clarity, with HDR accentuating critical moments like bullet impacts and the luminosity of Wonder Woman's lasso, delivering a visually captivating experience.
The Ultra HD presentation shines particularly on scenes set in Themyscira, where brightness, contrast, and color blend to create stunning visuals that pop off the screen. Despite the intentional graininess reflecting its filmic source and matching the visual style of preceding Warner/DC titles like Batman vs. Superman, it contributes to a more authentic and film-like quality. The palette, while not overly bold due to the period film setting, benefits greatly from HDR, displaying richer chromatic highlights and a refined sharpness that outperforms its Blu-ray version. The 4K upgrade brings out the vibrancy in primary colors such as Wonder Woman's armor and the scenic beauty of Paradise Island, enhancing the visual fidelity with stark realism and superior depth perception.
The technical prowess of the 4K UHD presentation is further evidenced through enhancements in fine detail and resolution, especially noticeable in fast-paced action sequences and serene environments alike. Every element, from facial textures to the intricate details of the environment, stands out with remarkable clarity. The incorporation of HDR improves specular highlights, allowing for nuanced visibility within the brightest parts of the scene – be it the dynamic glow of Wonder Woman's lasso or the menacing gleam of Ares's lightning bolts. Additionally, black levels achieve a luxurious depth not found on standard Blu-ray, enhancing both the glamor of Diana's attire and the immersive quality of darker scenes. Despite a slightly limited color range by design, primaries appear vividly full-bodied while maintaining a natural appearance across diverse settings – from the battlefields to London streets. This upgrade in visual quality affirms "Wonder Woman" as a showcase piece for UHD capabilities, offering a near-theatrical experience that highlights both the film’s stylized aesthetics and the inherent advantages of high dynamic range and 4K resolution.
Audio: 87
The audio presentation of "Wonder Woman" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release showcases an exceptional Dolby Atmos track, which, built on a solid Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core, delivers an impressively immersive auditory experience. The clarity and precision of the soundstage, supported by a rich, dynamic mid-range and robust LFE channel, ensure that from the subtlest environmental sounds to the most bombastic action sequences, nothing is lost. The score, rousing and thematic, leverages the overhead channels effectively, enveloping the listener in a dome of sound that enhances every moment—be it tender, sinister, or explosive—with outstanding warmth and fidelity. Dialogue remains crisp and clear, maintaining priority and directionality throughout.
Action scenes come alive with a tangible level of 3D immersion, thanks to a thoughtful mix of atmospheric sounds and discrete effects placed in the height channels. Bullets whip past, planes roar overhead, and explosions deliver a tight, visceral rumble, showcasing the mix's ability to manage both large set pieces and quieter moments with equal aplomb. Ambient sounds seamlessly broaden the soundstage during less intense sequences, adding depth to the audio landscape. The track demonstrates a remarkable balance of power and subtlety, making full use of the Atmos platform’s capabilities to create an engaging cinematic experience.
Moreover, every component of the audio mix contributes to creating a sense of immersion that complements the visual spectacle. From the very first training sequence where Diana discovers her powers to the climactic battle against Ares, the audio helps convey the scale and intensity of each moment. Surround presentation is immersive, with the score persistently bleeding into the rears, ensuring continuous engagement. Low frequency extension adds significant weight to physical blows and action sequences, enhancing the overall impact of the film's many dynamic moments. Together, these elements solidify "Wonder Woman's" audio presentation as a benchmark for home theater experiences, requiring only the mightiest systems to fully appreciate its depth and complexity.
Extras: 76
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Wonder Woman" delivers an extensive array of extras, neatly ensconced on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, requiring a shift from the primary UHD viewing experience. Despite this minor inconvenience, the supplementary content is rich and varied, offering deep dives into both the film's production and its cultural impact. Featurettes like "Crafting the Wonder" and "Warriors of Wonder Woman" provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this landmark film, while thematic explorations such as "The Trinity" and "Finding the Wonder Woman Within" delve into the character’s significance within the DC Universe and her influence beyond the screen. Noteworthy too are the director's vision segments which offer Patty Jenkins' insights into key scenes and locations. The absence of a 'play all' option for these featurettes may slightly mar the experience, but the inclusion of deleted scenes, an epilogue, and a blooper reel adds layers to the viewing experience. Although an audio commentary or more in-depth technical discussions could have enriched the package further, the breadth of content available is nonetheless impressive, catering to fans and cinephiles alike.
Extras included in this disc:
- Epilogue: Etta’s Mission: Etta Candy embarks on a secret mission.
- Crafting the Wonder: A deep dive into the making of the film.
- A Director’s Vision: Themyscira: The Hidden Island
- A Director’s Vision: Beach Battle
- A Director’s Vision: A Photograph Through Time
- A Director’s Vision: Diana in the Modern World
- A Director’s Vision: Wonder Woman at War: Explorations of key sequences by Patty Jenkins.
- Warriors of Wonder Woman: Focus on the Amazon warriors’ preparation.
- The Trinity: The significance of Wonder Woman alongside Batman and Superman.
- The Wonder Behind the Camera: Highlighting the women contributing to the film’s production.
- Finding the Wonder Woman Within: Impact of Wonder Woman’s character across various fields.
- Extended Scenes
- Blooper Reel: A compilation of light-hearted moments from the set.
Movie: 85
Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman, featuring Gal Gadot in the titular role, marks a significant milestone in superhero cinema, particularly by focusing on a female protagonist, which has been a rarity in this genre. The film not only challenges but also elevates the standards of DC Universe entries to date, presenting an origin story filled with depth, emotion, and a captivating narrative. Despite its minor flaws, Wonder Woman shines as a compelling blend of mythological grandeur and wartime narrative, impeccably brought to life by Gadot's nuanced performance and Jenkins' visionary direction. The inclusion of Chris Pine as Steve Trevor provides a dynamic chemistry that further enriches the narrative, combining action with meaningful character development and humor.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, Diana’s journey from the secluded island of Themyscira to the frontlines introduces us to themes of innocence confronting harsh reality. This clash is portrayed with sincerity, steering clear from the genre’s often grittier takes as seen in previous Warner/DC films. Gadot embodies Wonder Woman with a mixture of strength, moral clarity, and a naive yet profound understanding of love and justice. The film transitions smoothly from the fantastical setting of Themyscira into the grim atmosphere of war-torn Europe, maintaining its pace and engagement through effective storytelling and action sequences that blend physical prowess with CGI, despite falling into some conventional patterns towards its climax.
Wonder Woman goes beyond a mere superhero origin story; it serves as an anti-war parable and a celebration of female empowerment, handling its central character with the respect and complexity she deserves. Its success lies not just in spectacular visuals or battle scenes but in its heartfelt depiction of growth, courage, and humanity. Jenkins and Gadot together deliver a Wonder Woman that is both inspirational and relatable – an icon redefined for a new era. Through its critical and commercial success, the movie sets a high bar for future entries in the genre, establishing Wonder Woman as not just a triumph within the DCEU, but as a beacon for future portrayals of women in superhero roles.
Total: 84
Wonder Woman emerges triumphantly in the home media landscape with its release on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, offering a visual and auditory spectacle that elevates the superhero genre to new heights. With a presentation that superbly harnesses the capabilities of 4K HDR10 technology, the film delivers a picture quality that significantly outshines its Blu-ray counterpart, coupled with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that provides an immersive audio experience. The global releases, including those in the UK and France, ensure a wide array of packages, encompassing everything from standard editions to exclusive steelbook packages, some of which include additional perks such as the 3D Blu-ray version and the film’s soundtrack. This collection of options affirms the movie's appeal not only to fans of the titular character but also to collectors and enthusiasts of superior home cinema experiences.
Gal Gadot's portrayal of Diana Prince is universally praised, crafting a Wonder Woman that combines strength, compassion, and complexity in a narrative that merges action-packed sequences with a meaningful story arc. The direction by Patty Jenkins receives accolades for its dynamic and inspiring vision, effectively positioning Wonder Woman as a groundbreaking film that not only champions its hero but also redefines expectations within the superhero genre. Despite its familiar elements, the film stands out for its pioneering representation and its substantial box office success, signaling a significant cultural moment for female-led superhero films.
In conclusion, Wonder Woman's 4K UHD Blu-Ray release is essential for both aficionados of the genre and those committed to the highest standards in home theater experiences. Its combination of stunning video quality, enveloping audio, and an array of special features make it a compelling addition to any collection. Beyond its technical merits, the film itself embodies a milestone in cinematic storytelling, offering a potent mix of entertainment and inspiration. This release not only celebrates the achievements of its remarkable protagonist but also marks an indelible impact on the landscape of superhero films, ensuring its place as a must-own title for fans and newcomers alike.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 90
From the greens of the first act's paradise-like setting to the green/blue-greys of the World War One trenches (which were more obviously grey on the Blu-ray), there's a richness in the palette that is...
Audio: 90
The first act delivers slo-mo swords and sandals combat, with thunderous Gods and galloping horses hooves; the second act is full metal warfare, from mortar to machine gun fire and tank shells ripping...
Extras: 70
However the featurettes are good and range from five to twenty-five minutes in length, with the longer, meatier offerings including background into the character in Finding the Wonder Woman Within; a look...
Movie: 80
Her convoluted backdrop may not sit easily alongside the more real-world origin of, say Batman - or even Superman (whose history doesn't require ours to be rewritten); it may involve Gods being the cause...
Total: 80
There are plenty of different sets available, with the UK release matching up to the US offering, whilst the French package provides not just the Ultra HD Blu-ray but also a 3D Blu-ray copy of the film,...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
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Audio: 90
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Extras: 100
The inner print leaves behind the exterior's stylized animation in favor of, on the left, an image of Wonder Woman blocking incoming fire with her bracelet apparently during the film's premiere action...
Movie: 80
Warner Brothers and Best Buy have collaborated on a 4K UHD exclusive SteelBook for the super-popular Superhero film 'Wonder Woman,' widely considered the best film amongst the handful of currently released...
Total: 70
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The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 95
There are a couple of moments, particularly when Trevor is telling the Amazonians his tale of espionage, that the film takes on a stylistically sepia-toned and hot look....
Audio: 100
Sound effects both subtle and intense fill in from seemingly every direction, creating a wonderful sense of immersion....
Extras: 75
And it would have been nice for Warner to have included the Blu-ray 3D version of the film in the 4K package, but such is not to be....
Movie: 90
Sculpted of clay by her mother and brought to life by Zeus, Diana is raised on a hidden island paradise of Amazonian women warriors, who are dedicated to protecting the world from the fated return of Ares,...
Total: 90
...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
Grievances with color aside, the UHD takes advantage of the bright sparks, a glowing lasso, and multitude of explosions....
Audio: 100
Being set during a war, the opportunity for positional use is high and matches expectations....
Extras: 60
Credit to Finding the Wonder Within, exploring the influences of the character from a multitude of perspectives, including poetry....
Movie: 80
It takes a woman to solve international conflict, fitting for Wonder Woman’s strong and admirable feminist slant....
Total: 80
Gal Gadot takes the stand-alone Wonder Woman movie and makes it an enjoyable spectacle, if an ultimately familiar one with few surprises....
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 90
One of the best improvements are the specular highlights, providing a more realistic shine to metallic edges and allowing for better detailing within the brightest areas, such as in the luminous glow of...
Audio: 90
Extras: 60
Finding the Wonder Woman Within (HD, 23 min): A thoughtful piece on the character and her influence, inspiring many generations in a variety of fields....
Movie: 90
But this single-mindedness and growing up isolated on the remote island of Themyscira has also made Diana pretty naïve and unsophisticated about how complex the world truly is, leading to several fish-out-of-water...
Total: 80
Directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot, the comic book character's first solo outing lives up to her moniker as a disciple of peace and love, making the film one of the better and surprisingly...
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 96
With a discernible increase in detail and emboldened chromatic highlights the image appears noticeably sharper and vibrant when compared to the 1080p version....
Audio: 94
This primarily adheres to the sequences of action, but mild ambient extension is used to broaden the soundstage, replicating environments etc....
Extras: 90
Finding the Wonder Woman Within - Feel the power of Wonder Woman as award-winning poets and inspiring public figures reveal the impact and importance of DC’s greatest heroine....
Movie: 90
Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat....
Total: 93
It comes to Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment in this Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack featuring reference quality Ultra HD video, superb high definition audio/video, a terrific Dolby Atmos sound...
Why So Blu? review by Brian WhiteRead review here
Video: 100
I guess my only nitpick is some of the onscreen explosions are of lesser quality, but that’s nothing to seriously ding this one over....
Audio: 100
You’re always completely immersed and engaged during any rousing, tender, sinister and/or bombastic moment of the score....
Extras: 80
This one is all about the women and in this one you’ll meet the women behind the wonder as they welcome a group of aspiring filmmakers on set for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience....
Movie: 90
However, that’s not before one clever bookend that ties nicely into the plot of BvS. As soon as they opened things in this fashion I had an instant hard on and just knew I was going to love this feature....
Total: 90
I can’t say enough rave things about Wonder Woman from the triumphant story it is to the 4K’s showcase presentation of Gal’s assets with a bombastic Dolby Atmos surround track to boot....
Director: Patty Jenkins
Actors: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright
PlotOn the hidden island of Themyscira, a paradise inhabited by the Amazons, warriors created by the gods to protect mankind, Diana, the princess of the Amazons, lives a serene life, trained to be an unconquerable fighter. Her peaceful existence is shattered when an American pilot, Steve Trevor, crashes on the shores of her homeland. Rescuing him from the wreckage, Diana learns of the massive conflict raging in the outside world: it's World War I, and humanity is engulfed in chaos and destruction. Driven by the stories her mother, Queen Hippolyta, has told her about the Amazons' purpose, and believing that Ares, the god of war, is responsible for the war, Diana decides to leave her home, convinced she can stop the threat. With her enchanted weapons, including the Lasso of Truth and her bulletproof bracelets, she sets out with Steve to find and defeat Ares.
In the world of men, Diana faces the horrors of war and discovers the complexities of human nature. As she travels across Europe with Steve, she encounters allies who help them on their mission. Meanwhile, she comes to grips with her own powers and destiny, learning about love, sacrifice, and the realities of evil. Her journey from sheltered warrior to heroic champion unfolds as she fights alongside men in the war to end all wars, ultimately discovering her full powers and true destiny.
Writers: Allan Heinberg, Zack Snyder, Jason Fuchs
Release Date: 02 Jun 2017
Runtime: 141 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States, China
Language: English, German, Dutch, Flemish, French, Spanish, Chinese, Greek, Ancient (to 1453), North American Indian