Independence Day: Resurgence Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Independence Day: Resurgence" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio that displays a spectrum of both strengths and weaknesses. As a feature shot on Red cameras and completed with a 4K Digital Intermediate, the transfer's overall appearance is glossy and smooth with instances of excellent detail. However, the film's grading, primarily in blues and teals, detracts from the fine detail and general depth across significant portions. The visual effects are notably impressive, yet the heavy reliance on greenscreen work can sometimes produce a flat image, particularly in the background elements. The contrast is inconsistent, resulting in milky intrusions in heavily graded scenes and slightly blown-out highlights in naturally lit environments. The pervasive darkness throughout the film occasionally undercuts the visual effects and detail levels, which may have been an intentional choice to camouflage certain CGI imperfections.

The digital production and processing techniques employed in "Independence Day: Resurgence" present a mixed bag for its Blu-ray transfer. The 1080p presentation excels when set or practical locations are depicted, featuring rich color saturation, fine details, and remarkable black levels. Nevertheless, the film's frequent use of blue screens for digitally constructed environments compromises these strengths. Colors wash out to predominantly black and teal in these scenes, leading to a loss of detail and depth, and a lifeless, stitched-together appearance. Even outdoor scenes processed digitally do not escape this issue, displaying exacerbated contrast levels that result in inorganic colors and a consistently flat image. Despite replicating the theatrical experience accurately, this transfer leaves much to be desired, providing one of the more unsatisfying visual experiences for a modern high-definition release.

"Independence Day: Resurgence" boasts an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix that is sure to please any audiophile. The audio experience is marked by dynamic and rumbling low-frequency effects (LFE) that add depth, particularly during the arrival of the alien mothership and key action sequences on the moon base and Earth. This track ensures a rich auditory spectacle, with pronounced panning effects heightening the immersion during flying and combat scenes. The fiery devastation scenes are especially noteworthy for their sound profile, adding both realism and dramatic tension.

Dialogue is consistently rendered clear and well-prioritized amidst the chaos, ensuring that even the most frenetic scenes maintain intelligibility. The score, composed by Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser, is crisply delivered through the surround channels, providing a bright and inviting backdrop to the on-screen action. Despite not leveraging Dolby Atmos, this DTS-HD MA 7.1 track remarkably captures positional audio cues, offering an engaging surround sound experience. The dynamic range is impressively wide, contributing to a problem-free auditory experience.

The audible immersion doesn't stop there; the LFE remains consistently active throughout the film, enhancing both quieter moments and peak action sequences. Explosions, laser blasts, and tactical shouts fill the auditory landscape with meticulous attention to detail, enveloping the listener completely. Fans of "Independence Day: Resurgence" will find this audio track not only robust and clean but also capable of delivering an exhilarating home theater experience that captures the film's epic scale and excitement comprehensively.

The Blu-ray extras for "Independence Day: Resurgence" offer a comprehensive and engaging deep dive into the film’s production and universe. Roland Emmerich helms the commentary, providing detailed insights into the film’s development, although the absence of his previous co-commentator is felt. The centerpiece is "Another Day: The Making of Independence Day: Resurgence," a well-done, four-part documentary with extensive cast and crew interviews that capture their enthusiasm. The deleted scenes, while not essential, add some character depth and are accompanied by optional commentary. Fun faux-news segments like "The War of 1996" and Fred Armisen's comedic "It's Early ABQ" piece provide amusing recaps of past events. The gag reel adds light-hearted moments, and the concept art showcases impressive world-building efforts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Optional commentary by Roland Emmerich.
• The War of 1996: Faux news recap of events.
• It's Early ABQ: Fred Armisen as a morning talk show host.
• Another Day: The Making of Independence Day: Resurgence: Extended four-part EPK with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Gag Reel: Standard humorous outtakes.
• Audio Commentary: Director Roland Emmerich solo commentary.
• Concept Art: Various themed artworks.
• Theatrical Trailers: Original promotional trailers.

"Independence Day: Resurgence," directed by Roland Emmerich, represents a nostalgia-driven attempt to revive the spirit of the iconic 1996 blockbuster. Despite the two-decade gap, the sequel fails to recapture the heart and emotional fervor that distinguished its predecessor, primarily focusing on high-budget special effects and predictable plot devices. The film threads together remnants of the first alien invasion, reintroducing old characters such as David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), Julius Levinson (Judd Hirsch), and former President Whitmore (Bill Pullman). In addition to leveraging heavy CGI, it introduces new characters like Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth) and Patricia Whitmore (Maika Monroe) to establish a foundation for future installments. However, the narrative lacks originality and depth, rendering it a rehash of the original film's themes without significant innovation.

The plot hinges on humanity's preparation against another alien attack using advanced interplanetary defense systems built from salvaged alien technology. Familiar faces return more as a nod to the past than as pivotal players in this new conflict, highlighting the generational handoff to younger allies like Dylan Hiller (Jessie Usher). The storyline meanders through multiple subplots, such as Jake and Dylan's contentious relationship and Whitmore’s traumatic experiences, which fail to provide meaningful emotional grounding. Meanwhile, high-stakes action scenes involving a massive alien Queen amplify the sense of redundancy rather than refresh the franchise. The extensive use of blue screen technology further detracts from the film's authenticity, giving most scenes a flat, artificial appearance.

Emmerich and co-writer Dean Devlin's aspirations to create an emotionally resonant cinematic experience fall short amid the spectacle. Their efforts result in a convoluted screenplay lacking cohesive storytelling and character development. "Independence Day: Resurgence" is an exercise in nostalgia that suffers from an overreliance on familiar tropes and CGI, culminating in a product that offers fleeting entertainment but sacrifices the originality and emotional resonance that made the original a classic.

"Independence Day: Resurgence" arrives on Blu-ray with spectacular sound design and competent bonus features, but the film itself feels like a missed opportunity. The movie is an ambitious attempt by Emmerich and Devlin to rekindle the excitement of its 1996 predecessor while infusing new elements to propel the franchise forward. Unfortunately, the result is often overstuffed and lethargic. Performances are passable but not particularly inspiring, and although the visual effects occasionally impress, they sometimes fall flat.

The Blu-ray release from 20th Century Fox excels in audio presentation, delivering a powerful sound mix that enhances the overall experience. However, the image transfer is marred by excessive processing during production, which diminishes the visual quality at times. The supplementary package is robust and informative, offering fans and curious viewers a deeper dive into the making of the film. It includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and additional content that should satisfy those who appreciate extensive bonus materials.

There's an old adage that runs something like too little, too late, but in the case of "Independence Day: Resurgence," that might be more accurately amended to read "too much, way too late." It's obvious how Emmerich and Devlin (along with their collaborators) sought to reinvigorate this putative franchise, attempting to organically weave it into the first film while providing enough new content (and characters) to thrust things forward. However, the film just seems overstuffed, overblown, and weirdly lethargic a lot of the time. Performances are okay but hardly inspiring, and even the effects work look a little flat some of the time. Those who are willing to simply shut down their brains and enjoy the film for its still intermittently impressive visuals and hyperbolic sound design may enjoy things as far as they go. For them, technical merits are strong. The supplementary package on this release is also above average, for those considering a purchase.