The Legend of Tarzan 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Legend of Tarzan" makes its leap onto the 4K UHD format with mixed, yet generally favorable results. Shot digitally and finished on a 2K digital intermediate, the film undergoes an upscale for its 2160p/HDR presentation which, as expected, doesn’t lead to the transformative leap in visual fidelity that native 4K content might offer. This edition notably benefits from enhanced clarity and detail, achieving greater texture in natural elements and character costumes alike when directly compared to its Blu-ray counterpart. Despite limitations in its source resolution, the UHD disc triumphs in rendering finer details from the stubble on Tarzan’s chin to the intricate straw roofs in the Congo, all while combating common compression pitfalls more adeptly than its 1080p version.

However, the film’s artistic direction, characterized by a palette of cold, desaturated hues combined with a tendency towards shadow-heavy scenes, presents challenges to the format's inherent advantages. While HDR10 does elevate the visual experience by deepening blacks and enriching moments of color amidst the prevailing gloominess, these improvements can seem incremental rather than revolutionary. Scenes bathed in natural light or those showcasing fire yield the most noticeable upgrades, though the overall murky aesthetic might temper viewer enthusiasm. Furthermore, issues such as softness in certain shots and an occasional flatness in depth impact the sense of immersion that 4K aficionados might expect. Yet, moments of true depth and impressive landscapes do punctuate the experience, offering a glimpse at the format’s potential.

In terms of black levels and color reproduction, "The Legend of Tarzan" on UHD navigates a middle ground. The disc avoids the pitfall of crushing blacks into indistinction, instead choosing a more nuanced and naturalistic portrayal that, while not reaching the deepest blacks desired by enthusiasts, ensures detail persists in darker scenes. Colors remain faithful and lifelike, albeit subdued by design choices that favor realism over vibrancy. Artificiality is seldom seen in moments where color does burst through, contributing to a presentation that values authenticity. Despite these merits and the evident technical improvements over its Blu-ray counterpart, those with larger screens will more acutely feel both the benefits and limitations of this upscale, making it a commendable but not unequivocal upgrade.

The audio presentation of "The Legend of Tarzan" on its 4K UHD Blu Ray edition is a remarkable showcase of Warner Bros' dedication to aural excellence, maintaining a high standard of fidelity and immersion. The included Dolby Atmos mix enriches the immersive experience further by enveloping the viewer in a multidimensional sound environment. This mix is both powerful and precise, enhancing both the dynamic action sequences and the quieter, more emotional moments with equal mastery. The disc provides a variety of audio options including English Dolby Atmos and Descriptive Audio 5.1, alongside multiple language tracks and subtitle choices, catering to a broad audience spectrum. However, it's worth noting that there are differences in dub and subtitle options between the 4K and regular Blu-ray editions.

The dynamics of the surround track play a pivotal role in drawing the listener into the heart of the jungle, from the authenticity of environmental sounds like puddles, to the jungle coming to life through the rear channels with apes, spears, and the immersive Congo tribe's singing. Despite wishing for a richer representation of the jungle's ambiance, the nuanced soundscape, especially in quieter moments, significantly enhances the auditory experience. The Atmos height channels add another layer of immersion with sporadic yet impactful uses, such as spears descending or rain falling, which although not constant, effectively punctuate key scenes.

The low-frequency extension (LFE) channel provides a robust and aggressive backbone to the soundtrack, punctuating action scenes with thunderous depth that showcases cannons blasting, animal stampedes, and intense gunfire effectively. This strength in LFE enriches the overall depth and tension of these moments. Dialogue reproduction stands out for its clarity and precision across the board, ensuring every spoken word is intelligible, further grounding the cinematic experience. The meticulous balance of sound elements, from dialogue to the sweeping score and atmospheric effects, confirms an exceptional auditory experience for viewers, immersing them fully in the cinematic world of Tarzan.

The "The Legend of Tarzan" 4K UHD Blu-ray provides an exemplary supplemental package on its included 1080p disc, commensurate with Warner Bros.' quality standards, albeit sans audio commentaries. This comprehensive set enhances the cinematic experience by delving into the heart of the movie's creation, offering viewers a deep dive into character development, special effects, and the underlying themes. From the detailed exploration of Tarzan's rejuvenation and the intricately choreographed action sequences to the digital conjuring of the African jungle and the passionate narrative of Tarzan and Jane's relationship, each extra serves to enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. Particularly noteworthy are the insights into the physical transformation of Alexander Skarsgård for the titular role, and the innovative approach to reimagining the jungle setting within studio confines. Additionally, brief discussions on conservation efforts add a meaningful layer to the viewing experience, highlighting the real-world relevance of the film's environmental backdrop.

Extras included in this disc:

• Tarzan Reborn: Explores the legacy of Tarzan and the rationale behind rebooting the story for modern audiences, alongside cast and crew interviews.
• Battles and Bare-Knuckle Brawls: A three-part feature detailing the choreography and execution of key fight scenes, including Tarzan vs. Akut, Boma Stampede, and Train Ambush.
• Tarzan and Jane's Unfailing Love: Cast and crew discuss the enduring romance between Tarzan and Jane, highlighting chemistry and character dynamics.
• Creating the Virtual Jungle: A behind-the-scenes look at the digital creation of the film's jungle setting, discussing the challenges and creative solutions.
• Gabon to the Screen: An insight into the depiction of Gabon's rainforests and conservation themes within the film's narrative.
• Stop Ivory: A public service announcement by stars Alexander Skarsgård and Margot Robbie advocating for elephant conservation and an end to the ivory trade.

Welcome (back) to the jungle – "The Legend of Tarzan" reimagines the iconic story for modern audiences, encapsulating a captivating blend of action, drama, and visual spectacle. Directed by David Yates, famed for his work on the latter Harry Potter films, and shot in strikingly detailed 4K, this version diverges from the well-trodden origin stories of its predecessors. Instead, it picks up with Tarzan, adeptly portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, who has left the jungles of Africa for a civilized life as John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, alongside his wife, Jane, played by Margot Robbie. Lured back to the Congo under the pretense of serving as a trade emissary, Tarzan finds himself embroiled in a nefarious plot spearheaded by Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz), setting the stage for a thrilling adventure.

The film boasts an impressive cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent, and Christoph Waltz, whose performances inject a vibrant dynamism into the narrative. Skarsgård delivers a compelling physicality and emotional depth to the titular character, effectively supported by Robbie’s portrayal of Jane. Jackson provides much-needed comedic relief, while Waltz proves menacing as the antagonist. Despite the stellar cast and refreshing narrative approach, the film is occasionally let down by an uneven script and questionable CGI. Yet, these shortcomings are largely overshadowed by the film’s robust heart and adventurous spirit.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation elevates "The Legend of Tarzan" with an upscaled 2160p/HDR10 transfer that enhances its visual fidelity, offering crisper and more vibrant visuals that significantly outclass its Blu-ray counterpart. While not without its flaws, this edition stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Tarzan, blending solid performances with a visually stunning rendition of the lush jungle environment. The film navigates through its pacing and narrative hiccups with an array of well-executed action sequences and a palpable sense of adventure that ultimately provides a thoroughly entertaining viewing experience.

The Legend of Tarzan," directed by David Yates, presents an updated journey into the heart of the jungle that, while not groundbreaking, offers a competent blend of comedy, action, and adventure. Despite its lukewarm reception, preventing it from swinging into sequel territory, it deserves attention for its robust casting and technical merits. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release elevates the film's presentation significantly, especially when viewed on appropriately high-end setups. However, it's worth noting that while the visual quality marks an improvement over standard Blu-ray, particularly for those with the right A/V equipment, it doesn't necessarily set new benchmarks for the 4K format.

Viewers might find themselves divided over "The Legend of Tarzan," as it encompasses a spectrum of elements ranging from emotional moments to sequences that dip into the ridiculous. The narrative doesn't stray far from familiar territory but manages to maintain a certain appeal over multiple viewings, possibly due to its distinct approach to rebooting a classic franchise. This 4K Ultra HD release, despite not being the best seen in the year, offers a commendable visual and auditory experience that may enhance appreciation for the film's unique charm.

In conclusion, although "The Legend of Tarzan" 4K UHD Blu-ray might not represent the pinnacle of visual home entertainment, it's a noteworthy release for fans and newcomers alike. Its ability to leverage high-end A/V equipment for an enhanced viewing experience, combined with a solid performance from the cast, makes it worth considering for one's collection. The film, with its blend of genres and heart, underscores a middle-of-the-road yet technically proficient cinematic adventure that may well grow on viewers with time.