The Lego Movie 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Lego Movie" showcases a stunning elevation in video quality that, while rooted in a 2K Digital Intermediate, benefits tremendously from an upscale to 3840 x 2160p resolution. Displaying the movie in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, this version leverages 10-bit video depth, a Wider Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, magnifying the visual fidelity far beyond its Blu-ray counterpart. Details like the worn textures on Lego figures, the subtle fade of colors on bricks, and the minutiae of the environments shine with an uncanny realism. This realism is further enhanced by HDR, introducing a vibrancy and clarity that breathes life into each frame. Colors are bold and punchy, with each environment—from the sun-faded Old West to the seemingly underwater sequences—rendered with a depth that makes the animated world pop with an absorbing three-dimensionality.

Furthermore, the HDR implementation significantly improves brightness and contrast levels, offering deeper blacks and more nuanced shadow details without compromising on the highlights. Explosions and bright elements dazzle with intensity, presenting a visual feast that elevates every scene. However, slight banding issues from the Blu-ray are still somewhat visible but do not detract significantly from what is universally praised as a reference-quality picture. Despite the film being originally rendered at 2K and live-action sequences at 2.8K resolution, the meticulous upscaling process coupled with HDR10 leads to a spectacularly vibrant presentation that showcases the potential of UHD technology.

The UHD release stands out not just for its technical enhancements but also for its ability to maintain an impressive facade of grit and texture on the characters and settings, making "The Lego Movie" a visually captivating experience. While improvements over the Blu-ray version might not be revolutionary in terms of detail clarity, the enriched color volume and contrast dynamics offered by HDR make this version a definitive viewing experience. The wider color gamut translates into a more spirited and immersive world that makes full use of the UHD format's capabilities, making it a recommended upgrade for fans and newcomers alike seeking the most picturesque rendition of this beloved animated adventure.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Lego Movie" brings with it the identical DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that graced the original Blu-ray edition, a decision that might disappoint enthusiasts hoping for an immersive audio upgrade such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Despite this, the existing sound mix is lavished with accolades for its meticulously crafted surround environment that is both dynamic and intricate. Effects span across a wide spectrum, from the clinking of LEGO bricks to the thunderous booms of explosions, each rendered with pinpoint accuracy that ensures an engaging auditory experience. The dialogue cuts through with clarity and natural sound, complemented by a score that delivers energy and depth, notably through the bass-rich anthem “Everything is Awesome,” enhancing the overall listening experience with its well-rounded lows that anchor the high-energy action and thematic scores.

The adept handling of surround sound effects creates an immersive soundscape, with audio elements like laser shots and dialogues emanating from all directions, thereby encompassing the listener in the film’s vibrant environments. The sound mix excels in creating a layered auditory experience where even amidst chaos, each sound component maintains its distinct space without getting lost, thus keeping the audience engaged through meticulously crafted dynamics. Notably, the LFE channel receives special mention for adding substantial depth to the mix, ensuring the low-end frequencies are both felt and heard, enriching scenes with an additional layer of auditory immersion that’s particularly noticeable in bass-heavy moments and providing an outstanding listening experience even at high volumes.

However, some fans may express disappointment over the lack of an update to a more aggressive audio format, such as 7.1 channels which could potentially elevate the immersive experience. Despite this, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track on this release continues to be praised for its exceptional quality. Surround effects are utilized thoughtfully to build out the film’s bustling cityscapes with intricate details, while also delivering engrossing moments of immersion during key sequences. The balance between subtlety in ambient sounds and the impactful presence of the LFE channel showcases the design’s depth, especially notable in sequences featuring low-frequency effects that complement the soundtrack’s bass-heavy tunes. The existing mix demonstrates a refined balance of clarity, directional soundscapes, and robust bass response, making it an exemplary audio presentation in the 5.1 format.

The "The Lego Movie" 4K UHD Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look that complements the film's innovative animation and storytelling. There's a harmonious blend of fun and technicality across all features, especially highlighted in the audio commentary with directors and cast offering a mix of humorous anecdotes and insights into the film's creation. The extras shine with their unique blend of educational content, such as the “See It, Build It!” sections which bridge digital and physical LEGO building, and purely entertaining segments like "Batman’s A True Artist" music video, making this collection a balanced offering for fans and creators alike. Notably, the inclusion of fan-made films emphasizes the community aspect of the LEGO brand. However, all these enriching supplements are found on the included Full HD Blu-ray, not the 4K UHD disc itself, which might be a point of consideration for prospective buyers. The inclusion of a UV digital copy code adds value for digital collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Directors and cast provide an engaging, humorous look at the making of the film.
• Batman’s A True Artist: A music video featuring Batman.
• Michelangelo & Lincoln: History Cops: A stop-motion trailer for a humorous buddy-cop concept.
• Enter the Ninjago: A fun addition with ninjas to spice up the film.
• Bringing LEGO to Life: An informative behind-the-scenes look at the film's creation.
• Everything Is Awesome Singalong: A sing-along video for the film's signature song.
• See It, Build It: Instructions and insights on building elements from the film with LEGO.
• Stories From The Story Team: A peek into the early storyboarding process.
• Fan Made Films: Top Secret Submissions: Featured fan-made LEGO films.
• Outtakes: Humorous outtakes in the style of Pixar.
• Additional Promotional Material: Teasers and promotional videos for the film.
• Alleyway Test: Early animation tests showcasing the development process.
• Deleted Scenes: A couple of scenes not included in the final cut of the movie.
• Dream Job: Meet the LEGO Builders: A look at how LEGO Master Builders contributed to the movie.

In a triumph of creativity and wit, "The Lego Movie" presented in stunning 4K UHD Blu-ray format solidifies its position as a notable contender in the realm of animated adventures and technical masterpieces. Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have crafted an animated feature that soars beyond expectations, combining the visual spectacle of CGI animation with the heart and humor characteristic of their previous works. The upgrade to 3840x2160p resolution on Warner Brothers’ UHD Blu-ray not only enhances the visual depth but also intricately showcases the world built from millions of LEGO bricks, enabling audiences to appreciate minute details previously unseen. The film's visual gags, one-liners, and expansive adventure jump off the screen, especially when viewed on equipment compliant with the HDR10/Rec.2020 Ultra HD Premium specification, such as Samsung’s UN65JS9500, driven by Samsung’s UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player.

The narrative drive of "The Lego Movie" pays homage to classic quests and hero's journey archetypes, all while infusing the story with a unique charm that is both self-aware and earnest. The film's central character, Emmet Brickowski, portrayed by Chris Pratt, embodies an everyman swept into an extraordinary world, illustrating themes of individuality and creativity. This story is enhanced by a vibrant cast of characters and a rich diversity of LEGO universes that come to life with impeccable detail in 4K resolution. The technical prowess displayed in the animation, coupled with a storyline that balances humor, action, and poignant moments, showcases a film that appeals to audiences across ages.

"The Lego Movie" in 4K UHD Blu-ray serves as an exemplar of how technical enhancements can elevate the storytelling experience, ensuring that every frame brims with color, detail, and vitality. This release not only satisfies the visual appetite for high-definition clarity but also reaffirms the film's place as a modern classic that champions creativity and imagination. The commendation for such a technical and narrative achievement goes to the collaborative effort of directors Lord and Miller and their capable teams. Together, they have ensured that "The Lego Movie" remains an endlessly rewatchable journey of discovery and fun, rendered even more immersive through its ultimate presentation in 4K UHD.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of The LEGO Movie by Warner Bros. brings a visually stunning upgrade to a beloved classic, embodying the spirit of creativity and fun that the LEGO brand signifies. Although not universally acclaimed as a marked improvement over the Blu-ray edition in terms of picture quality, the 4K presentation undoubtedly enhances the viewing experience through its use of High Dynamic Range (HDR). This technology elevates the film’s vibrant palette and adds depth to its already impressive visuals, making it an appealing option for showcasing the capabilities of a 4K display. However, opinions diverge on the necessity of this upgrade, especially given the absence of a new audio format like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, sticking instead to the highly competent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track from the previous release.

Despite these technical considerations, The LEGO Movie remains an extraordinary film. Its mix of humor, heart, and a story that’s both innovative and nostalgic resonates across audiences of all ages. This is further bolstered by strong voice performances and a script that skilfully navigates themes of creativity and individuality without losing its playful edge. The 4K UHD package itself, while critiqued for not offering substantive supplements or audio upgrades, still includes an array of lightweight extras that complement the film well.

In conclusion, while The LEGO Movie's 4K UHD Blu-ray release presents a divisive stance in terms of audio-visual upgrades over its Blu-ray counterpart, it remains a valuable addition for enthusiasts and fans eager to experience the highest quality presentation of this animated masterpiece. The HDR enhancement alone makes it a worthy purchase for showcasing the visual charm and color dynamism that is integral to the film's appeal. However, those seeking a significant leap in audio quality or new special features may find the improvements marginal. Ultimately, this release underscores The LEGO Movie's enduring impact as a brilliantly conceived piece of cinema that marries the essence of LEGO with innovative storytelling and humor.