12 Strong

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "12 Strong" demonstrates exceptional video quality that stands as a significant improvement over its earlier 1080p Blu-ray release. The new 2160p/HDR transfer, almost certainly derived from the same 2K digital intermediate, showcases an arresting visual experience with crisp, stable images and textures that practically leap off the screen. This UHD edition optimally utilizes a 100GB disc and maintains a high bit rate throughout, ensuring minimal compression artifacts such as banding, macro blocking, or posterization. Michael Reuben’s comparisons to the previous Blu-ray release highlight the superior clarity and definition of this transfer.

Added to this UHD release is HDR10 encoding, enhancing the film's visual aesthetic, albeit without Dolby Vision support—a notable absence given WB's current catalog policies. The predominantly cool color palette, often resulting from the use of blue filters, benefits immensely from the increased dynamic range. Black levels, typically no darker than dark gray, and overall contrast values gain depth and variation. Although bright whites remain controlled and avoid blooming, they contribute to a more profound sense of depth in scenes. These technical improvements render an almost theatrical quality to the viewing experience.

In terms of overall visual presentation, "12 Strong" on 4K UHD Blu-ray undeniably scores top marks, yet it does not fundamentally alter the narrative appeal of the film. For those already partial to "12 Strong," this high-caliber transfer will likely enhance their viewing enjoyment. However, the sheer quality of this transfer also prompts anticipation for similar treatment of WB's other critically acclaimed but neglected titles, offering exciting possibilities for future releases.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "12 Strong" retains the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix from the 2018 Blu-ray edition. Despite the lack of an upgrade to a Dolby Atmos or a 7.1 mix, this existing track proves to be robust and engaging. Dialogue remains crisp and well-defined, ensuring comprehensibility during both quiet and action-packed sequences. The sound effects accompanying action scenes deliver thunderous impact, effectively immersing the listener in the intensity of the film’s combat sequences.

This Master Audio mix feels smooth and polished while maintaining a raw edge that compliments the movie's rugged aesthetics. The audio quality is consistently high, with no evident distortions or imbalance, suggesting meticulous mastering work despite its re-use from previous editions. However, it is important to note that foreign language dubs and subtitles are not included in this release, which may be a downside for non-English-speaking audiences. While this track reaches near-perfect status in terms of performance, the absence of the original 7.1 theatrical mix leaves some room for improvement, especially for audiophiles seeking a richer surround sound experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "12 Strong" does come up short in the extras department, offering content solely repurposed from the earlier Blu-ray edition. Both features delve into the production and historical context of the film but are concise in scope. This release is minimalistic, lacking supplements such as a slipcover or digital copy initially mentioned in early press materials. Nevertheless, the included extras provide informative behind-the-scenes insights and contextual depth, complementing the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

12 Strong: The Making of an Impossible Mission: An in-depth look at the production challenges and creative endeavors behind the film.

Monumental Effort: Building America's Response Monument: Examines the construction and significance of the America's Response Monument.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of Nicolai Fuglsig's "12 Strong" takes an already impressive 2018 Blu-ray release and enhances it significantly with the addition of HDR10 and a robust encoding on a full-strength triple layer (100GB) disc. The improvements are immediately noticeable, particularly in the visual fidelity and color accuracy, elevating the viewing experience for those who value high-quality home theater presentations.

Critically, however, the movie itself remains flawed. Directed by Fuglsig and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, "12 Strong" suffers from a misguided tone and the director's apparent inexperience. While the plot's unique aspects may pique curiosity, the film ultimately lands as forgettable and, at times, verges on being borderline insulting in its portrayal. Viewers seeking technical excellence in their UHD collection may still find this title worth exploring, despite its narrative shortcomings.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "12 Strong" offers a remarkable visual and auditory experience for home viewers. The 4K transfer preserves the film's high-definition detail and clarity, showcasing a noticeable improvement over the standard Blu-ray edition. The disc utilizes a 100GB dual-layer to ensure an uninterrupted, high-quality viewing experience. Color grading and HDR implementation (HDR10) enhance the richness and depth of the film's visuals, making scenes, particularly those set in Afghanistan's vast terrains, come to life with stark contrasts and vivid shades.

Audio performance is equally impressive. The Dolby Atmos track elevates the immersive quality of the film's soundscape, delivering powerful effects and clear dialogue that add intensity to the viewing experience. Environmental sounds and score are seamlessly integrated, creating a realistic and engaging auditory environment. This level of audio fidelity greatly enhances the action sequences, immersing viewers in the film’s narrative and emotional beats effectively.

Despite its technical excellence, "12 Strong" might not be the most deserving title for a 4K UHD upgrade from a cinematic standpoint. While the superb audiovisual qualities make this edition worth noting, the film itself—a jingoistic drama with a narrative that doesn't break new ground—may not attract a broad audience. However, for fans of Nicolai Fuglsig's work, or those who appreciate military dramas, this 4K release offers a definitive way to experience "12 Strong" at its best.

I'm all for no-nonsense 4K catalog upgrades, especially ones that are tightly encoded on 100GB discs with outstanding A/V merits and an affordable price tag. Without question, WB should churn out as many as possible in the near future. But how's about we focus on more deserving titles than Nicolai Fuglsig's "12 Strong," a nearly brand-dead and jingoistic drama that very few people were clamoring for on UHD? With that said, fans of the film should nonetheless take note, as this great-looking and sounding disc supplants the earlier great-looking and sounding Blu-ray edition.