Moon 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Moon," starring Sam Rockwell, offers an impressive upgrade over its predecessor, the 1080p Blu-ray edition, thanks to the meticulous remastering process and the advancements in HDR technology. Despite being shot on film and originally finished at a 2K digital intermediate, this "10th anniversary" release benefits from a full native 4K scan of the original camera negative. This meticulous process enhances fine detail and texturing in live-action footage, elevating the visual experience significantly above the Blu-ray version, albeit with visible, yet film-authentic grain structure and some limitations due to the 2K finish of visual effects.

The HDR10 color grading is paramount in this release, accentuating stark whites and deep blacks, and adding a new layer of intensity and depth to both interior and lunar exterior scenes. Spacesuits and lunar bases gleam with a previously unseen luminosity, while the monochromatic moon surfaces gain richness, contributing to the film's atmospheric mood and tone. The HDR also amplifies shadow detail and contrast, especially in space exteriors, showcasing more authentic black levels that align closer to the real lunar environment. However, the stylized cinematography and intentional visual design choices of Duncan Jones retain a prominent grain layer, ensuring a film-like quality that respects the director's creative vision.

Although some may find the improvements subtle, with moments of softness reminiscent of the Blu-ray due to the source material's inherent characteristics, the upgrade presents notable enhancements in color saturation and definition. The sickly flesh tones and the vivid yet limited color palette, particularly GERTY's emoticons, are truer to life, contributing to the overall authenticity of the film's visual narrative. This UHD presentation succeeds in striking a balance between preserving the film's original aesthetic and embracing the technological advancements offered by 4K and HDR, making it a worthwhile addition for fans and cinephiles alike.

Sony's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Moon" boasts an English Dolby Atmos mix that elevates the film's audio presentation to an entirely new level of spatial dynamism and atmospheric depth. This mix, lauded for its ability to conjunctly blend music, dialogue, and sound effects within a spacious soundstage, employs an intricate use of the overhead and surround channels to produce a highly immersive listening experience. Notably, the Atmos track enhances the sense of isolation experienced by Sam, the protagonist, through meticulous sound placement ranging from the subtle ambient effects reflective of the station's spartan layout to more pronounced moments like the impactful vehicle crash scene, which makes exemplary use of the full audio spectrum for a truly enveloping effect. The track exhibits a commendable balance, with dialogue remaining clear and well-prioritized against the backdrop of Clint Mansell's haunting score, which is spread with warmth and fidelity across the sound field.

The Atmos mix's restrained approach does not detract from its effectiveness; rather, it underscores the film's deliberate sound design by offering a polished upgrade over its DTS-HD counterpart without overwhelming the core narrative focused on interactions between characters. Ambient sounds, such as alarms and debris from moon harvesters, utilize the overhead channels to subtly enhance the environment without resorting to overuse. Furthermore, the soundtrack and select sound effects take advantage of the LFE channel to add depth and a hint of weight to certain sequences, though it remains clear that an overpowering low-end presence was intentionally avoided to maintain the film's atmosphere.

The release also caters to a diverse audience with optional audio in English, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, and Castilian Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, alongside additional options in various languages complemented by an extensive subtitle selection. This inclusivity, paired with the Atmos mix's sophisticated handling of spatial audio elements, ensures that "Moon" sounds better than ever before. Through smooth panning and an enhanced sense of ambience, viewers are more completely enclosed in the film's world, making this audio presentation not only a testament to Sony's commitment to high-fidelity home cinema experiences but also an integral component of experiencing "Moon" in its most evocative form.

Sony's 4K UHD release of "Moon" offers an enriching additional content package, enhancing the viewing experience with both new insights and legacy material. The standout new feature is the Duncan Jones Retrospective, where Jones, interviewed by journalist Joe Utichi, delves into the film's genesis, its unique stance within the sci-fi genre, and intriguingly hints at its connection to Netflix's "Mute" and a potential trilogy. Performance Elements and Deleted Scenes provide an intimate look at Sam Rockwell's process and the film's editing choices respectively. Legacy extras, carried over to the Blu-ray, such as in-depth audio commentaries, "Whistle" short film, detailed making-of, visual effects breakdowns, and insightful Q&As enrich the narrative context and production appreciation. Particularly commendable are the preserved technical details and professional tone throughout the compilation of extras, offering viewers a comprehensive peek behind the curtain of this seminal film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Duncan Jones Retrospective: A conversation with Duncan Jones packed with insights into the film’s production and its place in science fiction.
• Performance Elements: Footage showcasing Sam Rockwell’s performance of dual roles.
• Deleted Scenes: A couple of unseen sequences adding depth to the editing decisions.
• Fan Art Poster Gallery: High-resolution fan-made art embracing the spirit of the film.
• Audio Commentaries: Discussing various production aspects with key crew members.
• Whistle, A Short Film by Duncan Jones: A closer look at Jones' directorial style through another work.
• The Making of Moon: Documentary pieces revealing the behind-the-scenes efforts.
• Creating the Visual Effects: Breakdown of visual storytelling techniques.
• Science Center Q&A with Director Duncan Jones: Director’s deep dive into the movie's scientific aspects.
• Filmmakers’ Q&A at the Sundance Film Festival: A discussion about the film’s reception and thematic explorations.
• Moon Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional piece for the film.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's release of Duncan Jones' acclaimed sci-fi film "Moon" onto Ultra HD Blu-ray represents a significant advancement in the movie's home viewing experience. Anchored by Sam Rockwell's compelling portrayal of Sam Bell, an astronaut miner extracting Helium 3 on the moon, the film delves deep into themes of isolation, corporate exploitation, and the quest for identity against the backdrop of space. This 2160p/HDR video upgrade, coupled with immersive Dolby Atmos audio, not only enhances the visual and auditory fidelity compared to its 2010 Blu-ray counterpart but also breathes new life into this cerebral narrative, ensuring every nuanced detail of Jones' minimalist yet evocative set design shines through.

The narrative intricacies of "Moon" are compellingly layered, offering a mix of psychological thriller and philosophical drama that questions the essence of humanity in the face of technological advances and corporate malfeasance. Rockwell's dual role performance masterfully confronts these themes, effectively portraying the existential dread and confusion his character faces upon the harrowing discovery that challenges his understanding of reality. The film's success in crafting a profoundly intimate character study within the vast, impersonal expanse of space is underscored by its atmospheric tension and thought-provoking script, traits that align it with the works of sci-fi luminaries and cinematic benchmarks from Stanley Kubrick to Andrei Tarkovsky.

"Moon" stands as a landmark piece of science fiction cinema, benefits greatly from its transfer to UHD Blu-ray. The visual clarity and audio depth provided by this release elevate the viewing experience, allowing audiences to fully engage with the film's intricate storytelling and Rockwell's standout performance. The contemplation of solitude, identity, and morality against a backdrop of corporate greed and ethical ambiguity remains as potent and relevant as ever. This presentation not only affirms "Moon" as a modern classic in the science fiction genre but also serves as a critical reflection on the human condition in the age of technological omnipresence.

Moon," directed by Duncan Jones and starring the exceptional Sam Rockwell, is acknowledged as one of the superior science fiction films of the 21st century. Esteemed for its nuanced narrative that scrutinizes the human condition, "Moon" distinguishes itself by its adherence to the essence of classic sci-fi cinema, juxtaposed with modern filmmaking finesse. The film's transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray, courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, is met with anticipation and a blend of reactions. This release includes a visually restored video that, while presenting a noticeable improvement over its Blu-ray counterpart, is described by some as only offering mild enhancements. The package notably shines in its audio department, with a Dolby Atmos immersive sound mix enhancing the viewing experience, accompanied by both new and legacy bonus content that enriches this edition.

Sam Rockwell's portrayal remains a central pillar of the film's acclaim, delivering a performance that is both engaging and profound. The UHD release promises an upgraded auditory experience and additional materials that allure fans old and new. However, the HDR10 video presentation has garnered mixed reviews, with some finding it lacking in comparison to expectations set by the format's potential. The presence of multiple new supplements adds value, making this release an attractive proposition for aficionados seeking a deeper dive into the film's creation and legacy.

In conclusion, "Moon's" 4K UHD Blu-ray release stands as a compelling addition to the libraries of science fiction enthusiasts and cinephiles. While its video restoration may not fulfill the highest of expectations, the enhanced sound quality, along with the inclusion of substantial new bonus content, renders it a worthwhile investment. This version not only celebrates the film's enduring relevance but also reaffirms its position within the pantheon of 21st-century science fiction cinema. As such, despite some reservations about the video upgrade, this release is recommended for those who appreciate the depth and craftsmanship of Duncan Jones' standout work.