Cloverfield 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 79
from 6 reviewers
Review Date:
The 4K UHD of 'Cloverfield' offers modest upgrades and recycled content, but the stunning Steelbook packaging makes it an ideal pick for collectors.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 72
Cloverfield's 4K UHD Blu-ray maintains its raw, found-footage aesthetic, showing significant improvements in HDR and Dolby Vision color grading, better contrast, richer blacks, and reduced artifacting, though limited by the original 1080p digital source, resulting in moderate but meaningful visual enhancements.
Audio: 92
While the lack of a Dolby Atmos upgrade is a common disappointment, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix remains a reference-quality masterpiece, delivering wildly kinetic surround activity, thunderous bass, and crystal-clear dialogue, making 'Cloverfield' an outstanding audio experience despite missed opportunities for greater channel expansion.
Extra: 66
While the UHD SteelBook of 'Cloverfield' presents an engaging green-themed design, the 4K release lacks new extras, retaining prior Blu-ray features like Matt Reeves' informative commentary, making-of, visual effects insights, and deleted scenes, offering solid but surface-level content.
Movie: 84
Cloverfield's 4K UHD Blu-ray maintains its thrilling impact with remarkable visual and sound integration, masterfully blending found footage with intense action sequences and VFX, despite some clichéd shaky camera work and underwhelming monster reveal. The film remains a compelling, lean 85-minute disaster roller coaster worth revisiting.
Video: 72
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cloverfield" offers several notable enhancements over the original Blu-ray. Filmed using a mix of professional and consumer-grade digital cameras at 1080p resolution, "Cloverfield" was never intended to be a visual feast. The film's raw, found-footage style creates a blocky and chaotic look that inherently lacks the polished sheen seen in most high-definition transfers. This new 4K remaster substantially tidies up the presentation with more precise black rendering and reduced digital noise. Primarily showcased through darker scenes, the upgraded transfer brings out details previously lost in mushy black crush and now minimized banding artifacts.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision enhancements play a crucial role in improving the overall viewing experience. The new color grading notably enriches contrasts and black levels, providing more vivid and nuanced visuals. Subtle details such as a red shirt or the flicker of a streetlight are significantly sharper and more vivid, highlighting how HDR and Dolby Vision can elevate even source material constrained to 1080p. High dynamic range brings tighter and crisper specular highlights, with better contrast that avoids the bloating and clipping seen in the older Blu-ray version.
While the overall clarity and definition remain relatively similar to the original Blu-ray due to the limitations of the source material, certain elements, such as fine lines in clothing and various objects, appear marginally sharper. The color palette benefits noticeably from improved warmth and vibrancy, especially in scenes relying heavily on orange-teal hues. Though it doesn't offer the "wow factor" characteristic of other 4K titles, this 4K UHD release stays faithful to filmmakers’ original intentions and demonstrates worthwhile improvements, making it a meaningful upgrade for fans of the film.
Audio: 92
Paramount's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cloverfield" preserves the original English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track, which remains a reference-quality audio experience. Though the absence of a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X upgrade is a minor disappointment, the existing track is highly effective. The mix is wildly kinetic, capturing the film’s chaotic energy with debris and screams dynamically placed around the room. The soundstage is impressively multidirectional, offering crisp and clear dialogue even amidst intense action sequences. One standout element is the thunderous bass, capable of digging down to 10Hz, especially during scenes like the bridge collapse, making it essential for testing a subwoofer's capabilities.
The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack on this release faithfully reproduces the original theatrical experience with exceptional clarity and detail. While an Atmos remix could have expanded the already immersive soundscape, this mix employs all channels to full effect during scenes of destruction. The bass is particularly noteworthy, delivering some of the most room-shaking low-frequency effects in home theater audio. The film lacks a musical score, but Michael Giacchino’s closing fanfare offers a satisfying auditory endnote. Overall, despite missing the luxury of a Dolby Atmos track, this 5.1 mix is about as perfect as could be expected, converting well through upmixing technologies to enhance the listener's experience.
Extra: 66
The Cloverfield 4K UHD Blu-ray presents an engaging array of extras that, while not new, provide substantial behind-the-scenes insights and technical details. The feature commentary by Director Matt Reeves offers informative discussions on the film’s production, blending technology and storytelling in unique ways. His anecdotes reveal the project's improvisational nature due to evolving technology and script changes. The accompanying Blu-ray’s additional extras delve into various aspects of the film's creation, from special effects to character dynamics. Notably, the "Special Investigation Mode" is a multifaceted picture-in-picture feature that maps character movements in conjunction with the unfolding chaos. Deleted scenes and alternate endings with optional commentary, while not adding significantly to the storyline, offer fans exclusive content worth exploring.
Extras included in this disc:
Audio Commentary by Director Matt Reeves: Informative background on the film’s production and creative challenges.
Special Investigation Mode: A picture-in-picture feature mapping character journeys.
Document 01.18.08: The Making of Cloverfield: Comprehensive coverage of the film’s development.
Cloverfield Visual Effects: Insights into the groundbreaking visual effects and monster creation.
I Saw It! It’s Alive! It’s Huge!: Examination of the monster’s design and on-screen integration.
Clover Fun: Set outtakes showcasing lighter moments.
Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary: Four cut scenes with Reeves' perspectives.
Alternate Endings with Optional Commentary: Different concluding scenes to consider.
Movie: 84
"Cloverfield," directed by Matt Reeves and produced by J.J. Abrams, offers a refreshing take on the monster movie genre through its found footage presentation. This 2008 film chronicles the chaotic moments following a monstrous attack on New York City, as captured by T.J. Miller's character, Hud. Despite the film’s reliance on shaky cam and low-budget aesthetics typical of its genre, it maintains an engrossing narrative that grips viewers from start to finish. Its compelling storytelling is enriched by the clever use of suspense and anticipation, aided by brief but impactful glimpses of the creature seeding fear and curiosity. The stark imagery of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty's head crashing into the streets of Manhattan intensifies the apocalyptic atmosphere.
The story unfolds during a farewell party for Rob (Michael Stahl-David), which transforms into a desperate survival journey that draws the audience into the visceral terror experienced by the characters. The tight runtime of 85 minutes ensures a pulsating pace, preventing any dilution of tension. The film benefits from its well-executed visual effects, which account for a significant portion of its $25 million budget, demonstrating meticulous craftsmanship in scenes like the destruction of iconic New York structures and the military engagements with the unseen menace. Performances by Michael Stahl-David, Odette Annable, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, and Mike Vogel add depth to the rudimentary plot through nuanced portrayals, making their characters’ struggles palpable.
While "Cloverfield" is not without its drawbacks—T.J. Miller's incessant commentary and the eventual monster reveal being somewhat underwhelming compared to the buildup—the film stands out as a paragon of its genre. By flipping the perspective to that of ordinary people amidst colossal chaos, "Cloverfield" manages to deliver a highly engaging and suspenseful viewing experience, marking it as a remarkable entry in both the found footage and monster movie genres.
Total: 79
"Cloverfield" remains a quintessential entry in the found footage sub-genre, delivering a kinetic and relentless narrative that plunges into the heart of monster mayhem. With an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 HEVC and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio, the latest 4K UHD Blu-ray offers respectable audiovisual quality, though it doesn't significantly surpass the previous 2018 release. The inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR adds some visual depth; however, the absence of an updated soundtrack, such as Dolby Atmos, is a notable shortcoming. This particular release's standout feature is its attractive SteelBook packaging, which significantly appeals to collectors.
Paramount has maintained the same extras from the previous Blu-ray editions, providing no new additional content or improvements besides the packaging. The Easter eggs from earlier versions are all intact, but this recycling might disappoint those who sought fresh material. For those already owning the 2018 4K UHD release, the incentive to purchase this edition solely lies in acquiring the SteelBook. However, for those without any version of "Cloverfield," this edition is undoubtedly the best option available.
In conclusion, "Cloverfield" on the 4K UHD Blu-ray with SteelBook packaging is a solid recommendation for collectors and those new to owning the film. However, the marginal upgrade in visual and audio quality makes it less compelling for those satisfied with the previous version. Paramount’s meticulous design in their SteelBook editions does add a tangible appeal, making this release a worthy addition mainly for aficionados seeking an enhanced physical media collection experience.
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 70
The movie was designed to look raw and uncut, like it was shot by a bunch of amateurs who are running for their lives. The movie has a blocky and awkward look to it that is completely in line with how it was designed to look. It’s just that Cloverfield is never going to look shiny and sleek.
Audio: 100
I know that as a purist I’m glad that Paramount preserved the 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track from the Blu-ray and theatrical mix, but with the addition of Atmos and DTS:X to the home video world, it would have...
Extras: 70
• Audio Commentary by Director Matt Reeves • Special Investigation Mode • Document 01.18.08: The Making of Cloverfield • Cloverfield Visual Effects • I Saw It!...
Movie: 80
To put it simply, I enjoyed the snot out of Cloverfield, but even I have to admit that these types of found footage films work best in small doses, which means a long film will just grate on the viewers...
Total: 80
HOWEVER, this particular release has the added advantage of having a very snazzy steelbook packaging that will appeal directly to phyiscal media collectors....
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 0
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Audio: 0
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Extras: 0
Most of the image is green, but a fire burning in the distance gives a red color to part of the center area....
Movie: 100
For a full review, please refer to the listing for the 2008 Blu-ray release by clicking here....
Total: 100
It's too bad the disc is a recycle of the 2018 edition, but this is a fine film that looks as good as it can under its natural constraints and now has packaging to match....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 80
I said in my original Blu-ray review that “…Cloverfield is shot in a very unique way in that we see the movie through a DV camera”....
Audio: 90
The dialogue tends to go in and out, though when we consider the source, it does make sense as we’re seeing what a camera is supposed to see and record....
Extras: 50
We get a look at the monster featured in the film (kind of), the history behind it, how it moves and the filmmakers’ making it work within the movie....
Movie: 0
We literally see it through the eyes of a camera and from Hud’s point of view (we actually see on a featurette that it’s not actually Hud doing the filming, but for all intents and purposes it’s him)....
Total: 80
It’d be an easy recommendation if an Atmos track was present, but unless steelbooks and/or new cover art is your thing – this is the same disc as it was 5 years ago (albeit with different packaging)....
The Digital Bits review by Stephen BjorkRead review here
Video: 85
The exteriors primarily used Sony CineAlta F23 cameras and Thompson Viper FilmStream cameras with Zeiss DigiPrime, DigiZoom, and Canon HD-EC lenses, due to the need for higher fidelity source imagery for...
Audio: 95
That’s the original theatrical mix, and while there certainly would have been plenty of opportunity to expand the soundstage via a Dolby Atmos remix, this has always been a fantastic 5.1 track, and it’s...
Extras: 85
Other sequences evolved out of happenstance, like when they were given access to tanks that they didn’t think they could possibly afford, and so the battle between the military and the monster became one...
Movie: 85
No, the genuinely fateful decision that he made was to have it shot as a found footage film, turning what might have been an entertaining but otherwise generic giant monster movie into The Blair Kaiju...
Total: 88
If Cloverfield isn’t already part of your collection, then this is undoubtedly the best way to add it....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 60
Again, although the source doesn't allow for brightness levels to truly shine, blacks are nonetheless richer and darker throughout without sacrifices the finer details, even during the most well-lit moments,...
Audio: 100
But on a final note, Cloverfield also remains the go-to disc for testing a subwoofer's capabilities because there are many moments, such as the bridge collapse, that dig down to 10Hz at high decibels,...
Extras: 60
And like the video transfer and audio options, the same bonus features have been brought over....
Movie: 80
The discs inside are the same 4K UHD and Blu-ray combo from 2018, the artwork is the same - even the copyright date is identical so there’s nothing new there....
Total: 80
But if you’re a SteelBook collector or need this in your 4K collection, this set is a great way to roll....
Home Theater Forum review by Neil MiddlemissRead review here
Video: 80
The cooler color palette does well in this version, but then, the Blu-ray always look rather good as it was....
Audio: 90
Incongruencies of the quality of this audio with the ability for the camera the characters wield to document the madness of their encounter aside, there’s nothing at all wrong with what’s on offer here....
Extras: 70
A rather good collection of special features all found in the accompanying Blu-ray, with the audio commentary from director Reeves also found on the 4K disc....
Movie: 80
Cloverfield is punctuated by a series of superbly staged action sequences that, despite the shaky-cam nature of the premise, shows enough of the creature and action carnage and mayhem, and allows audiences...
Total: 80
The 4K might be overkill, and the lack of Dolby Atmos the definition of missed opportunity, still, if it’s not one you own already, you could do worse than this handsome Steelbook edition....
Director: Matt Reeves
Actors: Mike Vogel, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan
PlotIn Manhattan, a group of friends gather to throw a surprise farewell party for Rob, who is leaving New York to pursue a career opportunity in Japan. The night is documented through the lens of a video camera held by Rob's friend, Hud, who interviews guests and captures the celebration. As the party progresses, flirtations and past romantic tensions surface, particularly between Rob and his close friend Beth, with whom he has unresolved feelings. The festivities are abruptly interrupted when a sudden and violent tremor shakes the city, cutting off electricity and spawning a sense of immediate panic among the partygoers and residents alike.
The group turns on the news just in time to see reports of an unidentified disaster in the city. Deciding to evacuate, they make their way through the streets, only to be met with chaos and destruction. Witnessing explosions and the decimation of landmarks, they come to realize that New York is under attack by an enormous creature. As they struggle to survive and make sense of the situation, they continue to document their harrowing experience, capturing the terror and confusion that grips the city. Amidst the chaos, Rob is determined to rescue Beth, who is trapped in her apartment, and the group sets off on a perilous journey through the crumbling city, all while being hunted by smaller creatures that have begun to infest the streets.
Writers: Drew Goddard
Release Date: 18 Jan 2008
Runtime: 85 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English, Russian, French, Japanese