All Quiet on the Western Front 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 82
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
Edward Berger's All Quiet reimagines war's horrors with top-notch production, despite deviations.
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Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 90
This 4K UHD disc offers a stunning visual experience with impeccable detail, rich colors, and deep blacks, surpassing its Netflix counterpart and setting the definitive standard for watching this film.
Audio: 94
The German Dolby Atmos track on the disc offers a stunning auditory experience, capturing the chaos of war with precise directionality, powerful bass, and clear dialogue, making it a top-tier demo for audio systems.
Extra: 77
The release boasts an oversized mediabook with a detailed design and extras including a technical audio commentary by Edward Berger, a comprehensive 18-minute making-of featurette, and a collection of trailers, despite hinting at a potential for more substantial future releases.
Movie: 80
Netflix's adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front captivates with its brutal depiction of WWI's horrors, though its heavy focus on action may overshadow deeper character exploration and the anti-war message of its source material.
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Video: 90
All Quiet on the Western Front" emerges on 4K UHD Blu Ray with an astounding 2160p UHD 4K transfer that vividly harnesses both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, leaving the Netflix stream far behind in an almost tangible cloud of dust. Encoded on a sizeable triple-layer (100GB) UHD disc, the presentation's allegiance to clarity, detail, and texture is unparalleled. This fidelity to visual nuance is further exemplified by a primarily muted but compelling color palette that ranges from deep shades of grey and blue in war scenes to warmer, life-affirming hues in moments of calm, achieved through Dolby Vision’s precision. Black levels are robust and deep, the shadow detail in night scenes impressively avoids crush, and CGI elements maintain their integrity without softening or pixelation. The film's HEVC / H.265 encoding ensures that even amidst the chaos of war, the finer details of facial textures, fabric weaves, and even the gritty aftermath of explosions are presented with stellar sharpness.
On scenes bathed in limited sunlight or engulfed in night, the color grading meticulously balances tones to enhance immersion—flesh tones remain natural under all lighting conditions, and despite challenging fog and smoke-heavy sequences, only minor noise-related artifacts are noticeable. Each frame benefits from the disc's detailed encoding, showcasing an unmatched definition that adds a layer of realism to this cinematic endeavor.
The included Blu-ray disc also does a commendable job holding its own with a highly competent 1080p transfer downsampled from the 4K source. While inevitably not as rich in depth or as dynamic due to its conversion from HDR to SDR, it still mirrors the main presentation's gritty essence remarkably well. The overall impression from this physical media upgrade is one of overwhelming success; it represents not just a technical achievement in home cinema presentation but an essential viewing format for enthusiasts seeking to experience "All Quiet on the Western Front" in its most visually faithful form.
Audio: 94
The "All Quiet on the Western Front" 4K UHD Blu-ray's standout feature is undoubtedly its Dolby Atmos mix, presented in its original German. The Atmos track is nothing short of spectacular, boasting precision-engineered directionality and presence that thrusts viewers into the heart of the action through immersive sonic assaults. This includes meticulously crafted channel pans and distinct effects that leverage height channels effectively, facilitating an atmospheric experience with elements such as fly-overs, bullets, and explosions enveloping the audience. The dialogue is consistently sharp, prioritizing clarity especially in crucial moments, though occasionally it adopts a stylistically muffled quality to enhance the visceral atmosphere of war. This Atmos experience is further enriched by the sound of dirt debris, rain, and thunderstorms, showcasing an impressive level of accuracy and depth that extends across the soundscape.
The audio presentation is further diversified with 17 audio tracks, among which the German Atmos track stands prominently for its auditory spectacle. Explosions and gunfire are not merely loud but embody a tactile sense of reality, with bass frequencies adding a palpable weight to every scene. The sound field is distinctly wide, capturing the breadth of war's chaos from tank treads' deep rumblings to thunder's booming contribution to the battlefield's ambiance. Subtitles in multiple languages, including two sets of English for both dub and original dialogues, augment accessibility while maintaining the immersive quality of the audio experience.
Despite the exemplary German Atmos track, an English DTS-HD MA 5.1 option is also available, catering to those who may not favor subtitles. However, the Atmos track is pinnacle for true depth and engagement, making full use of object-based sound effects for an unparalleled auditory experience. Footsteps in mud, metal clanking of bullet casings, and ambient noises are rendered with exceptional clarity, enhancing the authenticity of the wartime setting. This level of audio mastery not only makes "All Quiet on the Western Front" a must-experience for audiophiles but also elevates it to demo-worthy status, exemplifying how a proficiently crafted sound design can significantly enhance the cinematic experience.
Extra: 77
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "All Quiet on the Western Front" encapsulates a modest yet insightful assortment of extras, predominantly accommodated within a distinctively oversized Mediabook packaging. This edition not only stands out due to its physical dimensions, which may challenge conventional shelf space, but also impresses with its design, including a 24-page booklet enriched with interviews and captivating artwork, attesting to its collectible nature. The bonus features, albeit sparse, deliver substantial value, particularly the feature-length audio commentary by Director Edward Berger who covers a breadth of technical and creative undertones of the filmmaking process, from cinematography techniques to casting and sound design, offering a nuanced exploration for enthusiasts and cinephiles. The making-of featurette further complements this with behind-the-scenes insights into production intricacies. However, the assortment of trailers and teasers primarily serve as customary inclusions, leaving a hint at potential for a more extensive future release. This release, while confined in extras, provides an enriching experience that enhances the appreciation for the film's craftsmanship.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: A detailed account by Director Edward Berger covering the comprehensive aspects of the filmmaking process.
- Making-of Featurette: An 18-minute exploration into the film's production, offering insights from the cast and crew.
- Original Trailer: The film's original trailer in German, without optional subtitles.
- US Trailer: German-language trailer with forced English subtitles.
- International Trailer: A modified version of the trailer in German, featuring several sets of removable subtitles.
- Teaser: A shorter promotional clip, again in German but with optional subtitles available in multiple languages.
- Booklet: A 24-page booklet included within the Mediabook packaging, featuring interviews and artwork.
Movie: 80
This modern adaptation of "All Quiet on the Western Front," garbed in the melancholy and the grim reality of war through the lens of Netflix, offers an interpretation that veers significantly from Erich Maria Remarque's introspective anti-war narrative. As viewers are introduced to Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer) and his transformation from an eager recruit to a war-hardened soldier, this German-language film emphasizes grandiose battle scenes and visceral violence over the nuanced character study and the psychological deterioration foregrounded in the source material. The alterations to character arcs and diversions from the novel's events, notably some that fundamentally shift the narrative’s implications, present a visually striking but thematically diluted rendition of the classic tale. While its deviation in pursuit of awards-season acclaim may alienate purists, this rendition thrives on its technical merits, boasting moments of undeniable cinematic prowess.
The cinematography by James Friend and the production values starkly capture the WWI era's atrocities and landscape shifts, from the desolation of the trenches to the frenetic chaos of no-man's land, with a clarity and realism that are immersive, yet harrowingly beautiful. These elements, alongside a compelling score and top-notch production design, manage to evoke the visceral realities of war. While Felix Kammerer delivers a commendable debut as Paul Bäumer, embodying the desensitization and disillusionment wrought by conflict, the film feels somewhat Americanized in its emphasis on action over introspection, aligning more closely with contemporary cinematic trends in portraying warfare than it does with Remarque’s intimate narrative focus.
Notwithstanding its shifts from the novel and previous adaptations, "All Quiet on the Western Front" stands out for its remarkable visual narrative and effort to capture the futility and carnage of war, albeit through a lens that prioritizes spectacle over subtlety. This approach garners mixed implications for its anti-war messaging, often overshadowed by the graphic depiction of combat it earnestly critiques. Consequently, while it presents a diluted version of Bäumer's journey and philosophical contemplations on war, it compensates with a technically impressive depiction of WWI's brutality, positioning itself as a visually compelling if thematically contentious entry in the canon of war cinema.
Total: 82
Edward Berger's rendition of "All Quiet on the Western Front" offers a divisive yet visually arresting experience, diverging significantly from its source material to focus almost exclusively on the visceral horrors of war. This approach has polarized viewers, with criticism directed towards its lack of character development and emotional nuance. However, its achievements in production design, costumes, and special effects have not only captivated a substantial audience but also garnered accolades at the Oscars. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by MPI excels in audiovisual quality, boasting an outstanding A/V presentation that complements the film's aesthetic strengths. While deemed a must-try, potential buyers are urged to gauge their expectations and possibly seek a preview before purchase, acknowledging its deviation from traditional storytelling in favor of a graphic depiction of warfare.
On the technological front, this modern adaptation shines exceptionally on 4K UHD, with its Dolby Atmos audio enhancing the immersive experience of the brutal depiction of war. While the adaptation strays far from the original narrative, it stands out for its technical mastery and powerful performances. However, the release's bonus material leaves something to be desired, and the absence of a Digital Code is noted as a minor shortfall against an otherwise excellent package, underscored by appealing case artwork.
In conclusion, "All Quiet on the Western Front" embodies a contentious yet cinematically stunning adaptation that leverages advanced visual and sound technologies to deliver a potent war film experience. Despite its narrative liberties and the mixed reception regarding its adherence to the source material, the film's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation is undeniably exceptional. It is recommended for viewers seeking a visually compelling portrayal of war, albeit with reservations for purists attached to Erich Maria Remarque’s original vision or seeking comprehensive special features. This release solidifies its standing as a noteworthy addition to the war film genre and a technically remarkable home cinema experience.
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 90
Even those few middling complaints are all but par for the course for Blu-ray, though, and hardly a damning judgement of what's ultimately a satisfying 1080p transfer; even in its least impressive moments,...
Audio: 90
Dialogue remains mostly crisp and intelligible and always when the situation demands it; other bits of conversation are more drowned-out and even wordless for stylistic purposes....
Extras: 100
A fairly wide variety of topics are covered by the first-time commentary participant, from cinematography (including camera tricks) and production design to casting, costume design, and other interpretations...
Movie: 50
I'm only half-joking, of course, because all this is a roundabout way of saying that Netflix's All Quiet on the Western Front is, despite its fully German dialogue, probably the most American adaptation...
Total: 50
Edward Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front is, for the most part, an adaptation in name only: there are too many deviations from the original book to count (as well as the celebrated 1930 film, which...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
Simply stellar scenery utilizes the fullest possible definition, and those close-ups deliver facial texture in droves....
Audio: 100
Dirt debris from mortars and gunfire work through every available channel, the heights used here more than or equal to any other disc on the market....
Extras: 60
...
Movie: 100
Innocence disappears the first time a bullet strikes down an unnamed squad mate, then further as Baumer collects countless dog tags from the fallen....
Total: 90
That rare better-than-the-original remake, All Quiet on the Western Front is a brutal unflinching contrast on war’s multiple fronts....
High-Def Digest review by Bryan KlugerRead review here
Video: 90
There are only a few warmer spots in the film that seem happier and natural, all of which look amazing here....
Audio: 100
The score adds to the dramatic tone of the film and the dialogue is always clean, clear, and easy to follow along with the English subtitles....
Extras: 30
A longer-than-average EPK look at the making of the film with topics that include the visual effects, the wardrobe, production design, and more....
Movie: 80
And even though this is a foreign film, it seems like the director Americanized it with larger war scenes throughout, something that the original source material and even the first adaptation to the film...
Total: 90
It looks exceptionally great on film, the brutality of war is top-notch and the characters and their performances are simply wonderful and moving....
Why So Blu? review by Aaron NeuwirthRead review here
Video: 90
From the busy action sequences featuring many characters to the darker, smokier sequences, there’s always plenty of clarity to observe....
Audio: 100
There’s plenty taking place in terms of the machinery, vehicles, bullets whizzing by, and more that one can frequently hear, along with how the score and various other sound effects factor into this audio...
Extras: 60
A well-put-together featurette detailing various aspects of production, including the set design, costumes, visual effects, and more....
Movie: 80
Saying this is an anti-war film feels like a stretch, as there are really only a few genuine examples that feel like the filmmakers are doing all they can to make the brutality of war affect the viewer...
Total: 80
All Quiet on the Western Front is a very strong war film that places the source material in a new light as far as exploring the horrors of combat, only made more interesting by the quality of the production....
Director: Edward Berger
Actors: Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Aaron Hilmer
PlotIn the midst of World War I, a young German soldier, Paul Bäumer, enlists in the army with his friends, motivated by patriotic fervor and the glorification of war. They are quickly disabused of their naive notions of heroism and adventure. Upon arrival at the Western Front, Paul and his schoolmates encounter the harsh realities of trench warfare. They struggle to maintain their sanity and humanity amidst the constant threat of death, grueling conditions, and the abrupt loss of their fellow soldiers. The recruits grapple with fear, despair, and the sense of futility as the brutalities of war chip away at their spirits.
As days turn into weeks, Paul's initial enthusiasm gives way to survival instincts and a desperate longing for peace. He forges a bond with a seasoned soldier, Stanislaus "Kat" Katczinsky, who becomes a mentor and friend, guiding him through the difficulties of life on the front line. Through a series of harrowing experiences, including gas attacks, hand-to-hand combat, and the witnessing of death and suffering, Paul's perception of the war’s purpose begins to shift. The once idealistic group of friends are forced to confront the stark contrast between the romanticized version of war they had been taught and the grim reality they are living.
Writers: Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, Ian Stokell
Release Date: 28 Oct 2022
Runtime: 148 min
Rating: R
Country: Germany, United States, United Kingdom
Language: German, French