Close Encounters of the Third Kind 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" offers an unparalleled viewing experience that revitalizes this Spielberg classic like never before. Utilizing the original camera negatives, all three cuts of the film (Theatrical, Special, Director's) have been meticulously scanned and finished in a 4K Digital Intermediate. This ensures a presentation with a pristine 3840 x 2160p resolution, featuring a wide color gamut, high dynamic range (HDR), and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec across a BD-100 layer. The result is a visual feast that boasts incredible detail and clarity. Viewers can anticipate witnessing intricate facial features, textures in clothing, and nuanced landscapes with an authenticity that surpasses all previous home video formats. The film's grain structure, inherently reflective of its 35mm source, is respected and preserved, contributing to its filmic integrity without succumbing to compression flaws.

The HDR implementation elevates the movie's visual impact, bringing scenes to life with vibrant colors and deeper blacks. Spaceships dazzle with their luminosity, while natural landscapes and flesh tones appear more lifelike than ever. Whether it's the intense brightness of UFO lights or the subtle hues of the skies at different times, the color reproduction remains faithful yet significantly enhanced, thanks to the HDR's expanded palette. This is complemented by the film's original aspect ratio of 2.40:1, allowing for a genuine cinematic feel. However, some darker scenes may exhibit slight grain or crush, which does not detract from the overall impressive quality but rather adds to the authentic film experience.

Sony's commitment to preserving the directorial and cinematographic vision is evident in this release. Beyond simply boosting resolution, the 4K UHD presentation of "Close Encounters" enriches every scene with more depth and texture. From the swirling sands of the dust storm to the intricate models of alien ships, each element is rendered with astonishing clarity. This release not only serves as a technological marvel but also as a testament to the timeless appeal of Spielberg’s masterpiece, ensuring that it remains a visual spectacle for new generations and long-time fans alike.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" retains the English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track from its 2007 Blu-ray release. Despite the anticipation for an upgrade to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X to take full advantage of immersive sound technologies, this release does not venture into such expansions. While this may be a missed opportunity to enhance the movie's many dynamic scenes, particularly those featuring alien encounters and the iconic climactic sequence, the existing 5.1 surround sound still delivers impressively. The sound design intricately utilizes the surround channels to provide ambiance and nuanced audio detail across various scenes, from the mundane to the intensely dramatic, ensuring a rich auditory experience that complements the visual restoration effort.

Bass performance is notably robust, with deep, subsonic elements effectively realized during key moments, such as the appearance of the alien mothership, providing a palpable sense of presence and power. Dialogue remains clear and well-integrated within the mix, avoiding any overshadowing by the film's substantial low-frequency effects or sweeping score by John Williams, which benefits from the spatial distribution of sound across all channels. Although there's a noticeable compression in dynamic range compared to modern soundtracks, leading to a slightly constrained feel, this does not significantly detract from the overall auditory experience.

In terms of spatial audio realization, the soundtrack skillfully employs channel separation and movement, with particular emphasis on directional sound effects that enhance the on-screen action, such as UFOs traversing the soundfield. However, some reviews have noted a slight imbalance favoring the right side of the soundstage. The mix also makes effective use of rear channels, primarily for enhancing atmospheres and adding depth to the scenes featuring extraterrestrial visitors. Despite its age and inherent limitations compared to contemporary audio tracks, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" offers a satisfying and immersive home theater experience that admirably supports the film's visual and emotional impact, even if it leaves room for speculation about the potential heights an updated sound mix could have achieved.

The 40th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is a comprehensive and meticulously curated collection that not only includes all three cuts of the film (Theatrical, Special Edition, Director's Cut) in stunning 4K and HDR but also a treasure trove of extras detailed across a dedicated Blu-ray disc. Remarkably, this release goes the extra mile by remastering all three versions on the Blu-ray using the new 4K restoration, providing an enhanced viewing experience even for those without Ultra HD capabilities. Among the extras, new offerings like interviews from film giants Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, and Denis Villeneuve in "Three Kinds of Close Encounters" and Spielberg's own behind-the-scenes footage in "Steven's Home Videos & Outtakes" stand out, enriching the legacy of this cinematic jewel. Additionally, the inclusion of extensive documentaries, deleted scenes, storyboard comparisons, and an exhaustive photo gallery ensures that aficionados have everything they need to dive deep into the making and impact of this timeless classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• A View From Above: Identifies scenes exclusive to the version being watched.
• Three Kinds of Close Encounters: A profound exploration of the film's legacy and vital elements.
• Steven's Home Videos & Outtakes: Private behind-the-scenes content from Spielberg.
• Steven Spielberg: 30 Years of Close Encounters: An insightful interview reflecting on the movie’s creation.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Making of Documentary: An extensive feature on the film’s production process.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Watch the Skies: A vintage making-of featurette from 1977.
• Deleted Scenes: A compilation of nine cut scenes offering more insights.
• Storyboard Comparisons: Juxtaposes finished scenes against their initial storyboards.
• Extensive Photo Gallery: A comprehensive collection covering every aspect of production.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Original Theatrical Trailer
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Special Edition Trailer

Sony's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Steven Spielberg's classic, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," brings the 1977 masterpiece into the modern home theater with an outstanding new 4K/HDR-enhanced video restoration. This release includes three versions of the film, preserving Spielberg's evolving vision over time, though it notably retains the original DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack without an update to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X formats. The choice to maintain the initial audio showcases a respect for the film's original auditory experience, complementing the visually stunning upgrade.

In "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," Spielberg crafts a narrative that is at once simple and deeply complex, following Roy Neary's (Richard Dreyfuss) obsessive quest after an encounter with a UFO changes his life. The film excels in blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, ensnaring audiences in its tale of first contact through a combination of believable characters, compelling dialogue, and pioneering special effects. The score by John Williams further elevates the emotional resonance and otherworldly atmosphere of the film, imbuing it with a sense of wonder and anticipation. Spielberg's delicate balance of cynicism and enchantment captures the human imagination, making the extraordinary events unfolding on screen feel intimately relatable.

The enduring appeal of "Close Encounters" owes much to Spielberg's mastery in storytelling and technical innovation, aspects that are brought into sharp relief with this 4K UHD release. Despite the lack of an updated audio format, the visual enhancements provide an immersive experience that honors the film's legacy while introducing its marvels to a new generation. The detailed attention to character development and narrative, combined with groundbreaking special effects and a mesmerizing score, ensure that "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" remains a captivating journey from start to finish, beautifully presented in this latest home entertainment format.

As we celebrate the monumental forty years since Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind first graced the cinema screens, and twenty years since its Collector's Edition re-release, the film continues to captivate audiences with its blend of human emotion and otherworldly spectacle. This cinematic masterpiece, a beacon in the science fiction genre, has not only stood the test of time but also shines brighter in its most recent 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray incarnation from Sony. Noteworthy is Spielberg’s commitment to preserving the film's original essence, which is evident in the choice to maintain the original soundtrack, despite advancements in audio technology, thus foregoing a Dolby Atmos upgrade but retaining a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track.

The 4K Ultra HD presentation brings out the unparalleled visuals of all three versions of the film, with a meticulous full 4K restoration that showcases stunning detail, an enhanced color gamut, and effective HDR application, making this release the best visual representation of the film to date. The presence of film grain enriches its cinematic quality, further immersing viewers into Spielberg's carefully crafted world. While some may lament the absence of a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, the existing audio does justice to the film's atmospheric depth and enriches its storytelling. Supplementary content is generous, offering both heritage extras and exciting new additions, providing a comprehensive package for fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, Sony's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind serves as a definitive edition of this landmark film, offering an awe-inspiring home viewing experience that rivals the wonder of its original release. Despite minor quibbles regarding audio upgrades, this package excels in visual presentation and supplemental material, solidifying its place in the collections of cinephiles and Spielberg enthusiasts. With its enduring impact on both cinema and popular culture, Close Encounters of the Third Kind remains an essential piece of cinematic history, now presented in a format that does justice to its legacy.