Skyfall 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Skyfall's leap into the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray arena, particularly as part of the Daniel Craig 4K Collection, sets an insurmountably high bar in visual fidelity and showcases what a native 4K digital cinematography coupled with a full 4K Digital Intermediate can achieve. The presentation on disc, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160p, maintains the film’s original theatrical widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1, adding layers of visual depth through 10-bit video, a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) via Dolby Vision. Encoded with the HEVC (H.265) codec, every scene benefits from an unparalleled clarity and a richness in color that was witnessed through a meticulous review setup including an LG 55B7 Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD OLED TV and a Panasonic DP-UB450 Dolby Vision HDR10+ 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The visual experience elevates Skyfall, detaching it from its predecessors’ grittier aesthetic to offer stunning vibrancy and sharpness throughout its entire run.

The allure of Skyfall's UHD image lies in its remarkable detail preservation; from complex facial textures to sprawling environments, the clarity remains uncompromised, even amidst rapid action sequences. This naturalistic portrayal is a significant upgrade over the previous Blu-ray release, providing a textural richness that complements the pure cinematic look of the film. The Dolby Vision color grading further refines the visual experience, deepening black levels for a striking contrast, enriching colors for added vibrancy, and maintaining natural flesh tones, thus eclipsing its SDR counterpart with ease. Scenes like the Shanghai skyline become emblematic of this upgrade, showcasing improved luminance and color depth that bring each frame to life. Despite an isolated digital hiccup during the review, the overall integrity and impressiveness of Skyfall’s 4K UHD presentation remain undiminished, setting it apart as not only the best-looking Bond film but as one of the year’s most exemplary 4K releases.

Skyfall's 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation, while not stretching to the heights of DTS:X or Dolby Atmos, maintains a commendable fidelity with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, a carryover from its earlier Blu-ray release. This choice might initially disappoint audiophiles anticipating an upgrade to the more immersive audio formats currently standard for UHD releases. However, this 5.1 setup challenges preconceptions by delivering an auditory experience that's both dynamic and encompassing. Its strength lies in precise dialogue clarity, robust LFE support, and an effective use of the surround channels that immerse viewers in the action, from the rush of bullets to the overhead chaos of helicopters, enhancing every scene without the need for additional overhead and back channels.

Despite the industry leaning towards enveloping soundscapes offered by Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for both new and catalog titles in UHD formats, Skyfall stands out for sticking to its guns with a tried-and-true 5.1 mix that eschews these modern enhancements for a solid foundation that doesn't falter under scrutiny. The soundtrack thrives on its capability to engage and entertain, turning potential technical limitations into a showcase of sound engineering might. With its meticulous mix, the soundtrack sends projectiles flying past the audience and trains thundering through scenes, enveloped by a score that, although might irritate some, never fails to keep the aural landscape lively and engaging.

Ultimately, while some may lament the absence of a cutting-edge audio format upgrade, Skyfall's 5.1 track does not leave its audience wanting. It's a testament to sound design that prioritizes clarity, depth, and immersion without reliance on additional channels. From its dynamic range to the seamless integration of effects and music, this audio presentation aligns perfectly with the high standards expected of a contemporary Bond film. Its execution demonstrates that even without the overhead nuances offered by newer audio codecs, Skyfall's soundtrack remains an impressively engineered piece of audio delight, fully capable of delivering a thrilling cinematic experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Skyfall" does not introduce new extras but effectively consolidates previously available bonus content, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Notably, it transfers the audio commentaries directly onto the 4K disc, a convenience that fans will appreciate for an immersive dive into the filmmaking process. The remainder of the special features, comprising featurettes on various aspects of production and promotional materials, are housed on an accompanying Blu-ray, identical to the 2013 release. This setup underlines a commitment to maintaining comprehensive supplementary content, although it falls short of offering any fresh insights or additions exclusive to this release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Sam Mendes: Offering insights into the directorial vision behind Skyfall.
• Audio Commentary with Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, and Production Designer Dennis Gassner: A dive into the production challenges and design elements of the film.
• Shooting Bond: An extensive look at the making of Skyfall, broken down into segments focusing on the introduction, opening sequence, title sequence, characters (007, Q, DB5, Women, Villains), action scenes, locations, music, end sequence, M, and the future.
• Skyfall Premiere: Coverage of the red carpet premiere.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official theatrical trailer for Skyfall.
• Soundtrack Promotional Spot: A promotion for the film's soundtrack.
• Sneak Peek: A brief look at additional content related to Skyfall.

Skyfall," directed by Sam Mendes and presented in a stunning 4K UHD Blu Ray format by MGM, represents what can only be described as a pivotal point for Daniel Craig's tenure as James Bond. The film, marking Craig's third appearance as the iconic spy, combines personal vendettas with a broader re-embrace of quintessential Bond elements such as high-tech gadgets, sophisticated cars, and the introduction of characters like Q and Moneypenny into the modern narrative. With this outing, Craig firmly establishes his portrayal within the Bond universe, blending nostalgia with a fresh narrative twist that harkens back to spy-vs-spy confrontations reminiscent of Bond's earlier adventures.

The technical presentation of "Skyfall" in its 4K UHD Blu Ray release is nothing short of breathtaking. The movie benefits from a 2160p/Dolby Vision upgrade that significantly enhances its visual appeal, complemented by the carryover of a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from its 2013 release. Such technical upgrades ensure that both the film's quieter, more intimate moments and its bombastic action sequences are rendered with crystal clear audio fidelity that immerses the viewer into Bond's world like never before. Despite the lack of new supplemental features, the included commentary tracks provide insightful looks into the making of this cinematic gem, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

"Skyfall" not only excels in its technological presentation but also in storytelling, beautifully weaving together themes of return, revenge, and redemption against a backdrop of stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins. The film juggles homage to historic Bond elements with innovative storytelling and character development, notably transitioning traditional Bond girl roles into more substantial parts, with a particular focus on M's character. Daniel Craig's performance, alongside memorable contributions from Javier Bardem as the antagonist and support from Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw, elevate "Skyfall" beyond typical genre conventions, making it a nuanced and visually spectacular addition to the Bond saga that leverages its 4K UHD presentation to fully realize Mendes' vision.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Skyfall" is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most visually stunning entries into the James Bond franchise and stands as a significant upgrade over previous Blu-ray releases. It ranks as perhaps the best of the Daniel Craig 4K Collection in terms of visual enhancement, showcasing Roger Deakins' masterful cinematography in a light that can only be described as breathtaking. This release not only enhances the visual experience with its impeccable detail and clarity but also maintains the already exceptional audio quality, enriching the overall viewing experience without changing the original mix. The addition of worthwhile extras, including two commentaries, rounds out this release as a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The transition from Blu-ray to 4K UHD has never been more compelling than with "Skyfall", providing a noticeable and appreciable upgrade in picture quality. This release sets a benchmark for 4K presentations, bordering on becoming a reference material for both avid fans of the Bond series and cinephiles who appreciate technical excellence in film presentation. The balance of grit and traditional Bond elements that Craig's portrayal brings is complemented exquisitely by the visual and auditory fidelity of this release, enhancing the enjoyment of what is considered by many as the quintessential modern Bond film.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "Skyfall" is an exemplary showcase of how a film can be transformed through technological advancements in home cinema. With its unparalleled picture quality that brings Roger Deakins' cinematography to life in ways previously unimagined, coupled with unchanged yet superb audio and a decent selection of extras, it becomes not just a definitive version for fans but also possibly the most compelling reason to invest in the entire Daniel Craig 4K Collection. This release reaffirms "Skyfall's" position not only as a pivotal moment in the Bond franchise but also as a pinnacle of home media presentation.