Postal 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Massacre Video's 4K Blu-ray release of "Postal" offers a meticulously restored presentation sourced from the original camera negative. Displayed in native 4K with an HDR grade supervised by Uwe Boll, the film achieves vibrant and sharp imagery brimming with impressive detail. The colors are lush, balanced, and notably healthy, enhancing the visual experience profoundly. In darker sequences, the nuanced interplay of shadows adds depth to the viewing experience. While some transitions involving digital effects exhibit minor unevenness, this is negligible in the grand scope of the restoration. The overall surface of the images remains immaculate, with only a few nicks observed during the opening credits. Image stability is also exceptional.

Comparing the native 4K presentation to the 1080p version reveals that the HDR grade, though gentle, provides a suitable enhancement to the already impressive color spectrum in 1080p. The differences in delineation, clarity, and depth between the formats are minimal. However, the larger file size and optimized encoding afforded by the 4K format lend it a slightly tighter appearance, further enhancing its sharpness and detail. The Theatrical Version, presented in native 4K, runs for approximately 107 minutes, while the Extended Director's Cut, running approximately 118 minutes, is available in 1080p. Despite the resolution difference, both presentations maintain high-quality visuals, with the native 4K having a definitive edge in terms of overall tightness and refinement.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray of "Postal" offers two standard audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. Notably, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is exclusive to the Extended Director's Cut, providing an immersive surround sound experience. This mix captures the dynamic action scenes with impressive clarity and depth, elevating the overall viewing experience for action-film enthusiasts. Technical precision in sound design ensures that dialogue remains distinct and intelligible even amidst intense sequences, enhancing narrative comprehension.

For those wanting accessible support, it’s important to highlight that optional English SDH subtitles are available, albeit only for the Theatrical Version. However, enabling these subtitles requires navigating through your remote control as they aren’t accessible via the main menu, which might pose a slight inconvenience but is manageable for most users. This detailed attention to audio quality underscores a commitment to delivering a rich auditory experience, making this release a commendable choice for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound reproduction.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Postal" is a well-rounded package, featuring a variety of extras that delve deep into both the production and the minds behind this controversial film. This edition includes insightful audio commentaries, primarily from director Uwe Boll and the Running with Scissors team, providing rich context and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Supplementing the auditory experiences are visual components like raw behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and a selection of humorous and archival featurettes. Each element in this collection is presented with clear quality, though subtitles are absent. Despite this minor setback, the extras offer a comprehensive view of the film's production nuances and its reception.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: This new audio commentary was recorded by Uwe Boll.
• Commentary Two: This new audio commentary was recorded by the guys from Running with Scissors.
• Extended Director's Cut: Presented in 1080p with English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, without subtitles. Approximately 118 minutes.
• Commentary Three: Uwe Boll's commentary for the Extended Director's Cut of "Postal".
• Behind the Scenes: Raw footage from the shooting of "Postal".
• Deleted Scenes: Several deleted scenes presented together.
• Featurette: Archival interviews with several cast members.
• Verne Troyer Clip: Verne Troyer delivers a public message for Harrison Ford.
• Gag Reel: Compilation of humorous outtakes.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Postal".

Uwe Boll's 2007 film "Postal" receives a 4K UHD Blu-ray treatment from Massacre Video, showcasing the film's chaotic storytelling in its highest quality yet. The new restoration uses the original camera negative and is presented in native 4K with an HDR grade approved by Boll himself. However, it's important to note that while the Theatrical Version enjoys this high-fidelity treatment at a runtime of approximately 107 minutes, the Extended Director's Cut—coming in at around 118 minutes—is only available in 1080p.

The film itself is a wild mishmash of frenzied narrative elements, starting with Dude (Zack Ward), whose bizarre job interview leads him into a convoluted plot involving his shady Uncle Dave (Dave Foley). Chaos ensues as terrorist Osama bin Laden (Larry Thomas) and his operatives launch a massive attack, while a religious extremist plots to unleash a deadly plague. Despite its potential for sharp satire, the execution is lacking. The screenplay, co-written by Boll and Bryan C. Knight, feels like an amateur collection of disjointed scenes rather than a cohesive satire.

From an acting standpoint, "Postal" disappoints. Despite featuring accomplished actors such as Seymour Cassel, David Huddleston, J.K. Simmons, and Michael Pare, their roles are frustratingly superficial, bordering on insulting. Technically, the film's action sequences suffer from being kitschy and poorly edited, using cheap effects and bad choreography that fail to elevate the film. Boll’s direction feels lackadaisical, with entire scenes appearing strangely structured and either under or overdone.

Ultimately, "Postal" drags through its 107-minute runtime, feeling almost twice as long due to its incessant lack of meaningful content. While not the worst film ever made, it certainly secures a spot among the bottom tier of cinematic experiences. For enthusiasts of Boll’s work or so-bad-it's-good cinema, this 4K release offers a detailed look at a film that many might find best left in lower resolution.

"Postal" on 4K UHD Blu Ray has received a beautifully executed transfer that exhibits a high level of detail and exceptional color vibrancy. The visual clarity of the native 4K presentation is immediately noticeable, capturing the chaotic energy and brash tone that are hallmarks of Uwe Boll's filmmaking style. The grain structure remains intact, providing a filmic quality that will appeal to purists, while HDR implementation enhances contrast, allowing for richer blacks and more vivid highlights. Audiophiles will appreciate the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which provides a well-balanced soundstage, although its dynamic range may not be as expansive as some might hope.

The disc includes both the Theatrical Version and an Extended Director's Cut; the former is the only version available in native 4K, while the latter is presented in standard Blu-ray. This choice may seem odd but provides a definitive experience for each version: crisp, sharp visuals in 4K UHD and a more content-rich albeit lower resolution in the extended version. Supplementary materials are plentiful and provide valuable insights into the production process, albeit they may not sway those who are not already fans of Boll's controversial directorial approach.

In conclusion, "Postal" is neither a good comedy nor an effective satire. It is just another Uwe Boll film, and you should know what this means. I struggled to reach its final credits, and I stayed with its shorter Theatrical Version, which is the only one that can be viewed in native 4K. The Blu-ray has an Extended Director's Cut of Postal that offers even more of the same. If you have been waiting for a quality release of Postal to emerge, this 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack from Massacre Video is for you.