Small Soldiers 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Small Soldiers" presents a noticeable step up from previous formats, offering a 2160p HEVC transfer that impresses largely through its retention of the film’s inherent grain structure and increased clarity. Fine detail is markedly improved, notably in close-up shots where the intricacies of the toy soldiers’ plastic armor appear exceptionally defined and tangible. Location details in interiors, such as bedrooms and toy shops, benefit from a solid sense of depth and resolution—outstripping both DVD-era releases and the bundled Blu-ray for overall image integrity and sharpness.

Dolby Vision HDR grading lifts the presentation further, though not without reservations. While specular highlights in packaging materials and certain vibrant reds showcase a good degree of vividness, overall color saturation can feel somewhat reserved. Greens, late-90s attire, and various set pieces receive a respectable boost, yet colors sometimes lack a consistent richness throughout. Skin tones occasionally skew pale, and black levels—though generally sound—may at times appear slightly flat or less dimensional than top-tier UHD releases. Nevertheless, CGI and live-action integration remains well-balanced, with solid contrast ensuring that neither element suffers in visual fidelity.

The encode is clean, with no major digital artifacts or print blemishes apparent. Ultimately, this UHD edition delivers a substantial and satisfying visual upgrade that capitalizes on the format’s strengths, invigorating the film’s energetic style while preserving its original cinematic texture. It stands as a commendable addition for fans seeking the best visual presentation of "Small Soldiers" to date.

Paramount’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Small Soldiers" utilizes the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack rather than a new Dolby Atmos mix. While some may have hoped for an object-based audio upgrade, the DTS-HD track still delivers a robust and immersive auditory environment. The lossless presentation offers excellent clarity, with dynamic range that brings out both subtle effects and the film’s more bombastic action highlights.

Detail is particularly impressive; every mechanical noise—the distinctive “ping” of the rivet gun and the intricate clicks of plastic joints—registers precisely and adds to the overall sense of realism. Explosions are impactful, reaching impressive volumes without distorting dialogue or burying environmental cues. Dialogue reproduction is clean and consistently crisp, ensuring that speech remains intelligible even during more chaotic moments. Overall, while a Dolby Atmos track would have been an ideal enhancement, Paramount’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track maintains a high standard in both fidelity and sonic engagement.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Small Soldiers" presents a minimal set of legacy extras, all found on the bundled Blu-ray disc rather than the UHD itself. The features include a standard behind-the-scenes documentary, which offers dated but informative cast and crew interviews along with production footage. Bloopers provide a brief glimpse into the lighter moments from filming, while the original theatrical trailer rounds out an otherwise modest supplemental package. Packaging features newly designed SteelBook artwork with a striking red vs. blue color scheme and detailed interior spread, though no new bonus content was produced for this edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of Small Soldiers: Archival documentary with interviews and production insights.
• From the Cutting Room Floor: Bloopers: Collection of set outtakes and cast antics.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

Paramount’s 4K UHD release of “Small Soldiers” presents Joe Dante’s 1998 film with a new 2160p transfer enhanced by Dolby Vision, giving the picture a notable upgrade in detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. While the physical release ships in exclusive SteelBook packaging, it does not introduce any new special features—these remain identical to the previous Blu-ray edition, and the UHD disc contains none. The audio retains the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from earlier editions, ensuring familiar, reliable sound quality.

From a narrative perspective, “Small Soldiers” deftly blends science fiction and dark satire through its story of Globotech’s militarization of toys. After Globotech acquires Heartland Play-Systems, corporate directives lead to the creation of the Commando Elite—aggressive soldier toys—and the peaceful alien Gorgonites. When military-grade AI chips are installed, the toys gain alarming autonomy and begin warring within a suburban setting. Performances are generally strong across the cast: Gregory Smith anchors the movie as Alan, the teenage protagonist with a convincing balance of vulnerability and agency, while Kirsten Dunst adds nuance and chemistry as his love interest. Notable supporting actors—including Jay Mohr, Denis Leary, and Phil Hartman in his final film appearance—bring sardonic energy and gravitas, contributing to a sense of tonal playfulness amidst the chaos.

The film stands out for its inventive mix of practical effects, robust voice acting (notably Tommy Lee Jones and Frank Langella), and a script that oscillates between family adventure and cultural commentary. While some central performances are uneven, the ensemble overall frames “Small Soldiers” as an entertaining, clever exploration of militarism, technology run amok, and corporate overreach—all delivered with Dante’s signature wit.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Small Soldiers" provides a welcome visual upgrade to this late-90s action-comedy. The new 2160p transfer brings a notably filmic texture and restores detail that previous editions could not capture, making the most of the original cinematography. Dolby Vision color grading is implemented effectively, giving the image a more dynamic and faithful presentation, while remaining restrained enough to avoid over-saturation or artificial enhancements. This iteration does not introduce any new audio formats or bonus features, keeping the focus on the main feature itself.

On revisiting, "Small Soldiers" retains its charm and delivers a nostalgic blend of action and humor, supported by moments of surprisingly effective subtle comedy. The visual improvements significantly enhance the experience, with boosted clarity and dynamic range that justify a revisit for fans and newcomers alike. The packaging also sees an upgrade, with SteelBook presentation offering a collectible touch for enthusiasts.

In conclusion, this UHD release presents a satisfying technical improvement over previous editions. While no new extras are included and the film's groundbreaking quality has softened over time, the solid Dolby Vision grading and sharp 4K resolution make this edition worthwhile. For those seeking to enjoy "Small Soldiers" at its visual best, this 4K UHD is the definitive version.