Black Sabbath: The End Of The End 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Black Sabbath: The End Of The End" delivers a mostly commendable visual experience, leveraging a 2160p transfer in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio via HEVC/H.265 encoding. While this 4K edition is a solid extension of the previous 1080 release by Eagle Rock, it mirrors many of the strengths without significant advancements. The absence of HDR is a notable oversight, particularly because its inclusion could have enhanced shadow detail, an area where some deficiencies persist from the prior release. Despite this, the transfer maintains an organic fluidity, expertly handling fast motion sequences, contributing to an overall immersive viewing experience.

The lack of HDR notwithstanding, color reproduction remains a highlight of the release. The concert film thrives on a palette that vividly renders moody blues and purples, sustaining visual appeal throughout. Contrast levels are superbly achieved, adding depth to the scene's dynamic lighting, which notably enhances the live performance ambiance. Details such as guitar strings and other minutiae are sharply defined, evidence of the excellent detail retention capabilities of the 4K format.

Overall, while the 4K transfer duplicates much of the 1080 presentation's quality, it ensures that details are crisp and visual noise is minimized, contributing to a clear and detailed viewing experience. The visual quality of this presentation stands strong within its technical capabilities, although there remains potential for further enhancement with HDR support in future iterations.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Black Sabbath: The End Of The End" is a compelling showcase of immersive sound design featuring both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 stereo mixes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers an enveloping experience, characterized by its powerful bass, commanding drums, and expansive guitar presence. This track surrounds the listener in a cohesive yet massive auditory space, though some may note that Ozzy Osbourne's vocals occasionally get subsumed amidst the instrumental intensity. Despite this, the track maintains high fidelity and clarity throughout the concert.

Conversely, the LPCM 2.0 stereo mix provides a more concentrated delivery, with perhaps a better emphasis on the vocal elements. This mix may appeal to listeners who prefer a more intimate auditory experience, particularly during the Angelic Sessions where studio acoustics play a pivotal role. Here, the stereo mix excels in delivering clarity without the overpowering bass presence reported in the 5.1 mix. Interestingly, the disc defaults to the LPCM 2.0 as opposed to the surround track, a curious choice given the robust offering of the 5.1 mix.

Both audio options on this release exhibit exceptional sound quality with meticulous attention to detail and sonic balance, catering to diverse listener preferences. While some minor critique exists regarding vocal prioritization, these audio mixes provide a dynamic and vibrant auditory experience that complements the grandeur of Black Sabbath's live performance.

"Black Sabbath: The End Of The End" 4K UHD Blu Ray contains a set of well-curated extras that not only highlight the band's iconic status but also delve into the legacy with reverence. The centerpiece, The Angelic Sessions, provides an intimate acoustic rendition featuring "The Wizard," "Wicked World," "Sweet Leaf," "Tomorrow's Dream," and "Changes," showcasing the band's enduring talent. Additionally, a thoughtfully-crafted insert booklet penned by Kary Grow from Rolling Stone offers an insightful 2017 essay alongside a collection of engaging photographs. However, the packaging choice is suboptimal, as the cardboard sleeve design complicates disc retrieval and risks potential damage.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Angelic Sessions: Intimate acoustic renditions of classic Black Sabbath songs.
• Insert Booklet: Contains a 2017 essay by Kary Grow and photographs.

"Black Sabbath: The End of The End" on 4K UHD Blu-ray captures the final chapter of the legendary band’s farewell tour with a raw, unflinching fidelity. Although it revisits the audio options from its previous 1080p release, this 4K edition lacks HDR, an omission notable especially because other contemporaneous releases from Mercury Studios, such as Eric Clapton: "Slowhand at 70," include this feature. The absence of HDR does not diminish the visual experience, and while fans may miss the concert CD included in previous releases, the video performance still offers an exceptional glimpse into Black Sabbath’s sonic world.

The concert was filmed during the band’s concluding performances in their hometown of Birmingham, featuring iconic tracks like "Black Sabbath," "War Pigs," and "Iron Man." These performances underscore the band's indelible impact on heavy metal, emphasized through Tony Iommi's commanding riffs and Geezer Butler's resounding basslines, complemented by Ozzy Osbourne’s irreplaceable vocals. Drummer Tommy Clufetos and keyboardist Adam Wakeman round out the ensemble, delivering each track with potent intensity and precision.

Additional content, such as "The Angelic Sessions," provides an intriguing look at live in-studio performances of tracks like "The Wizard" and "Sweet Leaf," adding depth to this release. Overall, despite the absence of modern video enhancements like HDR, "Black Sabbath: The End of The End" offers a robust capture of a monumental performance, allowing audiences to relive Black Sabbath’s defining moments. This release serves as both a celebration of their enduring legacy and a tribute to their journey's emphatic climax.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Black Sabbath: The End Of The End" presents a compelling case for fans of classic heavy metal, offering a vivid depiction of the band's monumental final performance. With a high-quality HEVC 2160p video format, the presentation provides enhanced detailing over its 1080 counterpart, although it lacks HDR, which might leave discerning viewers questioning the need to upgrade. Despite this, the release is undeniably visually impressive, preserving the exhilarating energy of a legendary concert experience with its uniformly substantial detailing and depth.

Despite the lack of HDR, the audio offerings of DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 Stereo deliver an immersive sonic experience, thoroughly capturing the dynamic power inherent in Black Sabbath's performance. However, potential buyers should note the absence of additional bonuses like CDs in this version, possibly making the 1080 option more attractive for those seeking extra content. Nonetheless, the "Angelic Sessions" included in this release could entice collectors and dedicated fans alike.

In conclusion, while Mercury Studios continues refining its approach to 4K UHD releases, "Black Sabbath: The End" stands as a recommended purchase for Sabbath aficionados and metalheads. The technical enhancements markedly improve the experience for those preferring ultra-resolution formats. Although it may not be an essential upgrade for some existing owners due to the limited additional features, the core concert video remains an exhilarating watch and a worthy addition to any metal fan's collection. Ultimately, this release solidifies Black Sabbath's enduring legacy, capturing their swan song with technical precision and historical grandeur.