V for Vendetta 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 86
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
V for Vendetta's 4K release excels with stunning visuals, Atmos, & timely themes.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 84
V for Vendetta's 4K release impresses with detailed, natural visuals & striking HDR, showcasing its unique style & depth on Ultra HD Blu-ray.
Audio: 90
V for Vendetta's 4K Dolby Atmos upgrade enchants with immersive, nuanced soundstage, balancing explosive dynamics with clear dialogue and atmospheric finesse.
Extra: 84
Warner's V for Vendetta release dazzles with new and old extras across 4K and Blu-ray, featuring rare conversations, auditions, and in-depth looks at the film's production and legacy.
Movie: 79
V for Vendetta's adaptation captures a dystopian UK under totalitarian rule, sparking timely discussions on political oppression and resistance, while showcasing Moore's complex ideas with varying success across different adaptations.
Video: 84
V for Vendetta," a film that stands out for its thematic depth and narrative resonance, receives a native 4K release from Warner Bros., crafted from the original camera negatives to present a visual feast in the truest sense. This 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, viewed using top-tier home theater equipment, showcases the movie in its original widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio, employing the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10. The presentation takes advantage of 10-bit video depth, Wide Color Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range to deliver a picture quality that is as dystopian and stylized as it is detailed and vivid. With a resolution of 3840 x 2160p, the image retains the film's original grain, ensuring that no detail is lost to digital noise reduction, meanwhile enhancing the color palette to bring depth and vibrancy to the murky shadows and the occasional dominant reds that are characteristic of the Wachowskis' vision.
Despite being shot on 35mm film and completing post-production with a 2K Digital Intermediate, this edition does not merely upscale to 4K. Instead, Warner Bros. has revisited the original camera negatives for a true 4K remaster. While some aspects, like visual effects, were upsampled from 2K, the meticulous attention to preserving the atmospheric elements—such as fog and smoke—lends the film an authentic texture that elevates its visual storytelling. The HDR grading amplifies the contrast, deepening shadows without crushing them and allowing highlights such as flames and reflections to shine with an added brilliance. This combination of higher resolution, expanded color gamut, and dynamic range improvement results in a presentation where details are sharper, colors more robust, and dark scenes reveal more textures, making this one of the most film-accurate restorations.
Warner's decision to use a full 100GB disc for "V for Vendetta" pays off by avoiding compression issues and allowing for an average video data rate of around 80 Mbps. This ensures that the film's natural grain structure is preserved without introducing noise artifacts, maintaining a clean and authentic look throughout. The HDR enhancement is judiciously applied, bolstering the visual impact of brighter elements while enhancing black levels significantly, leading to richer and more distinct shadows. Scenes shot in darkness or low light benefit immensely from these improvements, with V's iconic costume and Guy Fawkes mask demonstrating the capability of HDR to balance sharp contrast with vibrant colors. In essence, this UHD presentation does justice to "V for Vendetta" by providing a viewing experience that respects the source material's aesthetic choices while leveraging modern technology to ensure that the film's visual narrative is presented with unprecedented clarity and depth.
Audio: 90
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "V for Vendetta" introduces a monumental audio upgrade with its Dolby Atmos track that transitions seamlessly to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 for systems not supporting Atmos. The expansive soundscape is meticulously utilized, enveloping the viewer with a rich layering of effects, dialogue, and music that enhances the visual journey. Key scenes harness the power of overhead channels to create a palpable sense of immersion, while dialogue clarity is preserved across the spectrum, ensuring every word is delivered with precision. The mix perfectly balances the intense action sequences with quieter moments, allowing atmospheric sounds and subtle background noises to create a dynamic and immersive auditory experience.
With an impressive low-frequency extension, the audio design plunges viewers into the heart of the action, magnifying every explosion, gunshot, and physical interaction with a visceral intensity that’s both impactful and nuanced. The score by Dario Marianelli, alongside the atmospheric use of diegetic music, enhances the emotional and thematic layers of the film, enveloping scenes with an additional narrative depth. The Atmos mix excels in spatial audio, with sound elements meticulously placed within the soundscape to create a cohesive and immersive experience that extends well beyond the screen.
This new Atmos experience is complemented by a variety of audio options and subtitles catering to a wide audience. The improvements in audio fidelity and immersion are noteworthy, setting a new standard for auditory presentation in home cinema. This release not only pays homage to the original essence and atmosphere of "V for Vendetta" but elevates it, creating an audibly refined experience that’s as memorable as it is exhilarating. The detailed sound design utilizes every available channel to craft an environment that’s engaging and true to life, ensuring that every moment, from the subtlest whisper to the most explosive action sequences, is captured with unparalleled clarity and depth.
Extras: 84
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "V for Vendetta" offers a commendable array of extras, delivering a mix of highly anticipated new content alongside well-preserved classics from the original Blu-ray edition. Warner excels in catering to fans with fresh inclusions directly on the 4K disc, such as a profound quarter-hour conversation with James McTeigue and Lana Wachowski, offering insightful retrospectives on the film’s creation, themes, and production. Natalie Portman's captivating audition footage, presented in vintage VHS quality, alongside the exclusive premiere of "V for Vendetta Unmasked," covering a broad spectrum of topics from the adaptation process to political themes, enhances the package. The accompanying Blu-ray disc retains a plethora of additional featurettes and extras that delve into the making of the film, its historical context, design aspects, and more, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of this cinematic masterpiece for both new admirers and longtime enthusiasts.
Extras included in this disc:
NEW James McTeigue & Lana Wachowski in Conversation: Directors and writer share insights into the film's creation and themes.
NEW Natalie Portman's Audition: Reveals the depth of Evey's character through Natalie Portman's early auditions.
NEW V for Vendetta Unmasked: A detailed behind-the-scenes look at the film's production and themes.
Designing the Near Future: Explores the production design and creation of the film's vision of the future.
Remember, Remember: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot: Historical context on the story of Guy Fawkes.
Freedom! Forever!: Making V for Vendetta: Cast and crew discuss the intense filmmaking process.
England Prevails: V for Vendetta and the New Wave in Comics: Examining the origins and impact of the V story within comics.
Cat Power Montage: A music video linking elements of the film with Cat Power’s song.
Theatrical Trailer: The film’s original promotional trailer.
Easter Egg: Saturday Night Live Digital Short: A humorous inclusion featuring Natalie Portman.
Movie: 79
V for Vendetta, presented in its 4K UHD Blu-Ray version, takes the adaptation of Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel into a vividly rendered dystopian vision that resonates with current geopolitical and societal themes. Directed with fervor by James McTeigue and under the influential shadow of The Wachowskis, this cinematic venture navigates a future Britain under the thumb of tyranny, where Hugo Weaving's enigmatic 'V' - an anarchist rebelling against an oppressive regime, partners with Natalie Portman’s Evey. In this adaptation, the narrative embellishes the source material with a contemporary urgency, marked by its political allegories relevant to the post-9/11 and current Trump-era atmospheres. The infusion of a politically engineered virus subplot crafts an eerie prescience given today's global crises, highlighting the film's uncanny timing and thematic depths.
From a technical standpoint, the 4K UHD release embodies a significant enhancement over its Blu-Ray predecessor, boasting a remaster sourced from the original negative. This upgrade manifests in the film’s rich visual tapestry and atmospheric detailing, propelled further by a newly minted Dolby Atmos track that envelops the viewer in the movie's sonic universe - from the whispers of rebellion to the crescendo of explosions. The movie’s depiction of a surveillance-laden England, John Hurt’s authoritarian Sutler, and the script’s interweaving of personal and political rebellion are rendered with such clarity and immersion, it underscores the release’s timely relevance and cinematic potency.
Despite some criticisms of its deviations from Moore’s source material and occasional lapses into melodramatic territory, V for Vendetta’s 4K presentation rejuvenates its visual and thematic impact. The film balances its graphic novel inspirations with the Wachowskis' hallmark grandiosity and McTeigue's nuanced direction to deliver a palpably stylish yet profoundly stirring experience. Its relevance, magnified by current events and captured with technical finesse in this 4K UHD edition, cements V for Vendetta not just as a piece of speculative fiction but as a cautionary tale echoing through today’s corridors of power and resistance.
Total: 86
Warner Bros.' 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "V for Vendetta" marks a significant upgrade to a classic film that resonates as much today as it did at the time of its original release. With the screen adaptation by The Wachowskis and direction by James McTeigue, the film has always been a compelling blend of political statement and enthralling entertainment. This new release honors that legacy with a pristine native 4K transfer and a dynamic Dolby Atmos soundtrack, enhancing both the visual and auditory experience. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of both new and legacy bonus material, adding depth to the viewing experience. While the lack of a new Blu-ray disc may disappoint some, the overall package is undeniably comprehensive, providing a definitive edition for collectors and home theater enthusiasts.
The film's thematic relevance has only intensified over time, turning what once may have seemed an on-the-nose critique into prescient commentary on contemporary societal issues. In this era of political tumult and social unrest, "V for Vendetta" emerges as a crucial watch, its messages on freedom, fairness, and justice striking a chord more than ever. The 4K UHD presentation brings this to life with extraordinary clarity and detail, making it as visually impactful as its narrative is compelling. The Atmos track complements this with its immersive sound, ensuring that every nuance of the film's richly layered production is experienced to the fullest.
In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "V for Vendetta" by Warner Bros. is an exemplary upgrade that breathes new life into this iconic film. Its superb video quality, enveloping Dolby Atmos sound, and valuable selection of extras offer an immersive viewing experience that not only enthralls but also incites reflection on the film's enduring relevance. Highly recommended for fans, it stands as a testament to the film's continuing legacy and importance in cinema history, solidifying its position as a must-have for any serious movie collection.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 80
A glorious full-fat native 4K release V for Vendetta landed on Blu-ray a whopping 12 years ago, and is arguably long overdue an upgrade, with Warner remastering it in full 4K for this release (or, at least,...
Audio: 90
A noteworthy upgrade on the aural front Dialogue remains well-prioritised, coming across clearly and coherently throughout, and largely disseminated across the frontal array, whilst effects enjoy the thunder...
Extras: 80
The new material includes a quarter hour interview with Lana Wachowski looking back at the production, a quarter hour of audition material with Portman, and an archival Making-of Featurette, whilst the...
Movie: 70
Only intermittently boasting a fully unleashed Wachowski style (there isn't quite the same scale to this effort that you might have expected from the duo who just finished the Matrix Trilogy, and the uninspiring...
Total: 80
There seems no better time than now for a rewatch Warner's UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of V for Vendetta - released almost day-and-date alongside its US counterpart not only in time for Guy Fawkes'...
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 90
Overall, V for Vendetta's largely natural appearance looks somewhat atypical when standing alongside the likes of WB's more recent UHD releases like 300 and Beetlejuice, but this only reinforces that fact...
Audio: 80
As such, this newly-mixed Atmos presentation -- much like the film's new 4K transfer -- seeks to tastefully overhaul the Blu-ray without changing the film's original intent or atmosphere, aiming for refinement...
Extras: 100
James McTeigue & Lana Wachowski in Conversation (13:18) - The director and co-writer share a brief but enjoyable chat that touches upon the film's inception, source material, casting, production, and reception,...
Movie: 80
Like The Shining, Beetlejuice, and several other WB catalogue titles, James McTeigue's V for Vendetta is the latest 4K offering to pole-vault over a Blu-ray released in the format's earliest years and...
Total: 90
Those limited to Blu-ray will bemoan the lack of a newly-minted disc, but everything about this release makes it a definitive package....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 95
The 4K image is fantastic, with abundant detail in evidence—certainly more than is apparent in the HD presentation....
Audio: 100
Optional subtitles are included in English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, German for the Hearing Impaired, French, Italian for the Deaf, Castilian Spanish, Dutch, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Latin...
Extras: 85
The In Conversation piece appears to be newly-produced, while the other two seem to be leftovers from the production of the 2008 Blu-ray release....
Movie: 85
But one man—the masked and mysterious “V” (Hugo Weaving)—attempts to fight back, recreating the historical Gunpowder Plot to snap the British people out of their complacency....
Total: 91
But watching it again in the middle of a pandemic—with white supremacy on the rise and protestors marching in the streets—has been a different experience altogether, one made all the better by the superb...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
While not a movie dealing in blindingly bright contrast by design, those moments where it’s allowed look spectacular....
Audio: 100
Ridiculously powerful range expands into low Hzs, disappointing only in the final moments as the bombs go off – and disappointing only in the sense everything prior was so intense, that boom feels flat...
Extras: 60
There’s an older EPK after that, while the rest (four featurettes, pop-up features, SNL skit) reside on the Blu....
Movie: 60
In a fight against totalitarian regimes, V for Vendetta violently lashes out, a centrist stance that sees no good in anything, a hero fighting from a fatalistic perspective and lacking nuance to separate...
Total: 75
V for Vendetta’s world only gained in relevance over time, but its centrist, even fatalistic perspective never finds a solution....
High-Def Digest review by Bryan KlugerRead review here
Video: 90
The detail is sharp and vivid throughout as well with individual hairs, facial stubble, and wardrobe textures shining through, even in the darker sequences....
Audio: 100
The height speakers are wonderful with fantastic raindrops falling from the sky and the loudspeakers throughout the city that emit the terrifying and disgusting voice of the High Chancellor that gives...
Extras: 90
Making V For Vendetta (HD, 16 Mins.) - Cast and crew interviews talk about the comic book, the adaptation process, shooting certain scenes, the tone, and themes, along with some on-set footage....
Movie: 90
The film version was made during the George W. Bush administration and drew up some strong parallels with that era, but as of 2020, V For Vendetta rings even louder and is quite disturbing in its many...
Total: 90
V For Vendetta is still a wonderful, scary, and violent film with some important and significant messages about freedom, fairness, and justice that are very relevant today....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 96
Given the events of the day this film’s narrative has a relevant context that didn’t seem nearly as far reaching as it may have been otherwise....
Audio: 94
During the first act, there are several instances where the mix generates a noticeable improvement in dimension and depth of field....
Extras: 90
Making V for Vendetta – The cast and crew of V for Vendetta reveal the intense filmmaking process • Designing the Near Future – A look at the artistic process of creating the frightening future world of...
Movie: 90
tells the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey (Portman) who is rescued from a dire situation by a masked vigilante (Weaving) known only as “V.” Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled...
Total: 93
was adapted for the screen by The Wachowkis and, is a compelling statement piece that carefully balances its thought provoking themes with excellent entertainment value....
Why So Blu? review by Brandon PetersRead review here
Video: 90
Textures, patterns and more hold strong visually and no crushing witnessed during this viewing....
Audio: 100
Height: Plenty comes from above from debris, action swings, objects flying above and much more as well as score contributions....
Extras: 90
V For Vendetta comes with the standard Blu-ray edition and a redeemable digital code.4K UHDJames McTeigue & Lana Wachowski in Conversation (HD, 13:18) – A really nice reflection of the film as the film’s...
Movie: 80
You know the importance and the legacy of a film when something like that sticks for a long time....
Total: 90
Warner Bros has really done a terrific job on upgrading it to the 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray format....
Director: James McTeigue
Actors: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves
PlotIn a dystopian future Britain, ruled with an iron fist by the authoritarian Norsefire party, society is suffocated by government surveillance, repression of dissent, and the scapegoating of minorities. Evey Hammond, a young woman working at the state-run British Television Network, finds her life irrevocably changed when she is rescued from a life-threatening encounter by a masked vigilante known only as "V". V is a charismatic and skilled fighter, driven by a desire for revenge against those responsible for his disfigured appearance and the oppressive regime that has arisen in his country.
V urges the public to remember the 5th of November and rise against their oppressors, using theatrical tactics and terrorism to undermine the government's authority. Evey is initially frightened by V's methods, but as she learns more about her own government's secrets and V's mysterious past, she begins to understand his motivations. The two form an unlikely alliance, with Evey becoming increasingly involved in V's plans to incite revolution and bring down the corrupt leaders. As the 5th of November approaches, V's complex plot to inspire the people of Britain to embrace their freedom and overthrow their tyrants grows ever closer to fruition.
Writers: Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski, David Lloyd
Release Date: 17 Mar 2006
Runtime: 132 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, United Kingdom, Germany
Language: English, French, Latin, Spanish