Snow White and the Huntsman Blu-ray Review

The Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation of "Snow White and the Huntsman" marks a significant leap in quality from its 1080p predecessor, boasting an HEVC H.265 encode in HDR10 that showcases a noticeable improvement in visual detail and color reproduction. Shot primarily on traditional 35mm film with segments utilizing the Panavision 65mm format and the Red Epic digital camera system for action scenes, the video quality is pristine with exceptional clarity that brings out intricacies in environmental textures and costume designs. Scenes shot in CG or under lower lighting retain their depth and detail remarkably well, with even the softer scenes maintaining integrity without detracting from the overall viewing experience. The presentation’s prowess shines through in the depiction of the film’s varied environments, from lush, vibrant forests to the intricate, ornate craftsmanship of royal attire and armory, which now reveal stunning levels of detail down to the stitching and jewel placements.

The Blu-ray's 2.40:1 aspect ratio coupled with superb HDR enhancement elevates the viewing experience, providing viewers with vivid, lifelike images that boast spectacular contrast and brightness levels. This creates an immersive, almost window-like view into Snow White's darkly magical universe. Specular highlights on armor and swords glisten with realism under sunlight, while dense, rich blacks add depth and dimension to every scene without crushing detail in the shadows. The color palette, favoring soft earth tones and a grey-overcast ambiance to match the film’s atmosphere, benefits immensely from HDR's wider color gamut. It breathes life into scenes with animated reds, true-to-life blues, and particularly luminous greens that stand out in forest settings.

Furthermore, this Ultra HD presentation demonstrates an exemplary use of high dynamic range and wider color gamut to enhance not only the more striking visual elements like armor shimmering in sunlight but also the subtler aspects of the movie’s aesthetic, like the magenta and purple hues in the troll's scales previously unnoticed. Background details are crisp and vivid, from architectural imperfections to natural foliage, showcasing a depth and clarity that contribute significantly to the film's immersive world-building. The fairy sanctuary sequence serves as a prime example of the format's capabilities, highlighting the dedicated effort in transferring this film onto the Ultra HD format to take full advantage of its potential for clearer and more vibrant visuals.

The Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "Snow White and the Huntsman" introduces a DTS:X soundtrack, an upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. Tested on a setup equipped with seven traditional channels plus subwoofer, and complemented by four overhead speakers, the audio experience doesn't revolutionize the DTS:X landscape but affirms its excellence. While retaining much of its foundational prowess, including a vast, immersive soundscape saturated with James Newton Howard's distinct compositions, the DTS:X track slightly falls short of exploiting the full potential of object-based audio's atmospheric finesse. The action sequences remain robust, filled with thundering hooves and clashing metal, demonstrating solid low-end support and surround engagement. However, the utilization of overhead channels for discrete effects or atmospheric enhancement seems underwhelming, presenting a missed opportunity to further envelop the listener.

The transition from traditional 7.1 to DTS:X is seamless for those equipped, maintaining high quality in both dialogue and dynamic range. Dialogue remains crisp, centered, and without loss of clarity, despite Kristen Stewart's challenging accent work. Off-screen effects transition smoothly across the soundstage, contributing to a convincing auditory environment. The directionality and detail in everything from the rustle of dark forests to the shattering of glass soldiers exhibit exemplary design. James Newton Howard’s score achieves a new life in this mix, wrapping the listener in a half-dome wall of sound that enriches the film's darker, adventurous moments. Despite some passages revealing an underused overhead presence, particularly in conveying atmospheric elements like rain or battle clamors from above, the soundtrack's foundational elements—impactful low-end response, meticulous imaging, and fluid movement—stand out, enriching the cinematic experience albeit with room for enhancement in vertical spatial utilization.

The extra presentation on the Blu-ray of "Snow White and the Huntsman" is a treasure trove for fans and cinephiles alike, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the making of this darkly reimaged fairytale. The highlight is the audio commentary with Director Rupert Sanders, Visual Effects Supervisor Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, and Co-Editor Neil Smith, accessible on both the Blu-ray and UHD discs, where they delve into the production's visual design and creative decisions, alongside insights on the adaption of the classic story. Equally informative and enriching are the array of featurettes such as "A New Legend is Born" and "The Magic of Snow White & the Huntsman," which explore the film's revisionist approach and its visual effects respectively. The inclusion of U-Control, "Reinventing the Fairytale," and "Citizens of the Kingdom" further deepens the viewing experience by offering detailed explorations of characters, storytelling adaptation, and innovative set designs. This compilation not only enhances appreciation for the film but also provides an engaging educational tool on modern filmmaking techniques.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Sanders, Nicolas-Troyan, and Smith share insights on visual design and creative decisions.

U-Control: Picture-in-Picture track featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

A New Legend is Born: An exploration of the film’s revisionist take on the classic Grimm fairytale.

The Magic of Snow White & the Huntsman: Focuses on visual and CGI effects with behind-the-scenes footage and concept art.

Reinventing the Fairytale: Insight into the adaptation process, complemented by interviews and concept art.

Citizens of the Kingdom:

• Fairest of Them all: Snow White: Delving into Snow White’s character with cast and crew reflections.
• Deliciously Evil: Queen Ravenna: Insights into Queen Ravenna's character.
• The Huntsman: A look at The Huntsman’s character development.
• Motley Crew: The Dwarves: Focusing on the dwarves’ roles within the story.

Around the Kingdom: 360° Set Tour: An interactive tour of the production sets with intro by Sanders.

Universal Studios’ release of "Snow White & the Huntsman" on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray enhances the viewing experience by presenting the film in a strikingly imaginative and darker retelling of the classic fairytale. The sheer detail and atmospheric use of colors bring out the lush and marvelous cinematography, highlighting Greig Fraser's exceptional work. Coupled with captivating digital CG effects, particularly in transforming notable actors into the seven dwarves, the movie excels in visual storytelling, creating an enchanting and memorable tableau that is both moody and opulent. These technical achievements make the movie a visual joy, elevating the already high production values and showcasing Rupert Sanders' prowess in his feature-length debut.

While the film attempts a bold revisionist take with feminist undertones, presenting a heroine who morphs from a prisoner to a defiant leader, Kristen Stewart's portrayal of Snow White often falls flat. Despite the film's ambitious thematic elements and Stewart’s attempt to break away from previous roles, her performance is uneven, especially in comparison to the more dynamic and compelling portrayal of Queen Ravenna by Charlize Theron. Theron's performance, filled with complexity and nuance, steals the show as a strong, embittered character challenging patriarchal dominance. This contrast perhaps unintentionally makes her a more riveting character than Stewart’s Snow White, highlighting a missed opportunity to explore deeper character development in this feminist reinterpretation.

Despite its few shortcomings, "Snow White & the Huntsman" stands out for its mesmerizing visual spectacle and innovative narrative approach. The collaboration between Sanders and his production crew yields a film that is both a feast for the eyes and a fresh take on a well-worn story. The Blu-ray release further enhances this experience by offering both the theatrical and slightly more expansive extended versions of the film, though the differences are minimal. Nevertheless, this release confirms the film's position as one of the year’s most enchantingly dark fairytales, driven by an intriguing reinterpretation of traditional characters and underscored by its astounding aesthetic achievements.

The Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "Snow White and the Huntsman" marks a significant upgrade over its already impressive 1080p counterpart. This version showcases a richer and more intricate HDR-enhanced color palette, bringing the dark, enchanting world of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale to life with unprecedented visual fidelity. Detailing throughout the film is subtly enhanced, offering a refined viewing experience that fans of high-quality visuals will appreciate. The DTS:X audio, while not fully leveraging the height channels, still presents a substantial improvement, delivering a dynamic and immersive sound that complements the on-screen action effectively. The inclusion of both the theatrical and extended cuts of the film ensures that enthusiasts have the comprehensive version they desire.

Additionally, the package retains the array of supplements from the previous release, now made more appealing with the option to listen to the commentary track while enjoying the superior 4K imagery. While the enhancements in audiovisual quality are more pronounced and will satisfy serious collectors and aficionados, casual viewers might find the existing 1080p Blu-ray release sufficient for their needs. Nonetheless, with standout performances by Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, and Chris Hemsworth, and Rupert Sanders' commendable directorial debut, this release is poised to captivate both new viewers and repeat watchers looking for an enriched viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Snow White and the Huntsman" on Ultra HD Blu-ray is an exemplary showcase of how technology can elevate cinematic storytelling. The visual and auditory improvements alone make it a worthy addition to any collection, especially for those seeking to dive deeper into its darkly magical realm. While it may not fully exploit every technological possibility, it remains a must-have for die-hard fans and a tempting proposition for those intrigued by the advancements of home cinema presentation.