Universal Soldier 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Universal Soldier" strides onto UK and US 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with a masterful full-fat native 4K restoration, meticulously remastered from the original 35mm print by StudioCanal, with the inclusion of Dolby Vision elevating its presentation. The transfer is presented with a 3840 x 2160p resolution, maintaining the film's original widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and embracing the advantages of 10-bit video depth, a Wide Color Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) in the form of Dolby Vision, all encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. This painstaking restoration not only delivers stunning clarity and detail, especially evident in close-ups and the texture of the environment, but also revitalizes the color palette through HDR and WCG, resulting in visually stunning moments that breathe new life into the film’s iconic scenes, from the vibrant jungles to the stark beauty of desert chases.

The video quality showcases significant enhancements, notably in clarity, definition, and texture detailing, thanks to the remaster from the original camera negatives. Viewers can appreciate the intricacies of the military vehicles, computer consoles, soldiers' uniforms, and even the minute facial features of the cast more vividly than ever before. The improved contrast offers more vibrancy and pop in daylight sequences, while Dolby Vision and HDR contribute to sharper and more intense specular highlights and richer black levels, enhancing night scenes with true-to-life shadows and maintaining exquisite detail in darker visuals.

In terms of colors, the Dolby Vision HDR presentation reveals a broader and more dynamic spectrum, with primaries exhibiting greater depth—reds are particularly notable for their range from cherry scarlet to crimson rose. The blue skies and desert scenes are rendered in beautiful shades, while explosions are more animated with fiery oranges, showcasing an overall warmer and more inviting daylight palette. Despite a subtler improvement in secondary hues, the nuanced differences enrich the visual experience. Accompanied by a consistent film-like grain texture, "Universal Soldier" in 4K UHD blazes a trail for what can be achieved with meticulous restoration and cutting-edge technology, ensuring it looks better than ever before for both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Universal Soldier" presents an auditory experience that, while not breaking new ground, satisfyingly showcases the film's dynamic sound design through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This mix delivers clear and distinct dialogue, confidently rising above the fray of action to ensure each word is intelligible, despite sometimes falling slightly lower in the mix than ideal. The score, originally composed by Christopher Franke of Tangerine Dream fame, although not his most refined work, is given ample priority, immersing viewers with a near-constant presence that enhances the film’s tension and atmosphere. Sound effects from thunderous explosions to the nuanced mechanical whir of helicopters skillfully utilize the LFE channel, providing depth and intensity without crossing into over-exaggeration, echoing the film's balance of action and narrative.

Despite the lack of an object-based audio track like Dolby Atmos—which could have added an additional layer of immersion—the existing 5.1 mix adeptly employs its channels to create an enveloping soundscape. The surround channels engage effectively during action sequences, with notable clarity in lateral and rear sound movement, from bullets zipping across the room to environmental ambiance that broadens the film’s sonic landscape. The low-end response is commendably potent, lending weight to the film's more explosive moments and adding a tactile sense to the overall viewing experience.

While some may note the audio presentation does not rival contemporary standards in hyperbolic sound design, it benefits from a competent mix that respects its source material. The utilization of the DTS-HD MA track ensures that musical set pieces resonate with richness and depth, while subtle dynamics and well-executed bass extensions underscore the film's action-packed sequences without veering into unnatural territory. Ultimately, this audio presentation underlines "Universal Soldier's" status as a product of its time, delivering a rewarding auditory experience that plays to the strengths of its legacy technology while navigating the limitations inherent in a non-Atmos mix.

Studiocanal presents a compelling extras package for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Universal Soldier," seamlessly integrating a variety of supplements that enrich the viewing experience. Highlighted by engaging audio commentaries from director Roland Emmerich, along with stars Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren, these extras offer fascinating insights into the making of the film. Additionally, the disc includes a series of featurettes that delve into the careers of Van Damme and Lundgren, providing an intimate look at their journey in the film industry. An intriguing alternate ending, echoing the dramatic shifts seen in classics like "First Blood," complements the collection, alongside behind-the-scenes footage and a theatrical trailer. This package maintains a consistent and professional tone throughout, ensuring fans and newcomers alike gain a comprehensive understanding of the film's production and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Commentary by director Roland Emmerich, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, and Dean Devlin.
• A Tale of Two Titans: A documentary exploring the careers of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren.
• Guns, Genes, and Fighting Machines: A featurette offering a behind-the-scenes look at the film's production.
• Alternate Ending: Presents a different conclusion to the film with Platoon-esque overtones.
• Behind the Scenes: Additional behind-the-scenes footage giving more insight into the filmmaking process.
• Trailer: The official trailer for "Universal Soldier.

In the realm of early '90s action cinema, "Universal Soldier" emerges as a notable high-concept venture that intricately blends the thrilling dynamism of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren with a narrative that transcends mere pretext for action sequences. Directed by Roland Emmerich, who would later helm major blockbusters, the film tells the story of Luc Deveraux (Van Damme) and Andrew Scott (Lundgren), two Vietnam War soldiers turned mortal enemies, reborn as part of a covert operation to create super-soldiers. This sci-fi actioner delves into themes of memory, identity, and redemption, set against a backdrop of high-octane fight scenes and chase sequences that underscore Emmerich's capability in orchestrating visually compelling action cinema.

The movie's storytelling ambition is matched by its technical prowess, especially showcased in its 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation. The transfer to 4K reveals a meticulous attention to visual detail, retaining the film's gritty aesthetic while enhancing clarity and depth, particularly in its vibrant action sequences. This release not only signifies an improvement over previous versions but also presents itself as a testament to the film's enduring appeal amidst a landscape of modern high-definition releases. The transition from an older VC-1 encode to an MPEG-4 AVC for the 1080p Blu-ray, and the introduction of the 2160 4K UHD disc with a StudioCanal logo, marks a significant upgrade in its home media journey, aimed at both long-time fans and new viewers.

Despite its narrative and technical ambitions, "Universal Soldier" embodies the quintessential '90s action flick—replete with the era's hallmark violence and wisecracks, yet its underlying story injects a semblance of depth into its lead characters. Van Damme and Lundgren deliver memorable performances, balancing physicality with moments of subtle introspection. Ally Walker adds a commendable portrayal of a determined reporter, bringing emotional resonance to a plot driven by testosterone-filled vendettas. As it stands, "Universal Soldier" not only served as a launchpad for Emmerich's directorial career but also as a memorable entry into the action genre—a film that, through its 4K UHD presentation, can be experienced with renewed vigor and appreciation for its technical and narrative intricacies.

Universal Soldier," a notable entry in the impressive lineup of stunning native 4K restorations by Studiocanal, continues to captivate with its transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray. Much like its predecessors in the restoration series, it may not fall into the realm of cinematic masterpieces, but as a piece of 90s action nostalgia, it stands out memorably. The UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release delivers not just in visually stunning native 4K video quality but is further enhanced with Dolby Vision, embodying a remarkable technical presentation. Coupled with an array of great audio options and a selection of intriguing extras, it solidifies itself as the definitive edition for fans, offering a quality upgrade that many may not have anticipated for this Van Damme/Lundgren classic.

Despite its potentially derivative nature, likened by some to a mini-Terminator, "Universal Soldier" manages to hold its ground with an entertaining mix of explosive spectacle and amusing fight choreography. Roland Emmerich's direction turns what could be dismissively viewed as a gloriously dumb romp into decent escapism, benefiting significantly from the leap to 4K Dolby Vision HDR presentation. The upgrade from Blu-ray is notable, making it a worthy addition for aficionados. However, while the movie might promise more than it delivers, its portrayal as a B-level action film that's more enjoyable upon adjusting expectations is accurate. The new transfer significantly improves visual quality, and the strong 5.1 audio, along with carried-over extras, suggests that while it might not be a "DAY ONE!" purchase, it represents a solid pick-up once the price becomes more attractive.

Conclusively, "Universal Soldier" in its 4K UHD Blu-ray rendition stands as a compelling upgrade for fans and collectors alike. Its leap in visual and audio quality brings a newfound respect to this cult classic, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection. While it may not redefine the genre or break new cinematic ground, its appeal lies in the nostalgia and sheer enjoyment it offers, particularly in this latest presentation. The technical enhancements and careful preservation of technical specifics make it an essential acquisition for enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of home viewing experience—it's a testament to how far we've come in preserving and celebrating cinema from an era fondly remembered by many.