How to Train Your Dragon 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "How to Train Your Dragon" presents a significant visual upgrade that merits attention from fans and cinephiles alike. With its 2160p HEVC encode imbued with HDR10, this edition outshines its 2D Blu-ray predecessor, delivering a viewing experience that is vividly sharp and enriched with dynamic colors. The meticulous care given to the characters' faces and costumes, alongside an enhanced definition in backgrounds, sets a new benchmark. Every burst of dragon flame, with more individual flames visible, alongside improved contrast and exceptionally deep black levels, elevate the animation to a realm of unparalleled detail. This upgrade is not merely incremental; it feels akin to the leap one experiences when comparing 4K to HD streams, defying the often subtle differences noted in CGI animations' transitions to 4K.

Upon revisitation, the standard Blu-ray's portrayal of environments, shrouded in mist, appears flat and somewhat reduces the presence of characters and creatures, lending them an almost weightless feel. In stark contrast, the Ultra HD edition rectifies these shortcomings by offering a portrayal that imbues the film's universe with a sense of realism and grounding previously absent. Although enriched by HDR10 grading, there’s a slight sacrifice in shadow detailing due to increased contrast—a minor trade-off that doesn’t lead to significant loss in image depth. While a few wide shots exhibit softness, suggesting that even with these enhancements, this release doesn't match the pinnacle of native 4K transfers fully, the overall improvement is undeniable.

DreamWorks and Universal Home Entertainment's work on this transfer warrants commendation. Despite minor imperfections and the inherent limitations of upscaling to 4K, this release arguably showcases "How to Train Your Dragon" in its finest form visually. The deeper immersion into its atmospheric world without fully compromising shadow detail underscores a successful enhancement over previous versions, even if it doesn't reach the zenith of native 4K quality.

The DTS:X audio mix in the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "How to Train Your Dragon" brings a notable enhancement over its predecessors, offering a more enveloping sound experience that, while not surpassing the pinnacle of Atmos and X audio tracks, demonstrates significant improvements. Transitioning from the 5.1 and 7.1 TrueHD setups, the mix retains clarity in dialogue, a dynamic range in sound effects from dragon roars and fiery explosions to metallic clashes, all contributing to an impressive depth of auditory world-building. This evolution in sound design ensures that every aspect, from environmental ambiances to action sequences, is experienced with heightened realism.

The adaptation into DTS:X specifically enhances the hemispherical auditory immersion with meticulously layered music and sound effects. Scenes within caverns or expansive landscapes encapsulate the listener, creating a genuinely immersive experience that pairs exquisitely with John Powell’s commanding score. Moments of flight with Hiccup and Toothless become exhilaratingly tangible, as the directionality of wind and movement envelops the audience, marrying visual spectacle with auditory immersion to evoke a visceral response.

However, despite these advancements, the mix does leave some room for desire, particularly in the realms of overhead spatialization and low-frequency extension (LFE). The craving for a robust use of overhead channels and a deeper LFE presence is apparent, illustrated by comparisons to other reference-quality tracks like those found in "Bladerunner: 2049" and "Mad Max: Fury Road," or even within its own franchise in "How to Train Your Dragon 2." These slight shortcomings notwithstanding, the DTS:X mix for "How to Train Your Dragon" remains an exceptionally crafted auditory experience, bringing listeners closer to the fantastical world and its characters.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "How to Train Your Dragon" is a collector's delight, encapsulating the enchanting world of Vikings and dragons with its visually striking SteelBook design that forgoes the common trend of over-the-top artwork for a more artistically subtle and meaningful depiction. The exterior showcases an impactful night scene featuring Hiccup and Toothless in a moment of connection, with careful attention to detail and color, setting it apart from standard releases. The interior complements this with a serene landscape, providing a complete visual experience even before viewing the film. While the majority of the special features are located on the accompanying standard Blu-ray disc, the inclusion of an audio commentary track on the 4K disc adds value, offering insights directly on the stunning 4K presentation. The packaging's glossy finish, albeit prone to fingerprints, and the coherent design extending to the spine and inner artwork, reflect a thoughtful consideration for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

AUDIO COMMENTARY: Available on the 4K disc, offering insights into the film's creation and storytelling.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "How to Train Your Dragon," presented as a Best Buy exclusive SteelBook, marks the film's triumphant return to home video in stunning fashion. This edition beautifully packages the film with UHD, BD, and digital copy discs, all while incorporating unique artwork that elevates its collectible status. The visual upgrade is significant, showcasing the vibrant world and dynamic flight scenes with greater clarity and color depth than ever before. Enthusiasts will appreciate the technical merits of this release, including the seamless integration of this animated masterpiece into modern home theater setups through the redemption of the included digital code across various platforms, despite the noted absence of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for streaming content.

As a cinematic piece, "How to Train Your Dragon" remains an exceptional animated adventure that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. Its tale of Hiccup, an underdog striving for acceptance in a warrior-centric village, melds humor, thrilling action, and heartfelt moments into a cohesive and engaging narrative. The film's meticulous animation and powerful storytelling are further enhanced in 4K, offering viewers not just a movie, but an immersive experience akin to soaring through the skies on the back of a dragon. The upgrade vividly accentuates the film’s central themes and spectacular visual gags, ensuring that every frame feels alive and more enthralling than before.

The 2-disc 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital combo pack serves as a definitive version for fans and collectors alike, offering superior technical specifications that promises to invigorate this beloved animated feature with renewed vibrancy. Despite its technical shortcomings in the audio department for streaming versions, this release predominantly stands out for its visual enhancements, ensuring that "How to Train Your Dragon" continues to be celebrated as a marvel of animation and storytelling excellence. Viewers are treated not just to a movie, but to an exquisitely revisited experience that champions the power of friendship and the thrill of adventure.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "How to Train Your Dragon" presents itself as a premier choice for enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of home cinema experience. The Universal and Best Buy SteelBook editions, in particular, stand out both for their aesthetic and physical quality. The design opts for a more understated elegance, setting it apart from the more visually aggressive alternatives on the market. This subtlety in design not only compliments the artistry of the film itself but also surpasses the visual appeal of subsequent releases, making it a highly recommended piece for collectors and fans alike.

On the technical front, the 4K HDR10 presentation significantly elevates the viewing experience beyond what is achievable with standard HD Blu-ray. The improvement in sharpness, clarity, and color depth is immediately noticeable, enriching the film’s vibrant world and dynamic characters in ways that captivate both first-time viewers and long-time fans. Coupled with a DTS:X soundtrack, the audiovisual experience becomes even more immersive, offering a level of engagement that rivals, if not surpasses, the original theatrical experience. It’s worth noting that while this release does not introduce new bonus materials, the sheer upgrade in presentation quality makes it a worthy addition to one’s collection.

Conclusively, "How to Train Your Dragon" on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands as a definitive viewing option for both enthusiasts and newcomers. The combination of a tastefully designed SteelBook and a superior technical presentation serves to enhance what is already a thrilling adventure with much heart and humor. While the absence of new bonus content may be noted by some, the overall quality of this release justifies its acquisition, cementing its status as highly recommended for anyone looking to experience the film in its most refined form.