Aquaman Blu-ray Review

Aquaman on Blu-ray delivers an extraordinary visual spectacle, largely thanks to its 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. Filmed with Arri Alexa cameras at 3.4K and transferred to a pristine 2K master, the image quality is razor-sharp. The vibrant underwater realm of Atlantis stands out with stunning primary and secondary hues, from the fluorescent red of Mera's hair to the neon blues, purples, and greens decorating the Atlantean landscape. The varied locales, from sun-soaked Sicily to the dark Trench, are distinctly rendered, offering a diverse and engaging visual palette. Black levels are consistently rich, especially during underwater sequences where deep shadows maintain exceptional detail and immersion, enhancing the cinematic experience.

Presented in a mixed aspect ratio of 2.40:1 and IMAX-formatted 1.78:1 scenes, Aquaman showcases a tremendous amount of depth and clarity, particularly in the latter half where IMAX sequences dominate. While some CGI elements appear overly processed and occasionally disrupt the live-action authenticity, this is more a result of the original film’s production choices rather than issues with the transfer itself. Fine details are impressively captured, including fish scales, skin pores, and intricate stitching in Atlantean costumes, rendering even the smallest on-screen elements in remarkable detail.

The near-reference quality presentation ensures every scene, both above and below water, bursts with clarity and color intensity. Whites are brilliantly crisp, turning every visual moment into a potential screensaver. However, the mixed aspect ratio does pose challenges for Constant Image Height (CIH) setups, as the frequent shifts between 1.78:1 and 2.40:1 can be jarring. Despite these minor setbacks, Aquaman's Blu-ray video presentation is an overwhelming success, preserving the film's ambitious and visually arresting production with outstanding fidelity.

Warner's Dolby Atmos track for "Aquaman" is a truly exceptional and immersive experience, solidifying its place as a reference-quality audio presentation. From the very beginning, the track hits with an intense LFE assault, delivering wave after wave of bass that remains powerful throughout the entire film. The underwater universe drives an immersive 360-degree sonic layer, with surround activity that leverages overheads and back channels extensively. Tridents crashing together and the thundering roar of a giant sea monster provide chills, while the underwater environments envelop the listener with shifting and dynamic soundscapes. Vocals consistently remain clean and clear, maintaining their integrity amidst the energetic blasts and action sequences.

The impressive Dolby Atmos track automatically unfolds to TrueHD 7.1 for systems without Atmos capability, ensuring a robust audio performance regardless of your setup. The soundtrack and score are treated with priority, blending seamlessly in the background or amplifying key moments of aggressive action. Low frequencies are commendable, lending weight to explosions and sustained music cues alike. A notable highlight is the chaotic climax and battles, where the track's spatial directionality and channel separation shine through compellingly. Despite these strengths, users must manually select the Atmos track from the menu as the default is a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix—a recurring oversight from Warner Bros. that demands attention.

Subtitles are provided in English (standard and SDH) and multiple other languages, adding a practical layer of accessibility. These subtitles maintain legibility even during scenes with a shifting aspect ratio. Overall, this audio offering from "Aquaman" is top-tier, delivering a gripping and thrilling auditory experience that will delight fans and audiophiles alike.

The Blu-ray edition of "Aquaman" delivers a comprehensive selection of extra features that will satisfy fans and film enthusiasts alike. These features, totaling over 100 minutes, predominantly consist of various short to mid-length featurettes, offering insights from the production. Interviews with key cast and crew members—including director James Wan, Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, and more—facilitate an engaging exploration of the film's conception and execution. Notable highlights include an in-depth look at the creating undersea creatures, the physical and technical training undergone by actors, and the fascinating world-building process. Each featurette provides a blend of behind-the-scenes footage and commentary, although some segments feel more promotional than informative. Nonetheless, the thoroughness and variety make this collection commendable.

Extras included in this disc:

• Going Deep Into the World of Aquaman: Explores the production process, including set-building and CGI.
• Becoming Aquaman: Jason Momoa's insights on portraying the title character.
• James Wan: World Builder: A closer look at the director's methodologies.
• Aqua Tech: Examination of lighting rigs, set design, and pre-visualization.
• Atlantis Warfare: Focused on the film's weapons and gadgets.
• The Dark Depths of Black Manta: An interview with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on his character.
• Heroines of Atlantis: Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman discuss their roles.
• Villainous Training: Patrick Wilson on playing Orm and his physical preparation.
• Kingdoms of the Seven Seas: Dolph Lundgren tours the undersea kingdoms.
• Creating Undersea Creatures: VFX featurette on designing aquatic animals.
• A Match Made in Atlantis: Jason Momoa and Amber Heard discuss their chemistry.
• Scene Study Breakdowns: Analysis of three pivotal action scenes.
• Exclusive Sneak Peek of Shazam!: Preview of the upcoming DC film.

James Wan’s Aquaman stands as a notable entry in the DCEU, marrying vibrant visuals with a buoyant narrative that sets it apart from the darker tones of its predecessors. The film follows Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) post-Justice League, as he grapples with his destiny to become King of Atlantis and thwart his half-brother Orm’s (Patrick Wilson) malevolent plans. While Momoa’s Aquaman may not resonate with everyone due to his "Aquabro" persona, the character’s transformation and adventurous journey imbue the film with an undeniable sense of fun and excitement.

Narratively, Aquaman is packed with an origin story's expected tropes, including MacGuffins like the Trident of Atlan, which drive much of the plot. Despite formulaic elements and cheesy dialogue, the film's breathless pace and visual richness are compelling. The underwater realms, constructed with extensive CGI, provide stunning vistas and a sense of immersion akin to stepping into a comic book. However, the overreliance on CGI occasionally dips in quality, slightly undercutting the overall experience. The film’s sense of depth and grandeur, bolstered by Patrick Wilson’s commanding performance as Orm and a quirky cameo by Julie Andrews, highlight its ambition and unique charm.

The 143-minute runtime feels overly ambitious, cramming multiple plotlines and character arcs into its span, occasionally resulting in a bloated narrative. Despite these structural flaws, Aquaman successfully carves out a niche as an animated, adventurous departure within the DCEU. Its light-hearted approach and imaginative visual effects provide an engaging escape that will likely appeal to fans seeking a break from more somber superhero tales. The Blu-ray release offers excellent A/V presentation and robust bonus features, ensuring a comprehensive package for both die-hard fans and casual viewers alike.

"Aquaman", directed by James Wan, stands out in the DC Extended Universe with its engaging action sequences, stunning visuals, and a strong central performance by Jason Momoa. While the film's scope is somewhat bloated, with an excessive amount of content for an origin story, it remains highly entertaining and fun. The plot, which parallels the King Arthur legend, is buoyed by mesmerizing special effects and the flair provided by Wan's direction. The formula doesn't always take itself too seriously and that light-hearted approach injects a breath of fresh air into the oft-criticized dark tone of previous DCEU entries.

The Blu-ray release of "Aquaman" is a technical marvel. It features an aspect ratio of 2.40:1 / 1.78:1 AVC and offers a rich auditory experience with English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core) and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 among others. The video quality is outstanding, providing a reference-quality presentation that brings the vibrant underwater world to life in high definition. Accompanying the main feature are enjoyable bonus materials that, although they may not be exhaustive, add appreciable value to the package.

As I said above, "Aquaman" is not as awe-inspiring as "Wonder Woman," but it is a genuinely fun movie that actually adds a spark to an otherwise bleak and depressing series of DCEU films. I can only hope this is a trend going forward, as many fans were rather worn out with Zack Snyder's obsession with being dark and edgy. With "Shazam!" looking to be as comical as it is, I think the series is definitely moving in the right direction in that regard. The Blu-ray looks great, sounds even better, and the extras are rather decent. As a huge critic of the DCEU, I have to give a solid thumbs up to "Aquaman," as it was the first time since "Wonder Woman" that I genuinely had a good time in this universe. Good Watch.