Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 90
from 8 reviewers
Review Date:
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga impresses with reference-quality Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos, despite its overlong narrative and lukewarm box office performance.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 97
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga presents an outstanding 4K UHD Blu-ray experience, capturing its native 4K detail, vibrant Dolby Vision HDR colors, and razor-sharp clarity in searing landscapes and nightmarish sequences. With impressive black levels, minimal noise, and refined textures, it stands as a top-tier reference disc.
Audio: 99
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga's 4K UHD Blu-ray boasts a phenomenal Dolby Atmos track, rivaling top releases like Dune Part 2. This mix offers expansive surround activity, crystal-clear dialogue, thunderous LFE, and masterful immersive audio, delivering a relentless and enthralling cinematic experience.
Extra: 66
While the 4K UHD Blu-ray of Furiosa lacks the Black & Chrome version, it compensates with rich content: an in-depth 57-minute making-of documentary, detailed featurettes on key cast members, and a fascinating look at vehicle design and major action sequences, offering valuable technical insights for enthusiasts.
Movie: 81
An ambitious prequel to Fury Road, George Miller's Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga delivers visually stunning, high-octane action with Anya Taylor-Joy excelling in a demanding role. Despite a more sprawling narrative and subdued marketing, the film provides a captivating character origin story that deepens the Mad Max mythos. The 4K UHD release enhances its vivid post-apocalyptic visuals with Dolby Vision and immersive Dolby Atmos sound, making it a thrilling addition to any collection.
Video: 97
"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" arrives on Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray with a native 4K presentation that fully leverages HDR and Dolby Vision HDR, ensuring a visual feast for the viewers. The disc offers a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image in its original 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio with Wide Color Gamut and HEVC (H.265) encoding. The film's relentless visual stylization is fully embraced, featuring astounding detail evident in skin textures, war paint, and battle damage. Colors are immensely vibrant and defined, while the digital tinting and contrasting use of cool blues and bright oranges enrich the dystopian landscapes with an eye-searing intensity.
The 4K transfer captured on Arri Alexa 65 cameras, combined with Dolby Vision HDR, bolsters the film’s immersive quality. Highlights include deep and inky black levels, impeccable contrast, and dazzling specular highlights that add depth to the imagery without over-saturation. The wide shots are particularly compelling, showcasing fine details like grains of sand and grime on characters' faces, while close-ups reveal every texture under the sun’s punishing brightness. Additionally, vital sequences featuring industrial backdrops or high-speed action sequences maintain a razor-sharp level of detail and vibrant colorfulness.
In summary, "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" in 4K UHD Blu-ray is a demo-worthy disc. While bitrates mostly hover between 40-60 Mbps, peaking occasionally at 80 Mbps, the video presentation retains absolute clarity and splendor. The seamless blend of searing whites, lush greens, ruddy browns, and nuanced shadows ensure that every frame is visually spellbinding. This release provides a stunning showcase of modern UHD capabilities, making it a definitive pick for fans and a top reference material for showcasing premium display technology.
Audio: 99
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" boasts a grandstanding Dolby Atmos track, rivaling top-tier mixes such as "Dune Part 2." Renowned for its immersive audio, this mix utilizes every channel effortlessly, creating a superior surround sound experience. Dialogue is crystal clear, precisely prioritized amid the cacophony, though it's sparingly used. The atmospheric score by Tom Holkenborg, though more subdued in fervor, is intrinsic to the viewing experience, underpinned by a relentless, propulsive bass. The sound effects are meticulously detailed, whether it’s the distant roar of war bikes or the explosive pyrotechnics of juggernaut encounters. The overall effect is an almost continuous auditory assault that elevates the epic nature of the film.
From beginning to end, the Dolby Atmos track maintains unparalleled dynamics and sheer power. Surround activity from side, rear, and overhead speakers immerses listeners in a 360-degree sound field. Notably, scenes like the chase across the desert or intense battles in Bullet Town exhibit this prowess unequivocally. The low-end performance is monstrous, rumbling with a ferocious LFE that complements the thunderous action sequences, shaking rooms and immersing viewers deeply into Furiosa's post-apocalyptic world. Whether it’s bass-heavy engines roaring like behemoths or perfectly timed directional effects, this track is an audiophile's dream, making it a formidable demo-quality presentation.
Moreover, the Dolby Atmos mix delivers expansive imaging with seamless transitions across channels, maintaining a balanced soundstage that includes atmospherics and discrete effects. Holkenborg’s subtle yet warm score envelops the listener, adding to the immersive experience. The height channels receive diligent usage, particularly in action-packed sequences where every sound cue heightens tension and excitement. Though initially set at a lower volume, boosting it reveals an intensely dynamic mix that doesn’t suffer from overcooking or distortion. This track exemplifies what an HD soundtrack should sound like and sets a benchmark for cinematic audio performance.
Extra: 66
The Extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" are impressively comprehensive for any fan or cinephile, though the absence of the Black & Chrome edition might irk some completists. Notably, "Highway to Valhalla: In Pursuit of Furiosa" stands out as a richly detailed 57-minute feature, combining behind-the-scenes footage with insightful interviews from key cast and crew members, including George Miller and Anya Taylor-Joy. This documentary is a rare gem of depth and breadth. The additional features, while shorter, delve effectively into specific aspects of the film's production. While the interviews with main cast members such as Taylor-Joy and Hemsworth follow a more conventional EPK template, they still add value by shedding light on character preparation and performance nuances. The design and execution of the movie’s iconic vehicles are also well-explored in "Metal Beasts & Holy Motors," delivering a thorough exploration of the film’s diegetic universe.
Extras included in this disc:
- Highway to Valhalla: In Pursuit of Furiosa: In-depth making-of documentary with cast and crew insights.
- Stowaway to Nowhere: Examination of the major action sequence involving extensive stunt work.
- Metal Beasts & Holy Motors: Focus on vehicle, props, and costume design.
- Darkest Angel: Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa: Interviews about character development.
- Motorbike Messiah: Chris Hemsworth as Dementus: Insight into Hemsworth's role preparation.
- Digital Code
Movie: 81
"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" is a visually captivating and narratively ambitious addition to the Mad Max franchise, directed by George Miller. The film begins with a young Furiosa (Alyla Browne) being torn from her idyllic life in the Green Place and thrust into a violent world dominated by warlords. Chris Hemsworth delivers a standout performance as Dementus, a charismatic but ruthless antagonist. Anya Taylor-Joy takes over the role of Furiosa in adulthood, portraying her transformation into a formidable warrior. The narrative spans 16 years, building Furiosa's character through trials of survival and revenge. Although it does not sustain the relentless pace of "Mad Max: Fury Road," it captivates with rich storytelling and deeply layered characters.
Technically, the film excels with its stunning visuals and dynamic action sequences. Miller’s direction ensures that every scene is meticulously crafted, reminiscent of comic book panels, thanks to the expert lensing of cinematographer Simon Duggan. The action choreography is bolstered by exceptional practical effects, albeit with more noticeable use of digital composites compared to its predecessor. Hemsworth’s Dementus is both over-the-top and nuanced, while Taylor-Joy’s largely silent performance captures Furiosa’s inner turmoil and drive for vengeance authentically. The film's structure is segmented into five chapters, each contributing to an expansive narrative that enriches the Mad Max universe while maintaining its hallmark apocalyptic aesthetics.
Despite its expansive runtime and occasionally meandering middle act, "Furiosa" weaves a compelling origin story. The plot provides depth to Furiosa’s background and motivations, explaining her later resilience in "Fury Road." While not reaching the same nonstop adrenaline highs, it compensates with a robust narrative and complex character arcs. Filled with exhilarating action set-pieces and profound thematic elements about power and survival, "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" affirms Miller’s enduring knack for world-building and visionary filmmaking within this cult-favorite franchise.
Total: 90
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - 4K UHD Blu-ray Review
George Miller returns to the Mad Max universe with "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," a prequel that enriches the franchise's mythos. Despite its underperformance at the box office, the film is a visual and auditory masterpiece. Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth deliver unforgettable performances that breathe new life into the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Warner Bros.' 4K UHD release is an audiovisual gem, boasting reference-quality Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio that fully exploits home theater capabilities. The disc maintains a sharp 2.40:1 HEVC aspect ratio and offers multiple audio tracks and subtitles, ensuring a versatile viewing experience.
Technically, the 4K UHD disc excels with pristine video and dynamic audio that encapsulate Miller's vision of chaos and grit. While some found "Furiosa" to lack the punch of its predecessor, "Fury Road," it remains a formidable installment. The supplementary materials, though not exhaustive, provide valuable behind-the-scenes insights and are worth exploring. Fans of the series will appreciate the coherence and attention to detail that define this release.
In conclusion, "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" may have failed to captivate mainstream audiences initially, but its home video release ensures that it won't be forgotten. This is a must-have for fans and audiophiles, affirming George Miller's enduring relevance in modern cinema. Highly recommended.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 100
WCG and HDR, of the Dolby Vision variety, afford the film an immense level of eye-searing pop, from the bombastic pyrotechnics to the landscape-redefining sandstorms, maintaining core depth and consistency...
Audio: 100
one of the absolute best immersive audio tracks of the year Dialogue is gifted clarity and, where required, prioritisation - at least what little dialogue there is - across the frontal array, but there's...
Extras: 80
Furiosa comes to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in a variety of largely packaging-defined forms, although there's one thing that's missing from the standalone Furiosa set - whether you get it in Amaray or HMV Exclusive...
Movie: 90
Charting the rise of a young child - Furiosa - taken from her desert paradise and brought up in the midst of an insane conflict between a group of wasteland warlords and an angry young upstart who threatens...
Total: 100
a real one-of-a-kind sequel/prequel that the cinematic landscape could absolutely do with more, not less, of Warner's 4K release of Furiosa certainly does it justice, with multiple options, all of which...
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 90
Even though it really doesn’t peak more than 50 mbps on the bitrate meter, the film looks incredible as most of the time we’re at night with cool blues, or in the daylight with bright oranges and ruddy...
Audio: 100
Extras: 70
In Pursuit of Furiosa • Stowaway to Nowhere • Metal Beasts & Holy Motors • Darkest Angel: Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa • Motorbike Messiah: Chris Hemsworth as Dementus...
Movie: 80
I was fully expecting to not like the whole insinuated romance between Jack and Furiosa, but it was actually rather organic and served to actually explain WHY Furiosa was able to keep a piece of her humanity...
Total: 80
The 4K UHD disc is absolutely mind blowing in terms of audio/video, with the only negative being Warner’s resistance to releasing combo packs....
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 90
Presented in its fittingly wide original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, Furiosa carries with it several visual similarities to the earlier Fury Road, from its largely blue-and-orange desert locations to the virtually...
Audio: 100
Extras: 70
Darkest Angel: Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa (10:19) - Returning to more predictable territory, this much shorter piece finds the actor -- as well as several other cast and crew members, including actor Charlee...
Movie: 80
Yet its subtle to substantial changes -- not to mention Furiosa's expanded narrative structure, which is presented as five linked chapters -- mostly work well within an otherwise near-identical universe,...
Total: 80
Initially planned to be shot alongside Fury Road but stuck in development hell for several years due to contract and budget disputes, its long-delayed completion shows that Miller and company were able...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 100
Granted, the 2.39:1 HEVC 4K image will showcase anything and everything and make it all look beautiful, but these are very interesting-looking…We find the blown out sky that’s a shade of blue that I’ve...
Audio: 100
Like the video presentation, this is simply a definitive example of what a HD soundtrack should sound like....
Extras: 60
In Pursuit of Furiosa – While other supplements on discs tend to merely check the boxes, we get this nearly one hour feature that covers all of the bases and does it well....
Movie: 0
Miller, now nearing 80 years old, might not have too many (if any) of these left in him, but with this latest effort – he’s still knocking it out of the park....
Total: 80
Regardless if you’re a fan of the originals or the newer ones, likely one of them is for you....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
While the flesh tones carry a bronzed glaze, that’s the aesthetic at work, and the Dolby Vision captures this beautifully....
Audio: 100
LFE at this intensity is rare, matching the likes of the recent Dune 2 in its might, and a top-end disc with certainty....
Extras: 80
The real winner is the 57-minute making-of that’s tremendously detailed, making up the difference as it provides deep insight into the production....
Movie: 80
With a cult-like following, other men follow for their own piece, hopelessly expendable and too enamored by the potential of power to see it....
Total: 90
While lacking the punch of Fury Road, Furiosa is a fantastic addition to the mythical franchise....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
The Dolby Vision HDR presentation also parades about with a spot-on contrast and brightness balance, showering every scene with crisp, searingly-hot whites and superbly clean, resplendent specular highlights...
Audio: 100
A commanding, authoritative low-end packs a serious, thunderous wallop that will stress the system's subwoofers, providing the visuals and the vehicles with an impressive sense of weight and presence throughout...
Extras: 40
Furiosa: Stowaway to Nowhere (HD, 11 min) is an in-depth look at a pivotal action sequence and the enormous amount of work, time and stunts that went into crafting the entire thing....
Movie: 80
Similar to what Miller did in the first movie that launched Mel Gibson's career into A-list stardom, the plot is a slow build of a person still clinging to some semblance of the world as it was before...
Total: 100
The spin-off prequel expands on his post-apocalyptic vision of a dystopian wasteland that features memorable performances by Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, giving fans another awesome addition to...
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 100
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga was captured in 6.5K resolution on Arri Alexa 65 cameras with some footage captured in 8K using RED V-Raptor and Komodo cameras, completed as a 4K digital intermediate in the 2.39:1...
Audio: 100
This is a highly immersive track from start to finish, with sounds emanating from nearly every possible area of the room and moving seamlessly from one area to the next....
Extras: 60
In Pursuit of “Furiosa” (1080p; 57:00): This is a fairly in-depth look at the making of the film, including cast and crew interviews and behind the scenes footage....
Movie: 80
Furiosa is then held captive with Joe’s many wives who are being used to breed a male heir for Joe, eventually escaping and pretending to be a mute boy, working her way up the ranks of Joe’s army, helping...
Total: 80
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a thrilling but slightly overlong film that will look and sound great in your home theater....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 100
may not be a well-rounded, stand-alone, film, however, it makes for a top notch companion to its predecessor, proving to be entertaining, and perfectly suited for those that love great popcorn flicks....
Audio: 100
The use of audio objects placed above and at ear level is a mix of atmospherics, discrete effects, and music....
Extras: 70
In Pursuit of Furiosa • Stowaway to Nowhere • Metal Beasts & Holy Motors • Darkest Angel: Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa • Motorbike Messiah: Chris Hemsworth as Dementus Digital Code...
Movie: 80
Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe....
Total: 88
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Director: George Miller
Actors: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke
PlotIn a post-apocalyptic wasteland, young Furiosa is ripped from her idyllic homeland, the lush Green Place, and thrust into a harsh, mechanized world ruled by the despotic warlord, Drayk. Separated from her family and left to fend for herself, she is forced to endure brutal training and harsh conditions as she evolves from a desperate captive into a fierce warrior. Driven by the constant memory of her lost home and the desire for freedom, Furiosa begins to plan her escape, all while navigating the deadly politics and vicious rivalries within Drayk's twisted hierarchy.
As she gains strength and allies in unexpected places, Furiosa's path intersects with other wanderers of the wasteland. Together with a mysterious wanderer and a rebellious band of renegades, she embarks on a perilous journey filled with high-octane chases, savage skirmishes, and explosive confrontations. Each step brings her closer to her origins and the ultimate clash that will decide not only her fate but also the fragile hope for a new order in the world gone mad.
Writers: George Miller, Nick Lathouris
Release Date: 24 May 2024
Runtime: 148 min
Rating: R
Country: Australia, United States
Language: English