Glory 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Sony's re-release of "Glory" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases a meticulously crafted 2160p transfer with the addition of Dolby Vision color grading, enhancing what was already a visually stunning offering in its previous HDR10 iteration. This new release maintains a faithfully filmic appearance, preserving the original grain structure that enriches the film's overall texture. Every frame is endowed with high clarity and precise textural details, evident in the well-defined fabrics of Union uniforms, the frayed and bloodied attire during the Fort Wagner assault, and the lifelike portrayal of facial features. The grain structure fluctuates slightly with lighting conditions but never becomes intrusive, maintaining a satisfying cinematic feel throughout.

The primary upgrade in this new edition is the Dolby Vision grading, offering subtle yet effective enhancements over the earlier HDR10 version. Although not revolutionary, Dolby Vision’s frame-by-frame treatment yields superior color accuracy, rendering more lifelike greens, refined skin tones, and deeper blues. The improved color gradients, contrast, and slightly better black levels contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. Whites appear marginally brighter, contributing further to the overall visual appeal. Despite these improvements being modest rather than groundbreaking, they collectively result in the best visual representation "Glory" has ever had. The impeccable encode work and flawless source elements ensure minimal digital artifacting, making this UHD release an essential acquisition for both aficionados and new viewers alike.

In summary, Sony’s ongoing dedication to preserving its catalog titles is evident in this stellar re-release of "Glory." The combination of true 2160p transfer, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 offers a sophisticated visual experience without compromising the film's classic aesthetic. This presentation stands as a testament to the progression of home media technology and Sony's commitment to delivering superior quality content.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Glory" features the same exceptional Dolby Atmos soundtrack that was included in the 2019 UHD release. This immersive audio mix stands as a testament to the film's Oscar-winning sound design from 1990. The dynamic and richly layered Atmos track brings a truly engaging experience, with clear and clean dialogue seamlessly integrated with the robust surround effects. Notably, the sounds of gunfire and explosions, particularly in pivotal battle scenes from Antietam to the Carolina shores, are realistically rendered. The LFE elements are particularly impactful, making it highly recommended to have a subwoofer to fully appreciate the depth of the sound.

The Dolby Atmos mix for "Glory" translates the original "Dolby Six-Track Stereo" mix from its 70mm theatrical run into a more sophisticated and enveloping audio experience. The upgrade in sound design provides a much broader and immersive audio field, with cannonballs and artillery fire moving fluidly throughout the listening area. James Horner’s musical score benefits significantly from this mix, occupying the height channels to create a fuller, spacious sensation. The low-frequency effects are robust yet balanced, enhancing the overall auditory experience without becoming overwhelming. Dialogue remains consistently intelligible, ensuring clarity throughout the film. Additionally, Sony offers both 5.1 and 2.0 stereo mixes in DTS-HD MA for those preferring alternative audio formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Glory" maintains consistency with previous editions, offering a comprehensive collection of extras largely mirrored from earlier releases. The UHD disc features a picture-in-picture video commentary by director Edward Zwick, supplemented with insights from Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman. Additionally, the UHD disc includes the original theatrical trailer. The Blu-ray disc encompasses a well-rounded selection of more traditional features, such as an audio commentary from Zwick, a glimpse into Civil War battlefields through the "Virtual Civil War Battlefield" feature, and multiple historical insights via "The Voices of Glory" and "The True Story Continues". Moreover, viewers can delve into the production with the original theatrical making-of featurette and access deleted scenes with optional director's commentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Picture in Picture Video Commentary: Commentary with Zwick, Broderick, and Freeman.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer of the film.
• Audio Commentary: Director Edward Zwick's insights.
• Virtual Civil War Battlefield: Interactive Civil War map.
• The Voices of Glory: Historical accounts through letters.
• The True Story Continues: Extended historical context.
• Original Theatrical Making-Of Featurette: Behind-the-scenes footage.
• Deleted Scenes: Sequences with optional commentary.

Sony has stunningly re-released Director Edward Zwick's 1989 masterwork "Glory" in 4K UHD Blu-ray. This cinematic gem, featuring stellar performances by Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman, Jihmi Kennedy, and Andre Braugher, now benefits from Dolby Vision color grading, adding a new layer of visual depth to the 2019 HDR-only issue. The film is also housed in an exclusive and impressive SteelBook package, making it a coveted item for collectors.

"Glory" powerfully recounts the story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first black regiment to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Matthew Broderick assumes the role of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who leads his troops through bitter challenges at a time when racial tensions were high. The film also stars Denzel Washington, who earned his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor as Trip, an escaped slave turned soldier. The narrative skillfully draws from historical texts and Shaw’s actual letters, providing an authentic and accurate portrayal of these brave men.

Zwick’s historical drama is augmented by Freddie Francis's evocative cinematography and James Horner's haunting score, both of which enhance the film's emotional intensity. Key performances drive home the brutal realities and nobility of war; Morgan Freeman as John Rawlins and Cary Elwes as Major Cabot Forbes stand out among the exceptional cast. Their plight, from battling undercutting superiors to acquiring basic necessities like shoes and weapons, is depicted with gripping authenticity. For enthusiasts of historical military films and those seeking deeply moving performances, "Glory" in 4K UHD Blu-ray is an essential acquisition.

"Glory," directed by Edward Zwick, remains a profound cinematic masterpiece that delivers unmatched emotional depth and historical significance. This latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Sony subtly refines what was already an impressive 2019 edition. The story, acting, haunting score, and striking cinematography are as gripping and immersive as ever. While the film itself needs no introduction, the enhancements in this version, particularly the added color depth and detailed fine-tuning, ensure a visually superior experience. The steelbook packaging adds a touch of class, making it an attractive option for collectors.

Technically, this 4K UHD release introduces subtle upgrades, including Dolby Vision which enhances the HDR10 format of the 2019 release. While the improvements over the previous edition are incremental rather than transformative, they are indeed noticeable—particularly in regards to color vibrancy and overall image clarity. This edition also boasts a more streamlined menu design, providing a smoother user interface. However, these enhancements come at a premium price of $34.99, compared to the more affordable 2019 release, currently priced under $20.

Overall, "Glory" in its newest UHD iteration continues to set a standard for historical war films. If Dolby Vision and steelbook packaging are must-haves for your collection, then this definitive version is worth the extra investment. Otherwise, the 2019 4K release remains an excellent alternative. For any cinephile or history enthusiast, "Glory" remains indispensable viewing.

Glory just never fails to grab me and move me in many ways every time I watch it: the story, the acting, the score, the cinematography...it's a complete movie and one of my top two personal favorite films of all time. Sony's new UHD is stellar, not dramatically changing from the previous release but adding some welcome color depth and fine-tuning that makes this, along with a perfect SteelBook presentation, the definitive version of the film. It earns my highest recommendation.