The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 81
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
Guy Ritchie's 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' delivers robust action, dark humor, and polished visuals, boasting excellent 4K UHD with HDR10 and Dolby Atmos. Recommended.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 98
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' delivers a pristine HEVC/H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 2.39:1, leveraging an 8K source resolution and 4K DI with HDR10 to offer exceptional dimensionality and razor-sharp clarity, deep blacks, and richly nuanced colors, though some CGI flames fall slightly short.
Audio: 89
The Dolby Atmos track on 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' delivers an immersive, robust, and dynamic audio experience. The soundstage is wide and enveloping, with clear dialogue, active directional play, and impactful low-frequency effects. Surround and height channels enhance the action with atmospheric precision.
Extra: 37
The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray for 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' are limited but engaging, featuring 'The Ministry of Filmmaking'—a 24-minute behind-the-scenes look with insightful interviews and appealing footage—as well as the theatrical trailer. Packaging includes a digital copy and slipcover.
Movie: 79
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, inspired by real WWII missions, delivers engaging action and a blend of Guy Ritchie’s style with historical intrigue. Stunning 4K visuals enhance its detailed production, though the plot occasionally drags and characters lack depth. Nevertheless, it’s a stylish, energetic romp reminiscent of early Bond inspirations.
Video: 98
Lionsgate delivers a superb 4K UHD presentation of "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Captured digitally with Sony CineAlta Venice 2 cameras in 8K and finished as a native 4K Digital Intermediate, this release boasts remarkable clarity and depth. The video data rates frequently reach between 70 to 80 Mbps, lending the film a refined dimensionality and exceptional detail across the board. The image is enhanced with HDR10, which adds subtle yet noticeable highlights, especially in richly saturated water tones and almost orange-yellow interiors. Deep shadows and natural highlights further elevate the visuals, with minimal noise or cinematic grain, ensuring a clean and sharp appearance throughout.
The film’s color palette is richly nuanced, displaying a Technicolor-like sheen that is both pleasing and fitting for the period setting. The HDR10 accentuates the brilliant blues of skies and oceans, while blood-red splatters during action sequences pop vividly. Interior scenes showcase deep-colored woods and pure black levels without any signs of crush or murkiness. Close-ups reveal intricate details such as facial pores, individual hairs, and makeup applications with startling clarity. Despite some slight visible CGI flames during bombastic sequences, the overall imagery remains pristine, backed by a well-calibrated cinematographic style that balances vivid colors, deep blacks, and natural flesh tones.
In summary, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" on 4K UHD Blu-ray provides a visually stunning experience with crisp clarity and dynamic range. The generous native 4K image ensures optimal sharpness and fine detail, while the HDR10 grading offers ample color vibrance and depth. With high bitrate encoding and polished presentation, this release stands out as an exemplar of modern digital filmmaking captured in exquisite detail.
Audio: 89
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" features an outstanding and immersive Dolby Atmos audio presentation. The soundstage is impressively wide, delivering a rich and enveloping experience that elevates the film's intense action sequences. The mix offers seamless panning and immersive directional play, with atmospheric effects consistently present. Explosive action scenarios are robust and vivid, with height speakers adding a dynamic layer by raining down debris, shells, and gunfire. Dialogue is rendered exceptionally clean and clear throughout, maintaining intelligibility even during the most chaotic scenes. Additional audio formats include English Descriptive Audio and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, providing a comprehensive auditory experience for diverse audiences.
The audio's dynamic range is noteworthy, with low-frequency extensions providing solid, impactful bass that accentuates every explosion and gunshot without becoming overwhelming. The surround channels are actively engaged, filling the room with ambient sounds, such as creaking wood on boats or the lively atmosphere of party scenes. The score, composed by Christopher Benstead, adds another layer of immersion, evoking the epic sounds reminiscent of Ennio Morricone's work while occasionally taking creative liberties with familiar tunes.
In quieter moments, the audio design ensures that softer dialogues are distinctly heard throughout the room, creating an engaging listening experience. The mix's ability to transition smoothly between high-intensity action and calmer scenes showcases its modern and dynamic sound design. Subtitles are available in English SDH and Spanish for accessibility. Overall, the Dolby Atmos track on this release results in one of the most engaging and technically proficient audio experiences available in modern cinema.
Extra: 37
"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" 4K UHD Blu-ray extras provide a solid, albeit minimal, behind-the-scenes look at the film's production. The primary feature, The Ministry of Filmmaking, offers an engaging 24-minute exploration filled with interviews from the cast and crew, including Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Guy Ritchie, and other notable names. This feature is interspersed with amusing on-set footage, making it an enjoyable watch. Additionally, the disc includes the film's theatrical trailer. While the collection is limited, the quality of the interviews and behind-the-scenes content is above average. Packaging features a slipcover along with a digital copy code.
Extras included in this disc:
- The Ministry of Filmmaking: Insightful behind-the-scenes documentary featuring interviews and on-set footage.
- Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.
Movie: 79
Guy Ritchie’s "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" juxtaposes slick, stylized filmmaking with the gritty essence of World War II espionage, drawing inspiration from real events notably Operation Postmaster, which was classified until 2016. The film loosely details the adventurously violent yet comically gentlemanly mission led by Henry Cavill’s Templar Captain Gus March-Phillipps and his team, including Eiza González’s compelling Majorie Stewart. These characters, inspired by historical figures, give the narrative a quasi-authentic grounding that nods to Ian Fleming’s wartime exploits, further amplifying the Bond-esque flavor of the plot.
Ritchie’s signature style—high-octane action sequences punctuated with sharp dialogue—pervades the film. The movie opens explosively, with dynamic confrontations between March-Phillipps, Lassen (Alan Ritchson), and flamboyantly dressed Nazi adversaries. The narrative unfolds amidst meticulously crafted WWII backdrops, featuring scenes such as the commando raid in Fernando Po to dismantle German U-boat operations. The cinematography marries elegance with frenetic action, a balance maintained by James Herbert’s effective editing.
While some character arcs and developments may feel a tad underexplored or overshadowed by the film’s rapid pacing and humor-infused violence, the ensemble cast delivers commendable performances. Notably, Ritchson stands out with his blend of physical gravitas and comedic timing. The film exquisitely maintains a rhythm alternating between strategic plan set-ups and explosive action, although some moments of narrative drag can be felt. Yet, Ritchie’s direction ensures that even these slower beats are laden with stylish production designs and era-specific charm.
Overall, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is an engaging amalgamation of action, comedy, and historical drama. Its loosely historical base and vivid action sequences create an enjoyable viewing experience that resonates with Ritchie’s distinct directorial voice.
Total: 81
"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" in 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a solid addition to the Guy Ritchie oeuvre, blending his signature action-comedy style with a unique wartime narrative. The film is anchored by an impressive ensemble cast and succeeds in delivering relentless pacing interspersed with moments of levity and explosive action sequences. The 4K HDR10 presentation showcases luscious visuals that are crisp and detailed, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The Dolby Atmos track is equally impressive, providing an immersive audio experience that complements the on-screen chaos.
While the narrative is polished and engaging, it can feel a tad shallow with familiarity setting in midway through the runtime. However, the film's off-beat yet serious tone and Ritchie's deft handling of WWII spy action bring a unique flavor that fans of his work will appreciate. The included making-of featurette is enjoyable, offering insights into the filmmaking process, though more bonus content would have been welcome.
If you're a Guy Ritchie fan, this film will provide everything you've come to love in his films: a fairly relentless (if occasionally interrupted) pace, luscious visuals, goofy humor, and lots of things that go boom. Technical merits are first-rate, and the inclusion of a making-of featurette adds value. Recommended for fans and new viewers alike.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 100
The IMDb lists the Sony CineAlta capturing at a source resolution of 8K, with a 4K DI, as the relevant data points, and the result is an often really gorgeous looking presentation, one that takes full...
Audio: 100
I just spend a lot of time wading my way through Severin's huge The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1, and for anyone familiar with that peculiar subgenre, the, um, borrowing of cues from...
Extras: 30
The Ministry of Filmmaking (HD; 24:11) is an above average EPK with a lot of good interviews and some appealing behind the scenes footage....
Movie: 80
For a certain demographic, the name Ian Fleming may in fact be more recognizable for having written Chitty Chitty Bang Bang than for having written the inimitable James Bond tales, but it's that Bond connection...
Total: 80
If you're a Guy Ritchie fan, this film will provide everything you've come to love in a lot of Ritchie's films, from a fairly relentless (if occasionally interrupted) pace, to some luscious visuals, to...
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 100
Detail is beautifully refined at all times, enhanced by a light wash of organic-looking but obviously digital cinema grain....
Audio: 95
Atmospheric effects abound, and when the action gets hot and heavy you’re awash in sound effects and music from seemingly every direction, including the overhead channels....
Extras: 70
The Ministry of Filmmaking is a half-serious look behind-the-scenes at the production, that includes on-set footage and brief interview comments with the director, along with Cavill, González, Ritchie,...
Movie: 80
Based loosely on the real life events of Operation Postmaster in January of 1942—the files for which were only declassified by the British Government in 2016—Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly...
Total: 86
At one point in the featurette on this disc, Cavill says of Ministry: “People can expect to see unusual characters doing bombastic things.”...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
That stellar and immovable sharpness happens naturally, without any additional processing to note....
Audio: 80
...
Extras: 40
...
Movie: 80
Within that frame is a group of sarcastic, death-dealing men who, like so many action stars before them, spout one-liners and smile as they kill their prey....
Total: 75
Delightfully off-beat yet serious, Ministry of Gentlemanly Warfare runs slowly, but makes the most of momentum when it has it....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
This mixes with the bold brown wood of the ship and the white and blue sailor outfits that everyone is wearing....
Audio: 80
The quiet moments of planning the mission allow for the voices to be heard all over the room with great transition and a wide dynamic range....
Extras: 20
There is only one real bonus feature here, which is a better-than-average collection of interviews with the cast and crew set with some behind-the-scenes footage....
Movie: 80
This is a pattern in his movies that works perfectly with audiences who receive action and male-centric jokes hand-in-hand where it's all on display throughout The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare....
Total: 80
It combines his best intentions for a spy-action-comedy movie with some of the biggest names in movies and TV at the moment....
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
With razor sharp crispness and clarity, there is no way you’d mistake TMOUW as anything other than an excellent 4K presentation Depth: Camera movements present the real and CGI makeup of set pieces with...
Audio: 100
The LFE usage in the film is also nearly constant, with music, explosions, gun fire, sea noise and other action beats pounding the floorboards....
Extras: 30
There is the traditional O-Card Slipcover release as well as a steelbook release with the same discs inside....
Movie: 80
This film has all the makings of a hit film in another time, and as it stands now, sits as an unfortunate reminder of how people view films nowadays and how quality films like this are just overshadowed...
Total: 80
Nobody went to see it, and frustratingly, it’s a quality film that I wish more eyes had made a pass over....
Director: Guy Ritchie
Actors: Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer
PlotAs World War II rages on, a secretive British military unit is formed to tackle unconventional warfare with a mandate to conduct sabotage and high-risk covert missions behind enemy lines. This elite group, comprised of skilled soldiers and operatives with unique talents and backgrounds, operates under the radar, leveraging daring tactics and guerrilla warfare to disrupt Nazi operations. Under the leadership of a charismatic and cunning officer, the team undergoes intensive training, honing their skills in stealth, deception, and combat. Their mission: to use unorthodox methods that the conventional military can't employ to turn the tide of the war.
The unit receives its first assignment: infiltrate enemy territory to destroy a critical Nazi weapons facility. As they venture deep into hostile environments, they encounter numerous obstacles and face intense resistance from enemy forces. Utilizing their diverse skill sets and relentless determination, the team's dynamics are constantly tested. Loyalties are challenged, and moral dilemmas arise as they strive to achieve their objectives at any cost. However, every action they take inches them closer to changing the course of the war while permanently altering their own lives. The shadowy nature of their operations breeds both success and personal conflict, shaping the fate of their mission and their pursuit of victory against the tyranny taking over Europe.
Writers: Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel
Release Date: 19 Apr 2024
Runtime: 120 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, United Kingdom, Turkey
Language: English