The Shape of Water 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 86
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
The Shape of Water's 4K UHD offers superb visuals, yet opinions vary; some view it as overrated while others admire its nod to classic cinema.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
DTS-HD MA
Video: 96
The Shape of Water's 4K UHD Blu-ray by Criterion showcases stunningly vivid colors and meticulous detail with its HDR10 and high bitrate encoding on a BD100 disc, offering a subtle yet enriching visual upgrade over its 2018 predecessor. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio shines with vibrant hues and refined contrast, displaying reference-quality visuals.
Audio: 93
The Shape of Water's 4K UHD audio presentation, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, masterfully replicates the theatrical mix with diverse surround effects and dynamic contrasts. While lacking in Atmos options expected on pricier releases, it delivers ambient clarity, crisp dialogue, and an immersive soundstage.
Extra: 70
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of 'The Shape of Water' offers insightful extras with Guillermo Del Toro and David Lowery exploring classic influences and themes, while a detailed documentary, scene breakdowns, and artist discussions enrich understanding of the film's production and artistic vision.
Movie: 61
The Shape of Water's 4K UHD release by Criterion showcases Guillermo Del Toro's visually stunning, atmospheric fairy tale that juxtaposes fantasy with familiar Hollywood banality. Despite mixed reception regarding its derivative storytelling and clichéd elements, it remains a technically impressive and award-winning film with rich photography, enhancing the intended aquatic ambiance.
Video: 96
Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Shape of Water" provides a stunning video presentation that is sure to impress both enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The 4K disc, boasting a native resolution of 2160p with an HEVC encode, is meticulously enhanced with HDR10, heightening the film's dramatic visual style. The release features a director-supervised color grading that leans slightly more towards blue hues compared to the earlier 2018 Fox release which favored greens. This subtle enhancement brings a fresh allure to Guillermo del Toro's ethereal and dream-like narrative, marrying rich greenish and bluish tones seamlessly with earthy interiors. Image stability is impeccable, maintaining reference-level clarity, depth, and fluidity throughout.
Photographed digitally at 2.8K and 3.4K on Arri Alexa cameras, and completed as a 2K digital intermediate, the film demonstrates outstanding image fidelity even when upscaled to 4K. Criterion has effectively utilized the BD100 disc format, offering a significant boost in bitrate—averaging between the high 80s and mid-90s Mbps. This contrasts sharply with the Fox release which averaged in the mid-40s to mid-50s Mbps. This increased bitrate delivers a slight yet noticeable uplift in detail, particularly beneficial for larger screens above 85 inches. Contrast ratios are impressive, with deep blacks and strong shadow details accentuating the noir-like features of the film.
The accompanying 1080p Blu-ray version, sourced from the new master, is no slouch either. While slightly less detailed than its 4K counterpart, it still excels in color richness and dynamic range. Darker scenes maintain integrity, though they might suggest marginally more visible details in 4K. Regardless of the format viewed, Criterion ensures this release remains visually captivating, continuing its legacy of exceptional transfer quality that faithful fans and film purists will find remarkable.
Audio: 93
The audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Shape of Water" features the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Despite being the same track from earlier Blu-ray and 4K releases, it admirably replicates the original theatrical mix, emphasizing the film's diverse sound design. Viewers will experience sharp, clear dialogue that remains intelligible throughout, ensuring it flows smoothly amidst a rich tapestry of unique surround effects and dynamic contrasts. This mix successfully creates an immersive soundscape, capturing the intricacies of the film’s ambiance.
While some may critique the absence of a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X upgrade, the existing DTS-HD MA 5.1 track holds its ground with remarkable auditory clarity and spatial resonance. The soundtrack does indeed shine during ambient moments, especially when thematic elements like rainfall or industrial sounds punctuate the narrative, contributing to the atmosphere without overshadowing the dialogue or score. Alexandre Desplat’s musical contributions are particularly noteworthy, enlivening several key scenes.
Ultimately, while this release might lack the enhancements offered by other studios' 4K formats, the audio quality remains engaging and faithful to its original cinematic experience. The bass is slightly understated, aligning more closely with narrative needs rather than overpowering scenes. Surround channels are effectively utilized, vividly portraying environmental sounds that enhance the film's narrative depth and emotional impact. While not thrilling audiophiles seeking cutting-edge formats, this audio track represents a meticulously crafted and thoroughly engaging listening experience.
Extras: 70
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Shape of Water" impresses not just with its visual clarity but also with a robust array of bonus content housed on the accompanying Blu-ray disc. These extras provide a comprehensive exploration of the film’s creation and themes. The highlight is an insightful dialogue between Guillermo Del Toro and David Lowery, delving into the roots and thematic essence of the movie. Meanwhile, "A Fairy Tale for Troubled Times," a detailed four-part documentary, offers a behind-the-scenes view with interviews and raw footage. Del Toro further enriches the offering with his analysis of two pivotal scenes. For art enthusiasts, James Jean’s segment on his work for the film is particularly engaging. Collectively, these features offer both fans and scholars a multidimensional look at this cinematic masterpiece.
Extras included in this disc:
- Guillermo Del Toro and David Lowery: Discussion on the film's roots and themes.
- A Fairy Tale for Troubled Times: Four-part making-of documentary.
- Anatomy of a Scene: Prologue: Insight on the film's opening.
- Anatomy of a Scene: The Dance: Breakdown of the dance sequence.
- Shaping the Waves: A Conversation with James Jean: Discussion on promotional art.
- Masterclass: The Shape of Water: Excerpts from a Q&A session with Del Toro.
- Trailers: Original trailers for the film.
- Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with essay "A Touch of the Unknown."
Movie: 61
Guillermo Del Toro's "The Shape of Water" on 4K UHD Blu-ray from Criterion provides a visual and narrative treat that explores the rich imagination and atmospheric strength characteristic of Del Toro's work. Set against the backdrop of a 1960s Cold War secret government facility, the film showcases Del Toro's flair for creating a vivid and immersive world through his meticulous attention to production design, which earned the film one of its four Academy Awards. The palette of greens and blues enhances the aquatic essence, offering a visually striking experience, reminiscent of classic cinematic styles. The narrative unfolds in three acts, with Sally Hawkins delivering a compelling performance as Elisa, a mute janitor who forms a deep connection with an amphibious creature portrayed by Doug Jones.
The film's storyline mirrors familiar arcs from Hollywood's fascination with monsters, subtly weaving a tapestry of borrowings and expansions from notable cinematic precedents. Though praised for its originality by some, the film is critiqued by others for perceived clichés and its divergence from traditional narrative structures. Del Toro reimagines these tropes with his distinctive touch, focusing on atmosphere over action, resulting in a film that is as polarizing as it is celebrated. With a supporting cast including Richard Jenkins and Michael Stuhlbarg, and an evocative score by Alexander Desplat, "The Shape of Water" integrates genre elements while subverting expectations, rendering it both a homage and a critique of classic monster narratives.
While not universally acclaimed, "The Shape of Water" undeniably benefits from Del Toro’s imaginative vision and technical acumen. It captures the essence of storytelling with its poetic visuals and idiosyncratic character development, offering viewers a richly textured cinematic experience. Whether or not it is deemed the best film of 2017 remains subjective; however, its artistic and innovative approach leaves a lasting imprint in the realm of modern cinema.
Total: 86
"The Shape of Water" 4K UHD Blu-ray release is a visually stunning rendition that highlights the film's unique aesthetic, even as opinions on its narrative quality may diverge. Criterion's version ensures remarkable clarity, taking full advantage of 4K's superior resolution with subtle grading adjustments and an increased bitrate that enhances visual depth and richness. While some critics argue that the film falls short of Guillermo Del Toro's previous works, praised for their originality and emotional depth, the technical achievement of this particular release cannot be disregarded.
The packaging appeals to dedicated collectors, although the additional content—new interviews and a slightly revamped cover—might not justify a purchase for those who already possess the 2018 Fox edition. However, for those interested in exploring Criterion’s renowned curation or expanding their compendium, this release exhibits qualities synonymous with a collector's revered piece. The film, though polarizing, channels a classic Hollywood feel and boasts innovative storytelling, prepared to cater to those who celebrate Del Toro’s artistic flair.
In conclusion, while "The Shape of Water" may not resonate with every viewer nor align with universal accolades as a Best Picture winner, this 4K presentation offers valuable insight into both the audiovisual mastery and interpretative storytelling emblematic of Del Toro’s vision. For enthusiasts who appreciate meticulously crafted cinematic expressions and for those cultivating a comprehensive Criterion collection, this edition is a noteworthy acquisition.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 100
Please note that some of the screencaptures that appear with this article are taken from the 4K Blu-ray and downscaled to 1080p....
Audio: 100
The sound design is very diverse, emphasizing numerous unique surround effects and dynamic contrasts, and the 5.1 track replicates these qualities brilliantly....
Extras: 70
Masterclass: The Shape of Water - in this program, Guillermo Del Toro discusses the conception and production of The Shape of Water with an audience of young production designers, makeup artists, directors,...
Movie: 40
However, this contemporary appearance is only a wrapper that holds The Shape of Water together, and the material underneath it, which Del Toro scripted, reveals very similar qualities....
Total: 60
It is difficult to see The Shape of Water as anything else but one big vanity project that fails to match the quality of its creator's previous work....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 100
We all know that Criterion is synonymous with amazing-looking transfers, but when they look pretty good the first time around… Truthfully, the only reason to purchase the 4K version is to take advantage...
Audio: 100
That’s not an entirely bad thing, but when you’re ponying up 20% more for a disc, you’d generally want to get the best sound available....
Extras: 70
A Fairy Tale for Troubled Times – This is actually broken down in to four different categories, but they’re all pretty self-explanatory and run the gamut on some of the production, have some interviews...
Movie: 0
Hollywood has always had a fascination with monsters and their “damsels in distress” (for lack of a better term), so if the thought of a amphibian dancing with a mute woman isn’t your cup of tea, well...
Total: 80
I rarely say this, but if you already own the original 4K disc, I don’t see a reason to upgrade for a new feature and some new cover art....
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 100
Perhaps the bigger difference is that Criterion’s release utilizes a BD100 disc, taking full advantage of the additional disc space to provide a much higher average bitrate, often hovering between the...
Audio: 90
The surrounds capture the rains, industrial-sized doors in the government facility, and more very well....
Extras: 80
Shaping the Waves: A Conversation with James Jean (1080p; 5:05): The artist discusses the art he created for the film, including some of the promotional materials....
Movie: 90
After Universal rejected Guillermo del Toro’s alternate take on a remake of The Creature from the Black Lagoon, he and co-screenwriter Vanessa Taylor retooled the idea into something more original and...
Total: 90
Maybe – the new interview is interesting to watch, and the included 4K transfer has some subtle grading changes that also benefits from a nearly double bitrate....
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Actors: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon
PlotIn the early 1960s, during the height of the Cold War, Elisa Esposito, a mute and isolated woman, works as a night-time cleaner at a high-security government laboratory in Baltimore. Elisa's life is simple and routine, her interactions limited to her co-worker Zelda, who serves as her interpreter at work, and her neighbor Giles, a struggling advertising illustrator. One day, the facility receives a classified experiment, an amphibious creature captured in the South American rivers, which is held in a water tank and studied for possible advantages in the space race against the Soviet Union.
Elisa discovers the creature and feels an immediate connection as she shares her own experience of being misunderstood and not being able to communicate traditionally. She spends time with the amphibious being, secretly visiting him in the lab, and forming a unique bond through music, hard-boiled eggs, and sign language. Her affection for the creature grows, leading her to take great risks to ensure his well-being. Meanwhile, the creature's primary captor, a ruthless government agent, is determined to exploit him, viewing the creature as nothing more than a tool for furthering his own career and the United States' dominance in the Cold War.
Writers: Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
Release Date: 22 Dec 2017
Runtime: 123 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, Mexico
Language: English, American Sign , Russian, French