Unbreakable 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 75
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
Unbreakable shines in 4K, a testament to Willis & Shyamalan's peak, yet lacks fresh extras.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
DTS-HD MA
Video: 81
Disney's 4K UHD release of Unbreakable impresses with enhanced details, deep blacks, and balanced colors, outshining its digital counterpart and previous Blu-ray versions, offering a filmic and immersive viewing experience.
Audio: 77
Unbreakable's audio across formats impresses with detailed clarity, immersive atmospherics, and solid bass, despite lacking advanced object-based formats.
Extra: 56
Disney's UHD release of 'Unbreakable' maintains a trend of minimal 4K extras, relegating interesting but dated original content, like detailed deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes, to the Blu-ray disc only.
Movie: 86
Shyamalan's 'Unbreakable' marries superhero lore with real-world ambiguity, featuring Willis & Jackson in roles that challenge the genre, shifting expectations with its grounded take on heroism and a visually distinct style, standing resilient amidst evolving superhero narratives.
Video: 81
Unbreakable's leap to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray courtesy of Disney presents an impressive upgrade over its predecessors, with the physical disc outperforming its streaming counterpart on Disney Plus despite the latter's enhancements like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The native 4K (3840x2160/24p) presentation respects the original widescreen aspect ratio of 2.4:1, utilizing Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and the HEVC (H.265) codec for encoding. Viewed on high-quality setups, the disc's rendition underscores an appreciable gain in detail, texture contrast, and color depth over earlier releases. The subtleties captured—such as fine texturing in close-ups or the nuanced hues of Glass' attire—underscore the disc's superiority, making it a definitive version for aficionados seeking the utmost fidelity to the film's cinematic essence.
The remaster, derived from the same master for both the 4K and the included 1080p Blu-ray, showcases a careful balance of colors and improved clarity that adds to a more engaging viewing experience. This carefully managed grain structure retains the film's organic filmic quality, enhancing natural details without veering into artificial enhancement territories. Comparatively, colors are rendered with greater fidelity, balancing Unbreakable's intentionally muted palette with moments of vibrancy that stand out more strikingly in this 4K presentation. The HDR grading enriches the visual texture, from the stark blacks to the intricate details visible in both low-light and brightly lit scenes, creating a more dimensional and immersive image that faithfully enhances Shyamalan and cinematographer Eduardo Serra’s stylistic intentions.
Despite minor inconsistencies in grain handling and the inherent softness in some visual effects and optical titles due to the film's original production techniques, this 4K UHD version represents a significant improvement. The meticulous remastering process translates into a cleaner, more refined image showcasing enhanced detail and a broader color spectrum. Performance in dark scenes is particularly noteworthy, with deep blacks and shadow details offering a new visual depth that complements the film's moody aesthetic. All considered, Disney's 4K UHD release of Unbreakable not only surpasses previous editions but also serves as an example of how technological advancements can breathe new life into older films, making it an essential upgrade for fans and collectors alike.
Audio: 77
The audio presentation of "Unbreakable" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which, while identical to its original Blu-ray edition in codec and mix, continues to impress with its detailed ambiance and well-balanced soundstage. Despite not venturing into Dolby Atmos or DTS:X object-based audio formats, this conservative approach does not detract from the overall aural experience of the film. The soundtrack excels in creating an immersive atmosphere, with meticulous attention to environmental sounds such as the opening train scene, bustling stadium noises, and particularly the subtleties of rainstorms, offering a deeply engaging listening environment. The layered sound effects, combined with James Newton Howard's memorable score, enrich the narrative's suspense without needing aggressive surround formats. The LFE channel is actively employed, enhancing the immersive effect with thunder, breaking glass, and underwater sequences, providing a satisfying depth to the audio experience.
Dialogue in "Unbreakable" is handled with care, remaining clear and prioritized in the center channel, ensuring it cuts through the mix without overshadowing the film's critical soundscapes. The rear channels, though not extensively used for discrete effects, effectively augment the film's ambiance and tension-building elements. Sound dynamics range from the subtle detection of off-camera cues and spatial dimensionality within scenes to well-executed instances of atmospheric fill, with environmental sounds like wind and distant thunder adding layers to the audio canvas. While the soundtrack may not boast the expansive dynamic range of newer audio formats, its fidelity to detail and clarity remains commendable.
However, it's worth noting that despite the availability of a Dolby Atmos track on Disney+, the physical media retains the 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack without making the leap to the object-based audio experience anticipated by some fans. This choice keeps "Unbreakable's" audio experience consistent with its earlier releases but sparks a discussion about the potential missed opportunity for an auditory upgrade. Nonetheless, whether through scenes filled with nuanced background noises or the engaging depth of quieter moments, the DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers a solid and atmospheric experience that complements the film's mood and enhances viewer immersion without necessitating the most cutting-edge audio technology.
Extras: 56
The 4K UHD release of "Unbreakable" by Disney, while lacking in new bonus content or enhancements to existing extras, still delivers a comprehensive albeit unchanged compilation of bonus features from previous releases. The included standard Blu-ray disc houses all the supplemental materials in standard definition, featuring interesting deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and insights into comic book artistry. Among the highlights are significant deleted scenes that arguably deserved a spot in the final film, offering a deeper glimpse into the characters and story. It's a testament to the lasting interest in the film's production and themes, even if the presentation feels dated and confined to the 1080p disc. A digital copy code rounds out the package, ensuring accessibility across platforms but does not mitigate the disappointment of no new additions or remastered extras.
Extras included in this disc:
- Behind The Scenes: A basic making-of that dives into the production process.
- Comic Books and Superheroes: An insightful look at comic book artistry with interviews from famous artists and authors.
- Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes offering more depth to the narrative, notably "Elijah Taken Away", "Audrey in Waiting Room", and more.
- The Train Station Sequence: A side-by-side comparison of storyboards and the final scene.
- M. Night’s First Fight Sequence: An introduction to an early fight scene directed by M. Night Shyamalan as a child.
Movie: 86
M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable," released by Disney in 2000 and following the monumental success of "The Sixth Sense," cements itself as a pioneering film in the anti-superhero genre, presenting an original origin story that predates the modern comic book film explosion. It stars Bruce Willis as David Dunn, a former football quarterback now working as a security guard, who after surviving a catastrophic train crash unscathed, begins to unveil his extraordinary abilities. Samuel L. Jackson delivers a compelling performance as Elijah Price, a fragile comic book art expert who believes that Dunn's miraculous survival points to his "unbreakable" nature, forming the core thematic exploration of the story: the existence of superheroes among us. The film's narrative intelligently weaves together themes of destiny, identity, and purpose, standing out for its subtlety and depth compared to the prevailing superhero narratives.
Updated to 4K UHD format with 2160p/HDR video and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless audio, "Unbreakable" offers an immersive viewing experience that highlights its unique visual design and atmospheric storytelling. The remaster accentuates the film's nuanced performances, especially Willis' restrained portrayal of Dunn exploring his newfound abilities and grappling with his place in the world. Unlike typical comic book movies, "Unbreakable" delves into the psyche of its protagonist in a real-world setting, shunning grandiose spectacle for intimate character study. The meticulous direction and cinematography underscore the film's mood piece aesthetics, elevating it above the genre's conventional entries.
Despite its moderate initial reception and the divisive opinions on its sequels, "Unbreakable" has garnered a cult following and remains a significant work in Shyamalan's oeuvre and superhero cinema. It challenges the conventions of its genre with a grounded narrative that resonates with audiences seeking more than just spectacle in superhero stories. This enduring appeal is bolstered by its 4K presentation, ensuring "Unbreakable" remains a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that redefines the parameters of comic book adaptations, standing testament to Shyamalan's storytelling prowess and vision.
Total: 75
Two decades after its original release, "Unbreakable" returns to captivate audiences with Disney's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation. This cinematic gem, starring Bruce Willis in one of his most refined performances and directed by M. Night Shyamalan at his creative zenith, receives a technological upgrade that is both commendable and somewhat perplexing. The absence of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, features present in the Disney+ streaming version, is a curious omission that doesn't detract from the overall excellence of the physical release but raises questions about Disney's commitment to maximizing the format's potential. Regardless, the 2160p/HDR video upgrade significantly enhances the visual experience, offering a clarity and depth to the film’s unique storytelling that far surpasses its original Blu-ray incarnation.
Audio-wise, while an immersive Dolby Atmos track would have been the icing on the cake, the 5.1 lossless soundtrack does not disappoint, delivering clear and engaging audio that complements the film’s dramatic score and nuanced dialogues effectively. Additions such as the SteelBook packaging option cater to collectors and fans seeking a tangible memento of this cinema classic. However, the package's supplemental features, primarily ported from the 2008 disc with no new additions, might leave enthusiasts longing for more contemporary insights into the film’s production and legacy.
In conclusion, Disney's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Unbreakable" is a must-have for fans and collectors alike, offering the best visual and auditory experience of the film to date. Despite missed opportunities in audiovisual enhancements and bonus content, this release underscores "Unbreakable's" enduring appeal as a masterclass in storytelling and character development. It remains a seminal work in Shyamalan's oeuvre and a pivotal piece in what would become the Eastrail 177 Trilogy. As it stands, this version of "Unbreakable" is highly recommended, capturing the essence of what makes this film a standout in both superhero cinema and Shyamalan's career.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 90
The native 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation bests it, however, firstly in terms of detail and texture, with a noticeable digital edge to the streamed version when compared to the more filmic disc version...
Audio: 80
Disney's Atmos equivalent, available only on Disney Plus, is almost identical, hardly translating this low budget offering into a frenzied all-around object-based bonanza but, on the other hand, refreshingly...
Extras: 70
In this case there's nothing new either, but the original extras are pretty interesting nonetheless, with a quartet of decent background Featurettes looking behind the production as well as breaking down...
Movie: 90
Jackson would be excellent opposite him and, indeed, the only real disappointment to be found in Unbreakable is that, sixteen years later, fans were given a glimpse at a potential return for Willis' character...
Total: 80
Twenty years later and Willis is barely present in the numerous terrible movies he undertakes, but back in 2000 both him and Shyamalan struck something really quite special with Unbreakable, which afforded...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Beyond a subtle shift in aspect ratio from 2.35:1 to 2.40:1, the picture, clearly sourced from the same master utilized for the UHD disc, offers more balanced color timing -- delivering superior skin tones,...
Audio: 80
The presentation does not sound like a radical departure from the LPCM track, and even in the absence of added channels it's a full and healthy presentation....
Extras: 80
Disney's UHD disc contains no extras but the remastered Blu-ray disc includes all of the extras from the 2008 disc and adds nothing more; this is the only area where there has not been some change made...
Movie: 100
These two men find themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum, Elijah a successful store owner, yet fragile and frail due to a congenital condition with a fancy sounding medical appellation I failed to...
Total: 30
The new 2160p/HDR video presentation delights, the 5.1 lossless soundtrack more than holds its own, and the included extras, even only ported over from the 2008 disc, are fine....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 95
Whereas that disc was rife with edge-enhancement, lacking in fine detail, and very unrefined overall, the new 4K presentation features abundant fine detail, exquisite texturing, and beautifully-nuanced...
Audio: 85
Additional audio options are available in English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, along with French, Castilian Spanish, German, and Italian in 5.1 DTS, Quebec French and Latin Spanish in 5.1 Dolby Digital, and...
Extras: 55
The content isn’t bad, but it’s far from comprehensive and certainly feels a little dated at this point....
Movie: 85
When the two men finally meet, Elijah, who’s wheelchair bound, reveals that while his own body is extraordinarily fragile, he suspects that David might be indestructible....
Total: 80
By the way, if you folks at Disney are in the mood to remaster more great old Vista Series DVD titles for 4K Ultra HD release, I can think of none more deserving than the Tombstone: Director’s Cut (1993)....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
Softer contrast keeps the HDR’s peak brightness sedated (and a teal push saps energy too), although the exquisite black levels make a dynamic difference, and the latter is essential to the look....
Audio: 80
It starts immediately, as the train rolls along the track, splitting the fronts and rears....
Extras: 40
Train Station Multi-Angle takes viewers through storyboards and the final form of this specific scene....
Movie: 80
That’s typical, but more so, Unbreakable concerns Dunn finding himself and his place in a masculine-driven society....
Total: 70
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High-Def Digest review by Matthew HartmanRead review here
Video: 80
Reds and Yellows don’t get a lot of room to shine, but when Elijah is in the comic shop, look at the colors of the covers or the inflatable Spider-man figure for some pop....
Audio: 80
This mix was impressive in 2008 and it’s still pretty damn good today despite advances in home theater technology....
Extras: 40
What's here is interesting, but even then it's not everything that was included on the old Special Edition DVD....
Movie: 90
In general, I think Glass was entertaining and had an interesting concept with some solid ideas, but the buildup for the film couldn’t match the desired payoff....
Total: 90
This first film remains the best of the three and is a great example of the creativity that M. Night Shyamalan can bring to the big screen if he can hold his best and worst tendencies in check....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 76
I then watched the entire Ultra HD presentation paying attention to those same scenes from the Blu-ray version....
Audio: 84
Discrete rear channel activity isn’t extensive however the elements of suspense provide an enriching level of immersion which is supported by low frequency effects that can be felt throughout the listening...
Extras: 60
Weightlifting in Locker Room • Behind the Scenes – Explore the making of “Unbreakable” from concept to completion....
Movie: 80
Maybe not “superheroes” but, people who have potential greater than others who at least one time in their lives use it to do something extraordinary to help others....
Total: 75
Fans will have to judge for themselves but, I hope to see another release that provides top notch image and retooled sound quality that incorporates an immersive listening track....
Why So Blu? review by Brandon PetersRead review here
Video: 80
Black Levels: Blacks are deep and natural and this is where a lot of the improvement in the image comes from....
Audio: 80
Height: N/ALow Frequency Extension: The subwoofer is pretty active with thunder, mental sounds, engines, crashes, punches, glass breaking, water splashing and more....
Extras: 50
Behind The Scenes (SD, 14:16)Comic Books And Superheroes (SD, 19:21)Deleted Scenes (SD, 28:28)The Train Station Sequence (SD, 4:10)M. Night’s First Fight Sequence (SD, 2:27)...
Movie: 80
Regardless, its still a fine little film and one many wanted more from and hoped for a sequel for a long time....
Total: 70
Despite having a lot of stuff tackling the same subject matter or just relishing in comic book lore for over the last decade, Unbreakable still manages to work, and a lot of that is on its star power in...
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Actors: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright
PlotDavid Dunn, a security guard, is the sole survivor of a horrific train crash that kills all the other passengers. Emerging without a single scratch or injury, David struggles with a sense of purpose and questions why he was spared. His marriage to Audrey is failing, and he feels disconnected from his young son, Joseph. David's unremarkable life is thrown into uncertainty as he grapples with the possibility that he might be different somehow – possessing an extraordinary resilience that can't be explained by luck alone.
Elijah Price, an art gallery owner with a rare condition that makes his bones extremely fragile, reaches out to David after hearing about the miraculous survival. Obsessed with comic book heroes, Elijah has developed a theory that if he exists at one extreme of the physical spectrum, there must be someone at the opposite end. He proposes that David might be that person, unbreakable and impervious to harm. Intrigued and skeptical, David embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges everything he understands about himself and the world around him.
Writers: M. Night Shyamalan
Release Date: 22 Nov 2000
Runtime: 106 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English