District 9 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 85
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
District 9's 4K debut dazzles with stellar visuals/audio, enriching a profound sci-fi tale.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
DTS-HD MA
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 84
District 9's 4K UHD release elevates its unique cinéma vérité style with remarkable detail, richer colors, and enhanced contrast, despite source imperfections.
Audio: 91
Dolby Atmos enhances District 9's audio with robust bass, clear dialogue, and immersive 3D soundscape, making every detail, from action to ambient noise, vivid and engaging.
Extra: 75
District 9's 4K UHD release features exciting new extras and a comprehensive collection of legacy materials across 4K and Blu-ray, enriching the film's universe.
Movie: 88
Neill Blomkamp's breakthrough with 'District 9' showcases a vivid sci-fi allegory on apartheid, blending action and deep social commentary, captivated by Sharlto Copley's transformation and groundbreaking visual effects.
Video: 84
The 4K UHD Blu-ray video presentation of "District 9" significantly elevates the viewing experience beyond its Blu-ray predecessor, leveraging a meticulously upscaled 2160p resolution from a 2K DI source, enriched with HDR10 for enhanced dynamic range and color depth. Shot using a variety of digital cameras, including the high-definition Phantom HD, the Red One, and Sony PMW-EX1, with live-action footage initially captured in native 4K, the film showcases an intentional blend of cinematic and documentary-style visuals. This unique blend, while maintaining a sense of grittiness inherent to the film's aesthetic, benefits from the UHD treatment with noticeable improvements in clarity, texture, and detail, especially in close-ups where the intricacies of human skin, alien bodies, and the dilapidated environments of the District are more vividly portrayed.
Despite the film's deliberate rough visual style, featuring a mix of handheld camerawork and surveillance footage to achieve a cinéma vérité feel, the transition to 4K UHD enhances the depth and realism of its world. The HDR grading enriches blacks and bolsters contrast, making the bleak exteriors and stark landscapes more striking. Furthermore, colors are both accurate and nuanced, benefiting from the wide color gamut to present more natural flesh tones alongside richer reds and browns. The result is an image that, while not traditionally eye-catching, stands as the definitive visual presentation of "District 9," faithfully amplifying its intended visual narrative.
Concerns related to source material such as clipped blacks and slight aliasing are present but do not detract significantly from the overall quality. The increased resolution and greater clarity occasionally highlight the limitations of visual effects but simultaneously allow for a more immersive exploration of the film's creative elements. Whites are notably improved, offering greater brilliance and luminance, which, paired with the more dynamic contrasts and fuller color palette, rejuvenates the film's visual impact. Overall, this 4K UHD presentation honors the original vision with its avant-garde approach while providing a clear visual upgrade that fans will appreciate.
Audio: 91
The Dolby Atmos soundtrack of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "District 9" sets a new standard in audio excellence, offering an auditory experience that is as immersive as it is dynamic. Right from the onset, the mix captivates with its meticulous prioritization and detailed presentation of soundscapes, ensuring that every layer, from the subtlest ambient noise to the sharpness of dialogue and the robustness of action sequences, is discernible and engaging. The implementation of overhead channels amplifies the realism of the film's soundscape, with helicopters, gunshots, and the unique cadence of alien weaponry enveloping the listener, rendering a seamless 360-degree auditory envelope. The attention to detail is such that environmental sounds, such as announcements and office chatter, contribute significantly to the ambiance without overwhelming key elements like dialogue, which remains crystal clear and well-positioned within the mix.
Expansion beyond the previous 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix to Atmos brings evident enhancements in spatial definition and low-frequency effects, enveloping viewers in a cocoon of sound that is both precise and expansive. The bass response is particularly noteworthy for its depth and impact, with scenes involving the mothership or heavy weaponry offering a palpable sense of gravity and presence that excels at immersing the viewer in the cinematic spectacle. Not just relegated to action, this robustness in bass complements the intricate layers of ambient sound and music score, contributing to a richly textured auditory experience.
The Atmos track adeptly balances its broad dynamic range, from delicate environmental cues to bombastic battle sequences, ensuring an enveloping experience without sacrificing clarity. Interactive dialogues, coupled with Clinton Shorter’s vigorous score, are presented with fidelity, while seamlessly integrated sound effects utilize the entire soundstage, fostering an authentic three-dimensional feel. Despite occasional instances where dialogue is slightly overshadowed during intense action scenes, the overall mix excels in delivering a comprehensively immersive audio experience that markedly enhances the viewing of "District 9", solidifying its status as a must-have for audiophiles and movie enthusiasts alike.
Extra: 75
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "District 9" is enriched with a robust selection of extras divided across its Ultra HD and bundled Blu-ray discs, providing an insightful behind-the-scenes look into the film's creation. The 4K disc premieres three notable additions: the Comic-Con Extravaganza, offering an engaging 17-minute panel discussion with Peter Jackson, Neill Blomkamp, and Sharlto Copley covering a variety of topics from audience reactions to the filmmaking process; and both the Teaser and Theatrical Trailers. The accompanying Blu-ray disc retains legacy features from the original release enhanced with high-definition visual upgrades. Exclusive highlights include a comprehensive three-part documentary "The Alien Agenda: A Filmmaker's Log," in-depth featurettes like "Metamorphosis: The Transformation of Wikus" and "Innovation: The Acting and Improvisation of District 9," along with "Joburg from Above," an interactive map providing satellite views and schematics of the movie's world. This collection, along with a redemption code for a digital copy, encompasses a thorough exploration of the film's conception, design, and visual effects, offering both fans and newcomers a deeper appreciation of the groundbreaking sci-fi film.
Extras included in this disc:
- Comic-Con Extravaganza: Panel discussion highlight at Comic-Con.
- Teaser Trailer: First official glimpse into the film's universe.
- Theatrical Trailer: Main trailer offering a broader view of the film.
- Audio Commentary: Director's insights and behind-the-scenes stories.
- Joburg From Above: Interactive exploration of the film's setting.
- Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
- The Alien Agenda: A Filmmaker's Log: A three-part documentary on the making of the film.
- Metamorphosis: The Transformation of Wikus: Focus on practical effects used for character transformation.
- Innovation: The Acting and Improvisation of District 9: Examination of the film's unique dialogue approach.
- Conception and Design: Creating the World of District 9: Behind-the-scenes look at set design and world-building.
- Alien Generation: The Visual Effects of District 9: Insights into the creation of the film's aliens.
Movie: 88
District 9," helmed by Neill Blomkamp and under the wing of Peter Jackson, remains an exemplary piece in the realm of science fiction, brilliantly melding social commentary with the trappings of an alien invasion narrative. The film’s unique presentation, part documentary and part traditional storytelling, seamlessly combines to create a deeply engaging experience. Sharlto Copley's portrayal of Wikus Van De Merwe, an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, anchors the film’s emotional core. Viewers find themselves immersed in the gritty reality of the Johannesburg slums, where the story unfolds amidst a backdrop of alien technology and the stark realities of segregation and xenophobia. This setting not only emphasizes the movie’s visual appeal but also its significant attention to detail in both character development and plot execution.
Released on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Sony, "District 9" boasts an enhanced viewing experience with 2160p/HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio. This technical upgrade accentuates the film’s meticulous set designs and advanced alien technologies, enveloping the viewer in Blomkamp’s meticulously crafted universe. The story of aliens seeking refuge from their dying planet and the subsequent human-alien conflicts is given new depth with this release. The socio-political undertones of the narrative—reflective of apartheid and systemic oppression—are rendered with stark clarity, allowing for an intensified reflection on humanity's often cruel response to the other.
Furthermore, the film’s narrative structure, employing a blend of found footage and traditional cinematography, alongside its socio-political commentary, remains potent and relevant. The painstaking detail and thought put into the alien populace's portrayal, dubbed "Prawns," their treatment, and their forced segregation in District 9 serves as a stark allegory to real-world issues of racism and xenophobia. "District 9" transcends its sci-fi genre, offering a piercing examination of the human condition and societal faults. The 4K UHD release not only enhances its visual and auditory experience but also reaffirms its status as a cult classic that continues to provoke thought and discussion long after its release.
Total: 85
Neill Blomkamp’s “District 9” emerges once again, this time in a 4K UHD Blu-ray release that deserves a spot in every sci-fi enthusiast’s collection. Revered for its ingenious blend of science fiction thrills and a profound narrative rooted in social commentary, the film achieves a new level of immersion and detail in this latest format. The up-scaled picture quality is nothing short of breathtaking, boasting vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an enhanced level of detail that brings the gritty, realistic feel of the movie to life like never before. Complementing the visual upgrade is a Dolby Atmos audio track that engulfs the viewer in a surround sound extravaganza, complete with a robust bass punch that adds depth to every scene.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has indeed outdone itself with this combo pack, which includes both new and legacy bonus material, making it an essential upgrade for fans and a compelling purchase for newcomers. Despite the film's apparent limitation due to its original source quality, the application of HDR colors introduces a fuller spectrum, superior highlights, and adds nuance to the visual storytelling elements. This release not only honors the film’s initial impact but elevates its technical achievements, particularly in showcasing its groundbreaking practical and digital effects work.
In conclusion, “District 9” on 4K UHD is a testament to the enduring power of its story and technical innovation. As a pivotal piece of contemporary science fiction cinema that continues to resonate with audiences through its exploration of themes like xenophobia and inequality, this release reaffirms the film’s status as a must-own. With its stunning visuals, immersive audio, and comprehensive collection of extras, it stands as an exemplary model of how to do justice to a modern classic in the era of 4K UHD. Fans of Blomkamp’s work, collectors, and cinephiles alike should not hesitate to add this exceptional release to their libraries.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 90
The filming style, a combination of hand-held, documentary video camera and traditional film, means that it is always going to look a certain way; however, the extra resolution and the HDR elevated the...
Audio: 90
Bass is tremendous with some wonderful LF effects, this is especially true of the Mothership moving, jet engines and some of the heavier weaponry....
Extras: 80
Metamorphosis: The Transformation of Wikus Innovation: The Acting and Improvisation of District 9 Conception and Design: Creating the World of District 9 Alien Generation: The Visual Effects of District...
Movie: 90
Predominantly known as a short film director, but with a prodigious talent, Neill Blomkamp was all set to make his first feature when the funding fell through, so Peter Jackson (and wife) took him under...
Total: 90
As a 4K UHD the set from Sony is equally as good; the up-scaled picture is bright, well detailed with vibrant colouring and strong blacks, while the Dolby Atmos track is a surround extravaganza and packs...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Like the resolution, the source is not favorable to a traditional splash of intensive color saturation, but viewers should find enough additional to contrast, improved color gamut range, and white and...
Audio: 90
The top end is frequently engaged, not always discretely but obviously aiding in creating a fuller, richer, more lifelike sound field that critically pulls the listener into the story....
Extras: 100
The bundled Blu-ray is nearly identical to Sony's 2009 disc and includes all of the critical carryover supplements....
Movie: 90
The huddled, sickly, and malnourished aliens were transported to Johannesburg below where they were placed in makeshift camps, but after years of unproductiveness and countless resources that only furthered...
Total: 90
District 9 isn't a movie that immediately screams out a need for the UHD treatment, but Sony's done it again, bringing out the best in a source that is structurally far more limited than most of its peers....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 85
Nevertheless, the freshly-utilized native 4K footage provides a definite increase in detail, while the HDR grade deepens the blacks and makes the film’s bleak, washed-out exteriors more bold....
Audio: 95
Additional audio options include the previous English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, along with English Descriptive Audio, and 5.1 Dolby Digital in French, German, Italian, Russian, Castilian Spanish, Latin...
Extras: 80
The package also includes the film in 1080p HD on Blu-ray (and it appears to be a newly-authored disc, not identical to the version released back in 2009, though the transfer and audio appear to be the...
Movie: 90
You see, MNU is responsible for a walled-off Johannesburg shanty town called District 9, a place infested with crime and undesirable aliens—as in actual aliens from outer space, over a million of them,...
Total: 88
It should also be noted that Blomkamp’s been linked to a number of high profile science fiction film projects that have fallen through (through no fault of his own), including Halo, The Gone World, RoboCop...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
Texture maintains a stable high point, resolving detail, and impressively to their credit, doing no harm to the visual effects....
Audio: 100
Height effects bring constant engagement, whether that’s helicopters circling, PA systems speaking, or mere ambiance when in vehicles....
Extras: 60
Alien Agenda is the core making-of, a 34-minute piece split into three parts detailing the usual concepts such as the genesis of the idea and executing it....
Movie: 80
It’s just as likely an allegory for Nazism, although the capitalist angle drives a vicious, callous inhumanity, bred into the employees through propaganda....
Total: 80
Meant to draw attention to African Apartheid’s appalling history, District 9 also finds a voice for any instance of cruel human inequality....
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 90
Naturally, specular highlights are the most eye-catching as the hot sunshine glistens off the mothership and various other metallic surfaces with a realistic radiance while explosions, electrical sparks...
Audio: 100
Although it starts somewhat quietly, which is expected given the film's documentary-style aesthetic, the object-based track nonetheless comes with a phenomenal soundstage as background activity subtly...
Extras: 70
Ultra HD Disc Comic-Con Extravaganza (HD, 17 min) Trailers (HD): a pair of previews Blu-ray Disc Audio Commentary Joburg From Above: Satellite and Schematics of the World (HD): Interactive Map The Alien...
Movie: 90
Armed with a military-like force on his side and sanctioned by the government, Wikus' attempts to relocate — somewhat forcefully — nearly two million malnourished aliens to what is essentially a concentration...
Total: 90
In fact, the inventively brilliant sci-fi actioner continues to surprise and feels all the more relevant and poignant today with its allegorical plot on systemic oppression and xenophobia....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 94
As I alluded to earlier District 9 isn’t a consistently colorful film however, its cooler chromatic hues, sepia tones and variants of blue/red benefited from UHD's wider color gamut, appearing warmer and...
Audio: 94
The use of overhead sound objects elevates proportional correlation, adding a noticeable improvement by opening up the soundstage, elevating the perception of low-level detail and seemingly offering broader...
Extras: 80
Creating the World of District 9 o Alien Generation: Visual Effects o Joburg from Above: Interactive Map of Satellite and Schematics of the World of District 9 Digital Code...
Movie: 90
Separated from humans in a South African area called District 9, the aliens are managed by Multi-National United, which is unconcerned with the aliens' welfare but will do anything to master their advanced...
Total: 90
As a fan I am thrilled to now own it looking and sounded better than ever since coming to home video....
Why So Blu? review by Brian WhiteRead review here
Video: 90
Outside of the documentary style footage there’s plenty of fine details and definition to be found everywhere you look in this 4K print not only in the humans, but also the aliens, environments, clothing...
Audio: 100
The riveting action sequences, sound effects and even roosters all put you right dab in the middle of everything and the helicopter attack is just the icing on the cake....
Extras: 60
Creating the World of District 9 (HD, 13:18) – Visit the set, props, tech and more in this look at how the movie was brought to life onscreen....
Movie: 90
So anyway, I think you can kind of see the cliché pattern building here where former enemies unite for a collaborated purpose and a man rises out of the ashes to become much more than meets the eye....
Total: 90
Why So Blu I confidently believe that I dangerously armed you with enough ammunition up above to make you realize that the District 9 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release is a MUST-OWN film on the 4K format....
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Actors: Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope
PlotIn an alternative 1982, an extraterrestrial spaceship appears over Johannesburg, South Africa. After hovering inactive for months, human authorities cut their way into the ship and discover a multitude of malnourished and leaderless alien refugees. These beings, derogatorily referred to as "prawns," are subsequently confined to a government camp on Earth called District 9. As international pressure to address the alien issue mounts, control of District 9 is handed over to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company with interests in exploiting the aliens' advanced technology. However, their technology is unusable by humans, functioning only when operated by alien DNA.
Twenty-eight years later, the situation has deteriorated, with District 9 turning into a militarized slum. The human populace grows increasingly intolerant of the alien presence, giving rise to violence and unrest. MNU agent Wikus van de Merwe is assigned the task of relocating the aliens to District 10, a new camp situated further from human residential areas. During the eviction process, Wikus experiences a life-altering incident involving alien technology, which begins to transform him in unprecedented ways. This incident draws the interest of the aliens and MNU alike, leading him to forge an unlikely alliance with an alien named Christopher Johnson, who has his own agenda. The bond between Wikus and Christopher develops amidst the backdrop of political, social, and corporate machinations, challenging the status quo of human-alien relations.
Writers: Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell
Release Date: 14 Aug 2009
Runtime: 112 min
Rating: R
Country: South Africa, United States, New Zealand, Canada
Language: English, Nyanja, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho