Heavy Metal 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Sony's 4K UHD release of "Heavy Metal" showcases a newly-restored 2160p presentation complemented by both Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading, providing unprecedented depth and vibrancy. Approved by the late producer Ivan Reitman, the restoration excels in maintaining the film’s original grain structure while significantly enhancing clarity and stability over previous releases, such as the 2011 Blu-ray. This upgrade results in a rich, organic texture that preserves the artistry of the film without overwhelming digital noise reduction (DNR). The transition from the old Blu-ray's often washed-out appearance is stark; now, the animation details emerge crisp and radiant, with superior color gradients and contrast.

The Dolby Vision enhancements are particularly noteworthy, vividly illuminating elements such as the bright electric light sources, the menacing green Loc-Nar, and the intricate colors of planets and effects throughout. The image features exquisite tonal accuracy and subtleties which bring Taarna’s brilliantly vivid hair and the inky depths of space to life. Technically, the encoding uses HEVC/H.265 at a native 4K resolution with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, ensuring that the visual fidelity meets the highest standards.

Scenes like Chapter 10 exemplify the release's eye-catching detail, showcasing stunning HDR impact with specular highlights reaching MaxLL 1800 nits and MaxFALL 678. The film lacks noticeable dirt or scratch artifacts, standing as one of the most impressive restorations for an animated classic. In essence, this 4K UHD edition not only enhances the heavy metal aesthetic but also respects its heritage, offering an audacious visual experience that aligns with modern technological expectations.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Heavy Metal" presents an audio experience that is as immersive as it is groundbreaking, thanks to a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix. Supervised by Ivan Reitman, this enhanced soundtrack introduces unprecedented sound clarity and dynamic auditory impact. From the very first sequence, the Dolby Atmos track plunges the listener into a multidimensional soundscape featuring deep, rumbling low-frequency effects. The alien spacecraft's roar and volatility are paired exquisitely with the palpable intensity of volcanic eruptions and explosive sequences, effectively leveraging the surrounds and height channels for an all-encompassing experience. The mix not only foregrounds dramatic sound effects but also showcases an eclectic musical score from renowned artists with full stage engagement that vividly disperses across the soundfield.

The Dolby Atmos track stands out significantly, providing a 'sound bubble' effect with its enveloping audio layers that engage not just front and back but also overhead. Despite a scarcity of discrete surround effects, these layers form a cohesive auditory environment where dialogue remains consistently clear, primarily anchored to the center channel for intelligibility. Comparatively, the included 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix offers a robust listening experience but lacks the same atmospheric expanse as the Atmos track. The original DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix is also available for purists. Each mix is professionally engineered to highlight dialogue and intricate guitar riffs with precision while the vigorous LFE track ensures your subwoofer is continually engaged.

This release effectively transforms "Heavy Metal" into a reference-quality piece for audiophiles, adeptly balancing musical finesse with impactful sound design elements that are powerfully present without overpowering dialogue and other vital audio components. It marries nostalgia with modern audio technology, maintaining fidelity and augmenting the movie's iconic soundtrack to stunning new heights.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Heavy Metal" is a well-curated set focusing on the legacy and influence of the film. The UHD disc introduces a single new feature, "Heavy Metal: A Look Back," where notable figures like Ivan Reitman and Kevin Smith reflect on the movie's cultural significance and artistic nuances. While the UHD extra is limited, the included Blu-rays deliver a rich assortment of features retained from previous releases. These extras offer an in-depth exploration, including a feature-length rough cut with optional commentary, deleted scenes, and other insightful retrospectives on the film’s animation and production process. Despite using older SD materials for many features, the collection remains a valuable resource for fans passionate about the "Heavy Metal" legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Heavy Metal: A Look Back: Reflections on the film's impact by notable filmmakers.
• Feature Length Rough Cut: Includes optional commentary by Carl Macek.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content trimmed from the final version.
• Imagining Heavy Metal: Insight into the creative process behind the film.
• Julie Strain: Super Goddess: Featurette on the lead of Heavy Metal 2000.
• Voice Talent: Highlights voice work contributions.
• Animation Tests: Early animation trials.
• Animatic Comparisons: Comparisons of animatics to final sequences.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Heavy Metal" impressively revitalizes the cult classic's captivating visuals and auditory experience, embracing its groundbreaking essence. The restoration is notably exemplary, with the Dolby Vision HDR on HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) providing a significant upgrade over previous editions. Spectators can anticipate vibrant primaries and exceptional detail retention, evident particularly in space scenes where the green glow of the Loc-Nar contrasts against an inky black sky. This meticulous restoration retains the film's gritty animation style synonymous with the pulp comics era of the 1970s and 80s, highlighted by vivid visuals and seductive artistic flair that permeate throughout.

The enhancement of the audio quality accompanies this visual upgrade, with a newly remastered Dolby Atmos mix that significantly enriches the film's iconic rock soundtrack and immersive sound effects. The audio offers an astonishing level of clarity, with precise surround effects enveloping viewers into this fantastical universe. This mix asserts itself as a benchmark for catalog remixes, seamlessly aligning the film’s striking animation with its thunderous musical score, featuring bands like Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult.

Despite some critical opinions regarding its adult themes and narrative inconsistencies typical of anthology films, "Heavy Metal" remains influential in animation history. Its unapologetically bold depictions and imaginative storytelling contribute to its enduring legacy as a dynamic, albeit niche, cinematic experience. This release serves both as a nostalgic journey and an introduction for new audiences, highlighting how "Heavy Metal" challenged conventional animation and set a precedent for future creative ventures in the genre.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Heavy Metal" by Sony showcases an impressive restoration of an iconic animated film that is both visually striking and sonically vibrant. While the film may not cater to everyone's taste, its impact on fantasy film history is undeniable. The latest transfer elevates the animation with crisp detail and enhanced vibrancy, providing a viewing experience that far surpasses previous editions. The addition of a Dolby Atmos soundtrack further amplifies the film’s immersive quality, making the auditory enjoyment as significant as the visual feast.

This release is complemented by a carefully curated set of supplemental features, including new content that enriches the understanding and appreciation of "Heavy Metal." The inclusion of the sequel adds an enticing value for collectors and new watchers alike. The SteelBook packaging is noted for its aesthetic appeal and quality, adding a premium collectible feel to this edition. This meticulous attention to packaging reflects Sony's commitment to deliver not only a remarkable viewing experience but also an attractive physical product.

In conclusion, Sony has done a wonderful job with "Heavy Metal" on UHD. The film looks and sounds incredible, and fans are certain to appreciate the enhancements made. The new supplementary materials add depth to the offering, and the SteelBook packaging is first-rate. This release clearly caters to both longtime aficionados and newcomers to the film, providing a comprehensive and highly recommended upgrade.