Oppenheimer 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 96
from 8 reviewers
Review Date:
Oppenheimer’s 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a demo-worthy native 4K image, DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, compelling narrative, and extensive extras, making it a must-have.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
DTS-HD MA
Video: 99
Oppenheimer's 4K UHD Blu-ray is a cinematic marvel showcasing pristine 2160p resolution, HDR10, and HEVC encoding, with shifting IMAX aspect ratios that deliver breathtaking color vibrance, razor-sharp detail, and deep, inky blacks. An unparalleled visual experience, bolstered by meticulous analog processing and stunning cinematography.
Audio: 97
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track of 'Oppenheimer' delivers a stunning sound experience, rivaling the best 3D surround tracks with remarkable bass, dynamic range, and immersive effects, despite lacking Atmos or DTS:X. Dialogue is clear, the score is enveloping, and the auditory experience is meticulously balanced and impactful.
Extra: 93
Oppenheimer’s 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a meticulously-crafted special features package, including a 72-minute making-of documentary, in-depth looks at unique production techniques, a robust Q&A session, and an additional 87-minute documentary on Oppenheimer himself, all housed on a dedicated Blu-ray disc.
Movie: 93
Oppenheimer is a complex, non-linear masterpiece from Christopher Nolan that delves deeply into the psychological and moral conflicts of J. Robert Oppenheimer, masterfully portrayed by Cillian Murphy. Shot on 65mm IMAX film, the 4K UHD Blu-ray highlights stunning color palettes and impeccable details across its varied scenes, making it a must-watch for both its narrative and technical brilliance.
Video: 99
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Oppenheimer" delivers an exceptional visual experience, rooted in the impeccable cinematography of Hoyte van Hoytema. Shot with a combination of 65mm and IMAX cameras, the film transitions between 2.20:1 and 1.78:1 aspect ratios, capitalizing on the enhanced fidelity of the IMAX format. This 2160p HEVC (H.265) encoded transfer showcases a pristine, native 4K resolution with HDR10 (no Dolby Vision), ensuring vibrant colors and deep, inky blacks. The IMAX sequences, which dominate the film, are breathtakingly detailed, offering a window-like view into the diverse settings, from the New Mexican desert to intimate indoor spaces.
Texture and detail in this release are astounding, capturing everything from the minutiae of dust motes to the intricate weaves of fabric and wood grain with razor-sharp clarity. Both color and black-and-white scenes are meticulously rendered; the grayscale transitions seamlessly from absolute black to pure white, enhancing the thematic depth of the narrative. The HDR implementation adds depth and vibrancy to the colors while preserving a natural appearance, be it the bold hues of explosions or the more muted tones of indoor environments. Skin textures, fine print in newspapers, and even fleeting elements like cigarette smoke are presented with striking precision.
The seamless aspect ratio shifts enrich the viewing experience, heightening the dramatic effect of key scenes without becoming distracting. The black levels are flawless, providing solid shadow detail with no evidence of crush, while maintaining excellent contrast across the board. Despite a slight grain structure, which adds an organic feel to the imagery, the overall picture remains exceptionally clean and free of digital artifacts or compression issues. This 4K UHD release is not only a technical marvel but also a visual feast that will enchant cinephiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.
Audio: 97
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Oppenheimer" delivers an astonishingly immersive auditory experience that stands head and shoulders above many modern object-based audio systems like Dolby Atmos. Despite not having a 3D surround track, the audio mix excels in every aspect. The bass performance is particularly noteworthy, capable of shaking both room and foundation while maintaining intricate layers and musicality. From the thunderous opening sequence to the nuanced sonic texture during Oppenheimer’s introspective moments, the sound design embodies perfection. The clarity and precision of Ludwig Göransson’s score provide an all-encompassing atmosphere, seamlessly integrating with the visual elements.
Dialogue has been meticulously calibrated to avoid the issues seen during the film's theatrical release, ensuring it remains clear, tight, and audible throughout—except in specific scenes where intentional distortion enhances the narrative tension. Different environments are brought to life convincingly, from echoing lecture halls to intimate dialogues. The soundstage is expansive, employing every channel to deliver a rich audio tapestry. Ambient effects are prominent, creating a natural soundscape that enriches the storytelling without overwhelming it.
The low-frequency extension is robust and ever-present, adding weight to explosions, music, and subtler moments like footsteps and environmental sounds. While some purists may yearn for an Atmos track, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix proves that a well-crafted 5.1 track can deliver an equally compelling and immersive experience. Whether it’s the immersive effects during the Trinity test’s deafening silence or the dynamic scale of Göransson’s score, this track proves to be an exemplary piece of sound engineering that should satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles.
Extras: 93
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Oppenheimer" features an exceptional set of extras on a dedicated Blu-ray disc. These supplements provide a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the making of this monumental film, as well as detailed explorations of J. Robert Oppenheimer's life and the impact of the atomic bomb. The extensive main documentary, "The Story of Our Time: The Making of Oppenheimer," is divided into seven engaging segments that delve into various aspects of the film's production, from set design and historical accuracy to the emotional score and the innovative use of 65mm black-and-white film. Additional content, such as Q&A panels and archival documentaries, enriches the viewer's understanding of both the technical achievements behind the film and its historical context.
Extras included in this disc:
- Now I Am Become Death: Insights into the personal stories driving the project's design.
- The Luminaries: Cast discussions on embodying historical figures.
- The Manhattan Project: Crafting visual effects without CGI.
- The Devil of Details: Building Los Alamos with period accuracy.
- Walking A Mile: Costume and makeup in character transformation.
- Can You Hear Music?: The expansive score by Ludwig Göransson.
- We Can Perform This Miracle: Crew perspectives on Nolan's directing vision.
- Trailers: Various promotional trailers.
- Innovations in Film: 65mm Black-And-White Film in Oppenheimer: Technical challenges and benefits of using 65mm film.
- Meet The Press Q&A Panel: Oppenheimer: Discussion on the film's scientific and historical elements.
- To End All War: Oppenheimer & The Atomic Bomb: Comprehensive documentary on Oppenheimer’s impact.
Movie: 93
Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional biographical storytelling. The film chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), the theoretical physicist chiefly responsible for the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. Nolan employs his trademark non-linear narrative, seamlessly weaving through Oppenheimer's early academic pursuits, his leadership in the Manhattan Project, and the fraught post-war years where he faced political persecution. The narrative complexity is augmented by the film's visual techniques, such as shifting aspect ratios and alternating between black-and-white and color scenes, which serve to clarify temporal shifts and highlight character perspectives.
The technical execution of "Oppenheimer" is nothing short of spectacular, utilizing 65mm and IMAX cameras to produce an unparalleled visual experience in 4K UHD. The film's color palette is meticulously curated, with scenes oscillating between desaturated grays, rich tonal hues, and sharp black-and-white shots. This visual diversity contributes significantly to the mood and thematic depth of the film. Fine details are consistently rendered with clarity, whether showing the intricate facial expressions of characters or the stark environments of Los Alamos. Furthermore, the sound design combines Nolan's signature practical effects with a haunting score that underlines the film's dramatic intensity without overwhelming the narrative.
Murphy delivers a career-defining performance as Oppenheimer, capturing the physicist's intellectual fervor and profound moral struggles. He is supported by a remarkable ensemble cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh, each delivering performances that enhance the narrative depth. Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Lewis Strauss stands out as particularly compelling, embodying the intricate political dynamics that characterized Oppenheimer's later life. The film skillfully encapsulates not just the scientific triumphs but also the personal and ethical dilemmas faced by Oppenheimer and his contemporaries, making it a profoundly resonant piece that holds relevance well beyond its historical setting.
Total: 96
Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" is a cinematic achievement that comes to life even more vividly on 4K UHD Blu-ray. Universal’s native 4K transfer ensures an impeccable visual experience, accentuating every frame's razor-sharp detail, natural coloring, pitch-black shadows, and brilliant whites. The disc’s DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack is equally impressive, providing a rich, layered audio experience that complements the film's dramatic intensity. Significant too are the shifting aspect ratios (2.20:1 and 1.78:1) which enhance the immersive quality.
The film’s non-linear narrative structure is skillfully woven, keeping viewers engrossed throughout its substantial 180-minute runtime. It features standout performances from a stellar cast including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Robert Downey Jr., whose portrayals are career-defining. While the third act may feel anticlimactic to some, the depth of character exploration and historical insight make up for it. The supplemental content on the Blu-ray, including in-depth documentaries, adds considerable value, offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film's creation.
Overall, "Oppenheimer" on 4K UHD Blu-ray represents a high watermark for home entertainment. Masterpiece is banded around all too often; Oppenheimer might actually be worthy of the title. In many ways this is director Christopher Nolan’s greatest film, as if everything he has made so far has culminated in this one amazing triumph; it is as long as it needs to be, with a runtime that never feels its length; such is the engagement of the story, characters, and plight, with its non-linear structure characterising a strong narrative that never gets lost and is utterly engaging; a crowning achievement made all the more real for a demo-worthy disc. Disc of the year? The set from Universal is terrific; the native 4K image is without fault, a perfect picture with razor-sharp detail, natural colouring, pitch blacks and stunning whites; while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track is without equal, an absolutely stunning soundtrack that has layer upon layers of bass. There is a whole Blu-ray dedicated to extra features that cover just about everything you need to know about the film. The disc to beat this year. Oppenheimer is available to buy on 4K UHD and Blu-ray from 22 November 2023.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 100
The WGC and HDR give depth and vibrance to the colours, while maintaining a perfectly natural look; dessert sands, rock strata in mountainous terrain, flesh tones, greys, the sky, the absolute intensity...
Audio: 100
Dialogue, which seemed to be so controversial during the theatrical run, is clear, tight, precise and always audible, save the near breakdown of Oppenheimer at his ‘trial’ and the flashes he goes through...
Extras: 100
The Story of our Time: The Making of Oppenheimer – A 70-minute feature broken down into respective featurettes: - Now I Am Become Death – The cast, crew, and producers join Christopher Nolan in sharing...
Movie: 100
And when combined with the score and effects, there is little anyone can fault with this film; it is a perfect example of film as media, and why it is such a stunning format to be a part of....
Total: 100
Dec 25, 2017 Arguably Nolan's best film, the masterpiece that is Inception, hits 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with a flawed presentation that somewhat takes the shine off what should have been a glorious debut...
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 100
Being Nolan, there’s no digital source here, as he made direct use of 65mm and 65mm IMAX cameras to capture Oppenheimer (even going so far as to make a specialty run of 70mm Kodack black and white film...
Audio: 100
-- THE DEVIL OF DETAILS - A look at how production designer Ruth De Jong and team recreated the entire town of Los Alamos with period-accurate props, spectacular sets and painstaking attention to authenticity....
Extras: 80
Movie: 90
It’s expertly directed, with Nolan using his trademark diversions in the narrative to keep us guessing on how the hearing is going to go that brackets all of this bomb making works, and manages to pretty...
Total: 90
The film is 3 hours long, fractured with it’s narrative chronology, but is filled with absolutely career defining performances all around....
Blu-ray.com review by Kenneth BrownRead review here
Video: 100
The costumes appear well-worn and lived in, another benefit of the high resolution presentation, as it only serves the realism Nolan is so carefully crafting on screen....
Audio: 100
It's seamlessly engaging and uses every inch of soundstage real estate to deliver everything from subtle ambient support to devastating surround content at prominent volume and extreme subwoofer support...
Extras: 100
Part 3: The Manhattan Project (HD, 17 minutes) - Nolan's use of IMAX cameras and photography is explored in welcome detail, offering cinephiles more than a glimpse into his process and the benefits to...
Movie: 90
The work is beyond exemplary not only in speech, physical mannerisms, and eye contact but also in the way he captures both the mind and soul of a man who changes the world and both internally and externally...
Total: 90
And then there's the tour de force at the center of it all: Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, a unique biopic that bucks traditional genre tropes to create an enigmatic drama that asks far more questions...
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 100
For it’s release on Ultra HD, a 4K master was created from the 8K scans, and the digital presentation was color graded for high dynamic range (HDR10 alone is available here) to match the properly-timed...
Audio: 95
But unlike the typical sonic experience of Nolan’s films theatrically—in which the dialogue is often overwhelmed, buried by the mix, and/or otherwise unintelligible—the home surround sound experience has...
Extras: 95
You also get a short featurette on the technical innovations involved in shooting and finishing it entirely photochemically, as well as a Q&A with Nolan, author Kai Bird, Caltech physicist and Nobel Prize-winner...
Movie: 95
Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer tells the story of the life and career of the famed American theoretical physicist, starting...
Total: 96
What’s more, Universal’s 4K Ultra HD has become one of my favorite viewing experiences on this format, bringing the film to disc in a level of quality so perfectly optimized that it’s a must-have release...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
Texture is everywhere, in close, at distance, or in the mid-range; it’s perfection behind a thin, consistent grain structure....
Audio: 100
Likely contentious for some, the overall intensity and volume is among the highest on the format, and it’s a constant presence....
Extras: 100
A four-part making-of runs 72-minutes long, and it’s a fantastically produced piece, certainly among the best from a major studio on a new release this year....
Movie: 80
Oppenheimer has its villains – it has to, in many ways given the subject – but this movie lives up to its title, telling a complicated man’s story in a digestible way even if it feels like a persistent...
Total: 95
At three hours, Oppenheimer still moves too fast to cover the breadth of science and character development, but it’s fascinating history when it works....
High-Def Digest review by David KraussRead review here
Video: 100
Top-notch clarity and contrast, inky blacks, bright, stable whites, and excellent shadow delineation combine to produce a stunning picture that honors the film's epic nature without sacrificing essential...
Audio: 90
When a movie ends and I notice my subwoofer has shifted its position from its appointed spot and slid an inch or two across the room, I know it's had a workout, and Oppenheimer gives it one, from various...
Extras: 90
Meet the Press Q&A Panel: Oppenheimer (HD, 34:46) - Hosted by Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd, this post-screening Q&A took place on July 5, 2023 and features Nolan, author Kai Bird (who co-wrote the...
Movie: 100
Yes, this is a tale about scientific breakthroughs, crossing dangerous boundaries, grappling with weighty moral issues (like the potential destruction of mankind), and creating a beast that can't be controlled,...
Total: 100
With a breathtaking HDR transfer, potent audio, and hours of supplements, Oppenheimer demands a spot on every movie-lover's shelf....
Home Theater Forum review by Timothy ERead review here
Video: 100
The remainder of the film is in color, and the screen story jumps backwards and forwards in a manner to grab your attention....
Audio: 100
The audio mis is very rich, and builds gradually to a crescendo as the scientists get closer to actual atomic tests....
Extras: 90
The special features included the following: The Story of Our Time: The Making of Oppenheimer(1:12:25): This comprehensive featurette may be played all at once, or with chapters selectable with the remote...
Movie: 100
Oppenheimer tells its story in a rich mosaic; rather than focus entirely on the title character, the film also explores the fascinating personalities that collaborated on the Manhattan Project, and the...
Total: 100
Oppenheimer is a great film with a rich story that virtually demands more investigation in the facts of this true story, long after the film is over....
Why So Blu? review by Brandon PetersRead review here
Video: 100
The color footage supplies great shadow, darkened rooms and maintains loads of texture and fine information against dark fabrics, surfaces and shadow....
Audio: 100
There is a nice focus on vocals and score but the effect take a nice stronghold too and the pair of blasts featured do not disappoint....
Extras: 90
Trailers (HD, 14:11) – “Teaser”, “Trailer 2”, “IMAX Exclusive Trailer”, “Trailer 3”, “Opening Look”Innovations In Film: 65MM Black And White Film In Oppenheimer (HD, 8:21) – Hoyte van Hoytema and some...
Movie: 90
and I love the acting career Benny Safdie is crafting for himself), but this movie is a parade of one after another recognizable faces entering the frame, giving some of their best performances and then...
Total: 90
Oppenheimer is clearly one of the best films of the year and we are just a little over a month or so away from it being likely decorated in Academy Awards nominations....
Director: Christopher Nolan
Actors: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon
PlotIn the early 20th century, a brilliant physicist finds himself at the precipice of an unprecedented scientific breakthrough. Fueled by both intellectual curiosity and a sense of urgency amidst the growing tensions of World War II, he becomes a key figure in a clandestine government project. This endeavor aims to harness the power of the atom, a quest that promises to end the war and forever alter the course of human history. As he delves deeper into the ethical and moral implications of his work, the physicist's determination is constantly tested by the enormity of the potential consequences.
Surrounded by a team of diverse and equally driven scientists and military personnel, the physicist's life becomes a complex tapestry of professional triumphs and personal challenges. The narrative explores the relationships forged in the crucible of war and innovation, as well as the strain that secrecy and the burden of knowledge place on his conscience and family life. As the project nears its critical juncture, the physicist is forced to confront the paradox of creating a weapon of mass destruction in the pursuit of peace, wrestling with the notion that the path to a better world could be paved with the most devastating form of power known to man.
Writers: Christopher Nolan, Kai Bird, Martin Sherwin
Release Date: 21 Jul 2023
Runtime: 180 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, United Kingdom
Language: English, German, Italian