Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 2160p UHD transfer of "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" adheres to the visual style of the Tomorrowverse with a consistent yet somewhat simplistic animation design. Notably, the disc employs HEVC encoding and takes full advantage of increased disc space, resulting in a sharp and stable image that surpasses its 1080p Blu-ray counterpart. The primary color palette, mainly comprising blue, red, and green tones, is presented with enhanced warmth and fidelity. Although the overall detail levels are commendable, the limitations of the more rudimentary animation style prevent it from achieving an exceptionally detailed image. Nonetheless, the presentation is generally free from significant compression artifacts, with only occasional minor haloing and banding evident.

The HDR application in "Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" stands out, although only HDR10 is included on the disc. It brings substantial benefits to the visual experience, particularly in terms of shadow depth and color vibrancy. The HDR grading ensures superior contrast and more accurate color rendition, contributing to the overall improved visual quality. Despite the flat 2D characters and pronounced black outlines typical of this animation style, the 4K upscaled from a probable 2K Digital Intermediate (DI) alongside HDR enhancement ensures a crisper and clearer image. With fewer compression issues thanks to the ample bandwidth and high efficiency HEVC codec, the textures—especially in backgrounds—enjoy a notable upgrade.

In summary, while "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" may not be an obvious showcase for 4K UHD due to its inherent animation style, the benefits of reduced compression, improved color fidelity, and enhanced contrast courtesy of HDR10 make this UHD transfer the preferred choice. The greater stability and textural detail achieved make it a worthwhile upgrade for those with compatible home theater setups.

The audio presentation of "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" on 4K UHD Blu Ray is centered around the English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. This mix focuses its energy primarily on the front channels, with many sound effects anchored to the center channel, creating a straightforward but effective sonic experience. Kevin Riepl's score provides most of the stereo spread, while the surround channels are generally limited to ambient effects, sporadically opening up during fight sequences, superpower displays, and cavernous locales. Though directionality is minimal, dialogue is consistently clean and crisp.

While not a standout in the realm of surround sound or low-frequency effects, this mix is adequately suited for small-screen entertainment that attempts a larger scale. Previous DC Animated Universe (DCAU) titles, such as "Legion of Super-Heroes," have offered more dynamic audio experiences. Consequently, this mix might feel a bit underwhelming given the epic nature of "Crisis on Infinite Earths." Nevertheless, it gets the job done for the genre and maintains a level of quality expected in DCAU releases. Optional subtitles, including English (SDH), are available for the main feature and both listed extras.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu Ray of “Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One” are somewhat sparse but provide insightful context for fans, especially those who might need a refresher on the Tomorrowverse saga. The highlight is "Crisis Prime(r)", a featurette where key figures like executive producer Butch Lukic and producer/writer Jim Krieg discuss the seven previous Tomorrowverse films and their connection to this film. This serves as a useful guide for anyone needing a quick overview. "The Selfless Speedster" delves into the role of The Flash, combining perspectives from iconic creators like Jim Lee and Marv Wolfman with contemporary talent like voice actor Matt Bomer, and highlights the narrative decision-making behind using The Flash as a focal point. These extras provide valuable context and depth, albeit with a leaning towards spoilers.

Extras included in this disc:

Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One: Crisis Prime(r): Overview of the seven preceding Tomorrowverse films with insights from key creators.

The Selfless Speedster: Examination of The Flash's role, featuring interviews with original comic creators and voice actors.

Warner Bros.' "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" on 4K UHD Blu Ray is both a technical achievement and an ambitious narrative enterprise. Loosely adapted from Marv Wolfman and George Perez's 1985-86 comic series, this film takes creative liberty by focusing primarily on Barry Allen (voiced by Matt Bomer) and his turbulent time-slipping experiences. The movie’s storyline introduces us to a disjointed multiverse, setting the stage for cataclysmic events and the formation of the Justice League. Despite its departure from the original narrative, one can appreciate the effort to present an old storyline through a fresh perspective.

However, the film struggles with pacing, often leaning into filler content that detracts from its core plot. Barry's time jumps, though central to the narrative framework, tend to become convoluted, confining viewers to repetitive sequences that open more questions than answers. This first 96-minute chapter feels stretched to justify a three-part series, much like stretching a single piece of fabric over too large a surface. The cliffhanger ending lacks the intended impact, further emphasizing the pacing issues and making it feel more like an anthology film rather than a cohesive storyline.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release boasts a classy steelbook with impressive artwork, reflective of Warner Bros.' intent to mark this as a significant closure to the Tomorrowverse era. While the video quality is pristine and audio options remain consistent across formats, the absence of combo packs is a notable letdown. Additionally, the bonus features are sparse, which feels incongruous with the grandiosity of the packaging. As a first chapter, it's an intriguing yet incomplete piece, making us cautiously optimistic about what's to follow but wary of potential pitfalls in storytelling coherence.

"Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One" attempts to launch an ambitious arc for the Tomorrowverse, but its initial outing is hindered by several noticeable flaws. Chief among them are pacing issues that disrupt character introductions and plot revelations, resulting in a somewhat slogging 93-minute experience. The visual and animation aspects feel limited, reducing the overall dramatic impact. Despite this, the voice cast, including Matt Bomer, Jensen Ackles, and Darren Criss, deliver solid performances. Director Jeff Wamester and writers James Krieg, George Perez, and Marv Wolfman have laid a foundation that could potentially improve in subsequent installments.

Technically, the 4K UHD presentation is respectable. The aspect ratio of 1.78:1 HEVC delivers crisp visuals, and the English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track provides a robust auditory experience, complemented by French and Spanish DD 5.1 options. Subtitles in English SDH, French, Spanish, and Norwegian are included, ensuring accessibility. While Warner Bros.’ home video treatment maintains a solid A/V presentation, the extras are disappointingly scant with only a couple of short additional features available. This minimalistic approach may deter some potential buyers given the high price tag for just the first part of a trilogy.

In conclusion, "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One" shows potential but is far from a standout entry in the Tomorrowverse. It feels more like groundwork for what is presumably a more significant narrative to unfold in Parts Two and Three. While the performance and technical specs are commendable, the movie itself struggles with coherence and engagement. DC fans may find it worth watching to stay updated on the storyline but might consider awaiting the complete trilogy for a more cohesive experience. Recommendations remain cautiously optimistic, hinging on future installments to fulfill the saga's ultimate promise.