The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 87
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. on 4K UHD Blu-ray boasts an excellent 4K presentation, a standout Dolby Atmos track, and a plethora of new and ported extras making it a must-have.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 91
"The Man from U.N.C.L.E. on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases a striking 2160p (HEVC, H.265) transfer with Dolby Vision and HDR10, highlighting enhanced color palettes, fine details, and impeccable contrast. While not true 4K, it uses a 2K DI upscale effectively, resulting in a visually stunning retro aesthetic."
Audio: 89
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'s 4K UHD Blu-ray boasts a robust Dolby Atmos track that, while not an upgrade from its original release, delivers clear dialogue, immersive setpieces, and an engaging score. Surround effects like gunfire, car engines, and action sequences are expertly crafted, though overhead cues are sparse.
Extra: 83
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' is a robust package featuring comprehensive archival and new extras including insightful commentary, interviews, featurettes on production and series legacy, reversible cover art, a collector's booklet, and poster—all presented on a single disc.
Movie: 73
Guy Ritchie's 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' dazzles with stylish 60s aesthetics, dynamic character banter, and vibrant action, though it sadly misses out on iconic musical cues and a deeper narrative, showcasing Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer's chemistry in a fun but underappreciated spy romp.
Video: 91
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." by Arrow Video is a visual treat showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of cinematographer John Mathieson. The film, shot digitally in ARRIRAW at 2.8K resolution and upscaled to 4K, comes with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. It’s presented in its original widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1, with a HEVC (H.265) encode that ensures a stunning level of detail. Colors and contrast benefit immensely from the Wide Color Gamut (WCG) and High Dynamic Range (HDR), with deeply saturated hues and impeccable black levels. The refined palette enhances the film's retro aesthetic, beautifully complemented by '60s design elements.
Mathieson's work is evident throughout, balancing stylized retro visuals with modern cinematic techniques. The presentation highlights the fine details and nuanced textures, though not quite matching native 4K resolutions' sharpness. However, the Dolby Vision compatibility adds significant depth, with vibrant primaries that elevate the overall visual experience. Outdoor scenes, in particular, display significant improvements in brightness and detail, with buttery yellows and cool ice blues appearing with remarkable luster. Shadow definition also sees marginal improvements, enhancing scenes with blue-tinted grading.
Warner Bros.'s 2K digital intermediate upscale ensures that the classic look is meticulously preserved while allowing for enhanced clarity and dynamic range. Despite not utilizing a true 4K source, the Blu-ray disc offers spectacular image fidelity, making minor imperfections almost non-existent. The result is an image quality that captivates viewers and does justice to Guy Ritchie's stylish homage to the '60s espionage genre. Arrow Video's first title under this new deal with Warner sets a high bar for future releases, promising an exciting lineup for fans and collectors alike.
Audio: 89
The Man from U.N.C.L.E's 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a robust and immersive Dolby Atmos audio track that significantly enhances the film's dynamic soundscape. Retaining much of the excellence from the original Blu-ray release, this Atmos mix ensures that dialogue remains crystal clear and prioritized, effectively highlighting the film's witty and sharp lines. The jazzy score by Daniel Pemberton adds a distinct character to the soundtrack, with its rhythmic beats resonating through the low-frequency effects (LFE) and enlivens the overall presentation. Surround sound usage is particularly evident during key set pieces, such as the silenced pistol sequence, car chases, and high-octane skirmishes, providing an engaging auditory experience that immerses viewers deeply within the film's stylish visuals.
While some might find the utilization of overhead channels modest, the use of audio objects placed above becomes more pronounced during specific sequences. From the helicopter ride to various action-packed scenes, the soundstage bristles with ambient, directional effects thoroughly enveloping the listener in 360-degree audio. The gunfire, explosions, and growling engines are delivered with palpable impact, ensuring that every action sequence is underscored with remarkable boldness and clarity. Notably, the soundtrack balances action sounds with its score and dialogue, occasionally muting standard gunfire effects in favor of maintaining the film's stylistic flair.
In summary, while not an extensive upgrade from previous iterations, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'s Atmos track remains a high-quality offering. It features a broad and correlated soundstage where effects seamlessly transition across channels. Action sequences are complemented with impressive panning effects and immersive surround usage. Despite some restraint in overhead channel activity, the overall mix delivers an engaging and satisfying audio experience that aligns well with the film’s aesthetic and pacing. For those seeking a sophisticated, balanced sound design where style is paramount, this mix delivers adeptly.
Extra: 83
Arrow Video's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." impressively expands on the original Blu-ray extras with a multitude of both new and archival features. Professional and comprehensive, the package includes a new audio commentary from critics Bryan Reesman and Max Evry, who delve into historical contexts and production insights. A series of interviews and featurettes offer deep dives into the film's creation, influences, and stylistic choices, adding robust value to this single-disc edition. Additionally, physical extras such as a reversible sleeve, fold-out poster, and an illustrated booklet enhance the collector's appeal.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry: In-depth track covering film history and production processes.
- The Hollywood Way: Interview with co-writer/producer Lionel Wigram.
- A Lineage of Bad Guys: Interview with actor Luca Calvani.
- Legacy of U.N.C.L.E.: Featurette on the original TV series' influence.
- Cockneys and Robbers: Exploration of Guy Ritchie's body of work.
- Spy Vision: Recreating 60s Cool: Examines production design aspects.
- A Higher Class of Hero: Behind-the-scenes on car chases.
- Metisse Motorcycles: Proper and Very British: Stunt training footage.
- The Guys from U.N.C.L.E.: Profiles of lead actors.
- A Man of Extraordinary Talents: Focus on Guy Ritchie.
- U.N.C.L.E.: On-Set Spy: Behind-the-scenes snippets.
- Theatrical Trailer
- Image Gallery
- Double-sided fold-out poster
- Illustrated collector’s booklet
- Reversible sleeve
Movie: 73
Guy Ritchie’s “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” is a quintessential Ritchie flick, favoring style over substance while delivering an effervescent romp through the 1960s spy world. Reminiscent of his "Sherlock Holmes" reimagining, Ritchie imbues this adaptation of the classic TV series with dynamic, playful energy and impeccable period detail. The film thrives on the chemistry between Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer, whose antagonistic rapport fuels its charm. Cavill's portrayal of the suave CIA operative Napoleon Solo channels the coolness of George Clooney and the iconic Robert Vaughn, while Hammer's brusque, thick-accented Russian agent Illya Kuryakin provides a perfect counterbalance. Alicia Vikander deftly navigates her role as an East Berlin defector caught between these dueling heroes, further enriching the character dynamics.
Ritchie's direction excels in crafting engaging, stylish set pieces that seamlessly blend action and humor. His signature flair is evident in everything from split-screen montages to meticulously scored sequences, showcasing a masterful command of tone and pacing. The plot revolves around stopping a Nazi-inspired nuclear plot, but it’s the characters’ interplay that truly captivates. The film is peppered with moments of droll humor, epitomized by scenes like Cavill’s Solo nonchalantly enjoying a picnic while chaos ensues around him. Elizabeth Debicki as the elegant but ruthless villain Victoria adds a layer of sophisticated menace, her performance bolstered by the era’s lush visual and stylistic flourishes.
Notable for its atmospheric 1960s aesthetic and witty script, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” offers exhilarating escapism. Despite lacking the gravitas of modern Bond films, it stands as a spirited homage to classic spy tales, making it a missed opportunity that it did not evolve into a full-blown franchise. This film remains an underrated gem, brimming with Ritchie’s distinct brand of cool and offering a delightful trip back to an era defined by sharp tailoring and sharper espionage antics.
Total: 87
Arrow Video's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." shows dedication to both picture quality and content. The 4K presentation is excellent, featuring Dolby Vision HDR that enhances the vivid period details and dynamic action sequences in Guy Ritchie's stylish reimagining of the classic series. The included Dolby Atmos audio track is equally impressive, offering immersive soundscapes that elevate the overall viewing experience. While the film may not capture all of the original series' charm, it compensates with well-executed action scenes and sharp cinematography.
One of the standout aspects of this release is the array of extras included by Arrow. While some of the original Warner Bros. featurettes are somewhat standard, Arrow supplements these with a wealth of new content that offers deeper insights into the film's production and conceptualization. This inclusion significantly adds to the value of the set, appealing both to casual viewers and hardcore enthusiasts. The striking packaging further cements this edition as a collector's item, with non-disc swag that adds a desirable touch for fans.
In conclusion, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." on 4K UHD Blu-ray from Arrow Video is a must-have for fans. Despite mixed reactions to the film and its star Henry Cavill, its potential as a franchise remains tantalizingly unfulfilled. This stellar release sets a high bar with its technical prowess and thoughtful presentation. As the first title from the Arrow/Warner collaboration, it promises exciting prospects for future releases in this partnership. Released in both the UK and US on July 29, 2024, this edition is poised to be a standout in any collection.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 100
The material is clearly all there, as was evident in the solid original Blu-ray release, but 4K takes it to the next level, affording excellent observation of the finer details and nuances, a pervasive...
Audio: 90
Surround usage is evident in the main setpieces, picking up distance in the early silenced pistol sequence - itself wielding a nice thwap kick - and subsequent car crash; giving the souped-up engines the...
Extras: 80
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'s original Blu-ray release enjoyed only a small selection of extra material - a slew of Featurettes, but some little over a minute in length - and thankfully Arrow have not dropped...
Movie: 80
In an age where Craig's Bond was taking himself very seriously, however, the whole format must have seemed too light for audiences; a shame really, as given a few of the director's recent films (Operation...
Total: 90
if this is the experience with the first title out of the gates from the Arrow/Warner deal, fans have a great deal to look forward to Arrow's UK release - undoubtedly identical to the US version - enjoys...
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 90
While detail levels enjoy some noticeable improvement in this version, especially in some of the brightly lit outdoor material, my hunch is it will be the added vigor of the palette courtesy of HDR / Dolby...
Audio: 100
yeah, curmudgeons are going to whine about the absence of source cues, but the propulsive score and source cues, if maybe not at Goldsmith levels, offer a lot of very noticeable engagement of the side...
Extras: 100
On Set Spy Featurettes (HD; 5:02) Theatrical Trailer (HD; 2:35) Image Gallery (HD) Additionally this limited edition comes with a reversible sleeve, a double sided fold out poster, a nicely appointed insert...
Movie: 50
In fact, it's virtually impossible to imagine Schifrin's theme and original set of underscore cues for Mission: Impossible without the "suggestions" offered by Goldsmith's earlier score, one which offered...
Total: 60
Technical merits are first rate and as usual Arrow has assembled an outstanding array of supplements, while also providing some appealing non disc swag, for anyone who may be considering making a purchase....
The Digital Bits review by Stephen BjorkRead review here
Video: 95
He also used a Canon Cinema EOS C500 in Canon 4K RAW format with the same suite of lenses, while some underwater shots were captured with Canon EOS 5D Mark II cameras in H.264 format....
Audio: 95
Compared to What swirling through around the soundstage during the opening credits, and every note of the iconic bass riff is perfectly delineated on the bottom end....
Extras: 90
They offer some historical details about East and West Berlin, as well as the history of the television series, and provide an in-depth look at the torturous process that it took for The Man from U.N.C.L.E....
Movie: 90
Setting aside weighty matters of politics, war, and natural disasters, one of the truly great tragedies of the modern age is that Guy Ritchie’s utterly delightful reboot of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. utterly...
Total: 93
While these extras from the Warner Bros. Blu-ray were a bit perfunctory, it’s still great that Arrow has included them here, and they’ve added a substantial quantity of new extras of their own....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
This is in addition to a bright, intense peak brightness that accentuates light sources against flattened black levels, which again, pair well to the ’60s design....
Audio: 80
Man from U.N.C.L.E. carries a boldness in the low-end too, whether that’s the loud, booming score, vehicle engines, or pronounced gunfire....
Extras: 60
A new interview co-writer/producer Lionel Wigram kicks off an Arrow-produced slate of bonuses (all of them on the UHD), the next being an interview with actor Luca Calvani....
Movie: 80
In that way, it’s plays to a theme of similarities, both sides engaging in the same ploys, neither more effective than the other, but as usual, they work better as a team....
Total: 75
...
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 100
doesn't quite make the most of its source material however its retro aesthetic, well placed action and humorous vibe, serve as a charming wink and nod homage that I found entertaining....
Audio: 90
Extras: 90
Brand new audio commentary by critics Bryan Reesman and Max Evry The Hollywood Way – brand new interview with co-writer/producer Lionel Wigram A Lineage of Bad Guys – brand new interview with actor Luca...
Movie: 70
With Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, director Guy Ritchie established himself as a master of bravura set pieces and buddy movie banter, before proving he could successfully meld the irreverent...
Total: 88
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Director: Guy Ritchie
Actors: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander
PlotIn the early 1960s amidst the Cold War, an American CIA agent and a Russian KGB operative are compelled to set aside their differences and collaborate. Their mission is to thwart a mysterious criminal organization bent on using nuclear weapons to further its sinister agenda. The duo's partnership is fraught with tension and mistrust, but their mutual goal necessitates cooperation. They are soon joined by a female mechanic with ties to a missing German scientist whose expertise in advanced weaponry makes him a target for the nefarious group.
The trio embarks on a perilous journey across Europe, facing a series of adversities and deceptions that test their fragile alliance. Along the way, they uncover layers of intrigue and betrayal, each discovery bringing them closer to the crux of the criminal plan. Their combined skills and resourcefulness become crucial as they race against time to prevent global catastrophe. As the stakes continue to rise, their mission demands not just bravery, but also cunning and strategy to unravel the conspiracy before it’s too late.
Writers: Guy Ritchie, Lionel Wigram, Jeff Kleeman
Release Date: 14 Aug 2015
Runtime: 116 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United Kingdom, United States, Germany
Language: English, Russian, German, Italian