The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"The Man from U.N.C.L.E." is presented on 4K UHD Blu-ray with notable precision and care, courtesy of Arrow Video. This release, while primarily an upscale from a 2K Digital Intermediate, nonetheless delivers an impressive visual experience. Encoded in HEVC/H.265 format, Arrow's edition features a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image in the original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The disc supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10, providing exceptional color range and dynamic contrasts. The film's presentation benefits immensely from these HDR implementations, particularly evident in the vibrant hues and deep contrasts—for example, the strikingly warm buttery yellows and cool ice blues that are enhanced exponentially.

Cinematographer John Mathieson's meticulous work is vividly showcased here. The digitized visuals, captured initially in ARRIRAW at 2.8K resolution using an array of Panavision and Cooke lenses, are adeptly handled, despite the 2K origins. Arrow's 4K release of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." brings forth rich textures and immaculate black levels, ensuring minimal instances of crush or digital artifacts. The upscale achieves notable clarity and sharpness that, while not on par with native 4K sources, competes admirably due to its well-rendered filmic texture and image depth.

The real standout, however, is the inclusion of Dolby Vision, which accentuates the primary colors and lends a fantastic vintage aesthetic to the film's stylized palette. Skin tones exhibit fidelity alongside the exquisite sepia-tinted hues. Light sources pop brightly against the immaculate black levels, bringing the film’s 1960s design to life with striking depth and density. This 4K upgrade ultimately leverages HDR to enhance the cinematic experience, delivering a package that exceeds expectations for an upscale and sets a promising precedent for future Arrow/Warner collaborations.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'s 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray audio presentation stands out with its dynamic and highly immersive Dolby Atmos track. While largely consistent with the original Blu-ray release, the Atmos track reinforces the audio's depth and clarity. Dialogue remains crystal clear, prioritizing the snappy lines from the leads and seamlessly integrating with the film's outstanding jazzy score. The score itself is rich with low-frequency effects (LFE), adding a palpable sense of energy that enhances the film's stylistic essence. Surround usage shines best during major setpieces—such as early silenced pistol sequences and subsequent car crashes—where the sound design delivers a powerful auditory experience.

The Dolby Atmos effect, though sparingly used for height channels, significantly elevates scenes involving knockdown dragout fights or frenetic chase sequences, with impressive directional panning. The overheads particularly enhance atmospheric effects like thunder and subtle sounds within Napoleon Solo’s escapades. Adding to this, the film's soundtrack—highlighted by Roberta Flack's cover of Gene McDaniels' "Compared to What" during the opening credits—swirls expertly around the soundstage, with every note meticulously delineated on the low end. Daniel Pemberton’s evocative score is also rendered exceptionally well, maintaining the film's stylish and innovative audio mix.

For those seeking a traditional action soundtrack dominated by aggressive sound effects, this mix might seem understated. However, its prowess lies in deftly balancing dialogue, musical scores, and scene-specific audio elements to create an engaging, immersive experience. As such, while this presentation may not represent a groundbreaking upgrade over the original, it undeniably celebrates a sophisticated, well-integrated use of subjective audio that matches the film's visual finesse.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." boasts an impressive array of extras, significantly enhancing the original Blu-ray's limited content. Arrow has included all previously available material and has expanded it with new, engrossing supplements. The collection is housed in a well-crafted package complete with a reversible sleeve, fold-out poster, slipcover, and an illustrated collector's booklet featuring essays by Barry Forshaw and archival material. The commentary provided by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry offers a detailed exploration of the movie's creation and its relationship to the classic TV series. The extras give fans a comprehensive look at the making of the film and Guy Ritchie's vision.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry: In-depth discussion featuring film journalists.

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.: Examines the influence of the TV series.

Cockneys and Robbers: Focuses on Guy Ritchie’s body of work.

Spy Vision: Recreating 60s Cool: Highlights production design.

A Higher Class of Hero: Footage of car chases.

Metisse Motorcycles: Proper and Very British: Stunt riding training insights.

The Guys from U.N.C.L.E.: Profiles of lead actors.

A Man of Extraordinary Talents: Dedicated to Guy Ritchie.

U.N.C.L.E.: On Set Spy Featurettes: Behind-the-scenes look.

Theatrical Trailer

Image Gallery

Guy Ritchie's adaptation of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." favors style over substance, offering a charmingly fun throwback steeped in playful 60s trappings. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer lead the film as Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, respectively, delivering strong performances that are rich in chemistry and antagonism. Cavill's transformation into the affable, debonair spy reflects Robert Vaughn's original portrayal, while Hammer's blunt force approach as the Russian agent complements Cavill’s suave CIA operative. Alicia Vikander fits seamlessly as an East Berlin defector caught between the two spies as they work together to thwart a bomb-wielding Nazi-like faction. Ritchie’s signature flair for dynamic visuals, split-screen sequences, and well-montaged action lends the movie an engaging rhythm, albeit one that might have seemed light against the contemporary seriousness of Bond films.

"The Man from U.N.C.L.E." dazzlingly captures the essence of the 60s, with exquisite costumes and perfectly attuned period beats. Ritchie's commitment to blending nostalgia with a modern twist is evident but his choice to craft an origin story exploring how Solo and Kuryakin transformed from opponents to partners might seem misguided to some fans of the original series. Despite this, the banter among characters, complemented by impeccable performances from Elizabeth Debicki and Hugh Grant, enriches the narrative fabric. Goldsmith's iconic theme from the original series appears only briefly, a point that might disappoint purists. Nevertheless, Ritchie’s unmistakable stylistic flourishes ensure the film retains a vibrant energy throughout its run.

Ultimately, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is an underrated gem that succeeds more through its characters than its twists and turns. The film revels in its international intrigues and Cold War-era espionage aesthetics, blending humor and action skillfully. While Ritchie’s modern spin may not cater to everyone’s tastes, it undeniably carves a distinctive niche within the spy genre. For those who appreciate a lighter, yet stylish brand of intrigue, it remains a delightful escapade worth revisiting.

"The Man from U.N.C.L.E." on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers an impeccably crafted audiovisual experience that does justice to Guy Ritchie’s stylistically engaging reboot. The 4K presentation is nothing short of excellent, showcasing a crystal-clear picture augmented by Dolby Vision HDR, which highlights every meticulously designed frame, capturing the vibrant 1960s aesthetic in stunning detail. The Dolby Atmos track delivers an immersive audio experience, bringing the film's dynamic action sequences and suave character interactions to life with pristine clarity.

On the extras front, Arrow Video has gone above and beyond. The release includes both the original Warner Bros. featurettes and a commendable array of newly commissioned extras that delve deeper into the film’s production and legacy. In addition to the robust digital supplements, fans will also appreciate the inclusion of exclusive packaging, which adds an extra layer of collectibility. These elements collectively make this release a standout in Arrow's catalog, especially for enthusiasts who lament the film's failure to spawn a more extensive franchise.

In conclusion, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." is frequently derided, along with its star Cavill, but fans will never get over the fact that it should have evolved into a proper franchise for him and Ritchie, both perfectly suited to the material, a lighter but no less entertaining counterpoint to Fleming's darker Bond. 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 an excellent 4K presentation and a great Atmos track too, with an excellent selection of newly commissioned extras to bolster the salvo of original featurettes which are also ported over. Fans should consider it a must-have; it certainly bodes well as part of the first wave of titles Arrow release following their exciting Warner deal.