Magic Mike

Warner Bros.' 2160p/HDR10 transfer of "Magic Mike" significantly upgrades its visual experience over the earlier Blu-ray release. This new edition addresses and rectifies previous issues such as black crush and murky shadow detail, thanks to improved resolution and stronger black/contrast levels. The enhanced detail and depth contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. While the film’s visual style remains relatively understated during most scenes, performance sequences in nightclubs benefit from vivid neon lighting, showcasing a stark yet consistent contrast that was somewhat limited by the previous format.

The HDR10 grading enhances the film’s color intensity and variation without overwhelming the viewer, even though it does not include Dolby Vision support, a common choice for the studio. The more efficient HEVC encoding on this triple-layer disc maximizes the bit rate, effectively eliminating compression artifacts and ensuring a clean transfer.

Color is undoubtedly the highlight of this UHD release, maintaining the original intent while subtly enhancing color dynamics and range. Fans will appreciate the disciplined approach to color timing, which remains true to the earlier versions. Overall, "Magic Mike" on UHD Blu-ray represents an impressive upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart, offering a visually compelling experience that balances technical excellence with artistic fidelity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Magic Mike" retains its DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix from the 2012 Blu-ray release, maintaining high standards and delivering an effective, attention-grabbing audio presentation. The mix is characterized by well-balanced dialogue and foreground effects with judicious use of rear channels, contributing to an immersive experience. Notably, the vibrant presence of club music and other diegetic sound cues stands out, making the audio suitable for high-volume playback that truly enhances the viewing experience. This mix arguably excels over the Blu-ray version and would only potentially benefit from a Dolby Atmos remix.

However, it should be noted that, unlike other recent 4K upgrades, the foreign dub and subtitle options previously available on the Blu-ray -- specifically in French and Spanish -- have not been included in this 4K release. Despite this oversight, the audio quality remains exceptional and is likely to satisfy high standards for enthusiasts seeking superior sound performance.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Magic Mike" offers a somewhat limited selection of extras, especially compared to the 2012 Blu-ray version. The absence of the Dance Play Mode and Extended Dance Sequences will dishearten fans expecting a comprehensive upgrade. Nonetheless, the transfer quality is robust, highlighting the film's visual and audio appeal. Unfortunately, the package lacks additional paraphernalia such as a slipcover or a digital copy, and only one previously available extra has been retained. This release still provides insights into the film's production through its sole retained featurette.

Extras included in this disc:

• Backstage on Magic Mike: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Magic Mike."

Magic Mike's new 4K UHD edition joins a series of recent Warner Bros. catalog upgrades. Despite not marking a significant anniversary, the release demonstrates significant technical improvements over the previous Blu-ray. Utilizing a pristine 2160p/HDR10 transfer, the movie offers a level of visual clarity that elevates the viewing experience considerably. Encoded on a triple-layered 100GB disc, this edition transforms what was once a good-looking Blu-ray into a visually stunning UHD experience. The involvement of director Steven Soderbergh lends further credibility, as his direct oversight likely contributed to the impeccable transfer quality.

The narrative and character complexities of Magic Mike remain divisive, with criticism often directed towards its prioritization of style over substance. Nonetheless, the film’s exaggerated tone and core craftsmanship offer a certain charm that makes it enjoyable, though not exceptional within Soderbergh’s eclectic filmography. While it may not stand out as a pinnacle of storytelling or character development, there's an undercurrent of sophistication that provides more depth than initially apparent.

Overall, Magic Mike’s 4K UHD edition is a significant upgrade that enhances the visual appeal and offers fans of the genre and director an improved cinematic experience, despite its narrative and character limitations. The technical finesse reinforces its entertainment value, making it worth revisiting for both casual viewers and aficionados of Soderbergh’s work.

Magic Mike 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers a visually stunning and acoustically rich experience that highlights the film's interesting cinematography and energetic soundtrack. The release shows off Stephen Soderbergh's penchant for vibrant color palettes and sharp detailing. The HDR presentation is notable, bringing enhanced depth to nighttime scenes and greater vibrancy to daytime sequences. Textures, from the fabrics of costumes to the beads of sweat on the dancers, are rendered with precision, elevating the visual storytelling significantly.

While the Dolby Atmos audio track might seem like overkill for a film centered on male strippers, it delivers an immersive soundstage that enhances every scene, whether through pulsating music numbers or more nuanced ambient sounds. Dialogues are rendered crisply, ensuring that the film's comedic and dramatic beats hit their mark effectively amidst the lively score. The balance between various acoustic elements is well-managed, making it a robust sonic presentation.

The special features on this 4K UHD Blu-Ray are somewhat underwhelming but do include insightful commentary from Soderbergh and some entertaining behind-the-scenes footage. These extras are appreciated but perhaps do not justify the higher price tag for those who aren’t die-hard fans of the film.

Stephen Soderbergh's Magic Mike is the kind of movie that some might not even consider watching for its subject matter, but can still be enjoyed for the solid craftsmanship as well as its over-the-top tone and characters. With that said it's still fairly mid-tier work from the eclectic director, and I could think of at least a half-dozen of his films that should've earned a UHD upgrade before this one. However... this is a great looking (and sounding!) disc, although I can't imagine all but Magic Mike's biggest fans will bother taking the plunge at its current price point.