The Intern 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Intern" showcases Warner Bros.' commitment to presenting visually appealing content, even when sourced from a 2K upscale. The 2160p/HDR video, Dolby Vision capable, exceeds expectations, delivering an impressive display of depth and clarity that pushes the boundaries of what upscaled transfers can achieve. Maintaining the film's open-matte 1.78:1 aspect ratio from the 2016 Blu-ray adds to the engulfing viewing experience. Office scenes, dominated by fluorescent lighting, contrast beautifully with warmer, more organically lit settings, enriching the visual palette with saturated colors and controlled contrasts.

The transfer is housed on a triple-layered 100 GB disc, ensuring zero compression artifacts and allowing the film to play flawlessly in its entirety. Fine detail is rendered with stunning accuracy, whether examining facial expressions or encompassing broader scenic elements. The image quality complements the film's aesthetic significantly, with traits such as incredible detail and warm saturation making "The Intern" a standout in its genre.

While the 4K presentation provides a modest upgrade from its Blu-ray precursor, it fulfills the demands of enthusiasts seeking enhanced visual fidelity. Fans will appreciate the refinements in color depth and the meticulous representation of each scene's special details. Although the necessity of a 4K version for this film might be debated, the execution is seamless, offering both long-time fans and newcomers a compelling viewing experience free of any technical complaints.

Warner Bros.'s 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "The Intern" retains the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix from the Blu-ray version, delivering a performance that is straightforward yet robust. Although lacking an Atmos remix, the audio presentation compensates with its crisp clarity and active dynamics that aptly serve the film's needs. It's worth noting, however, that this disc does not include the French, Spanish, and Portuguese dubs or the English Descriptive Audio track featured in the Blu-ray version—an unfortunate simplification perhaps motivated by cost-cutting measures, albeit noticeable in a format designed to be region-free.

The DTS-HD 5.1 track predominantly centers on dialogue and is front-heavy, creating a reliable yet unremarkable auditory environment. This focus ensures that vocals are consistently clear and articulate, maintaining precision that complements the film's character-driven narrative. Although not engineered for showcasing high-end sound systems, the audio track is sufficiently dynamic, effectively utilizing rear channels when necessary to deliver a satisfactory listening experience. Consequently, while the audio won't astonish technical audiophiles or home theater enthusiasts seeking to test their setups, it remains adequate for fans of the movie.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Intern" features a light yet appealing collection of extras that provide modest insights into the film's behind-the-scenes dynamics. Maintaining a professional touch, the bonus features encompass a series of brief but engaging segments that expand slightly on production elements and character insights. While the features could delve deeper, they nonetheless offer an enjoyable addition for fans and collectors. Particularly noteworthy is the retention of previously released material, ensuring continuity in content availability across different media formats. The absence of a digital copy or a slipcover may disappoint some collectors, but the pressed disc assures quality over burnt alternatives.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Three Interns: A profile focusing on the interns featured in the film.
• Learning from Experience: An electronic press kit with interviews from the cast and crew about the film's creation.
• Designs on Life: A standard featurette with interviews discussing various design aspects within the movie.

Nancy Meyers' "The Intern" is a film that manages to balance both charm and predictability, delivering a light dramatic comedy that harkens to a more traditional storytelling era. With Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway at the helm, their performances anchor this film, bringing authenticity to a narrative that could have otherwise faltered into unimaginative territory. De Niro embodies Ben Whittaker, a retiree who becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site founded by Hathaway's Jules Ostin. The film cleverly portrays their evolving relationship, underscored by Ben’s old-school work ethic contrasting with Jules' modern business acumen.

Despite its engaging leads, "The Intern" is not without its pitfalls. At over two hours long, the narrative occasionally plods, weighed down by superfluous scenes like the unnecessary break-in to Jules' mother's house. Such sequences, while potentially humorous, stray from the film's core and unnecessarily extend the runtime. Additionally, a certain plot twist involving a secondary character feels extrinsic and disrupts the character's established sincerity. These elements detract slightly from an otherwise consistent flow, leading to an ending that feels somewhat precipitous and lacking in definitive resolution.

Nevertheless, the strength of "The Intern" lies in its performances and character interactions, which compensate for its structural shortcomings. Hathaway shines in a role often criticized unfairly, with De Niro providing a comforting presence that bolsters the film. Although it may not break new ground or linger long in one's memory post-viewing, it offers sufficient entertainment and exploration of themes such as mentorship, leadership challenges, and personal growth. As such, while it has its flaws, "The Intern" remains a genuinely enjoyable experience, recommended for casual viewing rather than intense scrutiny.

Nancy Meyers' "The Intern" emerges as a distinguished piece within the realm of light-hearted, platonic comedies, driven by the heartfelt performances of Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. The film has consistently captured audiences with its charming narrative that veers away from predictable romantic tropes, focusing instead on a nuanced portrayal of friendship and personal growth. While the storyline could be described as somewhat predictable, this aspect is overshadowed by its warmth and comedic appeal, making it a refreshing entry in today's cinematic landscape.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Intern" provides an impressive visual experience that elevates the film's aesthetic value significantly. Warner Bros’ upscaled 4K transfer distinguishes itself as one of the best on the market, offering sharp image quality that enhances detail and color depth, giving new life to the well-crafted set designs and character expressions. Beyond its visual upgrade, the UHD edition maintains consistency in audio and supplementary features seen in previous releases, presenting a robust package for both first-time viewers and long-standing fans.

In conclusion, while "The Intern" may not inherently expand a viewer’s emotional or intellectual boundaries, it represents an enjoyable viewing experience for those seeking comfort and humor. Its UHD release stands as the definitive edition for home enthusiasts passionate about building a high-quality collection. For fans and aficionados alike, this version undeniably holds its own with superior visual enhancements, ensuring that "The Intern" continues to be a delightful choice for casual and frequent rewatches alike.