Moana 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Moana's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation is a significant leap from its Blu-ray counterpart, showcasing the film in its original widescreen 2.39:1 aspect ratio with a 3840 x 2160p resolution. Encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, it supports HDR10, utilizing 10-bit video depth and a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) to bring an unparalleled depth and vibrancy to the visuals. This release takes full advantage of High Dynamic Range, offering an image that is not only crisper but also richer in colors, especially noticeable in scenes overflowing with lush landscapes and the vivid waters around the island. Comparatively, it holds a refined edge against Disney+'s Dolby Vision stream, boasting a higher bitrate that enhances details to a level of clarity and precision that occasionally makes the animated world feel as tangible and intricate as reality.

Reviewed on an LG 55B7 Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD OLED TV paired with a Panasonic DP-UB820EB-K Dolby Vision HDR10+ 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, the visual quality of Moana on 4K UHD Blu-ray convincingly surpasses streaming alternatives. The HDR implementation dramatically transforms the film's palette, turning scenes with the demon, the ocean, or the island's greenery into riveting spectacles of color and contrast. Not just the major leaps in color grading, but also the subtle improvements in textural detail - from the sand in Moana's hair to the meticulous rendering of fabrics and environmental elements - contribute to an immensely engaging viewing experience. This physical media release asserts its supremacy with visible enhancements in texture and a nuanced color spectrum that breathes life into every frame, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts who prioritize visual fidelity.

Despite facing stiff competition from streaming services offering convenience and Dolby Vision HDR, this 4K UHD Blu-ray format of Moana edges ahead with its sheer technical prowess. It achieves a delicate balance of sharpness and color depth that not only respects the artistic vision behind this beloved Disney production but also offers a compelling argument for the continued relevance and superiority of physical media in delivering top-tier home theater experiences. Whether it's the stunning portrayal of luminescent deep-sea scenes or the intricate details of character animations, this release is a testament to how advanced encoding can profoundly impact the enjoyment of digitally animated films.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Moana" presents an audio experience that, while following in the footsteps of its Disney predecessors with a Dolby Atmos track, showcases both commendable strengths and notable limitations inherent to these releases. The upgrade from the Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track maintains clarity and precision in dialogue, ensuring that the characters' voices, along with the vibrant songs that punctuate this animated adventure, are delivered with gifted prioritization. The soundtrack thrives on its immersive qualities, leveraging the Atmos configuration to envelop the listener in the film's dynamic environments—from the bustling life on the island and serene to tumultuous ocean scenes, to the intense confrontations with mythical entities. However, it's within the lower frequency effects (LFE) that the track reveals its constraints, echoing a recurring Disney trend where the depth and oomph in the bass department feel somewhat restrained.

Despite these LFE limitations, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack of "Moana" manages to achieve an engaging auditory experience. With the volume sufficiently increased to counteract its inherently lower output, listeners are treated to a soundscape that is both wide and deep, effectively capturing the essence of the oceanic setting and the lush island life. Atmospheric details and musical numbers benefit from excellent clarity and fine fidelity, contributing to a rich tapestry of sound. Nevertheless, while large action sequences and elemental battles are conveyed with well-defined audio imaging, there remains a sense of wanting in the overall fullness and support in the lower frequencies.

In summary, "Moana's" audio presentation on 4K UHD Blu-ray accomplishes a commendable feat of immersion and auditory engagement, courtesy of its Dolby Atmos track. It successfully transports audiences into its animated world through well-prioritized dialogue and an expansive soundscape that takes full advantage of its channel availability. However, the experience is slightly marred by the subdued bass response—a characteristic limitation of Disney's audio treatments—requiring listeners to adapt with increased volume levels for optimal enjoyment. Despite these nuances, it stands as a capable and enjoyable auditory journey that complements the visual splendor of the film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Moana" notably retains all its charm and exceptional features in the additional content provided, albeit with an important caveat - none of the supplemental materials are found on the 4K disc itself. Instead, enthusiasts are required to switch to the included Blu-ray disc to access a trove of extras. This collection mirrors the original 2017 Disney Blu-ray release, offering an array of enriching content including an insightful audio commentary, engaging short films featuring Maui, and an enlightening look at the movie's vibrant island culture. Additionally included are deleted scenes and a rare deleted song, adorned with introductions that offer a glimpse into the creative process. Remarkably, it also explores the intricate details behind the movie's iconic music and showcases international adaptations of its hit songs. While this may deter those expecting direct 4K extras, the depth and breadth of supplementary material remain compelling, augmented by both a Movies Anywhere digital copy and an attractively embossed slipcover.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Short Film: Inner Workings: A Disney short film.

• Maui Mini-Movie: Gone Fishing: A short film featuring the character Maui.

• Voice of the Islands: Exploring the cultural inspiration behind Moana.

• Things You Didn't Know About...: Fun facts related to Moana.

• Island Fashion: A look at the styling for the movie's characters.

• The Elements Of...: Details on the animation of characters and environments.

• They Know the Way: Making the Music of Moana: Behind-the-scenes of the movie's soundtrack.

• Deleted Song: Warrior Face with Introduction by Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda: A bonus musical piece with commentary.

• Fishing for Easter Eggs: Hidden references within the movie.

• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes not included in the final cut.

• How Far I'll Go Performed by Alessia Cara: A music video version of the movie's theme song.

• How Far I'll Go Around the World: Multilanguage compilation of the theme song.

• Audio Commentary by Directors John Musker and Ron Clements: Directors' insights on the movie.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Disney's "Moana" is a marvel of modern animation technology, bringing Polynesian mythology to vivid life with unparalleled visual splendor and a strong, empowering narrative. The sheer quality of the 2160p/HDR video upgrade is immediately evident, providing an even more immersive experience that highlights the film's breathtaking animation— from the dazzling deep blues of the Pacific Ocean to the intricate character designs, which are so meticulously crafted they almost breach the boundary into reality. Coupled with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, the movie's audiovisual experience is profoundly enhanced, ensuring each song and score hits with impactful resonance, thereby elevating the overall viewing experience.

At the heart of "Moana" is its rich storytelling combined with robust character development, particularly through its titular character, Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho), and her interaction with the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson). Their chemistry provides much of the film's emotional core and humor, brilliantly blending themes of self-discovery and resilience. This dynamic is underscored by a soundtrack that perfectly balances catchy tunes with the narrative's emotional beats, appealing to both musical enthusiasts and those typically wary of song-heavy films. The story embarks on a journey that pays homage to various genres, ensuring it captures the hearts of a broad audience.

From a technical perspective, "Moana's" transfer to UHD format sets new benchmarks for digitally animated films. While no new extras are included in this edition, the bundled Blu-ray disc offers a treasure trove of additional content, making this release a comprehensive package for fans and collectors alike. The digital upgrade not only enhances the visual and auditory spectacle but also reaffirms "Moana" as a pinnacle of animated storytelling, solidifying its place among Disney's most lauded creations. This 4K UHD presentation is an essential addition for aficionados seeking to experience the movie in its most majestic form.

Disney's Moana stands as a modern classic, eclipsing even the immensely popular Frozen franchise to position itself as one of the studio's greatest achievements. Its 4K UHD Blu-ray release in the UK, although arriving somewhat belatedly compared to its U.S. counterpart, presents the film in an exceptionally vibrant light that surpasses its streaming version on Disney Plus. The presentation boasts a 2160p/HDR video quality that accentuates the film's vivid palette, especially highlighting the lush blues and greens that make its digitally animated world so compelling. Despite inheriting the same Atmos audio track from the earlier release, which doesn't push any boundaries of audio excellence, it remains satisfactorily immersive for viewers.

The physical media iteration of Moana on 4K UHD Blu-ray does not introduce new supplements but includes all the legacy content through the bundled Blu-ray disc. This aspect ensures that aficionados and newcomers alike have access to a comprehensive collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience. Notably, the color depth and integrity of the image set a new high watermark for HDR colors in animation, making it a visual feast.

In conclusion, while the Atmos audio track might not meet the lofty expectations set by the film's stellar visual presentation, the UK's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Moana represents the definitive version of this beloved Disney masterpiece. Its superior video quality, combined with a wealth of supplementary materials, render it highly recommended for fans and collectors seeking to experience the movie in its most exquisite form yet. Disney has indeed produced a treasure that beautifully marries contemporary storytelling with groundbreaking technical achievements in animation.