Wonder Woman Blu-ray Review

Warner’s presentation of Wonder Woman on Blu-ray is nothing short of exceptional, featuring a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that ensures an outstanding visual experience. The film is divided into three unique stylistic periods: the vibrant, lush world of Themyscira, the more natural, subtly toned opening and closing scenes, and the grim, blue-tinged WWI setting. Each period showcases distinct color grading, from the honey-colored, pristine visuals of Themyscira to the bleak, earthen browns and grays of war-torn Europe. Colors are richly saturated with exceptional detail; highlights include the brilliant greens and blues of Themyscira and the inky blacks and teal accents in the war scenes. Thematic contrasts are vivid, aided by meticulous attention to detail in costumes, from Diana's intricate armor to the grime on the soldiers' faces.

The Blu-ray employs an MPEG-4 AVC encode with an average video bitrate of 21016 kbps, providing high fidelity despite the busy bitrate due to supplemental features. Shot mainly on 4-perf Super 35 with sequences also captured on the Arri Alexa 65, the film maintains its 2.39:1 aspect ratio across the various formats. Both celluloid and digital sources are effectively combined, delivering a sharpness and grain that enhance the period feel. Cinematographer Matthew Jensen’s reference to John Singer Sargent’s lighting techniques brings a profound authenticity to the film’s visual texture. The integration of LEDs for bioluminescent lighting in underwater scenes adds a modern touch without detracting from the antiquated atmosphere.

Spearheaded by digital intermediate colorist Stefan Sonnenfeld, the final grading underscores two primary color palettes for aesthetic consistency. The high-definition transfer handles slow-motion sequences and fast-paced action with equal finesse. Textural details—from fabric stitching to environmental minutiae—are immaculately preserved, demonstrating superb contrast and rendering lifelike facial complexions. While there’s minor swarming noise within darker areas, shadow detailing remains outstanding, enhancing depth in the 2.40:1 image. The Blu-ray's visual integrity solidifies its status as a reference-quality disc, blending cinematic artistry with technological excellence.

The Dolby Atmos track on the "Wonder Woman" Blu-ray is nothing short of a triumph. Warner's decision to include this high-definition audio on both the 2D Blu-ray and the 4K UHD disc demonstrates their commitment to an exceptional auditory experience. From the opening scenes with the Amazonian women rigorously training on their island, the audio landscape is immediately impactful. Diana’s wristlet clash and the whistling spears set the tone for a robust, dynamic sound experience. The track exhibits a breathtaking balance of aggressiveness and nuance, with each punch, crash, and subtle background noise rendered in meticulous detail. The LFE channel is particularly noteworthy, delivering relentless, earth-shattering bass that enhances every explosion and action sequence to a visceral level while knowing when to pull back for quieter moments.

Rupert Gregson-Williams' score is seamlessly integrated into the mix, utilizing the overheads effectively to create a three-dimensional soundscape. The soundtrack utilizes a dynamic 7.1 TrueHD audio configuration at 4727 kbps, 24-bit depth that ensures exceptional clarity and fidelity. Notable sequences include the trench fighting scenes and Diana’s storming of No Man's Land, where planes roar overhead and bullets fly in all directions, creating an immersive dome-like sound field. Vocals throughout are crystal clear, ensuring dialogue is always intelligible amidst the chaotic action. The surround channels see extensive use during battles with sounds panning seamlessly around the listener, while quieter scenes are subtly supported by atmospheric locations, enhancing the overall spatial experience.

Furthermore, the subs and mid-range channels are impressively responsive, providing significant clarity and separation even during complex audio scenes. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that even the smallest audio elements, like debris rustling or the hiss of gas, remain audibly distinct. Optional subtitles in multiple languages enhance accessibility without distracting from the immersive experience. Warner has produced an intricately crafted, energetic Atmos track that will undoubtedly elevate any home theater setup.

The extras featured on the Blu-ray of "Wonder Woman" highlight an array of behind-the-scenes content and insightful featurettes. These supplements provide a comprehensive deep dive into the production, vision, and cultural impact of the film. Vital elements include detailed explorations by director Patty Jenkins, demonstrating her creative process through the "A Director's Vision" series, which covers specific key scenes and thematic elements such as 'Themyscira: The Hidden Island' and 'Wonder Woman at War'. Additional enriching content includes "Crafting the Wonder," which offers an extensive look into the film's development, and "Warriors of Wonder Woman," showcasing the rigorous training regimens of the actresses portraying the Amazons. These extras effectively encapsulate the essence and grandeur of bringing DC's iconic heroine to life.

Extras included in this disc:

Epilogue: Etta's Mission: Etta Candy orchestrates a crucial mission. Crafting the Wonder: Insight into creating Wonder Woman. A Director's Vision: Series covering different pivotal moments. Warriors of Wonder Woman: Focus on Amazon warriors' training. The Trinity: Exploration of Wonder Woman’s iconic status. The Wonder Behind the Camera: Features women who contributed to production. Finding the Wonder Woman Within: Exploration of the character's impact. Extended Scenes & Blooper Reel: Additional footage and light-hearted outtakes.

"Wonder Woman," directed by Patty Jenkins, stands out as a landmark entry in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), combining elements of a sword-and-sandals epic, British period drama, and war film into a cohesive and compelling narrative. Gal Gadot's performance as Diana/Wonder Woman is genuinely commanding and beautifully nuanced, breathing life into the character in a way that surpasses previous portrayals. The film's technical excellence, from its stunning production design to its period-accurate costumes and exotic locations, enhances its rich storytelling.

The film begins with a flashback to Diana's early years on Themyscira and follows her journey to London alongside British spy Steve Trevor, played charismatically by Chris Pine. Their chemistry injects both humor and warmth into the narrative, most notably during Diana's acclimatization to early 20th-century customs. Supporting roles by Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta and Robin Wright as Antiope add depth to Diana's backstory, while Danny Huston and Elena Anaya provide compelling antagonists as General Ludendorff and Dr. Maru.

Beyond its epic battles and special effects, "Wonder Woman" distinguishes itself through its thematic exploration of love, peace, and the complexities of human morality. Jenkins deftly balances these elements with action-packed sequences, resulting in a film that feels both substantial and exhilarating. While some secondary characters lack depth, the central figures are richly developed, making "Wonder Woman" a groundbreaking superhero film that firmly establishes Diana Prince as an influential and inspiring figure in modern cinema.

"Wonder Woman" shines as a landmark achievement in the superhero genre, impressively directed by Patty Jenkins. Featuring the charismatic Gal Gadot as Diana Prince alongside Chris Pine and Robin Wright, the film melds action, romance, and a surprising depth of character. Shot in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the visuals are stunning, delivering excellent high-definition video quality that holds up remarkably on Blu-ray. Complemented by a robust Dolby Atmos soundtrack, the auditory experience is enveloping, ensuring an engaging viewing from start to finish. The plot, though not without minor faults—such as the slightly awkward "god fight" ending—is compelling and stands out in the context of DC universe films.

The Blu-ray release of "Wonder Woman" is comprehensive, featuring a variety of special features that provide insight into the making of the film and its impact. The audio-video quality is reference-grade, showcasing pristine clarity and immersive sound that brings every battle and emotional moment to life. It's evident that meticulous care was poured into this release, from the dynamic Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core audio to the subtler French and Spanish DD 5.1 tracks included. The supplementary content is substantial, if not exhaustive, offering a rewarding deep dive for fans and enthusiasts.

"Wonder Woman" may not be flawless, but its strengths far outweigh its minor shortcomings. Jenkins' vision reenergizes the DC franchise, injecting it with much-needed vigor and optimism. The film's success has opened doors for its leading characters and set high expectations for future installments. This Blu-ray release not only meets but exceeds standards in the industry, making it a must-have for collectors and superhero aficionados alike. With its spectacular presentation and enriching bonus materials, this package highly deserves its place on your shelf. HIGHLY recommended.