X-Men: Days of Future Past 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 79
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
An exceptional X-Men film with a stellar 4K release, praised for blending casts and enhancing franchise legacy.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
DTS-HD MA
Video: 82
X-Men: Days of Future Past in UHD boasts vivid colors, enhanced shadows, and superior detail due to HDR, despite being upscaled from 2K, revealing a noticeably upgraded image.
Audio: 84
While lacking Dolby Atmos, X-Men's DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack impresses with detailed, dynamic audio, from nuanced dialogue to powerful action sequences.
Extra: 77
The US and UK Ultra HD Blu-ray releases of X-Men: Days of Future Past feature both Ultra HD and regular Blu-rays, digital copy, and a range of high-quality extras including deleted scenes, featurettes, and a director's commentary, but lacks the 3D version and The Rogue Cut extras.
Movie: 84
Bryan Singer revives X-Men with 'Days of Future Past,' merging timelines and impressive arcs, overshadowing its UHD release's minor upgrades.
Video: 82
X-Men: Days of Future Past on 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers an impressively upgraded image that is testament to the advancements in home video technology, despite being sourced from a 2K digital intermediate (DI). Filmed using a variety of digital cameras, primarily on the Arri Alexa, and initially finished with a 2K DI, this release was upscaled to 3840 x 2160p. It incorporates 10-bit video depth, a wider color gamut (WCG), and high dynamic range (HDR), enhancing the visual experience significantly. The HDR enhancement, in particular, provides the most notable improvement over the standard Blu-ray edition. It enhances image clarity through better-defined details in both wide shots and close-ups, such as skin textures and fabric weaves, giving the imagery a more realistic and sharper appearance. The wider color gamut contributes to more saturated colors and improved gradations, while the 10-bit video depth eliminates banding, presenting a very accurate and visually pleasing image.
The use of HDR not only amplifies color vividness and contrast but also improves the portrayal of shadows and blacks, maintaining detail and thus adding to the image's overall dynamic range. This leads to images possessing greater solidity and a more lifelike quality. Scenes that specifically highlight these improvements include the attack at the warehouse, the arrival at the Chinese monastery, and particularly the scene aboard the airplane post-Erik's rescue. The depiction of natural light and its interaction with characters and environments showcases incremental highlights and shadows in a manner that significantly boosts the film's visual depth.
Despite the reliance on a 2K DI for its creation, rendering it not a true 4K presentation, this release demonstrates that resolution isn't the sole determinant of image quality. The enhancements brought by HDR, alongside wider color gamuts and deeper black levels, offer a considerable upgrade from the standard Blu-ray version. Scenes involving complex color schemes or detailed action sequences reveal this disparity most vividly. The transformation in visual fidelity becomes evident in sequences laden with varied textures and colors, where every detail from the diverse costumes to the intricate sets pops with a newfound intensity and clarity. This review exemplifies how these technological enhancements can breathe new life into the viewing experience, even for films not originally shot in 4K.
Audio: 84
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track of "X-Men: Days of Future Past" is a testament to the excellence that can be achieved within the constraints of home theater technology, despite the puzzling absence of the Dolby Atmos mix originally used in theaters. This lossless audio presentation delivers a dynamic and immersive experience that adeptly manages both the bombast of action-packed sequences and the subtleties of quieter, dialogue-driven moments. The soundtrack is meticulously balanced, allowing for a distinct clarity in dialogue from the front and center channels, while providing a robust foundation with its LFE channel, offering an engaging bass that enriches the overall sound landscape without ever overpowering the mix.
Action scenes are a particular highlight, demonstrating the soundtrack's capacity for delivering punchy and powerful effects with precision and vigor. Sounds of Sentinels wreaking havoc maintain a crispness and depth, with each mechanical noise and environmental destruction articulated distinctly, enveloping the viewer in a convincingly chaotic atmosphere. The surround channels are put to significant use, creating an encompassing sense of space and movement that draws the listener into the heart of the conflict. Furthermore, John Ottman’s score is seamlessly woven into this soundscape, its detailed and transparent quality adding an emotional layer to the film that enhances its narrative impact.
While the absence of a Dolby Atmos option on this UHD release is a missed opportunity for an even more enveloping auditory experience, the DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix stands as a solidly impressive achievement. Its adept handling of intricate sound details amidst explosive sequences, combined with an effective utilization of the entire soundstage, showcases a well-crafted audio experience that remains vigorous and compelling. The meticulous balance ensures that every element, from the subtle rustle of clothing to the grandeur of a levitating stadium, is delivered with an authenticity that immerses viewers deeply into the X-Men universe.
Extra: 77
The 4K UHD release of "X-Men: Days of Future Past" comprises a two-disc set, bundling an Ultra HD Blu-ray with the film alongside a Full HD Blu-ray crammed with extras. Notably, this package consolidates content from prior releases but omits the Rogue Cut and its accompanying extras. The wealth of supplementary materials found on the regular Blu-ray enriches the viewing experience significantly, offering insights into the making of the film, its characters, and much more. Standouts include a range of behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes with optional commentary, and a gag reel, all in high definition. Additionally, despite packaging indications, the Blu-ray is region-free, extending accessibility. A digital HD copy is provided, though redemption may vary by country. The included audio commentary on the UHD disc sheds light on the film's thematic and narrative complexities, adding depth for aficionados and new fans alike.
Extras included in this disc:
-
Deleted Scenes: A selection of scenes cut from the final film, with optional commentary by director Bryan Singer.
-
Kitchen Sequence: An engaging look at one of the film's memorable sequences, complete with humorous insights.
-
Gag Reel: Fun outtakes and bloopers from the set.
-
Double Take: Xavier & Magneto: Exploration of these pivotal characters' portrayals.
-
X-Men: Reunited: A behind-the-scenes glance at bringing together the ensemble cast.
-
Classification: M: Focus on the film's supporting mutants and their development.
-
Sentinels: For a Secure Future: Dive into the lore and design of the film's antagonists.
-
Gallery: Trask Industries: Images exploring mutant experiments, blueprints, and sentinel construction.
-
Theatrical Trailers: Collection of trailers for the film.
Movie: 84
Bryan Singer's triumphant return to the X-Men franchise with "Days of Future Past" is a masterclass in how to weave together character-driven narratives with blockbuster spectacle. This installment not only salvages the series from the disappointment of "X-Men 3" but elevates it by seamlessly integrating the original cast with the newer 'First Class' ensemble, against a backdrop of time-travel that cuts across a dark future and the politically charged 1970s. Critical to its success is Singer’s focus on a strong, dramatic story arc over mere visual grandiosity, ensuring characters like Wolverine, Professor Xavier, and Mystique shine through in their complexity and depth, while introducing formidable foes like the Sentinels. The film's engagement with historical events adds layers to its narrative, enriching the time-travel plot and setting up the stakes for the ensuing battle to alter the future.
What really stands out in the 4K UHD presentation of "Days of Future Past" is not just the expected enhancement in visual fidelity but how it accentuates the film’s meticulous attention to detail—from the dystopian future to the vibrant 1970s. Despite facing limitations such as the absence of 3D in UHD and a perceived minimal uptick in quality from its Blu-ray counterpart, the 4K edition still manages to showcase the film's elaborate effects and contrasting time periods effectively. This slight increment in picture quality, however, does little to detract from the movie's overall impact, which gains from repeat viewings thanks to its layered storytelling and rich visual tapestry. Singer's handling of this complex narrative reinstates his prowess and vision, breathing new life into the franchise with a blend of respect for its source material and willingness to venture into uncharted territories narratively and visually.
In sum, "X-Men: Days of Future Past" stands as a high point within the franchise, skillfully balancing character development with spectacle, and making innovative use of its time-travel premise to fix past missteps while charting a promising direction for future installments. The 4K UHD version, despite its subtle visual improvements over previous editions, remains an essential addition for fans and collectors alike, offering a glimpse into the potential of high-definition cinema to enhance storytelling without overshadowing the narrative's heart and soul.
Total: 79
Bryan Singer's "X-Men: Days of Future Past" stands not only as a pinnacle within the X-Men franchise but also as a paragon among modern superhero films. Singer adeptly weaves together narratives and characters from across the saga, effectively eclipsing less favorable entries like "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." This film triumphs in delivering high-impact action, significant events, structured storytelling, and well-drawn characters, making for a blockbuster experience that is as entertaining as it is satisfying. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release elevates this already impressive presentation with its superior image quality. Drawn from a 2K source, the addition of 10-bit video, an expanded color gamut, and heightened dynamic range significantly enhances the visual depth and realism over the regular Blu-ray edition. Though it retains the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack from its Blu-ray counterpart, this release features exemplary sound quality with moments that are demo-worthy. Combined with a respectable collection of extras, this package offers a comprehensive and rewarding viewing experience.
For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the 4K UHD Blu-ray version of "X-Men: Days of Future Past" from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment represents a valuable addition. It provides not just an upgrade in video quality, showcasing more detail and lifelike portrayals of characters, but also maintains engaging lossless surround sound. While new extras are not part of this package, the notable improvement in visual presentation alone justifies the acquisition for fans. Although decisions may vary for those already in possession of prior releases based on the value placed on enhancements and additional content like The Rogue Cut, this iteration is indeed recommended for early adopters or anyone seeking the most robust experience of this landmark film.
In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "X-Men: Days of Future Past" reaffirms its status as a must-have for both aficionados of the franchise and connoisseurs of high-quality home cinema. Its technical superiority in video and audio presentation, coupled with its engaging bonus materials, make it a commendable investment. Whether for newcomers to UHD or seasoned collectors, this edition embodies a definitive viewing of an already exemplary film, ensuring its place in the annals of superhero cinema excellence.
avforums review by Steve WithersRead review here
Video: 90
However that does not mean that the two images looked the same and the addition of 10-bit video, a wider colour gamut and HDR had a significant affect on the clarity of the Ultra HD Blu-ray image....
Audio: 90
As it happens the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack remians impressive, offering a fantastic aural accompaniment which is both boisterous, bombastic and surprisingly well-nuanced in the more atmospheric sequences...
Extras: 60
All the extras are on the included regular Blu-ray and although they aren't extensive, they fall into the quality rather than quantity category: Deleted Scenes (05:36, HD) – A selection of deleted scenes...
Movie: 90
The crux to what makes Days of Future Past work so well is that Singer does not go for the standard alien invasion or grand-setpiece-conclusion but instead remains set upon a strong and clearly defined...
Total: 90
The addition of 10-bit video, a wider colour gamut and higher dynamic range result in a picture that is superior to the regular Blu-ray, despite the almost identical resolution....
Blu-ray.com review by Michael ReubenRead review here
Video: 70
Here and there, one can spot a touch more refinement in the UHD image, but that is more likely the effect of the disc's HDR encoding, which is where the real differences appear....
Audio: 90
Still, the 7.1 track encoded in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio remains every bit as dynamic and impressive as when it first appeared on Blu-ray in 2014....
Extras: 100
On the UHD disc, Fox has included the commentary by director Bryan Singer and screenwriter Simon Kinberg that first appeared on X-Men: Days of Future Past (The Rogue Cut) accompanying that special edition's...
Movie: 80
Its massive set pieces and elaborate visual effects exceed anything seen in the previous three films, and its contrasting time periods (a "present day" of indefinite date vs. the early Seventies of the...
Total: 50
If extras are your thing, I'd recommend acquiring The Rogue Cut instead, which has the alternate version, an additional commentary and an entire second disc of featurettes and image galleries that are...
High-Def Digest review by Bryan KlugerRead review here
Video: 90
This new image really makes the film pop right off screen with everything getting a good dose of upgraded detail and color, making each sequence seem more lifelike in this unlikely realm....
Audio: 80
Towards the end of the film when Magneto levitates the entire sport's stadium, you can hear the far off pieces of earth and cement fall to the ground, while closer debris and people screaming are truly...
Extras: 80
There are NO new extras on the UHD disc, but all of the previous extras are imported here from the past release, sans the Rogue Cut edition, since this UHD version does NOT include that cut....
Movie: 90
The bulk of the film is running around with Wolverine and the younger versions of Magneto, Xavier, and Beast (Nicholas Hoult) as they try to fix the past so that the world is not destroyed and they can...
Total: 90
With this UHD version, the uptick in 4K shows even more detail, shading, and color to the film and its characters, making everything much more realistic and lifelike....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 88
There is a cascading effect as the light passes over them and around to various objects in the cabin, revealing transitions between light and dark while detail rendering remains high....
Audio: 94
Detail is first rate which brings out the finely articulated nuance of background elements within the mix....
Extras: 60
X-Men: Days of Future Past in 4K Ultra HD X-Men: Days of Future Past Blu-ray Disc (plus bonus features) (HD) Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary by Bryan Singer (HD) Gag Reel – 5 minutes (HD)...
Movie: 90
As armies of murderous Sentinel robots hunt down mutants and humans alike, the unstoppable characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves (from X-Men First Class)...
Total: 83
It comes to Blu-ray in this 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray pack from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment featuring solid Ultra High Definition video, engaging lossless surround sound, and a decent assortment of bonus...
Director: Bryan Singer
Actors: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman
PlotIn a dystopian future, mutants and their human allies are on the brink of extinction, hunted by formidable robots known as Sentinels. These machines are able to adapt and counteract mutant powers, making them nearly impossible to defeat. The bleak world is the result of a historical assassination, which inflamed mankind's fear and hatred towards mutants, accelerating the Sentinel program. In a desperate bid to prevent this dark future, the remaining X-Men hatch a plan to alter the past. They decide to send Wolverine's consciousness back in time to his younger body in the 1970s. His mission is to unite a fragmented and disillusioned group of mutants to avert the pivotal event that sets off the chain reaction leading to the dystopia.
Upon arriving in the past, Wolverine seeks out the younger versions of Professor X and Magneto, who are estranged and dealing with personal demons. Convincing them of the grim future, Wolverine works to bring them and other key mutants together. They must overcome their deep-seated conflicts, personal rivalries, and vastly different ideologies to change the course of history. This task is made more complicated by the Sentinels' origins, governmental distrust of mutants, and the shaping forces of history that resist change. The tenuous group must navigate these hurdles while confronting their own internal battles and the realization of what their futures may hold.
Writers: Simon Kinberg, Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn
Release Date: 23 May 2014
Runtime: 132 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Language: English, Vietnamese, French