Labyrinth 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"12 Strong" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases an impressive elevation in video quality compared to its Blu-ray predecessor. Retaining its digitally-shot smoothness, the 2160p/HDR transfer amplifies the film's already stellar image clarity and texture. Presented with HDR10 encoding, the film’s predominantly cool color palette benefits from enhanced depth and variation, further enriching the already striking cinematography. The meticulously encoded transfer on a generous bit rate ensures an image free from compression artifacts like banding or macro blocking, with details so crisp that they rival or surpass original theatrical presentations.

The desert landscapes and mountainous backdrops exhibit a rich contrast that intensifies the gritty feel of the film, evoking a visual ambiance akin to Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan." The 2.40:1 HEVC 4K image offers razor-sharp precision, making every scene visually arresting. The high dynamic range solidifies black levels, boosts contrast, and maintains bright whites without blooming. Even though the film lacks Dolby Vision, WB’s HDR10 application provides ample dynamic support that leaves viewers thoroughly impressed. The result is an unparalleled viewing experience that solidifies "12 Strong" as a visual spectacle, despite any narrative shortcomings.

Those with an appreciation for high-quality visuals will undeniably find value in this flawless transfer. The enhanced 4K image quality not only heightens the existing strengths seen in the Blu-ray version but also paves the way for a more immersive and engaging viewing experience. However, one can only imagine the potential impact if WB applied such meticulous effort to their other classic titles.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "12 Strong" features a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that, while unchanged from the 2018 Blu-ray edition, delivers a robust and engaging auditory experience. The dialogue is crisp and well-defined, ensuring clear communication even amid the film’s intense action sequences. The sound mix handles thunderous moments with precision, maintaining a polished overall feel while retaining some rawness that matches the film's gritty nature. However, it fails to include the original theatrical 7.1 mix, which remains a noteworthy omission.

Despite the missed opportunity to upgrade to a Dolby Atmos track, the existing DTS HD Master Audio track demonstrates significant dynamic range and depth. The LFE channel is actively utilized, providing a solid low-end rumble that adds weight to explosive scenes. Vocals generally remain clear but occasionally get overshadowed by the more chaotic on-screen action. Surround channels offer moderate support, enriching the listening experience during high-energy scenes, though they do not impress with their presence. Overall, while the audio presentation is effective and satisfying, it falls short of being exemplary.

The "12 Strong" 4K UHD Blu-ray extras are concise, providing valuable behind-the-scenes insights and historical context. The primary extras focus on both the making of the film and the significance of tangible historical commemorations. Jerry Bruckheimer, along with members of ODA 595, delves into the intricate details and challenges of creating an authentic cinematic portrayal in "12 Strong: The Making of an Impossible Mission." The bonus feature "Monumental Effort: Building America’s Response Monument" showcases sculptor Douwe Blumberg's creative process and inspiration for the monument at Ground Zero, bridging a compelling connection between the film’s subject matter and real-world events. These supplementary features, while limited in number, robustly support the thematic elements of the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• 12 Strong: The Making of an Impossible Mission: Jerry Bruckheimer and ODA 595 discuss the film’s production and mission.
• Monumental Effort: Building America's Response Monument: Sculptor Douwe Blumberg talks about creating the Ground Zero monument.

Warner Bros. revisits "12 Strong" with a new 4K UHD edition, benefiting from HDR10 and a full-strength triple layer (100GB) disc, elevating the already solid 2018 Blu-ray version. Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film features a capable cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, and Michael Peña. The story, set just days after September 11, 2001, follows Capt. Mitch Nelson (Hemsworth) and his elite special forces team as they venture into Afghanistan to forge an alliance with Gen. Rashid Dostum (Navid Negahban) against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Despite compelling source material and robust sound and visuals, the film's execution is inconsistent, marred by clichéd storytelling and moments that verge on the demoralizing.

The narrative is hindered by an uneven tone and Fuglsig's novice direction. Hemsworth’s portrayal of Capt. Nelson lacks gravitas, overshadowed by unrealistic dialogue and over-the-top action sequences typical of Bruckheimer productions. Flashbacks involving Nelson’s wife (Elsa Pataky) attempt to add emotional depth but feel forced. Pleasing visuals and tight encoding don't suffice to save "12 Strong" from its disjointed exposition and underwhelming delivery, resulting in a movie that feels more like an overindulgent spectacle rather than a respectful recounting of true events. While some viewers may find the plot’s peculiarities intriguing, the film ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "12 Strong" presents a technically impressive package, delivering a robust audiovisual experience that excels in both picture and sound quality. The tightly encoded disc, leveraging 100GB of storage, ensures that the visual presentation is sharp, detailed, and vibrant, with rich colors and deep contrast levels. The film's audio track is equally commendable, offering a dynamic range that immerses viewers in its intense battle sequences. Technically, this release sets a high standard for 4K catalog upgrades.

However, the film itself does not quite match up to its pristine presentation. Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, "12 Strong" follows a rather formulaic narrative, populated with one-dimensional characters and a plethora of war movie clichés. While the movie attempts to deliver emotional weight, it ultimately feels like a jingoistic drama that fails to engage its audience fully. The supplementary content on the disc is also lackluster, featuring a minimal assortment of extras that do little to enhance the viewing experience. Notably, the absence of a UV code is a disappointing oversight and may deter some consumers.

I'm all for no-nonsense 4K catalog upgrades, especially ones that are tightly encoded on 100GB discs with outstanding A/V merits and an affordable price tag. Without question, WB should churn out as many as possible in the near future. But how's about we focus on more deserving titles than Nicolai Fuglsig's "12 Strong," a nearly brand-dead and jingoistic drama that very few people were clamoring for on UHD? With that said, fans of the film should nonetheless take note, as this great-looking and sounding disc supplants the earlier great looking and sounding Blu-ray edition.