Ocean's Eleven 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
SteelBook
Score: 81
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of Ocean's Eleven offers superb A/V quality and legacy extras, making it a highly recommended, if slightly pricey, addition for fans of the timeless heist film.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
DTS-HD MA
Video: 87
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of 'Ocean's Eleven' showcases a phenomenal 2160p/HDR10 transfer, with vivid colors, refined textures, and deep blacks. The director's stylized cinematography shines, especially in casino scenes with rich ambers and maroons. The HDR application enhances depth, making a substantial upgrade over previous releases.
Audio: 85
The new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix significantly elevates the audio experience from the outdated lossy Dolby Digital track, delivering crystal-clear dialogue, a richly expansive soundstage, and carefully utilized ambient effects. While bass is modest and some might crave an Atmos upgrade, this track expertly complements the film's narrative and jazzy score.
Extra: 65
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'Ocean's Eleven' offers a visually appealing Steelbook design and robust extras including two engaging audio commentaries and insightful featurettes on the film's making and style, though not all legacy supplements have made the transition from previous releases.
Movie: 83
Ocean's Eleven 4K UHD Blu-ray melds stellar direction from Soderbergh, an all-star cast, and masterful 2160p/HDR10 visuals. Enhanced DTS-HD 5.1 audio heightens this slick, cool, stylistically rich heist remake, ensuring a thoroughly entertaining modern twist on the genre while preserving the allure of Vegas lights and glamour.
Video: 87
The 4K UHD release of "Ocean's Eleven" represents a significant technical upgrade, effectively revitalizing the visual quality director Steven Soderbergh intended. Featuring a 2160p resolution and HDR10 (absent Dolby Vision), this remaster eliminates the limitations of its previous 2008 Blu-ray format. From the outset, the new master shows remarkable improvements with crisp, clean visuals that capture the film's stylish, vibrant nature. Fine details, especially in the casino settings, stand out remarkably well, enhanced by HDR's adept treatment of amber and maroon hues. Black levels are notably deep, contributing to impeccable shadow detail, most evident during the vault break-in scenes.
Soderbergh’s use of color filters like deep blues and warm ambers is preserved beautifully. The diverse color palette varies across different scenes—cool blues in the opening sequence and warmer tones under Vegas lights—demonstrating a balanced HDR grade. Textural nuances in wide-angle and close-up shots add discernible depth, drawing out intricate details in objects and backgrounds. Skin tones look natural, and the blacks are rich without compromising on contrast. Natural film grain is maintained, ensuring a film-like look without digital noise reduction or other manipulative techniques.
The 4K transfer, guided by Soderbergh at Warner Bros.’ MPI facility, significantly enhances visual fidelity over previous releases, making the film's dynamic visuals more impactful. Spectral highlights bring a radiant glow without overpowering fine details. The encode is robust with a stable bit rate, avoiding noticeable artifacts. Although some medium shots maintain a slight softness characteristic of Soderbergh’s style, this is largely an artistic choice rather than an encoding flaw. Ultimately, this remaster offers an exceptional, immersive visual experience that fans of the film will appreciate for its clarity, depth, and vibrant colors.
Audio: 85
The upgraded DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Ocean's Eleven" represents a significant improvement over the previous lossy Dolby Digital track featured on the original Blu-ray and HD-DVD releases. Overseen by original re-recording sound mixer and sound editor Larry Blake, this new mix is more polished and refined, delivering an enhanced audio experience while staying true to the source material. The dialogue is crystal clear and well-balanced within the front soundstage, contributing to the film's character-driven narrative. The surround channels intermittently utilize spatial ambience and directional cues to support the front channels, effectively recreating the various acoustic environments in the film.
The film’s dynamic range is excellent, with a notable improvement in volume and depth compared to its predecessors. The soundstage feels full and expansive, particularly highlighted by David Holmes' jazzy score which now permeates the entire soundstage. Although some viewers may find the low-end bass response a bit restrained—especially during key action scenes like vault explosions and car races—the bass still manages to deliver a palpable presence when called upon. The upgraded mix preserves the original film's tonal quality without resorting to over-the-top enhancements, making for an engaging audio experience that remains true to the film's original design.
In terms of ambient effects, casino and location noises are appropriately distributed across the front and surround channels, generating a spacious and immersive soundscape. Special sequences, such as the boxing fight finale, benefit from an effectively expanded soundstage filled with crowd noise and other environmental sounds. While fans might have hoped for a Dolby Atmos upgrade, this DTS-HD MA track does well to breathe new life into a classic heist film, providing a richer and more immersive audio experience overall.
Extra: 65
The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Ocean's Eleven" provide a comprehensive and engaging insight into the film's production and legacy. The content includes dual audio commentaries: one from director Steven Soderbergh with screenwriter Ted Griffin, delivering rich, informative discussions, and another lighter commentary featuring Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Brad Pitt. The behind-the-scenes featurettes, carried over from previous releases, dive deeply into stylistic choices and the film’s iconic look. From understanding the cast's wardrobe to exploring the movie's unique visual and narrative style, each segment adds a nuanced look at the classic heist film.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary with director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter Ted Griffin: Insightful discussion on various aspects of the filmmaking process.
- Audio Commentary with actors Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Brad Pitt: More casual and entertaining track with reflections and anecdotes.
- Are You In or Out?: The Making of Ocean's Eleven: Comprehensive making-of documentary.
- Pros and Cons: Inside Ocean's Outfit: Short bio of the main stars.
- The Style of Steal: Examination of the film’s lasting appeal.
- The Look of the Con: Focus on the cast's costumes and their impact on character.
- Original Ocean's, Original Cool: Reflective look at the original 1960 film.
Movie: 83
Steven Soderbergh’s "Ocean’s Eleven" stands as a paragon of the heist film genre, creating an exhilarating viewing experience laden with wit, style, and suspense. Freshly paroled Danny Ocean, portrayed by George Clooney, embarks on orchestrating an unprecedented heist targeting three casinos owned by the formidable Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). The film thrives on its ensemble cast, including Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Bernie Mac, all delivering impeccable performances that balance flair and finesse. Clooney's magnetic presence anchors the narrative, effectively supported by a blend of seasoned actors and vibrant newcomers.
The plot of "Ocean’s Eleven" is slickly unravelled through fast-paced dialogue and expertly crafted misdirection, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish. Soderbergh's direction ensures that the film maintains a buoyant tempo, skillfully navigating through the complexities of the heist plan while never losing its sense of suave charm. The intricacies of the casino robbery, though wildly implausible upon close scrutiny, are presented with such conviction and cool confidence that they feel entirely believable within the film’s glitzy Las Vegas setting. Notably, the interplay between the characters is seamless, their banter sharp and often laced with dry humor that enriches the story without detracting from its core focus.
Technically, Soderbergh’s dual role as director and photographer under the pseudonym Peter Andrews culminates in a visually striking execution. Each frame is meticulously composed to enhance the allure and tension inherent in the heist plot. With the 4K UHD release, fans can relish every rich detail and subtle nuance of this cinematic gem, further complemented by a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that ensures an immersive experience. Ultimately, "Ocean’s Eleven" is not just about the heist itself but the sparkling veneer it projects—a modern interpretation of classic caper films that captivates with its high stakes, stellar cast, and undeniable charisma.
Total: 81
"Ocean’s Eleven," directed by Steven Soderbergh, remains an exhilarating heist film even after more than two decades. The ensemble cast, featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Andy Garcia, provides captivating performances that resonate well to this day. The Ultra HD edition of "Ocean’s Eleven" is a significant upgrade from the original Blu-ray, offering a superb 4K HDR10 presentation that enhances the film’s visual appeal. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack delivers clear and engaging audio quality, which effectively complements the movie's stylish tone. Though it's worth noting some minor extras from previous editions are missing, the included legacy bonus material makes up for it.
For enthusiasts of the "Ocean’s" series, this 4K SteelBook edition is a standout. It’s the only current option for obtaining the film individually, adding allure for collectors and dedicated fans. Despite its slightly higher price point, the combination of impressive audio-visual upgrades and significant supplemental content makes it a compelling purchase. Fans who are budget-conscious might consider the Ocean’s Trilogy 4K set, which delivers similar quality for all three films.
In conclusion, "Ocean’s Eleven" is a timeless classic that continues to entertain and engage viewers. This new 4K UHD release from Warner Bros. significantly enhances both visual and audio elements, making it a must-have for fans of the series as well as newcomers. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience or revisit one of the greatest heist films of all time.
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 90
However, this is an entirely different beast altogether, as Warner has gone back for a new master, and finally given the film the treatment it deserves....
Audio: 80
Part of me wanted to give the audio a 4.5/5 as well, but the fact that the film’s sound design sort of skimped on the bass (there were scenes such as the twins car race, or the rumbling of the swat van...
Extras: 80
The Making of Ocean's Eleven ( • Pros and Cons: Inside Ocean's Outfit • The Style of Steal • The Look of the Con • Original Ocean's, Original Cool...
Movie: 90
The film is fast paced, the dialog is fantastic between the cast, and everything moves at such a quick pace it’s hard to let the more unrealistic portions of the film really sink home....
Total: 90
Great film, great package As a heads up, I have linked to the Steelbook edition (which is also used as the top poster) due to the fact that I have reviewed the Disc from the 4K Trilogy set and the only...
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 90
Almost everything else about this transfer plays just as smoothly, from the aforementioned uptick in fine detail to overall disc encoding, which grants Ocean's Eleven a consistently healthy bit rate and...
Audio: 90
That's great news in my book: while a Dolby Atmos mix might've been fun to hear, I'd almost always prefer the genuine article to a questionable remix, and without a doubt this is a crisp and impressive...
Extras: 80
The on-disc bonus features largely mirror those found on WB's 2014 Ocean's Trilogy Collection; though a handful of minor legacy extras are missing in action, a few retrospective ones created for that never...
Movie: 80
The audio has also received a courtesy bump to DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio and the extras are largely sourced from the Ocean's Trilogy Collection, which included a bonus disc....
Total: 80
That's also the main reason this 4K Steelbook stands out: it's the only way (for now) to get this film by itself, and by those terms it's a well-rounded disc with strong A/V merits and several solid legacy...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 90
Be it the sweeping visuals of Sin City or the Italian suits that Clooney’s character seems to wear in every scene, it all looks great....
Audio: 90
That said, a lot of the LFE sounds are very prominent throughout and as much action is devoted to the music and scenery, this really is a dialogue-driven movie....
Extras: 60
The Style of Steal – As if you needed a reason, this explains the allure and long-lasting appeal of the three Ocean’s films....
Movie: 0
Soderbergh has worked previously with Roberts (on Erin Brockovich), Clooney and Cheadle (on Out of Sight) just to name a few, but when you have this much star power attached, many of the others did it...
Total: 90
Warner’s new 4K offering gives us an improved picture, a decent soundtrack as well as s smattering of extras (but not all of them)....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
A wonderful, intense HDR pass makes Ocean’s Eleven worth it on 4K. The bright lights of the casinos – interior and exterior – pop with endless lights, all brilliantly glowing....
Audio: 80
During the finale’s boxing fight, the arena sounds flood the soundstage in an effective way....
Extras: 60
A look at the film’s style, fashion, and the original Ocean’s Eleven finishes this one out....
Movie: 80
Money is so intoxicating, the thrill of the heist is such a high for them, that whatever their differences, it’s worth it to get one over on the regimented casino owner Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia)....
Total: 75
...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Peter Andrews' stylized cinematography is brought to life in this HDR10 presentation, bathing the Vegas sequences in the warm orange-yellow glow of the casinos and city lights while the reds of the carpeted...
Audio: 80
Many of the ambient effects mostly bounce between the three front channels and into the off-screen space with flawless movement, generating a spacious, highly engaging soundscape....
Extras: 40
The Making of (SD, 28 min) Original Ocean's, Original Cool (SD, 14 min) Pros and Cons: Inside Ocean's Outfit (SD, 13 min) The Style of Steal (SD, 11 min) The Look of the Con (SD, 10 min)...
Movie: 80
Pulling double duty as director of photography under the pseudonym Peter Andrews, Soderbergh composes a sense of history and an erstwhile love affair every time Clooney and Roberts share the screen through...
Total: 80
With a decently strong set of supplements, the UHD SteelBook makes for an easily Recommended addition to the library....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 96
it’s readily apparent that care went into the restoration. Grain is intact across the board and I saw no sign of digital noise reduction or image degrading manipulation. This is a film like video presentation that delivers high-level detail and vivid colors that look marvelous in Ultra High Definition.
Audio: 90
Dialog is reproduced with transparent realism and lucid texture as it is appropriately balanced within the front soundstage. The surround mix utilizes the entire platform to recreate the many acoustic sounds associated with the environments and events portrayed onscreen
Extras: 80
Commentary by Steven Soderbergh and Ted Griffin • Commentary by Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia
Movie: 80
The cast is simply spot on, never missing a beat, regardless of what is particularly being called for in a given instance. It’s just so entertaining
Total: 87
Excellent overall video quality, new sound designs, and, legacy bonus material
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 90
The 4K remaster of Ocean’s Eleven was completed at Warner Bros. Discovery’s Motion Picture Imaging (MPI) with the participation of Soderbergh
Audio: 90
Casino noise, foreign location noise, outdoor ambience and light sounds from quieter indoor spaces spend much of the runtime here
Extras: 60
Previously released special features: Commentary by Steven Soderbergh and Ted Griffin, Commentary by Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia
Movie: 90
Danny Ocean (George Clooney) likes taking chances. All he asks is that his handpicked squad of ten grifters
Total: 90
Well worth the pickup for fans and newcomers alike!
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Actors: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts
PlotRecently paroled con artist Danny Ocean is ready for his next big heist. Within 24 hours of his release, he violates his parole by traveling to California to meet with his partner-in-crime, Rusty Ryan. Together, they plot an ambitious plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. The casinos, owned by ruthless entrepreneur Terry Benedict, are impenetrable fortresses of cash, with vaults that are only accessible through a highly sophisticated security system. To pull off this nearly impossible theft, Danny and Rusty assemble a team of eleven experts, each with a unique talent necessary for the various aspects of the elaborate scheme.
The team is a ragtag group comprising a conman, a pickpocket, an explosives expert, a surveillance pro, a financier, a card dealer, two mechanics, an acrobat, and an electronics and surveillance tech wizard. Each member has his role to play in orchestrating the elaborate robbery. The heist's complexity requires precise timing, advanced technology, and a bit of old-fashioned con artistry. Their plan involves elaborate cons to manipulate casino staff, sophisticated gadgets to deal with the vault, and a precise timetable to ensure they can break in and escape before Terry Benedict realizes he's been robbed. The group faces numerous challenges as they prepare for the heist, including avoiding detection by casino security, dealing with internal tensions, and executing the intricate details of their plan without a hitch.
Writers: George Clayton Johnson, Jack Golden Russell, Harry Brown
Release Date: 07 Dec 2001
Runtime: 116 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English, Italian, Mandarin