The Fabelmans 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 83
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
The Fabelmans offers a deeply engrossing drama with outstanding 4K UHD video and audio quality, despite minimal extras—highly recommended for Spielberg and film fans alike.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 91
The 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD release of "The Fabelmans" upgrades from Blu-ray with refined clarity, deeper blacks, and vibrant, saturated colors, effectively showcasing its period aesthetic and Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography. HDR enhances shadow details and bright scenes, while textures and fine details are significantly improved.
Audio: 89
The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track, while surprisingly not an Atmos mix, delivers excellent, immersive audio with clear dialogue, defined musical depth, effective surround effects, and solid low-frequency extension, capturing the film’s nuanced soundscape and environmental ambiance to complement its dramatic presentation.
Extra: 58
The UHD release of "The Fabelmans" offers insightful featurettes: "A Personal Journey" dives into Spielberg's personal inspirations and universal themes; "Family Dynamics" explores the casting process and actors’ contributions; "Crafting the World of The Fabelmans" details the technical and creative production aspects.
Movie: 88
"The Fabelmans" 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a technically impressive, semi-autobiographical film by Steven Spielberg that masterfully blends personal narrative with cinematic passion, featuring 2160p/HEVC H.265 and Dolby Vision HDR video and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio. Noted for a stellar cast and deep emotional resonance, it's a must-watch for film lovers.
Video: 91
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Fabelmans" is a commendable upgrade from its 1080p Blu-ray counterpart, offering noticeable improvements in clarity, detail, and texture. The 2160p HEVC-encoded transfer, paired with Dolby Vision HDR, accentuates Janusz Kaminski’s distinguished cinematography and Rick Carter’s precise period production design. The increased resolution provides an appreciable enhancement, especially in wide-angle shots of Arizona and more intimate scenes including close-ups that exhibit refined details on surfaces and facial features. The film’s stylized look featuring an amber/wheat glow is rendered with richer, more intense colors, while still maintaining the film-like aesthetic.
The use of HDR/Dolby Vision significantly boosts the color output and shadow details. Blacks are exceptionally deep, contributing to the film’s atmospheric use of darkness as a narrative device. Shadow delineation is precise and the contrast is excellent, with HDR ensuring bright highlights where necessary. Colors such as yellows, ambers, and primary hues like red and blue are vibrantly reproduced, adding to the immersive visual experience. The notable improvements in depth of field and black levels further contribute to the film’s dynamic range and visual storytelling. Skin tones appear natural, with sharper, more expressive facial details. Noise and artifacts are minimal, preserving the pristine quality of both bright daylight scenes and low-light interiors.
Overall, Universal’s handling of this 4K UHD release does justice to Spielberg’s period-based masterpiece. The lean towards colder color reproduction during "real-life" sequences maintains consistency while offering a nostalgic visual charm. With its smooth cinematography, augmented by exceptional HDR application, the presentation gives a warm yet crisp viewing experience. The "home movie" segments shot on Super 8 and 16mm stock exhibit authentic grain, enhancing the film’s historical authenticity. This detailed transfer ensures a visually engaging portrayal of "The Fabelmans," making it a stellar choice for cinephiles with UHD capability.
Audio: 89
The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "The Fabelmans" features a robust 7.1 Dolby TrueHD audio track, delivering an immersive and dynamic audio experience, despite the absence of a Dolby Atmos mix. This choice might surprise some, especially given the industry trend towards Atmos support. However, the 7.1 mix, skillfully created by Spielberg collaborator Gary Rydstrom, impresses with its exceptional sonic fidelity and spatial accuracy. Dialog reproduction is clear, pure, and rich, with an engaging presence in the front soundstage. The sound effects, including environmental cues like howling wind and subtle ambient noises such as the gentle tapping of fingernails, are beautifully executed. These nuanced details elevate the storytelling, making the audio experience deeply engaging.
Key moments in the film, like the tornado sequence and scenes involving model trains, see the surround speakers effectively utilized to create a compelling auditory atmosphere. The track maintains a commendable balance between dialog, music, and effects, ensuring none overpowers the other. John Williams' delicate yet sweeping score benefits from excellent musical definition, depth, and spacing, bringing its emotional nuances to life. Low-frequency effects are well-integrated though not overpowering, providing impactful bass to incidental period songs and key sound events like slamming doors and locker punches.
Overall, the 7.1 Dolby TrueHD track on this disc delivers an impressive auditory experience that aligns perfectly with the film's narrative needs. While some enthusiasts may lament the lack of an Atmos track, the existing mix’s clarity, balance, and immersive qualities make for a satisfying experience that enhances the film’s emotive power without compromising on any technical aspects.
Extra: 58
The extras included in the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Fabelmans" provide a deep dive into the film’s origins, production, and behind-the-scenes processes. "The Fabelmans: A Personal Journey" offers an intimate look at how Steven Spielberg and co-writer Tony Kushner drew from Spielberg's life, emphasizing the need to make the story universally relatable. "Family Dynamics" explores the cast's approach to embodying their characters, with insightful interviews from key actors and Spielberg. "Crafting the World of The Fabelmans" meticulously covers technical details such as production design, costume creation, cinematography, and John Williams' musical contributions. The featurettes are available in 2160p resolution with Dolby Vision, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. Additionally, the disc comes with a Blu-ray copy of the film and a digital code.
Extras included in this disc:
- The Fabelmans: A Personal Journey: Steven Spielberg reflects on the inspirations behind the film.
- Family Dynamics: Insights into casting decisions and character portrayals.
- Crafting the World of The Fabelmans: Detailed look at production design and technical aspects.
- Original Trailer: Theatrical trailer for the film.
Movie: 88
"The Fabelmans" is a semi-autobiographical film that provides an intimate look into Steven Spielberg's early life and his passionate journey towards becoming a filmmaker. Co-written by Spielberg and longtime collaborator Tony Kushner, this deeply personal narrative offers an engaging exploration of Spielberg’s formative years, focusing on his burgeoning love for cinema. The story traces young Sammy Fabelman (played by Gabriel LaBelle and Mateo Zoryan Francis-DeFord) and the pivotal moment when a screening of "The Greatest Show on Earth" ignites his obsession with filmmaking. Spielberg masterfully weaves themes of familial tension, creativity, and the power of film to capture and reflect one's inner life.
The casting is one of the film’s standout aspects, with significant performances by Michelle Williams as the spirited and supportive Mitzi, and Paul Dano as the more pragmatic Burt Fabelman. Seth Rogen provides a solid performance in a rare dramatic role as Uncle Bennie, while Judd Hirsch and David Lynch deliver memorable cameos. The narrative’s strength lies in its subtle portrayal of Sammy’s internal landscape and his evolving artistry, which is poignantly depicted through his amateur films that simultaneously mirror and influence his real-life experiences.
Despite its length (running just over 2.5 hours), "The Fabelmans" remains captivating due to its rich character development, seamless integration of personal and family dynamics, and the emotional resonance of Spielberg's journey. While some scenes could have benefited from tighter editing, particularly those involving Sammy's high school experiences, the film effectively captures the tensions and joys of his upbringing. The meticulous script by Spielberg and Kushner lightens autobiographical elements with a universal appeal, ensuring "The Fabelmans" delves into the nuances of Spielberg’s youth and renders an homage to the transformative power of filmmaking.
Total: 83
Steven Spielberg’s "The Fabelmans" offers an intimate and moving portrayal of family and artistry, making a significant mark in the director's illustrious career. The narrative focuses on a personal and emotional journey, beautifully interwoven with insights into the filmmaking process, creating a substantial commentary on both life and cinema. Starring Michelle Williams, Judd Hirsch, Paul Dano, and Seth Rogan, the film explores themes of family and identity, executed with heartfelt performances that contribute to the film’s overall engagement.
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Fabelmans" is technically impressive. The video quality, presented in a 2.39:1 HEVC aspect ratio, is visually stunning, showcasing rich details and vibrant colors that enhance Spielberg's meticulous direction. The audio presentation, available in English Dolby TrueHD 7.1, Spanish DD+ 7.1, and French DD 5.1, delivers a robust and immersive sound experience. With the film's runtime being a substantial 151 minutes, the engaging narrative ensures that viewers remain captivated throughout its duration.
While the supplemental offerings are not exhaustive, the available featurettes provide valuable insights from the cast and crew, adding to the viewer's appreciation of the film's production. Despite comparisons to Spielberg’s earlier work, "The Fabelmans" stands out as a touching ode to his family and craft, deserving of its accolades and recognition.
Spielberg movies, while not nearly as good as the younger years of the prolific director, are still nothing short of a spectacle. The Fabelmans is low on gigantic spectacle, but high on plot, and a very meaty one at that. I’m not sure it captures movie magic as much as past efforts, but it’s a fun drama that isn’t as esoteric as The Polar Express, nor as serious and amazing as Schindler’s List, but it is a gripping and engrossing drama nonetheless. The 4K UHD disc is very impressive, with a great audio and video scoring, along with some mild extras. I’d say it’s worth checking out, but be warned it’s a hefty 2.5-hour drama and not a fast moving one at that.
Recommendation: Great Watch
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 90
The yellows and ambers pop just a little more, and the added sharpness and background clarity makes the Blu-ray look almost smooth and slightly over brightened as a result....
Audio: 90
Not because it’s bad (in fact it’s great), it’s just that I was expecting an Atmos track or a 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix as 7.1 releases are becoming less and less common on their own (instead of just being the...
Extras: 40
• The Fabelmans : A Personal Journey • Family Dynamics • Crafting the World of The Fabelmans • Original Trailer...
Movie: 80
While Spielberg has been a major driving force behind the camera for multiple generations, this is the first time that we actually get to see him in front of the camera (in a sense) as a film’s subject...
Total: 80
Spielberg movies, while not nearly as good as the younger years of the prolific director, are still nothing short of a spectacle....
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Still, it is clear that the UHD is its textural superior, bringing out sharper content all around the frame, in bright daylight and in low-light interiors alike....
Audio: 90
Beyond a few moments of amplified audio, such as two key early film scenes (the model trains maneuvering through the speakers, a tornado blowing about the soundstage), the track offers more or less straightforward...
Extras: 90
The Fabelmans: A Personal Journey (2160p/Dolby Vision, 11:00): Exploring project origins, the merging of reality and fiction, the need for the film to be relatable to all viewers, the depiction of a Jewish...
Movie: 90
Sammy's story largely focuses on his father and his mother in his more formative years, the former of whom is a workaholic concerned only with his own upward mobility regardless of what his career means...
Total: 40
Though low on spectacle, the film is big on narrative and offers a substantial commentary on the filmmaking process, which is interwoven into his lead character's life....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 90
The 4K version offers a bit more detail, clarity and texture and as we’d expect, the black levels and contrast are a bit stronger thanks to the HDR....
Audio: 90
There aren’t a lot of opportunities for the track to flex its muscle, but still – I found myself engrossed....
Extras: 40
The Fabelmans: A Personal Journey – Spielberg and co-writer Tony Kushner discuss how they tapped into the director’s life for the story, working to give it a universal feel while still remaining true to...
Movie: 0
But I have to give credit where it’s due and I will say that for over half a century, Steven Spielberg has been one of the most successful and inspirational directors out there....
Total: 70
I certainly prefer his earlier work, though I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Ready Player One was one of my favorite films of the last decade....
High-Def Digest review by David KraussRead review here
Video: 90
The vibrant, crystal clear picture may lack the wow factor of other movies presented in 4K UHD, but it maintains an essential film-like feel throughout and its muted color palette effectively transmits...
Audio: 90
The howling wind, careening shopping carts, and windshield wiper noise during the tornado sequence are crisp, the various film sounds emanating from projectors, cameras, and editing equipment are marvelously...
Extras: 40
Featurette: "Crafting the World of The Fabelmans" (HD, 22 minutes) - Production design, costumes, cinematography, editing, and music are the focus of this featurette, which also examines how various sequences...
Movie: 90
Some of the vignettes feel a little self-indulgent, but Spielberg makes sure The Fabelmans is not just about his family, but about all our families and the dynamics, tensions, and agendas that shape each...
Total: 90
Lovingly produced, well written, beautifully acted, and very relatable, The Fabelmans runs a bit long, but keeps us involved and deserves the slew of Oscar nods it received....
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 100
There is a fine level of film grain noticeable in the “real life” portions of the movie, with the 16mm and Super 8 sequences exhibiting a higher level of grain as expected....
Audio: 90
I was a bit surprised that Spielberg opted to go with a 7.1 mix rather than a full-out Dolby Atmos mix, but in hindsight, I’m not sure what a spatial audio mix would lend to a film of this nature....
Extras: 80
Crafting the World of “The Fabelmans” (2160p SDR; 22:04): a look at all of the long-time collaborators who worked on the film, including Production Designer Rick Carter, editor Michael Kahn, and John Williams....
Movie: 100
If you were a kid interested in filmmaking in the late 1970s to mid-1980s, chances are that you were both very aware and even fascinated that the director of such box office blockbusters as Jaws, Close...
Total: 90
The Fablemans struck an expected chord with me, but I was surprised at just how much my wife, who is not a cinephile, also connected with this film....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 92
The increase in resolution is appreciable, especially the wide-angle shots of Arizona which look simply terrific....
Audio: 90
This is primarily a dialog driven film however there are elements in the film that require use of the entire system so its ability to clearly render them is essential....
Extras: 70
Crafting the World of THE FABELMANS *- From costume and set design to music and cinematography, the filmmakers behind THE FABELMANS reveal how they created movie magic while capturing the film's unique...
Movie: 80
is a coming-of-age story about a young man uncovering a shattering family secret and the power of film and imagination to help us see the truth about ourselves and each other....
Total: 83
It comes to Ultra HD Blu-ray from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment featuring excellent technical merits mated with a fair supplemental offering that includes insights from the cast/crew....
Why So Blu? review by Brandon PetersRead review here
Video: 100
Depth: Depth of field is terrific, with great spacing, pushback and smooth dimensional work coming in this image....
Audio: 100
Height: N/ALow Frequency Extension: The subwoofer rumbles and hums perfectly with the score but also heightens some more natural occurrences like doors slamming, a locker being punched, fireworks going...
Extras: 50
Here’s a more full making of with more of the technical aspects from shooting it, to costuming, production/set design, John Williams crafting the score, specific sequences and so forth....
Movie: 90
Inspired by Steven Spielberg’s own childhood, rediscover the magic of movies in THE FABELMANS, a coming-of-age story about a young man uncovering a shattering family secret and the power of film and imagination...
Total: 80
Its an excellent movie with a terrific presentation from perhaps the greatest living filmmaker and that’s all you need on a recommend for the disc....
Director: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Michelle Williams, Gabriel LaBelle, Paul Dano
PlotA young boy named Sammy Fabelman discovers the captivating power of film after his parents, Mitzi and Burt, take him to see his first movie. Growing up in post-World War II era America, his love for cinema blossoms, accompanied by his mother's artistic spirit and his father's practical intellect. The family's dynamic reflects Mitzi's whimsical nature and Burt's technological prowess, fueling Sammy's passion and talent for making his own films. He uses his camera to create and preserve his version of the world, but it also serves as a means to understand the complexities around him. As he grows older, his experiences with his supportive but unconventional mother, his relationship with his father, and interactions with his siblings play a pivotal role in shaping his perspective on life and art.
Through his lens, Sammy begins to capture the joys, sorrows, and unspoken truths of his family life, inadvertently uncovering secrets and tensions within his home. His journey is not only a creative awakening but also a coming-of-age story, as he confronts the challenges of adolescence and the dissonance between his parents' dreams and his own aspirations. The family moves across the country for Burt's career, further complicating Sammy's emotional landscape and leading him to seek solace and expression in the moving images he crafts. As he hones his filmmaking skills, Sammy navigates the delicate balance between his artistic desires and the realities of his family's shifting world.
Writers: Steven Spielberg, Tony Kushner
Release Date: 23 Nov 2022
Runtime: 151 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States, India
Language: English