Sully

On Thursday, January 15, 2009, the world witnessed the “Miracle on the Hudson” when Captain Chesley Sully Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skills, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and his career. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes Sully Sullenberger: The Man Behind The Miracle (HD 19:49), Moment By Moment: Averting Disaster On The Hudson (HD 15:44) and Neck Deep In The Hudson: Shooting Sully (HD 20:17); upfront previews; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.38:1 1080p AVC picture was photographed with the Arri Alexa 65 at 6.5K resolution. The camera system is referred to as an IMAX camera. The post-production intermediate was produced at 4K resolution, perfect for the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc format. Even so, the picture quality is stunning on the 1080p Blu-ray format. Resolution is spectacular, with fine detail exhibited throughout, which is especially apparent with respect to facial features, hair, clothing and object texture, both in close-ups and backgrounds. The CGI components of the picture benefit as well, with impressive realism during the failed engines' decent and water landing, with the passengers escaping to the aircraft's wings while they await rescue. The color palette is accurately rendered in both night scenes and in prominent daylight scenes under a steel-gray winter sky. Interior scenes exhibit impressive reality as well. Brief flashbacks to Sully origins and training as a pilot exhibit a much warmer and richer color rendering. Contrast is superb, with well-balanced black levels and shadow delineation. Fleshtones are perfectly natural throughout, whether during single closeups or in groups such as during the public hearing scenes. This is an absolute reference-quality digital production that exemplifies realism. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack delivers impressive realism throughout, whether during quiet dialogue segments or flight dynamics associated with Flight 1549 and jet fighter sequences. The sounds of Flight 1549's engines during taxi and takeoff, and failure due to a massive bird intrusion, are extremely dynamic, boosted by intense deep and powerful .1 LFE energy, heightening the realism. The dynamics are incredibly realistic. Atmospherics throughout are exceptionally well presented, as well as every manner of airplane engine, helicopter, ferry boat and emergency vehicle sound effects, and the sounds of turbulent river waters. During the takeoff, engine failures, and other scenes of intensity, the soundtrack is impressively holosonic® with aggressive and directionalized surrounds, and height envelopment that enhances the overall spherical spatial directionality. All four surround channels are quite active and replicate the realistic settings whether during boarding, while in flight, or the extremely intense sonics associated with the landing of the jet plane on the water. The sound design is exceptionally accurate in this regard, as one would imagine in such a dire situation. Subtle sonic surroundings, such as in interiors and the hearing room, are nicely realistic as well. The soundtrack is remarkable in its production of every sound element. The music score, while generally sparse, is nicely recorded with a wide and deep soundstage that extends to the surrounds. Dialogue is impressively natural, with excellent spatial integration, and is nicely accompanied with subtle atmospheric clues. Be sure to listen to Tierney Sutton singing during the credit sequence accompanied by pianist Christian Jacob & The Tierney Sutton Band. Every aspect of this soundtrack is reference quality and will not disappoint. This is what the serious home theatre experience is all about. (Gary Reber)