BLU-RAY REVIEW

Train To Busan 4K Ultra HD

Featured In Issue 265, January/February 2023

Picture4
Sound4.5
Immersive4.5
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Well Go USA
(Catalog Number):
(MPAA Rating):
Not Rated
(Rating Reason):
(Retail Price):
$29.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-66)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
118
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
ABC
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
11/29/2022
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
YeonSang-ho
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD 7.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

In "Train To Busan," when a mysterious virus breaks out across the country, the infected turn into the murderous undead. A few terrified travelers find themselves trapped on a bullet train from hell, fighting for their lives a hordes of the living dead crash toward them, crawling closer with every stop. Suspicion is rite and tensions run high as some will do anything to survive and make it to the safe zone. (Gary Reber)

Special features include a behind-the-scenes (HD 13:01) and "That's A Wrap" (HD 04:35) featurettes, the trailer and upfront previews.

The 1.85:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa XT M and Arri Alexa XT Plus camera systems and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture appears most natural but there are uneven segments that appear unnatural. Color saturation is generally good, especially during closeups. There is a lot of blood spatters that appear realistic and gruesome. Flesh tone appear natural. HDR contrast is a bit weak with wanting black levels and shadow delineation. White levels generally appear natural and bright. The changes in lighting on the train as it enters and departs tunnels is effective. Resolution is generally good, especially during closeups but otherwise softer but still generally clear.. Overall, this is a satisfying picture but not in the league of better 4K Ultra HD presentations. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is action-packed. The orchestral score has a wide and deep soundstage that extends aggressively to the surrounds and height layer At times, the fidelity sounds strident. Atmospherics are realistic and the soundd of mayhem are frightening. Foley sound effects are prominent particularly during the mayhem. Sound effects are effective in creating tension. Deep bass is delivered by the sound of trains and a major crash. The Korean dialogue is clear with readable white English subtitles.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of the aggressive extension of the orchestral score and numerous atmospherics and sound effects including atmospheric and moving train din, first responder sirens, train station announcement and on-train announcements, train passenger frightened passenger chatter, window glass breakage, infected fighting mayhem, voices yelling out, crash sound and other sounds. This is a really effective height layer that enhances the spatial dimensionality of the soundfield.

Overall, this is a high-tension fast-paced horrific thriller that delivers excitement in holosonic® spherical surround. (Gary Reber)