World War Z 4K Ultra HD

"World War Z" follows a former United Nations investigator (Brad Pitt) as he helps stop the chaotic pandemic that has gripped populations around the world. Based on the novel by Max Brooks. (Gary Reber)

Both the theatrical (01:56:01) and the unrated extended version (02:03:03) are available. Special features include two featurettes: "Origins" (HD 08:21) and "Looking To Science" (HD 07:28); and a WWZ: Production featurette—in the chapters Outbreak (HD 08:31) and a digital copy.

The 2.40::1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally in Super 35 using the Arri Alexa M, Arri Alexa Studio and Arriflex 435 and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate upscaled from a 2K Digital Intermediate. Previously reviewed was the 2.40:1 1080p MVC 3D edition converted by Cinesite Ltd. and Prime Focus World. The picture occurs in a variety of setting, all of which look good and realistic, Color fidelity is excellent with a nicely saturated palette with segments of color and lighting stylization. Flesh tones appear to be accurately hued. The imagery looks perfectly realistic and the stylization elements enhance the settings and action. HDR contrast is superb. Black levels and depth are excellent, shadows are revealing and white levels appear natural, never exaggerated. The imagery is sharp. Resolution is revealing of fine detail, especially during closeups. Facial features reveal skin pores, lines, feature distortions, hair and beards. Objects and structure appear realistic and reveal texture. Clothing fabrics are revealing. This is an exciting cinematic visual experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding delivering bold, and blasting sonics as necessary but also nuanced and detailed at the same time. Exciting panning and discrete localization throughout the soundfield keeps the four-channel surround soundfield actively dimensional. Bass is energized throughout with heavy aircraft movements and vehicle crashes and explosions. Bass is deep with extension to sub-25 Hz with prominent .1 LFE energy. reenforced with strong .1 LFE bass energy, during which the soundstage is holosonic® in character. Atmospherics and sound effects are both nuanced and authoritative. The orchestral score is dynamic sounding and nicely recorded with a wide and deep soundstage presence that aggressively extends to the surrounds providing aggressive envelopment, especially during the more intense action scenes. Chaotic action sequences are numerous and deliver incredible power and excitement Dialogue is effectively integrated spatially. Overall, this is a terrific sonic experience that effectively supports the storytelling with both nuanced and aggressive surround envelopment. (Gary Reber)