Sully UltraHD Blu-ray Review
By Chris Heinonen on
Audio Quality
Video Quality
Overall
Summary: On Thursday, January 15th, 2009, the world witnessed the “Miracle on the Hudson” when Captain Chesley 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 skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and his career.
Movie Review: While everyone probably knows the basic story of Sully, that he lands his plane on the Hudson River and everyone survives, like most I wasn’t aware of the investigation that went on afterwards. This look at the NTSB investigation that follows, as they look to see if it really was his only option or if he was reckless in landing in the river, was gripping and engrossing the entire time. It moves at a deliberate pace but never lags, and the acting performances from Hanks and everyone else are first rate. Having now seen it twice, at home and in IMAX at the theater, it is well worth watching.
Technical Review: Nothing bad can be said about the transfer of Sully. Shot on Arri Alexa 65 and Alexa IMAX cameras with a true 4K digital intermediate, the resulting image is basically perfect. It doesn’t jump off the screen with lush colors and bright highlights like some films, but the muted colors and palette are perfectly represented. Detail is always clear and dark shadow details come across perfectly. When a headlight or the sun calls for HDR highlights they are apparent, and the colors that are present are rich and bold.
The soundtrack also impresses. When placed inside the plane you can hear objects flying all around you, including the birds that strike the engines during takeoff. Traffic on a busy night in Manhattan is placed all around you, sounding much like it does in real life. Again, Sully isn’t an action blockbuster and it is more restrained in its use of effects, but the soundtrack does its job perfectly.
Special Features: Three featurettes are included: Sully Sullenberger: The Man Behind the Miracle, Moment by Moment: Averting Disaster on the Hudson, and Neck Deep in the Hudson: Shooting Sully.
Review System: Vizio P65-C1 display, Oppo UDP-203 UltraHD Blu-ray Player, KEF Ci5160RL-THX Fronts, Ci3160RL-THX Center, 2x Ci200RR-THX Surrounds, 4x CI200RR-THX Atmos Speakers, Anthem MRX 1120 Receiver.
Pros
Wonderful film, reference quality transfer with a true 4K digital intermediate and tons of detail.
Cons
Not as flashy as other releases.
Summary
The UltraHD version of Sully does the film justice, with a pristine transfer and immersive soundtrack that present the film as perfectly as possible.
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