Kingdom Of Heaven 4K Ultra HD (SteelBook)

From Ridley Scott comes a new modern epic. "Kingdom Of Heaven" takes place in medieval Jerusalem, where Balian (Orlando Bloom), a young Frenchman, finds honor and redemption on a valiant quest. Against staggering odds, Balian battles overwhelming forces to save his people and fulfill his destiny as a true knight during the crusades. (Suzanne Hodges)

There are two versions of the film, the Direcctor' Cut Roadshow Version (03:13:53) and he Director's Cut Version ( 0533:13:) Special features on Disc 1 include introduction by Ridley Scott, roadshow commentary with Actor Orlando Bloom, Producer/Director Ridley Scott and Writer William Monahan, roadshow commentary by Executive Producer Lisa Ellzey, Visual Effects Supervisor Wesley Sewell and First Assistant Director Adam Somner, roadshow commentary by Film Editor Dody Dorn, the featurette "The Engineer's Guide." Disc 2: Blu-ray includes the same special features as on Disc 1. Blu-ray Disc 3 includes four five featurettes: " The Path To Redemption" (HD 02:21:49), "Sound Design Suite", "Visual Effects Breakdowns" and "Orlando Bloom: The Adventure Of A Lifetime" (HD 02:11); press junket walkthrough: World Premieres; special shoot gallery; poster explorations, deleted and extended scenes with optional commentary; additional featurettes and much more. There is also a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on Kodak Vision2 35 mm film in Super 35 using the Arricam LT and Arricam ST camera systems and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The film has been restored and remastered. Film grain has been virtually eliminated. John Mathieson's cinematography and Arthur Max's production design are impressive throughout. The presentation of the medieval world is spectacular with vast desert settings consisting of villages and Jerusalem with its stone and stucco architecture. Everything appears perfectly realistic. The lighting design is comprised of natural daylight and nighttime torches and other fire enhancements. Atmospherics project well to heighten realism. Sound effect are often spectacular such as multiple groups of horses galloping on the desert floor as they approach Balian's village and Jerusalem. Color fidelity is superb and dominated by earthy hues such as desert sand, dirt, rocks, tall grasses and trees, structures, horses, clothing fabrics, swords, armor, etc. A wide spectrum of nuanced hues are evident throughout. Flesh tones appear natural. Contrast is excellent. Black levels are deep and solid, Shadow delineation is revealing of depth and detail. White level appear perfectly illuminated, even the interior fire lit scenes. Resolution is excellent. The imagery is sharp and clear, Facial features reveal skin pores, lines, beards and hair. Structural detail, furnishings and objects exhibit fine detail. Clothing fabrics are well defined. Ridley Scott has crafted an impressive film whose cinematography, production values and attention to realism is superb. This is the new reference for this classic. (Gary Reber)

The repurposed Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack sounds dynamic with excellent fidelity. Atmospherics are nicely nuanced and at times energized. Sound effects are strong and at times powerful. Sound effects are supported with deep bass and .1 LFE energy. Foley sound effects are varied and in perfect sync with picture. Harry Gregson-Williams' orchestral/choral score is perfectly composed and executed with a wide and deep soundstage and enveloping surround field. Dynamics are impressive in both nuanced moments and loud bold segments. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with excellent ADR production that sounds nicely integrated spatially.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of a dominant, at times aggressive, extension of the orchestral/choral score and realistic atmospherics as well as at times aggressive sound effects, such as violent seas, thunder and rain, strong winds and crowd and army chatter, flag patter, bell ringing, etc., as well as brief strong dialogue. Unfortunately the sound elements in the height layer are on and off for lengths of time. So much more could have been achieved, especially during the chaotic and intense battle scenes between the Muslims and Christians, to enhance sound field dimensionality.

This is a fantastic holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that delivers exciting dynamics, superb fidelity, immersive spatialization and music.The soundtrack is impressively crafted and is a top notch home theatre experience, especially if the theatre is equipped with a height layer. (Gary Reber)