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Warm Bodies

4K Ultra HD

Blu Ray

  • Score
    85
    from 5 reviewers
    Review Date:
  • Warm Bodies shines in 4K UHD, blending comedy and zombies with top-notch visuals & sound, making it Lionsgate's best release.

    Warm Bodies 4K UHD Blu-ray Front Cover

    Disc Release Date:

    2K Upscale
    HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    Dolby Atmos
    Dolby TrueHD
  • Video
    86
  • Warm Bodies shines in 4K UHD with nuanced colors, deeper blacks, and detailed visuals, outperforming 1080p with its HDR/Dolby Vision enhancements.

  • Audio
    85
  • Warm Bodies' Dolby Atmos track brings a new depth to its audio with clear, immersive sounds, enhancing environmental cues and narration for an engaging experience.

  • Extra
    83
  • Warm Bodies 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set is crammed with engaging extras, including detailed featurettes, hilarious gags, and insightful commentaries, enriching the zombie film's experience.

  • Movie
    83
  • Warm Bodies, a charming romantic zombie comedy, redefines love and humanity amidst an apocalypse, captivating with humor, heart, and technical prowess in its 4K re-release.

    Video: 86

    Warm Bodies makes a compelling transition to 4K UHD, courtesy of Lionsgate Films, offering an upgrade that, while not groundbreaking, significantly enhances its visual storytelling. The film's specific visual aesthetic, characterized by its cooler chromatic hues, sepia tones, and a blend of blue/red/green, is given new life in Ultra HD. The wider color gamut of UHD alongside the application of Dolby Vision—though not fully explored due to equipment limitations—improves delineation and adds pleasing nuance to the film’s aggressive color grading. Additionally, the HDR enhancement enriches colors, notably in darker scenes where shadow detail unveils previously unseen elements, and in outdoor scenes where sunlight receives a vibrant, buttery yellow uplift. Despite being shot on 35mm film and finished with a 2K digital intermediate, this release avoids the grainy texture that sometimes mars other Lionsgate 4K releases, presenting a cleaner, more detailed picture.

    Detail levels in the 4K presentation are noticeably superior; from the distinct threading in clothing to the minute imperfections visible across various backdrops. The styling of the film, intentional in its somberness and desaturation, is faithfully retained, ensuring that the original cinematic experience is undisturbed yet visually enhanced. The contrast balance has been carefully managed to boost dynamic range without betraying the film's originally subdued photography style. This balance achieves darker blacks and brighter whites that contribute to a more dramatic and three-dimensional image quality.

    The incorporation of Dolby Vision highlights the technological strengths of HDR, particularly in how it handles the film's unique color spectrum—from the oppressive blues of the zombie world to the warmer tones signifying life and vitality. Colors are significantly more vibrant in HDR, especially noticeable in key items like R's hoodie or the occasional presence of greens and reds amidst the decay. Flesh tones, both living and undead, gain realism and depth, enhancing the narrative's emotional and thematic undertones. Despite a few instances of noise during effects-heavy shots and slight shimmering in fast-moving exteriors, these are minor compared to the overall improvement in visual clarity, texture, and color depth offered by the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Warm Bodies, making it a standout among Lionsgate's catalog titles on this format.

    Audio: 85

    The Dolby Atmos track on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Warm Bodies" notably elevates the audio experience, refining what was already a commendable soundscape in its predecessor. This new mix capitalizes on the spatial audio capabilities of Atmos, introducing an overhead dimension that brings an immersive depth to the film's audio. The use of height channels is effectively executed, with "R"'s narration notably being projected from above, adding a unique aspect to the storytelling. This coupled with well-placed environmental sounds, such as rain and ambient noises in the large expanse of the airport or outside scenes, creates a convincingly atmospheric listening experience. Sound effects in action sequences, including the menacing approach of the Boneys and general zombie antics, demonstrate excellent directionality and LFE support, albeit with moments where the bass could be described as adequate rather than grounding.

    The meticulous treatment of music and dialogue in this Atmos track deserves recognition; music tracks are rendered with clarity and vibrancy, showcasing detailed separation of instruments and a rich layering that enhances both the emotional and narrative elements of the film. Dialogue remains clear and focused throughout, offering an engaging clarity even amidst the more sonically busy scenes. The dynamic range is broad, presenting high fidelity in both subtle nuances and the more bombastic moments without losing coherence or balance.

    Moreover, this Atmos mix makes intelligent use of the full surround sound environment without becoming overbearing. Surround channels are effectively employed, enriching scenes with a sense of place and movement that extends the on-screen action into the viewer's space. While some may find the overhead narration initially distracting, it quickly becomes a natural and enriching part of the audio experience, symbolizing the protagonist's inner world. Despite occasional critiques regarding its low-frequency extension, the LFE channel adequately supports the track, contributing to an enthralling audio presentation that complements the visual upgrade of this 4K release.

    Extra: 83

    The 4K UHD Blu-ray set of "Warm Bodies" remarkably includes an extensive array of extras, thoroughly porting over the original Blu-ray special features to Ultra HD format. This compilation offers an immersive behind-the-scenes look into the making of this unique film, from its origins and development to the casting process and visual effects. Noteworthy are the articulate and engaging audio commentary by writer/director Jonathan Levine alongside leads Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, providing fans with insightful anecdotes and details on the film's production. The addition of featurettes such as "Extreme Zombie Make-Over" and "Beware the Boneys" highlights the intricate makeup effects and CGI challenges overcome by the crew, while "A Little Less Dead" delves into casting nuances. The inclusion of deleted scenes with optional commentary, a gag reel, and Teresa Palmer's home movies adds layers of depth, offering an exhaustive look at the creative process behind "Warm Bodies." This collection ensures enthusiasts are well-equipped with everything needed to appreciate the film's intricate blend of humor and horror.

    Extras included in this disc:

    • Audio Commentary with Screenwriter/Director Jonathan Levine and Actors Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer: Behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes.
    • Boy Meets, Er, Doesn't Eat Girl: Exploration of the film’s origin and adaptation process.
    • R&J: Examination of the dynamic between main characters R and Julie.
    • A Little Less Dead: A look at the acting ensemble with a focus on casting.
    • Extreme Zombie Make-Over! Makeup Effects: Detailed overview of makeup design and application.
    • A Wreck in Progress: Discussion on location scouting and production design.
    • Bustin' Caps: Insights into the action sequences and weapon handling in the film.
    • Beware the Boneys: Focus on the creation and visual effects of the Boneys.
    • Whimsical Sweetness: Teresa Palmer's Warm Bodies Home Movies: Behind-the-scenes footage captured by Teresa Palmer.
    • Zombie Acting Tips with Rob Corddry: Humorous advice on playing a zombie.
    • Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary by Director Jonathan Levine: Additional scenes with directorial insights.
    • Shrug & Groan Gag Reel: Collection of outtakes and bloopers.
    • Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for "Warm Bodies".

    Movie: 83

    Warm Bodies, a unique blend of horror, comedy, and romance, promises an intriguing perspective on the zombie apocalypse through the lens of "R", an introspective zombie with a longing for human connection. Director Jonathan Levine skillfully navigates this unconventional narrative adapted from Isaac Marion's novel, delivering a visual feast that marries technical quality with heartwarming storytelling. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Lionsgate enriches this experience, though not without its technical inconsistencies, particularly in the handling of film grain and digital noise which at times undercuts the otherwise crisp imagery.

    The movie's visual storytelling progresses from desaturated tones to vibrant hues, symbolizing the thematic and emotional transformation of the characters. The digital color grading plays a pivotal role in this transition, reinforcing the evolving relationship between R and Julie, a human survivor. Despite occasional disruptions in grain structure and minor pitfalls in black levels and contrast, the film's aesthetic choices generally bolster the narrative’s journey from despair to hope. Moreover, Warm Bodies stands out among recent 4K UHD re-releases for its innovative approach to zombie lore, balancing action-packed sequences with moments of genuine humor and tenderness.

    Central to its appeal is the profound emotional core shaped by Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer's performances, encapsulating a love story that transcends the boundaries of life and death. The disc's technical delivery, while flawed in spots, does justice to the source material's depth and Levine's directorial vision. From the desolate airport beginnings to the hopeful conclusion, Warm Bodies in 4K UHD Blu-ray is a testament to the film's ability to blend genre elements seamlessly while introducing fresh perspectives on zombie mythology.

    Total: 85

    Warm Bodies" shines anew in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, masterfully released by Lionsgate Home Entertainment. This quirky blend of comedy, romance, and zombies transcends its genre mashup, delivering a picturesque and immersive viewing experience. The film's video quality, now enhanced with Dolby Vision HDR, unveils a richer, more nuanced color palette that significantly elevates the visual storytelling. Meanwhile, the auditory landscape is meticulously sculpted by the Dolby Atmos track, presenting a detailed, textured soundscape that breathes life into this undead saga. Complementing the main feature, a comprehensive collection of legacy supplements enriches the overall package, preserving the film's essence for new and returning audiences alike.

    Lionsgate's dedication to quality is evident in this release, which stands out as a significant upgrade from previous versions. The attention to detail in both video and audio fidelity ensures that "Warm Bodies" not only meets but exceeds 4K UHD expectations. This release highlights the potential of 4K technology to enhance film presentation, offering a vibrant and captivating viewing experience. Whether you're revisiting this heartfelt zombie rom-com or discovering it for the first time, the 4K UHD version affords a fresh perspective on the film's unique charm and stylistic flourishes.

    In conclusion, "Warm Bodies" in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is a testament to Lionsgate's commitment to delivering high-quality home entertainment. With its visually stunning and audibly immersive presentation, coupled with a generous array of supplemental features, this edition comes highly recommended for collectors and cinephiles alike. At a compelling price point, it represents not just an addition to a home media library, but a significant upgrade that redefines the movie-watching experience. Lionsgate has indeed set a high bar with this release, making it a must-have for fans of the genre and 4K enthusiasts eager for premium content that showcases the full capabilities of their home theater setups.