Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition features an extended cut of the film which includes 30 more minutes of story and action not seen in theaters. The extended cut is rated R.
Fearing the actions of a god-like super hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.
For in-depth thoughts on Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, please see my colleague Cainan Myracle’s review here.
Video Quality
The 2021 remastered 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition) looks outstanding and represents a pretty big improvement from the 4K UHD disc that was first released when the movie first hit physical media in 2016. Not many directors have the clout to have their movies released to their specifications once they already have an acceptable 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc on the market, but if we learned anything over the past few years it is not to count out Zack Snyder.
This new release is worthwhile for two reasons: First, the remastered disc fixes the unnatural colors caused by the HDR on the initial release. That disc was one of the very earliest from Warner Bros., and something went wrong along the way that Snyder noticed and rightfully wanted fixed. With this newer disc we also finally get the scenes that Snyder shot specifically with IMAX in mind now framed in their intended 1.43:1 aspect ratio. This allows pivotal scenes to feel more momentous with the intended scope of the sequences preserved. It should be noted that there is no Theatrical Version included on this disc, which is likely not a problem for fans since the Ultimate Edition is seemingly the preferred version for most.
The corrected HDR allows the colors to showcase their greatest nuances and vibrancy. While Snyder often gets called out for making his films thematically dark, his exploration of the color palette does bring some eye-popping hues to the screen. Elements in the film taking place at night or in shadow are more vivid and crisply delineated. Black levels are especially strong in this presentation, staying deep and inky with tremendous detail. The highlights in the film are likewise more defined with whites pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Skin tones appear more natural with healthy doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores. This 4K UHD presentation is the ideal way to experience the film at home with so much rich texture on display and a perfect command of color and contrast. Warner Bros. has delivered a reference-quality release for this one – finally.
Audio Quality
While the video side of the equation needed some tweaking, this audio presentation maintains the same knockout Dolby Atmos presentation that was featured on previous releases. Snyder does a great job of creating a completely immersive experience from the beginning of this journey. When Bruce is driving through the battlefield of Metropolis, the height channels provide incredible overhead accompaniment that will make you look up to make sure your roof is not caving in. Sounds are rendered with precise directionality from the more kinetic action scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue.
The brutal action scenes provide a forceful soundscape that kicks in throughout all the speakers. The low end is ridden hard and put away wet – you will feel the kick in your bones. Ambient details are plentiful and quite satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. The evocative score permeates the room that elevates every moment. Dialogue is presented perfectly clear without ever being overshadowed by any of the competing sonic elements. The mix delivers everything you could possibly want from an audio experience.
Special Features
- Introduction: A 30-second introduction from director Zack Snyder is provided in which he discusses the reason for this re-release with the enhanced color and intended shifting aspect ratio.
- Audio Commentary: Director Zack Snyder provides a great new commentary track in which he thoroughly explores the creation of the film including the deliberate choices in framing, inspirations for certain characterization, the special effects work, the mixture of location shooting and set work, his collaboration with the performers and much more that makes for a very worthwhile listen.
Final Thoughts
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition) is the version of the movie that brings all of the elements of the story together in the balanced and impactful manner it deserves. While not without its faults, the greater emphasis on character makes the moments of brutal devastation that much more powerful. Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill inhabit the titular roles like they were born for it, and Gal Gadot makes a mighty impression in her first appearance as Wonder Woman. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has given this one a remastered 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a top notch A/V presentation and a great new commentary track. If you are a fan of the film and do not own this version yet, you should change that ASAP. Highly Recommended
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition) can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or through various other online retailers.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
