Death is coming. Worse than death: oblivion. Not just for our Earth, but for everyone, everywhere, in every universe! Against this ultimate destruction, the mysterious Monitor has gathered the greatest team of Super Heroes ever assembled. But what can the combined might of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern and hundreds of Super Heroes from multiple Earths even do to save all of reality from an unstoppable antimatter Armageddon?!
For thoughts on Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part One, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part One comes to 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a 2160p transfer that is spectacular with a premium amount of depth. Unlike some of the previous titles in this universe, this 4K UHD Blu-Ray release does not come with a Blu-Ray disc for comparison. While the level of improvement cannot be ascertained, this disc presents vivid, natural colors and a lack of any digital artifacts. The kaleidoscope of settings lends itself to scenes with a muted color palette alongside some bright, brilliant locales. The use of HDR brings out the most from all of the dynamic colors on display from the parallel earths.
The disc provides deep black levels for a clean and consistent viewing experience free of crush or banding. The settings blend stylistically to create a universe filled with unexpected artistic choices, but how this presentation handles the subtle gradients in each space is just excellent. This disc provides excellent line detail and distinct shading, which gives the characters a resolute definition. Those with a proper display will likely find the 4K UHD Blu-Ray the ideal way to snatch this one up.
Audio Quality
This release boasts a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that holds its own during this bombastic story. Dialogue is often accompanied by an impressive score from Kevin Reipl or all manner of sound effects, but all of the information comes through clearly without getting turned into a sonic swirl. The track engages all of the channels with panning effects and sounds of destruction that transport you to the middle of the action. This is especially forthright when Flash is zipping around the screen and your speakers. There is a significant amount of activity in the low-end which will cause your subwoofer to get a thorough workout throughout this presentation. There are no egregious sync issues or other anomalies present. Warner Bros. has delivered a fantastic track that showcases the impressive sound design of their animated DC films.
Special Features
- Crisis Prime(r): A ten-minute featurette in which the creative team discusses the building blocks of the “Tomorrowverse” that have led to the Crisis on Infinite Earths trilogy. This is a great refresher for what has come before while getting some information that recontextualizes what appeared in prior films.
- The Selfless Speedster An eight-minute reflection on the original comic run and the great sacrifices made by pivotal characters. This transitions into how the film tackles the source material and the performance of Matt Bomer.
Final Thoughts
Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part One is a very strong start for what promises to be a thrilling storyline. While there is a definite cliffhanger quality to this entry, it is impressive how they make this film feel essential even as a standalone piece of art. There is obvious care put into not only connecting all of the previous projects but also telling a satisfying story independent of fan service. The voice performances are right on point with no one ever seeming miscast. With this entry living up to its promise, we could not be more excited to continue this trilogy. Warner Bros. has delivered a 4K UHD Blu-Ray with an impressive A/V presentation and a handful of special features. This is one storyline not to miss. Recommended
Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part One is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital.
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.