When giant robots attack New York City, intrepid reporter Polly Perkins (Academy Award® winner* Gwyneth Paltrow) enlists the aid of ace aviator and old flame Joseph ‘Sky Captain’ Sullivan (two-time Academy Award® nominee** Jude Law) to stop a plot to destroy the world before it’s too late. Co-starring Academy Award® winner† Angelina Jolie, Sky Captain And The World of Tomorrow will thrill and amaze you right through to the action-packed finale.
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Video Quality
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow makes its 4K UHD Blu-Ray debut with a welcome 2160p Dolby Vision transfer from a new 4K master that is described as being from the “35mm Digital Negative.” While that description somewhat seems like a contradiction in terms, we imagine this is a convoluted way of saying the original 2K Digital Intermediate created when the film was released in theaters has been upscaled to 4K, as it was never finished to film. We are not averse to a 4K upscale from a 2K source, as the 4K UHD Blu-Ray format can still provide a major boost to such titles. Our only previous experience with the film was the ancient Blu-Ray from 2006 which featured the film on a single-layer Blu-Ray disc with a lacking codec. This new presentation more accurately captures the aesthetic intention of the film.
The 4K UHD disc does well in the context of upscaling a Digital Intermediate, as the presentation delivers a treasure trove of texture and background detail. This source is somewhat difficult to evaluate, as the film was conceived to replicate a very specific look reminiscent of classic Hollywood cinema. This transfer has greater control over the film grain with fewer ugly splotches and noise, but the image is not as crystal clear as other upscales on the format due to the diffused lighting and overall soft image. Even still, key details within the clothing, makeup, environments, and production design are brought more strictly into focus.
The film implements a stylized aesthetic that this disc attempts to recreate with a keen sense of accuracy, honoring the look concocted by director of photography Eric Adkins. The Dolby Vision presentation fine-tunes the palette more than ever, as you have distinct lighting choices presenting with exceptional saturation, depending on the environment. Highlights offer a more contained stability without completely giving over to blooming. The black levels are deeper which allows this transfer to provide a key level of fine detail in darker environments. The improvements in contrast and overall clarity are some of the standout aspects of the disc, especially when exploring shadowy enclaves that have previously engulfed detail. The use of blue screen for digital effects, coupled with other photographic tricks, means this is always going to be a title with a visual ceiling, but this release from Shout! Studios allows it to look as good as possible.
Audio Quality
This 4K UHD Blu-Ray release boasts upgraded DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 lossless tracks, which improve upon the lossy Dolby Digital tracks from the older Blu-Ray release. Dialogue comes through clearly in the center channel without getting drowned out by the score or any sound effects. The score from Edward Sheamur renders with rich fidelity. Action sequences are plentiful with a bombastic sound design that packs a punch. The activity in the low end feels like the conflict is being brought into your living room. This disc brings big set pieces to life with a depth and clarity not to be missed. As planes are flying around and shooting at giant robots, the sounds flow out of your side and rear speakers for a fully immersive experience. The track engages all of the channels with sound effects and ambient noise that are respectful of the soundscape. Shout! Studios has supplied audiences with a joyous listening experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided on this disc.
Special Features
- Audio Commentaries: There are two archival commentary tracks provided that approach the film from a broader standpoint as well as a scene-specific vantage.
- Audio Commentary #1: Producer Jon Avnet
- Audio Commentary #2: Director Kerry Conran, Production Designer Kevin Conran, Animation Director Steve Yamamoto, and Visual Effects Supervisor Darin Hollings
- Brand New World: A two-part documentary is provided that delves into the production of the film through interview with tons of behind the scenes talent such as producer Jon Avnet, production/costume designer Kevin Conran, writer/director Kerry Conran, producer Marsha Oglesby, visual effects supervisor Darin Hollings, visual effects producer Daniel Rucinski, special photographic process Stephen Lawes, animation director/digital effects supervisor Steve Yamamoto, animation supervisor Rob Dressel, and more.
- Chapter 1 (28:12)
- Chapter 2 (23:35)
- The Art of World of Tomorrow: A nearly nine-minute piece in which production/costume designer Kevin Conran discusses the creation of the look of the film including the costumes, the vehicles, the set design, and more.
- The Original Six Minute Short: The six-minute inspiration for the film is provided.
- Deleted Scenes: A five-minute selection of unused footage is provided. Some of the footage does not include finished special effects.
- Anatomy of a Virtual Scene: An eight-minute exploration of how a scene was brought to life with the help of new technology.
- Gag Reel (2:33)
- Trailer Reel (4:51)
Final Thoughts
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is a bold swing from an artist who used his ingenuity to get his dream project on the screen, and the audience did not meet him halfway. The movie has some general pacing issues that keep it from being a classic, but it does a nice job of replicating the feeling of an old-school serial. The retro-futuristic design is very cool, and it gives you a lot to explore as you travel from one major set piece to the next. It is a visual treat, and you cannot help but feel like a kid in a candy store when watching it. Throw in some beloved performers, and you have an adventure worth taking. Shout! Studios has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a solid A/V presentation and a decent array of legacy special features. If you are a fan of the film, this is worth an upgrade. Recommended
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Shout! Studios 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.
