‘The Da Vinci Code’ 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook Review – A Sturdy Adaptation Of A Globetrotting Phenomena

Dan Brown’s international bestseller comes alive in the film THE DA VINCI CODE, directed by Ron Howard with a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman. Join symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) and cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) in their heart-racing quest to solve a bizarre murder mystery that will take them from France to England – and behind the veil of a mysterious ancient society, where they discover a secret protected since the time of Christ.

For thoughts on The Da Vinci Code, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: 

Video Quality

The new 20th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray of The Da Vinci Code offers a noticeable improvement in quality over the older Blu-Ray released in 2009, but no Blu-Ray copies of the movie are included in this package. The film was already released on 4K UHD Blu-Ray a decade ago, which I have and used to compare to this newer release. The introduction of Dolby Vision versus the strictly HDR10 of the previous release yields some subtle improvements, but the major coup of this release is the inclusion of the Extended Cut in 4K UHD at long last, as opposed to the HD presentation in the last set. Many probably thought the unique footage in this cut could not properly be scaled up to meet 4K UHD standards, but Sony has worked its wizardry by providing it along with the Theatrical Cut on 4K UHD, each version with its own disc. 

The utilization of Dolby Vision/HDR refines the color spectrum to achieve a more precise execution of the creative intention. The film itself is not a kaleidoscope of eye-popping colors, especially with many set pieces taking place in historic museums, churches, and manors that lean towards a more subdued, classy approach. Nevertheless, the use of HDR is vital as you get a much stronger command of contrast. The black levels are the MVP of the presentation, always staying deep and nearly perfect with great detail. Highlights in the film are spectacular with the whites pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. This is helpful when the police are waving around flashlights. The colors that are featured are complex and completely accurate to what was intended by the creative team. Everything from the most lush foliage to the mixture of metal and stone within the cities offers glorious stability. 

These transfers feature a welcome amount of film grain that resolves favorably without being clumpy or unnatural. Even the most challenging gradients do not hinder the picture with loose grain or banding, always leaving you stunned by its complexity. Sony has not had any digital tinkering done to this transfer, so this disc is free of DNR, compression artifacts, and other encoding issues. The opulent production design is presented with pristine clarity and tremendous depth. Skin tones appear much more natural than the previous Blu-Ray with healthy doses of fine detail apparent, especially in the wounds on the back of Silas. The outfits and textural output of the environment are simply marvelous to behold with everything rendering without any issues. The unique footage of the Extended Cut blends seamlessly with the theatrical footage. Sony has treated fans extremely well. 

Audio Quality

This 4K UHD Blu-Ray replicates the previous Dolby Atmos track that gives the film a sterling audio experience suitable for a globetrotting adventure. The disc also provides the original DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that still impressive in its own right. Those who choose to partake in the original track may not utilize every speaker you have, but you will be treated to a top-tier experience without any obvious age-related flaws. Dialogue is crisp and clear without ever getting overshadowed by the music or sound effects. The score from Hans Zimmer is exceptional and holds up with no issue.

With the Atmos track, you will find the front channels occupied by dialogue and other primary sounds, but discrete elements consistently expand to the surrounds, rears, and overhead speakers to make things feel more robust and all-encompassing. Atmospheric sound effects are rendered with precision within the mix so that directionality is never an issue. Some panning moments between speakers will make you feel right in the middle of certain chase sequences. The sounds up above do not pull focus without purpose, instead choosing to make the world feel more three-dimensional. The low-end effects from the subwoofer are quite active when the thrills get kicked into overdrive. Sony has done very well with this release. Optional English, English SDH, and an avalanche of other subtitles are provided. 

Special Features

Sony has provided The Da Vinci Code with a sleek new SteelBook featuring artwork that is truly lovely in person. Video of the SteelBook can be found at the top of this review.

Disc 1 (4K UHD – Extended Cut – 2:54:37)

• Select Scene Commentary: Director Ron Howard gives 40 minutes of commentary over 27 segments that can be played all at once or selected individually. The filmmaker delves into the process of adapting the characters for the screen, working with various performers, the production process, and more. 

Disc 2 (4K UHD – Theatrical Cut – 2:28:48)

• Audio Commentary: Director Ron Howard 

• Launching A Legacy: A nearly five-minute piece tied to Inferno that looks at Tom Hanks and his portrayal of Robert Langdon, the evolution from film to film, and more. 

• Teaser Trailer (2:05)

• Theatrical Trailer (2:14)

Disc 3 (Blu-Ray – Special Features)

• Production Featurettes: The film provides a disc of behind-the-scenes featurettes that explore the construction of the movie from every possible angle. 

• • First Day on the Set with Ron Howard (2:13)

• • A Discussion with Dan Brown (4:52)

• • A Portrait of Langdon (7:18)

• • Who Is Sophie Neveu? (6:58)

• • Unusual Suspects (17:58)

• • Magical Places (15:58)

• • Close-Up on Mona Lisa (6:37)

• • The Filmmakers’ Journey Part One (24:40)

• • The Filmmakers’ Journey Part Two (12:20)

• • The Codes of The Da Vinci Code (5:33)

• • The Music of The Da Vinci Code (2:54)

• • Book to Screen (11:06)

• • The Da Vinci Props (9:43)

• • The Da Vinci Sets (9:10)

• • Re-creating Works of Art (6:03)

• • The Visual Effects World of The Da Vinci Code (15:03)

• • Scoring of The Da Vinci Code (9:44)

• Trailers

Final Thoughts

The Da Vinci Code is adapting one of the more popular “airport” novels in a way that capitalizes on most of its pulpy promise. It is difficult not to get wrapped up in an international conspiracy that dates back centuries and is being protected by a series of puzzles. You have to embrace the film for the fiction that it is, and on that level, the twists and turns are satisfying. Even when watching the nearly three-hour extended cut, the movie goes by pretty quickly, only slowing down more in the final revelations. Ron Howard plays things a bit safe, and there are almost assuredly major bits missing from the novel, but it is a suitably entertaining time. Sony Pictures has released an excellent new Limited Edition 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary featuring a first-rate A/V presentation as well as an onslaught of special features. For the Extended Cut in 4K UHD alone, this is worth an upgrade for fans. Recommended 

The Da Vinci Code: 20th Anniversary Edition is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Sony Pictures 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.