A few words about…™ Mortal Engines — in 4k UHD Blu-ray

4 Stars The 4k can currently be had for $15, and is well worth the price of admission

After reading a few reviews, I was prepared for the worst in screening Mortal Engines, another post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama, directed by Christian Rivers. This one has the imprimatur of the Jackson/Walsh/Boyens team as writers.

Peter Jackson is known for his ability to create disparate worlds from thin air, occasionally with the aid of a pre-existing novel or two.

His best work is, naturally, the world created in Forgotten Silver, one of his most brilliant works.

Captured in 8k, and completed as a 4k DI, Mortal Engines is perfect 4k Blu-ray fodder, and Universal’s release doesn’t disappoint in any way. Both imagery, backed by a pleasant layer of HDR, which can still be nicely projected, as well as an all-encompassing Dolby Atmos mix make for a brilliant home theater presentation.

Is this one of the great films of the era?

Most certainly, not.

But after spending a bit over two hours in its company, I came away liking it far more than any of the last dozen or so films in that Star Wars series, which ended for me in the mid-’80s.

I’ll not go into specifics, but found the film to be a high-water mark in recent digital effects work, possibly having something to do with a New Zealand organization.

The 4k can currently be had for $15, and is well worth the price of admission.

Image – 5

Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Recommended

RAH

Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.

His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.

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J

john a hunter

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I was in Wellington last year when it opened at the Peter Jackson owned theatre there.
Needless to say it both looked and sounded fantastic-SOTA in every respect.
I enjoyed the film -as you say-no masterpiece but fun.
I think it is time to revisit it.
While my home theatre cannot equal Mr Jackson's, it will give it a good run for the money!!!!
 
Carlo_M

Carlo_M

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I'm actually contemplating purchasing this since the price is right. I watched it on HBO Go the other night, was bored and needed something mindless, and also came away pleasantly surprised. I looked on IMDb and was surprised how low the scores were. Again, not a masterpiece, but a fun ride and a new sci-fi concept that I found interesting.

I'd be very interested in learning more about this world (I understand there are multiple books from which they could draw more material) but alas, given the box office performance, I'm afraid this might be it for the franchise.
 
Carlo_M

Carlo_M

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So I got it from Amazon and watched it. Despite the great presentation on Netflix (I think?) the 4K disc is an order of magnitude better. For the price ($12.98 when I bought it) I do not regret it at all. Oh and the Atmos presentation was also superior to the stream I watched. No regrets for this blind buy. And surprisingly, I enjoyed it more the second time than the first viewing!
 
dpippel

dpippel

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I think that the film is pretty much a mess, but this is a reference 4K UHD title. I agree with you Carlo - the streaming version pales in comparison to what's on the disc.
 
theonemacduff

theonemacduff

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Saw this on sale and picked it up and was pleasantly surprised. It's got great momentum, engaging characters, and a good story. And the world it presents is completely unique, which is something that is pretty rare in today's filmed sci-fi/fantasy adventures. I, for one am sad that while we are going to get another four Avatar world movies, it looks like this will be the only movie devoted to this particular fantasy world. Too bad.
 
TJPC

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I know I’m flogging a dead horse, but the 3D version was well worth the trouble of ordering it from Britain. It is most a demonstration disc for the process.
 
RBlenheim

RBlenheim

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Watching the 3D, it surprised me by turning out to be a far better movie than I had been led to believe, and I regret its commercial failure which prevents it, I'm sure, from spawning sequels. I've seen it four times and like it better each time.

The one thing about it that needs to be called attention to is that Hera Hilmar's performance in the lead was up to the best given by young actresses today, and truly brilliant. Iceland has every reason to be proud of her, and I hope we hear more of her in the future.
 
Johnny Angell

Johnny Angell

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TJPC said:
I know I’m flogging a dead horse, but the 3D version was well worth the trouble of ordering it from Britain. It is most a demonstration disc for the process.
Click to expand...
What about the 3D is good? The 4K likely has atmos which I’ve comed to appreciate. It’s priced at $22 currently but has been as low as $10 in the past. The 3D from Amazon UK is 8 pounds and probably costs less even after shipping. But it won’t have atmos, I presume.

I may have a decision forced on me in the coming year. Every now and then my LG 3D TV tells me it’s getting cranky. Maybe I’m going to stop by 3D discs? So what’s great about the 3D, is it depth or forward projections or...?
 
TJPC

TJPC

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I no longer remember the exact specifics, I just know that the site of entire cities streaming across the landscape was rather breathtaking in 3D, and if ever a movie seemed to be made for the process, this was it.
 
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