Whiplash UHD Review

Sony brings another catalog title, the Oscar-winning Whiplash, to 4K UHD Blu-ray with a stunning upgrade in both picture and sound.

The Production: 4.5/5

Andrew (Miles Teller) has always wanted to be a jazz drummer, despite the fact there were any musicians in his family, but has managed to get accepted as a freshman to the Shaffer Conservatory of Music in New York. One night, while practicing, his playing catches the attention of Studio Band conductor and instructor Terrence Fletcher (J.K Simmons), who invites him to sit in as alternate drummer. During rehearsal, Fletcher becomes irritated that someone in the band is playing out of tune, his anger and wrath coming down on Metz (C.J. Vana), an overweight saxophonist, who admits, under pressure, that he can’t tell if he’s playing out of tune or not, to which Fletcher expels him from the Studio Band. The band soon learns that it wasn’t Metz at all, but another player. Fletcher calls for a break, using the time to ask Andrew about his personal life. When the band returns from the break, Andrew takes over as drummer, until Fletcher becomes upset over Andrew’s tempo, belittling him and eventually hurling a chair at his head. Thus sets up the relationship between Andrew and Fletcher, one that many may feel as unhealthy, especially for those who have had an abusive boss, teacher, etc. in their past. It was that relationship between these two very dysfunctional people that as a viewer I struggled with. Don’t get me wrong, J.K Simmons, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this role, is absolutely fantastic as Fletcher, and his explanation much later in the film explaining the methods to his madness actually make sense. Miles Teller, who with this film shows what an under-rated actor he is, is also incredible as the strong-willed and determined student. Rounding out the cast are Paul Reiser (Mad About You, Aliens) as Andrew’s father and Melissa Benoist (Supergirl, GLEE) as Andrew’s love interest.

Video: 4.5/5

3D Rating: NA

According to IMDB, Whiplash was captured at 1080p resolution using Arri Alexa and Canon EOS 7D cameras and completed as a 2K digital intermediate in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Sony’s 2160p upscale, using HDR10 high dynamic range, is astounding even without taking into consideration the movie’s low resolution (by today’s standards) source material. Detail gets a modestly nice increase, particularly to the wear and tear of the drums; beads of blood, sweat and tears; and facial textures to name a few. It is the wider color gamut and contrast from the use of HDR10 that really raise this disc way above what was already a very spectacular Blu-ray. The rehearsal hall was overly yellow on the Blu-ray, yet on the UHD the colors of the actors’ outfits and the color of the drum kit were much more pronounced while still maintaining that warmish yellow tone. A great example of the improved contrast is the opening scene, especially the opening shot of Andrew rehearsing in a darkened room at the end of the corridor. The pictures on the wall behind him in the shadows are more distinguishable and his bright white T-shirt is incredibly white without blooming or glowing. Later in that scene, Fletcher’s black T-shirt stands out against the dark background. There are, though, some hints of noise in some of the darker sequences, such as when Andrew suddenly awakes after having overslept for his early rehearsal call, but these are mild and noticeable if really looking for them.

Audio: 5/5

Whiplash has received a new Dolby Atmos mix that immerses the viewer fully into its jazz-infused performances and score, and like the video elevates the already fantastic DTS-HD MA 5.1 track from the Blu-ray (also included on the UHD). This is not a “showy” or gimmicky track, though, basically building on the original 5.1 mix and expanding it to 7.1 with heights, allowing the sounds to travel more seamlessly around the room and make the viewer feel like they are in the rehearsal or concert hall with the characters on screen. LFE is tight and punctual when necessary (this is a film about a drummer), while dialogue remains clear and understandable throughout.

Special Features: 3/5

The UHD disc contains no special features whatsoever, but the 2015 Blu-ray release has been included in this set.

Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Damien Chazelle and Actor J.K Simmons: The two have a fun chat together, discussing the development of the film from screenplay to the short proof of concept film to finding the funding for the feature film.

Timekeepers (1080p;  45:26): Insightful documentary on professional drummers who discuss various aspects of their careers and education.

Whiplash Original Short Film (1080p; 17:56): Damien Chazelle’s proof of concept film that helped to get the feature film financed. Viewable with optional commentary from Chazelle, his producers, and editor Tom Cross.

Fletcher At Home (1080p; 1:30): This is actually a deleted scene that was removed because it humanized Fletcher’s character too early in the film. Viewable with optional commentary from Chazelle, his producers, and editor Tom Cross.

An Evening at the Toronto International Film Festival with Miles Teller, J.K Simmons, and Damien Chazelle (1080p; 7:50): The actors and writer-director participate in an after-screening Q&A session.

Theatrical Trailer (1080p; 2:10)

Digital Copy: An insert contains a code to redeem a digital copy (in UHD where available) on Movies Anywhere. The code can also be redeemed towards earning a free digital movie on Sony Rewards.

Overall: 4.5/5

A tough movie to watch at times, Whiplash is still a powerful story of two dysfunctional characters, one a student the other the instructor, filled with solid performances. Sony’s 2160p upscale is a sight to behold, and the Atmos track is a joy to listen to.

Todd Erwin

Todd Erwin has been a reviewer at Home Theater Forum since 2008. His love of movies began as a young child, first showing Super 8 movies in his backyard during the summer to friends and neighbors at age 10. He also received his first movie camera that year, a hand-crank Wollensak 8mm with three fixed lenses. In 1980, he graduated to "talkies" with his award-winning short The Ape-Man, followed by the cult favorite The Adventures of Terrific Man two years later. Other films include Myth or Fact: The Talbert Terror and Warren's Revenge (which is currently being restored). In addition to movie reviews, Todd has written many articles for Home Theater Forum centering mostly on streaming as well as an occasional hardware review, is the host of his own video podcast Streaming News & Views on YouTube and is a frequent guest on the Home Theater United podcast.