Following world war, London is a police state occupied by a fascist government, and a vigilante known only as V (Hugo Weaving) uses terrorist tactics to fight the oppressors of the world in which he now lives. When V saves a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) from the secret police, he discovers an ally in his fight against England’s oppressors.
Plot: In a future British tyranny, a shadowy freedom fighter, known only by the alias of “V”, plots to overthrow it with the help of a young woman.
Director: James McTeigue
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Runtime: 132 min
Rotten Tomatoes Consensus: Visually stunning and thought-provoking, V For Vendetta‘s political pronouncements may rile some, but its story and impressive set pieces will nevertheless entertain again and again.
Online Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes 73% (Audience 90%)
- IMDB 8.2
- Metacritic 62
- Reger Ebert 3/4
“An already visually stunning film brought to a whole new level.”
Review:
V For Vendetta was originally shot in 35 mm and newly finished at a 4k digital intermediate — this means you’ll get an native 4k presentation on this disc. On top of that, as per the norm with UHD releases, it was also given a HDR color grade for your viewing pleasure in HDR10. This is a solid upgrade over the Blu-ray, so go and grab yourself a copy right after you finish reading this review (winky face).
Like many releases receiving the UHD upgrade, you’ll really get to see the aesthetic the director had in mind — especially when it’s shot on 35mm. With that filmatic background in play, it allows the remaster to bring a whole new level of detail… especially in those close-up shots. Keeping the tone of the director in mind, this new transfer plays with various levels of color — sometimes the image will be devoid of it, while at other times, it’s plentiful. (It really enhances the mood of any particular scene.)
Speaking of color, let’s touch on the use of HDR. While there won’t be too much IN YOUR FACE color on screen, you’ll notice a spark of lusciousness here and there, especially in V’s apartment. Honestly, the brightest glow of color in this film (outside of the explosions) has to be the bright red roses (lookout for them). On top of that, you can be sure that the various close-ups showcase a boost to flesh-tones too.
When it comes to the darker scenes (which steal the show) — the new levels of contrast add depth, new levels of blacks, grays and everything in-between. All that extra work naturally adds dimension to the shadows in all the low lit scenes. Examples of this can be seen in Chapter 1 when V protects Evey in the alley and in Chapter 14 when V is in room with Delia Surridge (the coroner from the concentration camp). Beyond those examples, there are various scenes that take place in the High Chancellor’s room you can take note of as well. (There is plenty more to see, but these are just what I jotted down — oh, and of course all the dark scenes where Evey is captured and tortured in solitude benefit from this transfer too.) I’m talking too much — just know that the HDR really works in the dark on this release.
I guess I could sum it up like this; nothing feels forced with the transfer, it’s a natural boost that looks great across the board — especially in the dark.
Outside of the visuals, make a note — the new Atmos mix is awesome! My audio setup is still sub-par, but if you have a nice setup it should be a solid, new experience for you. I’m jealous of you that do.
In conclusion —
Extras? Yes, there are three new special features included on this UHD disc. Not only do you get Natalie Portman’s audition tape exploring the depth of Evey’s character, but you also get the director and writer speaking on the movie and a whole new featurette entitled V For Vendetta Unmasked which explores everything even further at 23 minutes in length… Anybody that loves new features will appreciate these.
Taking everything I’ve said into account, you can be sure that V For Vendetta gets my recommendation to own — even more? It’s a must own for any fan of the film. My thoughts? I think the Rotten Tomatoes Consensus nails it on the head — visually stunning, though provoking and entertaining. It’s definitely a movie worth your time and a double dip to own again in the best format available. In real simple form, this transfer is the best it’s ever looked and sounded, so if your a fan of the movie, you’ll love the UHD. No matter what you decide to do, you can grab a copy at your local retailer on 4K & Blu-ray this November 3rd.
Are you a fan of V For Vendetta? Will you be picking it up to own? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Cheers,
Matt.
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