Warcraft: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
The Movie:
The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: Orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, an unlikely group of heroes is set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their families, their people and their home.
To be 100% honest, I never really got into Warcraft so I knew nothing about the narrative or story elements going into this film. I am however a fan of fantasy films so that was definitely a plus. The story was a tad bit difficult to grasp at first but I think that it’s mainly because I’m coming in blind, other than that I thought it was really interesting. It wasn’t “Lord Of The Rings” good but it was very entertaining. The whole film was pretty much in CG so that was a bit off-putting mainly because too much CG isn’t always a good thing. The movie did start to feel like a really long game cutscene or a commercial that was advertising the game. Thankfully the CG characters that were in the film did look really good but I just wished that there was more practical sets and effects involved. The cast was fitting in pretty much every aspect except for Ben Foster. With all the intense roles that he’s played in the past I just didn’t buy him as a magical being. Even with the small tidbits that bothered me a bit I will say that the movie was entertaining. It had pretty much everything that I love in fantasy films and then some. I’m just not too sure how hardcore World Of Warcraft fans are going to feel about this adaptation. Will the film still hold up 10 years from now because all the CG? I’m not too sure. Do I suggest checking it out? Most definitely. I had a great time watching it without a doubt and I think fantasy film fans will dig it too. 7/10
4K Presentation:
The landscape and scenery in the film lends itself awesomely to this 4K version. I was a bit concerned with all the CG characters running around that this 4K version would make them look weird or fake but I was wrong. They actually looked fantastic! You can see the texture on the skin of the Orcs as well as the humans. It truly is a sight to experience and whether you have a 4K setup or are thinking about getting one, it’s movies like this that really show what this format can do.
Special Features:
Warcraft: Bonds of Brotherhood Motion Comic – This was a really nice touch that they added this. It’s basically an hour long side story that takes place in the Warcraft universe.
The World of Warcraft on Film – This six part feature delves deep into the production aspect of the film. They show everything from creating visual effects, motion capture performances, finding the right cast and so much more.
Deleted/Extended Scenes – A pretty good amount of scenes here. Some of the extended scenes are actually pretty interesting but nothing too extravagant.
Gag Reel – Always a favorite feature of mine. Really funny flubs here.
ILM: Behind the Magic of Warcraft – A look at certain scenes and the various stages they went through until completion.
The Fandom of Warcraft – This takes a look at the die hard fans of the game franchise.
Warcraft: The Madame Tussauds Experience – A cool look at the life size wax versions of the characters and how they were put together.
Warcraft Teaser – 2013 – This is an extended version of a scene at the start of the film.
