Inglourious Basterds (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Universal
Release Date: October 12, 2021
Rating: R
Film: 5/5
 
Plot
In the first year of the German occupation of France, Shosanna Dreyfus (Melanie Laurent) witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz). Shosanna narrowly escapes and flees to Paris where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema.
 
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) leads a group of Jewish American soldiers behind enemy lines to perform acts of retribution upon Nazi patrols. Later known to their enemy as "the Basterds," Raine's squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger) on a mission to take down the leaders of the Third Reich. Fates converge under a cinema marquis, where Shosanna is poised to avenge her family in her own special way.
 
My Thoughts
I have never considered myself a fan of Quentin Tarantino films because of his propensity for violence and gore. That being said, Inglourious Basterds is one of the best films I've seen this century—really, it's that good. The writing is fantastic and Tarantino extracts phenomenal performances from the entire cast. Pitt is outstanding as the whacky leader of the Basterds but Christoph Waltz steals every scene as the evil Nazi Colonel known as "The Jew Hunter." Unfortunately, there's a fair amount of gratuitous gore, but even my squeamish wife was able to tolerate it due to the captivating story. We’ve watched this film numerous times over the past 12 years and it never gets old.
 
The presentation on UHD isn’t bad, per se, but the jump in quality over the great-looking Blu-ray is barely noticeable. It’s an upconversion from a 2K DI and while detail is slightly better, it’s not as profound of difference when comparing a native 4K DI versus a 1080p Blu-ray. Longer shots are a tad soft on both discs, but I will say that reds were more robust on the UHD due to the expanded color palette.
 
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is still a crown pleaser, but an Atmos or DTS:X upgrade would have been nice. Dialog is always intelligible and the dynamics on the track are the highlight. The bar shootout sounds amazing and impactful and the concluding scene in the theater definitely gives you that “being there” feeling and I loved the active LFE channel.
 
Video 8.5/10
 
Audio 9/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
Special Features:
 

• Extended / Alternate Scenes
• Roundtable Discussion with Quentin Tarantino, Brad Pitt and Elvis Mitchell
• The New York Times Talk
• Nations Pride – Original Short
• The Making of Nation’s Pride
• The Original Inglourious Basterds
• A Conversation with Rod Taylor
• 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 

 
Conclusion
This is my favorite Tarantino film edging out Pulp Fiction. His unique vision of World War II is extremely entertaining and the performances for the cast are career-defining, especially for Waltz, who won his first of two Oscars with his portrayal of Col. Hans Landa. I had very high hopes for the UHD release but ultimately, it’s a bit of a letdown. A catalog title with this pedigree should get the A-list treatment with a new 4K scan and updated audio, but alas, it’s missing. I’m sure at some point this will receive another release and if you’re happy with the Blu-ray, stick with it for now. If you don’t own the movie then this is definitely the version to buy unless you want to wait and see what the future holds for another release.
 
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion F110 Subwoofer x 2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

first scene might be the most tension I have ever experienced during a movie!

[David Vaughn]

first scene might be the most tension I have ever experienced during a movie!

Absolutely. 

[AVSCraig]

I couldn't stop my pre-order of this, so I guess I'll see how much of an upgrade there is. 

[claw]

I couldn't stop my pre-order of this, so I guess I'll see how much of an upgrade there is.

I usually rent first and then decide whether to buy when the price drops.   Rental should arrive in a couple of days.

[bmoney]

luckikly for me I dont own it on Blu so no braier to pick it up.  sad its a not a huge 4k flik oh well