The Hurt Locker (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 22, 2021
Rating: R
Film: 4.5/5
 
Plot
War is a drug. Nobody knows that better than Staff Sergeant James, head of an elite squad of soldiers tasked with disarming bombs in the heat of combat. To do this nerve-shredding job, it’s not enough to be the best: you have to thrive in a zone where the margin of error is zero, think as diabolically as a bomb-maker, and somehow survive with your body and soul intact.
 
My Thoughts
This was released on 4K streaming about two years ago and I’ve been eagerly awaiting it’s release on UHD Blu-ray. Thankfully the time has arrived, and not only do we get it in 4K, but it also sports fabulous looking steel book packaging (Best Buy Exclusive).
 
My wife has never been a fan of the film because she thinks it’s too depressing, but I’ve always liked the chemistry between Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie and while the depiction of war and its effect on the human psyche are pretty intense, the film has you on the edge of your seat for over two hours. One thing’s for sure, I would never want to be the guy who has to disarm a bomb!
 
The film went on to win 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win for Director), Original Screenplay, Film Editing, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing. Sadly, Renner didn’t win for Best Actor but was nominated (along with Cinematography and Original Score).
 
The 4K image is upscaled from the original 2K master we got on Blu-ray from 2008. There’s a slight uptick in detail although the HDR treatment isn’t as good as it could be and I’d love to see the studio go back to the drawing board and give us a native 4K scan at some point in the future. The Atmos track makes decent use of the overhead speakers with some added ambience and some memorable overhead pans.
 
      
Video 8.5/10 (AVC)
 
 Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)
 
Special Features:
 

• Audio Commentary with Director Kathryn Bigelow and Writer Mark Boal
• The Hurt Locker: Behind the Scenes
• Image Gallery
• 4K + Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 

 
 
Conclusion
While this isn’t a “true story,” it is based upon the experiences of journalist Mark Boal when he was stationed in Iraq during the war that took place 20 years ago. If I had to sum up the movie in one word it would be “authentic.” These characters feel real, and the intensity of their jobs comes through due to the fabulous job Bigelow did as directing. If this one hasn’t been on your radar and you love a good war movie, definitely check it out. Highly Recommended.
 
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
SVS SB-3000 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]

Another favorite of mine. Glad to have on 4K. Thanks for another great review 

[AVSCraig]

Great film. My copy arrived today in fact!

[David Vaughn]

Another favorite of mine. Glad to have on 4K. Thanks for another great review

No problem