Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark – 4K UHD Review

With Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny just around the corner, due to hit cinemas later this month, Paramount Pictures has decided to release the original four films as a 4K UHD steelbook. They are off to an impressive start with Raiders of the Lost Ark. This new edition not only boasts a visually appealing design but also offers a remarkable upgrade in terms of picture and sound quality.

The video transfer of Raiders of the Lost Ark in native 4K is a treat for cinephiles. The film has undergone a fresh 4K remaster, with the approval of legendary director Steven Spielberg. The result is a stunning HEVC H.265 encode that brings the beloved classic into the Ultra HD realm with finesse. Throughout the movie, a thin layer of natural grain adds a touch of authenticity, while the 2.35:1 image showcases sharper lines, cleaner textures, and enhanced details in costumes, set designs, and facial features. Even the smallest imperfections in the cast become apparent. The transfer is highly detailed, with deep, inky blacks and excellent gradation in shadows and dark areas. The Dolby Vision HDR presentation adds a vibrant contrast balance, allowing for brilliant whites and eye-catching color reproduction. The reds and greens are particularly impressive, with accurate rendering and lively tones. The wider array of secondary hues adds richness and depth to the action, making this a truly magnificent visual experience. Watching the film on an OLED TV makes the visuals just as impressive with the darker scenes illuminated by fire making the screen really pop.

Visuals Review: 4/5

Complimenting the stellar video transfer is the equally impressive Dolby Atmos soundtrack, Supervised by the film’s sound designer, Ben Burtt. The sound remasters provide an excellent audio upgrade. While the presentation remains front-heavy as it should be, the soundstage feels broad and expansive. The warm and fluid channel separation immerses viewers in the action, while atmospherics and directional effects create an enveloping and room-filling experience. The mid-range exhibits outstanding clarity and detail, and John Williams’ iconic film score benefits from distinct instrumentation that subtly bleeds into the surround and overhead speakers. The low-end adds depth and impact to the thirty-year-old track, and the dialogue remains precise in the center, though it occasionally gets overshadowed by the loud action sequences.

Audio Review: 4/5

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of Raiders of the Lost Ark sets the bar high for the Indiana Jones franchise. The stunning visual presentation, courtesy of a fresh 4K remaster, showcases the film’s iconic cinematography with enhanced clarity and detail. The Dolby Vision HDR adds depth and vibrancy to the colors, while the Dolby Atmos soundtrack provides an immersive and dynamic audio experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the series, this edition offers a compelling reason to revisit or discover the magic of Indiana Jones in the highest-quality home viewing format available.

8.0/10