Indiana Jones is back in action and this time he’s joined by his estranged father played by the legendary actor, Sean Connery. Harrison Ford once again delivers a captivating performance that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. To celebrate the enduring popularity of the Indiana Jones series, Paramount Home Entertainment has released a solo 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook, paying homage to the classic theatrical and home video artwork. This edition offers fans an incredible audio and visual experience, although it falls short in terms of bonus features, with only the trailer included.
The remastered transfer of the original camera negative (OCN) ensures that Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade looks better than ever in 4K Ultra HD. While some minor softness due to aging is occasionally noticeable, overall, the HEVC H.265 encode is a great upgrade from the previous Blu-ray release. The attention to detail is outstanding, with razor-sharp clarity in everything from the intricate Nazi uniforms to the armored vehicles and the breathtaking exotic locations.
The desert scenes set in Hatay are particularly stunning, as every rock and crevice in the rocky formations is brought to life with striking clarity. The contrast levels are well-balanced, offering rich, deep blacks and excellent gradation in the darkest corners while showcasing the subtle variations in shades throughout the film, this is excellent to view if you own an OLED TV. The presence of a thin layer of natural grain maintains the movie’s film-like quality, which is sure to delight fans of the franchise.
One of the most significant enhancements in this release is the Dolby Vision HDR presentation. The colors burst with vibrancy, from the deep crimson reds of the Nazi flags to the lively greens and beautiful cerulean blues in the Austrian scenes. The second half of the film, set in the desert, showcases a sumptuous array of deep caramel browns, golden yellows, and sandy tans, creating a visually immersive experience. Fire and torch-lit scenes further enhance the viewing experience with a vibrant tiger-orange glow which makes your TV panel pop.
The improved contrast balance adds an extra layer of appeal, with brighter whites and a realistic sheen on metallic surfaces. Facial complexions appear natural and lifelike, reflecting the environmental conditions with rosy peach tones and intricate textures that reveal every pore and wrinkle. These visual enhancements truly breathe new life into the film, captivating audiences from start to finish.
Visuals Review: 4/5
Now let’s review the audio, the Atmos track remains faithful to the original front-heavy design, but with a welcome improvement in surround sound consistency. Ambient effects move convincingly between the sides and overhead, creating a sense of directionality and placement. The iconic musical score by John Williams envelops the viewer, spreading throughout the listening area, adding to the immersive experience.
Dialogue reproduction is precise and crystal clear, with a cleaner mid-range and excellent separation in the upper frequencies. The broad and expansive soundstage effectively brings background activity into the off-screen space, making viewers feel truly immersed in the adventure. The low-end response adds weight and presence to intense moments, such as gunshots, explosions, and cannon fire.
Audio Review: 4/5
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade on 4K Ultra HD is a must-own for fans of the franchise, cinema lovers, and physical media enthusiasts. The enhanced visuals and engaging sound design breathe new life into this classic adventure, making it a thrilling and immersive experience.
8.0/10
