Aftermath, The

Set in 1046, "The Aftermath" follows Rachael Morgan (Knightley), a British woman whose colonel husband (Clarke) is charged with rebuilding war-ravaged Hamburg. When she joins him there during the bitter winter months, she learns they will be sharing their home with a German widower ( Skarsgard) and his troubled daughter. Before long, the unusual arrangement intensifies political divides and stirs deep personal wounds. In this increasingly charged environment, enmity and grief give way to unexpected passion and betrayal. Based on the novel "The Aftermath" by Rhidian Brook. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary by Director James Kent, three deleted scenes with optional commentary by Kent (HD 05:56), the featurettes "VFX Progressions" with optional commentary by Kent (HD 01:54) and "First Look" (HD 12:09), a gallery, upfront previews and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 1.85:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa Mini camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture is gorgeous with the story set in snow-covered Hamburg. Both the exterior and interior settings are wonderfully realistic and interior scenes are warmly colorful with rich hues. The scenes of war-ravaged city areas are rendered in grayish cold tones and exposed broken brick facades, A snow-covered forest scene is beautiful. Fleshtones are naturally rendered throughout. Contrast is excellent. Shadow delineation and black levels are revealing. Bright accents are never exaggerated and are perfectly in balance. Resolution is generally excellent, especially during close-ups, but women's facial features tend to be filtered for a softer look, while men's faces retain fine resolution. Hair, clothing and uniforms, as well as Interior architectural features and objects are finely resolved. The cinematography is stunning. This is an engaging filmic visual experience of reference quality. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack paces the storytelling well, with meticulous attention to sonic detail. There is the main orchestral score, as well as the society band of the 1940s, and a solo piano. Fidelity is excellent. Atmospherics create an excellent sense of realism throughout. Sound effects, such as the opening bombing scene in the sky, which pans from frontal left to right soundstage, and gunfire enhance the dynamics of the soundtrack. Foley sound effects are precise as well. Deep bass is reserved but provides a solid foundation to the proceedings. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with excellent spatial integration, aided with English subtitles during moments of German dialogue. This is a well-crafted soundtrack that enhances the sense of authenticity. (Gary Reber)