Great War Of Archimedes, The

"The Great War Of Archimedes" tells the pre-WWII story of when the Japanese Navy commissioned the creation of the impressive "supership" Yamato, which was strongly opposed by a top official insisting on more strategic and battle-ready warships. After being ignored without cause, Admiral Yamamoto recruits a math genius to help uncover what he soon suspects is a massive conspiracy. (Gary Reber)

Special features include upfront previews and trailer.

The 2.39:1 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 and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is excellent. The opening scene of the U.S. airstrike and the sinking of the Yamato is a burst of destruction and mayhem. Color saturation is excellent with pure naturalness throughout from the interiors of the Navy offices to battleship interiors and exteriors. Some colors are particularly strong such as reds. Fleshtones appear natural. Contrast is well balanced with deep black levels, revealing shadow delineation and bright whites. Resolution is excellent as well, with fine detail revealed in facial features, dark navy blue uniforms and clothing, and object textures. This is a wonderfully produced movie that speaks to Japanese culture and the War of the Pacific. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack features aggressive and directionalized surrounds during the battle scenes, enhanced with powerful bombastic bass extension to sub-25 Hz. Artillery fire, prop fighters, and bombs descend on the battleship Yamato depicting an exciting, but graphic display of war and its horrifying sounds of destruction and death. The orchestral score is dynamic and powerful, reaching into the surrounds for soundfield envelopment. Atmospherics are realistic and there is a nuanced din in interior scenes that enhances ambience, Sound effects are bold and penetratingly loud in action scenes. Foley sound effects are realistic and effective. The orchestral score is uplifting and very fluid. A brief train segment is powerful with its whistle blowing and weight of its engine on the tracks. This is part thrilling and dramatic, and throughout captivating. (Gary Reber)