Willow 4K Ultra HD SteelBook

"Willow," is a timeless fantasy tale where heroes come in all sizes. When Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) finds an abandoned baby girl, he learns she is destined to end the reign of wicked Queen Bavmorda. Willow teams up with a rogue swordsman (Val Kilmer) to protect the child against the darkness. It’s the ultimate story of good versus evil –– with magic and danger. (Gary Reber)

Special features include filmmaker commentary; six feartuettes: "The Making Of An Adventure" (HD; 23:38), "From Morf To Morphing" (HD; 17:23), "Willow: An Unlikely Hero –– Personal Video Diary Of Warwick Davis" (HD; 10:51), "Matte Paintings" (HD; 1:08), W (HD; 00:28) and "The Making Of Raziel's Transformation" (SD; 8:15); deleted Scenes (HD; 12:30) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The recomposed 2.39:1 (originally 2.20:1) 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on Kodak film stock in anamorphic Panavision® using the Panavision Panaflex Gold II camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format sourced from the original film negative. At times, film grain can be rather obvious, which has the effect of degrading picture quality. Still, this is a very satisfying filmic presentation. Color fidelity is excellent and exhibits earthy hues that appear perfectly natural in tone and texture along with colorful splashes of natural green, red hair, and variously colored clothes. Flesh tones appear natural though at time exhibit a brownish quality. HDR contrast is realistic. Black levels are deep, Shadowy interiors and dark clothes reveal detail. White levels exhibit brightness, especial in the outdoor settings. Resolution is excellent. Detail is evident on the bristly fur of the wild boars and the crocheted costumes that the little people wear. The darkest material exhibits excellent shadow detail. Overall, the imagery is sharp and clear throughout. This is a welcomed restoration in 4K that will thrill fans. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding from the prologue's crackling thunder to the pouring rain and arcs of electricity that accompany the climactic wizard battle. In virtually every scene, the full soundfield is energized with an enveloping surround field filled with birds, insects, wind and village festival sounds, and at times with directional sounds, like dog snarls and the baby's cries. James Horner's score occupies a wide and deep soundstage that extends to the surrounds for satisfying envelopment. Instrumental detail is excellent. Ambient environmental sound effects populate the soundfield. A horse and buggy chase scene is an example of the blend of music, rolling wheels, hooves, weapons, and other effects. Wildlife ambient sounds, flowing river water, weather, effects and other sound elements sound natural such as when Willow and his children find the baby along water's edge. The climactic wizard battle is dynamic and enveloping. Dialogue is rendered nicely throughout with good intelligibility and generally good spatial integration. This is a well-crafted holosonic® soundtrack that is both dynamic and nuanced. (Gary Reber)