Video Quality
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was shot on film but finished at 2K (not uncommon for effects-heavy films). Paramount's UHD, then, is presumably an upscale from that source. This is also presented at a steady 2.39:1 aspect ratio and is not the IMAX edition that was available on Blu-ray. But beyond any technical details, the raw image looks fantastic. Textural boosts above the Blu-ray are obvious even without checking back in on the previous release. It's easy to see that the increased resolution brings significantly finer detail and sharpness than any Blu-ray is capable of delivering. Human skin is intricately revealed at a fine level that showcases all sorts of imperfections and textural qualities. Clothing is likewise much more firm, as are various environments, like an old, dusty room full off papers and books and other little treasures during a sequence in chapter 11 featuring Sam and company visiting with Simmons. City environments look remarkably complex and tactile, as do wooded areas and slicker interiors. Digital constructs are amazing, too. The intimacy and intricacy of the Transformers in close-up is something to behold; the effects hold up 100% and the increased resolution only seems to add to the complexity, not subtract from the realism. The HDR color palette shines. Bumblebee yellow might be the top standout in the film. The improved depth is startling. The color is a bit darker than the Blu-ray has on offer, with a bit more of an orange twinge here, but it's presumably more accurate. Color punch, generally, is fantastic. Green grasses practically steal one's breath and additional colors, even small accents on airplanes, signs, and other smaller elements and background objects, are gorgeous. The Devastator transformer, made up of multicolored construction equipment, is a particular standout midway through the movie. Black levels are stable and pleasing and flesh tones are fine within the traditionally warm Michael Bay push, though the film isn't as scorching as some of his work. This is a top-flight UHD that fans of the film and franchise are going to love.
Credit: blu-ray.com
Audio Quality
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen's new Atmos audio track offers more incentive to upgrade to the UHD than even the picture quality. The track offers the expected bonanza of sound, establishing its dominance right off the bat with the full-bodied, surround-intensive, and effortlessly flowing and harmonized studio logo elements that move about with that distinctive Transformers pulse. The film's low end is frequently dominated by that deep, electronic footprint, which sends balanced but punishing waves of intense sonic perfection into the listening area. Some more generalized bass certainly supports music and many action effects, but that trademark sound certainly represents the track's signature highlight. Musical engagement is wide and deep, yielding the same exacting clarity as heard in the various sound effects. Swooping and sweeping and perfectly immersive sounds of battle, transforming robots, and other such high-yield sound effects dominate with a smoothness of stage traversal and richness of clarity that will be the envy of most other tracks on the market, Atmos or otherwise. Overhead speakers frequently support to create a more enveloping listening bubble, though some distinct sounds of battle and support elements, like blaring alarms at the 32-minute mark, do prove incredibly enjoyable. Dialogue is unsurprisingly perfect, rounding out a must-listen track.
4K Bluray details
VideoCodec: HEVC / H.265
Resolution: Upscaled 4K (2160p)
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Audio
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
French (Canada): Dolby Digital 5.1
(more)
4K Ultra HD
Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (1 BD-100, 2 BD-50)
Digital
iTunes
Packaging
Slipcover in original pressing
Embossed print
Playback
4K Blu-ray: Region free
2K Blu-ray: Region A