You can read our full thoughts on the J.K. Rowling-produced Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in our review of the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray HERE.
Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray
Warner Home Video brings Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald to Blu-ray as a two-disc combo pack with a flyer code for a Digital Copy. The Region Free, BD50 disc sits opposite a DVD-9 copy inside a blue, eco-cutout case with glossy slipcover. After a couple of skippable promos, the screen changes to a generic static menu with options along the bottom of the screen and music playing in the background.
Newt Scamander returns to cast his charms on Blu-ray with an enchantingly magical, reference-quality 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that will mesmerize fans and bring the wizarding world to life. Shot on high-quality Arri Alexa 65 digital cameras, the freshly-minted transfer practically mystifies viewers from the opening moments with clean, well-defined lines of Grindelwald's prison cell, the ornate features of the Thestral-drawn carriage and the near-sterile baroque halls at the Ministry of Magic. Individual hairs, the threading in the costumes and the various small objects decorating the background of many homes are razor-sharp and plainly visible. Even the many CG animals and action sequences are highly detailed while facial complexions show every pore, wrinkle and negligible blemish with outstanding lifelike textures.
Presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the video presentation also materializes out of thin air with spot-on balance in the contrast and brightness, layering the neo-noir-like photography of Philippe Rousselot with crisp, radiantly brilliant whites and appreciable dimensionality. The highlights are often spellbinding, especially during action sequences every time a character casts a magical spell with their wand, igniting the screen with dazzling flashes, or during the climactic finale. Black levels are extraordinarily inky rich throughout, bathing the image in silky, opulent shadows that maintain superb visibility within the darkest, murkiest corners. Despite Rousselot's almost-monochromatic cinematography, the action is often showered in richly saturated primaries, turning the Circus Arcanus sequence into stunning eye candy. Although largely limited, secondary hues remain accurate and full-bodied, which can be appreciated in the aforementioned climax against Grindelwald's fire curse. (Video Rating: 96/100)
Grindelwald debuts on Blu-ray with the same wonderfully satisfying Dolby Atmos soundtrack as its Ultra HD counterpart. For a more in-depth take on the audio quality, you can read our review of the 4K Ultra HD HERE. (Dolby Atmos Audio Rating: 82/100)
Blu-ray Disc
Digital Copy Exclusive
Director David Yates and author J.K. Rowling return to the Wizarding World once again in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, another entry in the Newt Scamander prequel adventures. Without a printed source to work from, Rowling conjures an original tale meant to expand the Harry Potter universe, but the plot fumbles about trying to keep one too many spells and charms in order, ultimately failing to capture the same magic as its predecessor. The second installment to the new series enchants Blu-ray with a stunning, reference-quality HD presentation, complemented by a generally satisfying Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Although the set of supplements are relatively small, they are nonetheless informative and entertaining, making the overall package worth a look for fans.
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