War for the Planet of the Apes – 4K UHD Blu-ray Movie Review

Synopsis

In this third installment of the Planet of the Apes saga, Caesar (Serkis) and his band of apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans lead by a ruthless Colonel (Harrelson). After suffering catastrophic losses, Caesar resolves to avenge the apes in a final showdown that will determine the future of the planet.

Specifications

Fox Home Entertainment
2017, 2160p with HDR10, Dolby Atmos, 1.40:1 Aspect Ratio
Rated PG-13, 2 hours and 20 minutes
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis, Steve Zahn
Directed by: Matt Reeves

Rating

Entertainment:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Violence: Yes
Sex: No
Language: Mild

Commentary

What I enjoy about the Ape movies, besides the incredible CGI effects, are their consistent storytelling. The films coalesce well as a group, but they are also well written enough that should they be viewed individually, they still hold up well. The title for this one is a bit of a misnomer as the “war” is between humans, and the apes are enslaved and caught in the middle.

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Once again, character development is thoughtfully fleshed out and we see Caesar mature and become more, if not human, at least more humane. This film also explains how the apes develop intellectually and mankind regresses and becomes more like an animal…which sets the stage for Charlton Heston’s astronautical arrival in the original film from the seventies. Recommended!

Technical

The CGI in this film is amazing and the apes all look so real and natural. The detail in all of the minutia, hair, facial features, gestures and motions are stunningly captured and look amazing in UHD. Colors are natural and black.

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HDR makes the specular highlights glint off metal and snow alike. Sound is both clear and dynamic, which puts you in the middle of all the action. Every snapping twig to the thunderous avalanche at the finale is faithfully captured. The soundscape puts you in the middle of it all.

Extras

Besides a BD, you have: an Audio Commentary by Matt Reeves, Deleted Scenes (with optional commentary), Apes; The Meaning of it All, and more.

Jim Milton

Jim Milton has been interested in high fidelity since his college years in the late 70's. It was there that he first became interested in classical music. He has been part of choral music, both in opera and oratorio and is an avid collector of classical music from the Baroque through the Romantic periods. He enjoys an occasional night at Boston Symphony Hall or attending an organ concert at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, ME. Currently he is the director of Nuclear Medicine at the North Shore Medical Center, located just outside of Boston. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Salem State University where he teaches a course in nuclear instrumentation. During his leisure time, he enjoys listening to his music collection and an occasional movie with his wife of 30+ years. Living on the longest stretch of sandy beach north of Boston offers him plenty of opportunities to take a relaxing stroll or soak up some sun. "Remember, acquiring good A/V gear takes lots of time...but doesn't necessarily take lots of money."