Unbreakable, a superhero that ignores

IMAGE – The « glass man » is his opposite

This UHD HDR10 transfer from a 4K scan of the original negative is an impressive improvement vis-à-vis the Blu-ray released in 2008 which was more like a medium-quality DVD (!).

The knuckles (white dots) of the former HD master have disappeared, the absence of sharpness is now thwarted by a careful definition (despite the sweetness due to the capture), the improvements of the edge have left room for natural details (face features, comic covers) and the previously coarse organic texture is now displayed with the expected film aspect.

Once lifeless (even those planned to detach!), the generally cold colours are now beautifully rendered with new shades (blue grey tones) and a much more faithful saturation (violet, yellow and red hues) to the photograph signed by the operator leader Eduardo Serra. And since the frankly average contrasts (the dark scenes were only too rarely deep) are a distant memory, they are reinforced by bolder light sources (inner lighting, reflections on the glass rod of Elijah) and a better balance between the blacks (ink) and whites (authentic).

SON – In the rain, the rebirth!

As comfortable in quiet moments (which is also where the feeling of space is most prevalent) as when it moves (especially during the passage through the station), these soundtracks enjoy a perfectly dosed dynamic, effects/ambiences excellently placed in the acoustic space (the crowd at the stadium, the swimming pool), active surround channels when narration requires it (rain), an ample score enveloping and well-feeling bass (rare but justified).

Unlike the previous LPCM 5.1 mix, the voices are no longer slightly stifled on the VO and are on the contrary of great clarity. It should also be noted that this soundtrack does not have to suffer from « syndrome » Disney since the reference volume is respected and the LFE channel far from being anemic.

CONCLUSION – Believe and accept its destiny?

From its icy opening to its magnificent fence, Unbreakable has been imposed year after year as the absolute masterpiece of Mr. Night Shyamalan. But to savor the sense of framing, rhythm and just unheard of cutting that the director shows (like so many thumbnails released from a comic book), there is only the 4K Ultra HD that is up to the challenge!