War of the Worlds (1953) 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Criterion took the Blu-ray edition, but Paramount handles the 4K release themselves, certainly the same 4K scan used for the Blu-ray and a digital release. It's stunning, truly stunning, and can readily join a list of best vintage catalog efforts on the format. Other than chemical fades, War of the Worlds looks impeccable, and better than new. Modern films wish they could sport this much brilliant color. Image richness and depth is beyond expectations as every hue in spectrum shines on this release.

A consistent grain structure poses no problems for the compression. Sustained clarity doesn't waver (again, aside from dissolves), and the print doesn't show so much as a dust speck. This lets detail flourish, from facial definition to the stellar miniature work's tiny touches. Medium shots show as much definition as close-ups. There's zero chance Paramount performed anything less than a top-end, true 4K scan here.

Black levels display generous depth, as pure black as black can be. Martian warships fire sizzling heat rays and green lasers en masse. The resulting brightness makes full use of Dolby Vision's possibilities. Explosions erupt vibrantly, pushing dynamics beyond their original presentation no doubt.

Audio

Criterion included the theatrical mono mix. Paramount does not. That's an issue as the 5.1 track was done by Ben Burtt, including materials not part of the audio. It’s… different. New effects don’t blend well, even when against the surprising precision from the source material. Aged this has not. Mostly, it sounds fresh thanks to crisp dialog, plus the sharp sound effects, undoubtedly masterpieces. Here they play without fault.

Burtt has fun with this, inauthentic as these touches are. The score dynamically stretches across stereos, meteors fall side-to-side, or through surrounds. Beams spray in each speaker convincingly. Military strikes push tank shells and missiles around. Even ambiance works, like in a war room as typewriters clack. Destruction is where the seemingly new touches become obvious, sticking out against the vintage source. Murky bass matches the attacks, but it's more obnoxious than anything.