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'Cloud Atlas' 4K UHD Review

Physical Media Release Date: 12/23/25.

Label: Shout! Factory.

Form of Release: 4K UHD.

The Verdict: A Must-Buy


From master genre filmmakers the Wachowskis (The Matrix 1-4, Speed Racer) and Tom Tkywer (Run Lola Run) comes the epic sci-fi tale Cloud Atlas. Making its 4K UHD debut from Shout! Studios, a Radial Entertainment company, this Collector’s Edition 3-disc set comes loaded with brand-new bonus content, including the brand-new feature-length documentary "What Is An Ocean... Reconnecting The Cast And Crew Of Cloud Atlas."


Hosted by Jon Donahue, this bonus feature includes new interviews with a wide variety of cast and crew including Tom Tykwer and Lana and Lilly Wachowski; author David Mitchell; cast members Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Keith David, James D'Arcy, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, and Hugh Grant; Co-Producer Roberto Malerba; Co-Director of Photography Frank Griebe; Production Designers Hugh Bateup and Uli Hanisch; Costume Designers Kym Barrett and Pierre-Yves Gayraud; Make-Up Artists Jeremy Woodhead, Daniel Parker and Sian Richards, and many additional crew members.   

     

Cloud Atlas is an epic story of humankind in which the actions and consequences of our lives impact one another throughout the past, present and future as one soul is shaped from a murderer into a savior and a single act of kindness ripples out for centuries to inspire a revolution. Based on the best-selling novel by David Mitchell, the film boasts an all-star cast featuring Tom Hanks (Catch Me if You Can, Toy Story 1-4), Halle Berry (John Wick 4, X-Men), Jim Broadbent (Hot Fuzz, Harry Potter), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, Lord of the Rings), Jim Sturgess (21, Across the Universe), Bae Doona (The Host, Rebel Moon), Keith David (Coraline, Nope), Susan Sarandon (Speed Racer, Enchanted), and Hugh Grant (Wonka, Heretic).  

Technical Review:

Shout! Factory's visual upgrade is incredibly strong, although flaws do leap out due to the decisions from 2012 with the CGI work, notably a chase sequence involving cycles. The 2160p resolution is stunning, with color reproduction and saturation levels earning top marks. Colors are beautifully deep and true, and details are sharp and clean.


The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is just as strong as the video presentation with layered tracks and depth. The mesmerizing score adds to the experience (one of my personal favorites), and the dialogue is clear and crisp. The Collector's Edition 4K Combo pack comes with the 4K disc, the Blu-ray Disc, and a Blu-ray disc of extras. The extras include one new featurette called What Is An Ocean... Reconnecting The Cast And Crew Of Cloud Atlas. The rest of the extras are ported over from previous releases and include A Film Like No Other, Everything Is Connected, The Impossible Adaptation, The Essence Of Acting, Spaceships, Slaves & Sextets, The Bold Science Fiction Of Cloud Atlas, Eternal Recurrence: Love, Life And Longing In Cloud Atlas, and an Extended Look Trailer.


Cloud Atlas is an epic, misunderstood gem with a wonderful cast, and the Shout Factory! Collector's edition offers terrific visual and audio upgrades over the previously released Blu-ray. If you're in my ballpark and feel this is an underappreciated Wachowski picture, then this is certainly one to pick up for the grand scope alone.


Special Features:

DISC ONE (UHD):  

  • NEW! 4K Restoration Of The Digital Intermediate Approved By Writer-Directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski and Writer-Director-Composer Tom Tykwer

  • NEW! Presented In Dolby Vision 

  • 2160p Ultra High-Definition Widescreen (2.39:1) with HDR-10 and Dolby Vision 

  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & Stereo 

  

DISC TWO (BLU-RAY): 

  • 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.39:1) 

  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & Stereo 

 

DISC THREE (Bonus Features Blu-ray) 

  • NEW! "What Is An Ocean... Reconnecting The Cast And Crew Of Cloud Atlas" - A Unique Feature-Length Look Back At The Film, Hosted By Jon Donahue and Including Brand-New Interviews With Tom Tykwer and Lana And Lilly Wachowski; Author David Mitchell; Cast Members Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Keith David, James D'Arcy, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, and Hugh Grant; Co-Producer Roberto Malerba; Co-Director of Photography Frank Griebe; Production Designers Hugh Bateup and Uli Hanisch; Costume Designers Kym Barrett and Pierre-Yves Gayraud; Make-Up Artists Jeremy Woodhead, Daniel Parker And Sian Richards; Visual Effects Supervisors Dan Glass And Stephane Ceretti; Dialogue Coach William Conacher; Composers Reinhold Heil And Johnny Klimek; Editor Alexander Berner; Stunt Coordinator Volkhart Buff; And Very Special Guest E.A. Hanks  

  • 7 Archival Featurettes: 

    • A Film Like No Other 

    • Everything Is Connected 

    • The Impossible Adaptation 

    • The Essence Of Acting 

    • Spaceships, Slaves & Sextets 

    • The Bold Science Fiction Of Cloud Atlas 

    • Eternal Recurrence: Love, Life And Longing In Cloud Atlas 

  • Extended Look Trailer 


Rotten Tomatoes Scores:

  • Tomatometer: 66% (as of 12/23/25)

  • Popcornmeter: 66% (as of 12/23/25)


Physical Release Specs & Other Details:

  • MPAA: R

  • Runtime: 172 minutes

  • Original Release: 2012


Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265 (60.49 Mbps)

Resolution: Upscaled 4K (2160p)

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Aspect ratio: 2.39:

Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1


Audio

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)


Subtitles

English SDH


Discs

4K Ultra HD

Blu-ray Disc

Two-disc set (1 BD-100, 1 BD-50)


Digital

Not Included


Packaging

Slipcover in Original Pressing


Playback

4K Blu-ray: Region free

2K Blu-ray: Region A

Positives and Negatives

+ Positive Critical and Audience Reception

+ An Underappreciated Wachowski Film

+ ICONIC Tom Hanks + Halle Berry Pairing

+ NEWLY Restoration Approved by the Wachowskis

+ x03 Special Features

- NO Audio Commentary

- NO Digital Code Included

 
 
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