‘Glory: 30th Anniversary Edition’ 4K Ultra HD review

Director Edward Zwick’s Academy Award-winning Civil War docudrama debuts in sobering ultra-high definition in Glory: 30th Anniversary Edition (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, rated R, 122 minutes, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, $30.99).

The horrors of war and prejudice come to light as viewers first watch dedicated abolitionist Capt. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) nearly die at the Battle of Antietam and then get tasked with commanding the Union Army’s 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, a company of all-volunteer African-American soldiers.

Following the formation of the mostly former slaves regiment, the movie focuses on the soldiers’ training and eventual deployment to multiple engagements including the Battle of Grimball’s Landing and a near-suicide mission at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner as they also combat serious racism while heroically fighting.

Dynamic performances by Denzel Washington (in an Academy Award-winning effort) as a surly Pvt. Silas Trip, Morgan Freeman as Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins, and Andre Braugher as Cpl. Thomas Searles cement Mr. Zwick’s nearly authentic effort.

I’ll admit having to get used to Mr. Broderick as a Civil War commander. He actually looks like the real Shaw, and reportedly portrayed him accurately, but his occasional off-screen narration kept reminding me of his comedy ” Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

However, the scenes with Mr. Washington, Mr. Freeman and Mr. Braugher and the sweeping violent action of the battles were ultimately more compelling than any odd memories of Mr. Broderick’s previous efforts.

4K in action: The screen-filling presentation combined with a nearly glorious 2160p scan of the original camera negatives (supervised by Mr. Zwick) and high dynamic range enhancements allow viewers to appreciate cinematographer Freddie Francis’ Oscar-winning effort.

Probably most impressive of the visually upgraded scenes displays a parade with the soldiers of the 54th marching in clean uniforms down a street filled with red-white-and-blue flags and banners while Frederick Douglass and Union commanders look on.

In fact, uniforms are a highlight throughout. Crisp and colorful enough to reach out and touch, the darker blue Union garb set against brass buttons, fibrous textured wool materials, polished brass belt buckles, and red sash and tassels pop from the screen as well as the commander’s garb complete with scuffed white leather gloves.

Also worth noting is an impeccably detailed interior mansion party scene, a moment with Shaw on horseback in front of flames coming from a torched building, and an eerily lit nighttime battle with reds and purples highlighting the actors’ faces as explosions erupt around them.

Despite the splendor, some scenes do not look as consistent. When haze or smoke creep in, so do the grain and softness that can be slightly distracting as witnessed during a hospital scene or the midst of an Antietam battle.

Best extras: A new picture-in-picture video commentary featuring Mr. Zwick, Mr. Broderick and Mr. Freeman can be found on the 4K disc.

A small square pop-up box appears in the right (Mr. Zwick or Mr. Broderick) or left (Mr. Freeman) corner of the screen, and the memories and history flow.

Topic touched upon include the mass of Civil War re-enactors showing up to participate in the movie for free, and renowned Civil War historian Shelby Foote stopping by to help with the script.

Most interesting is the perspective of Mr. Freeman who was visibly moved by many of the scenes, especially Antietam, while commenting on the huge loss of life.

By the way, this may be the first time I have seen this type of extra in a 4K version of a film. Well done, Sony.

The included Blu-ray version of the movie also is loaded with information and offers all of the content from the 2009 release.

It begins with an interactive Civil War map spotlighting key engagements and historical moments brought forth by clicking on a couple of dozen hotspots on an illustration of the United States.

Clicked icons found over states open up a slider box revealing encyclopedic entries with text, archival photos and even occasional video interviews with history professors.

For example, viewers will learn that in the Battle of Fredericksburg, Union forces had 13,353 casualties while the Confederates lost 4,576. Or, one might find a short biography on Sgt. William Carney, a black soldier who helped carry the flag at the Fort Wagner battle and eventually received the Medal of Honor.

Next, Mr. Freeman narrates a 45-minute documentary “The True Story Continues” that is loaded with historical insight about the 54th Regiment as well as the plight of African-Americans during the war.

Also, Mr. Zwick adds an optional commentary track that although sometimes duplicates some of the 4K’s picture-in-picture information, it has plenty more info on the production and Civil War history.