One of the most prolific films released on the big screen, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World has been remastered on 4K Ultra Digital and Ultra Blu-ray. Originally released in theaters in 2003 the film received 10 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor and Outstanding Cinematography so it doesn’t surprise me that the film was remastered in 4K for home viewing and digitally.
About the film: It’s 1805 and the conflict in Europe is building under France’s ruler Napoleon. Gaining areas beyond the country’s borders has other empires on edge and Great Britain is taking the fight to the seas. Allied with empires like Russia, Sweden and other smaller states the British frigate H.M.S. Surprise, helmed by Commander Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe), has been sent into the Atlantic to run down the French fighter ship the Acheron and destroy it. We join the story just prior to receiving information that the Acheron has been spotted off the coast of Brazil. What takes place is a “David verses Goliath” at sea confrontation that could alter the European invasion.
The film takes life under the direction of Peter Weir (The Truman Show, Dead Poets Society, and Gallipoli) with a $105 million dollar budget. Weir, without the updated special effects that are commonplace in making today’s movies, brings one of the best (maybe ever) filming of the action aboard 1800’s warships. Depicted as a lesser vessel than France’s Acheron power house, Weir has to show the punishment the H.M.S. Surprise takes and he nail’s it. With realistic exciting action he puts his players in tight situations, explosive battlement and bloody conflict that look very real and daunting.
The 4k Ultra HD Digital Blu-ray release has enhanced picture and sound with Dolby Visions HDR and Dolby Atmos capabilities. The special bonus features include deleted scenes, a historical and geographical trivia track, a pop-up map and more. The special Blu-ray is also available in a SteelBook case.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Russell Crowe, Billy Boyd, James D’Arcy, Chris Larkin,
Directed and co-written by: Peter Weir
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, War
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense battle sequences, related images, and brief language
Running Time: 2 hrs. 18 min.
Digital Release Date: August 5, 2025
Original Theatrical Release Date: 2003
Language: English
Reviewed Format: 4K Digital
Released on: 4k Ultra HD Digital and Blu-ray
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
