Wrath of the Titans
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Synopsis
Picture 9/10
The 2D version of Jonathan Liebesman’s Wrath of the Titans arrives on 4K UHD from Arrow Video, presented on a triple-layer disc with Dolby Vision in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and available exclusively in the box set When Titans Ruled the Earth. The 4K master, supplied by Warner Bros., is another 2K upscale, but this time the results are far more impressive. Where Clash of the Titans looked hazy and lifeless, Wrath is vibrant and sharp, boasting a far more dynamic visual palette.
Though it leans heavily on the teal/orange color scheme that was popular in blockbusters of the era, there’s a noticeable range in the hues, with striking bursts of orange and red that really pop. Black levels are much stronger, with deeper shadows and improved delineation, creating a more layered image that feels less murky overall. The HDR application is especially impressive, seamlessly blending light into darker areas like the minotaur’s lair and enhancing highlights on armor and other reflective surfaces. The film’s many creatures, especially the magma monster during the climax, benefit immensely, looking rich and detailed.
Visually, this presentation feels more film-like, with a texture and depth that Clash of the Titans lacked. Finer details are crisp, with costumes and set pieces showing natural, tactile textures. Even the CGI, while still obvious, appears sharper and integrates better within the overall image, adding depth that was missing from the first film’s flatter presentation.
Arrow’s encode is, as expected, top-notch, with smooth motion and no visible digital artifacts. The film looks really, really good—this is how a 4K upscale should be done.
Audio 9/10
As with the first film, Arrow includes a 5.1 surround soundtrack presented in DTS-HD MA. The mix here feels more aggressive, especially during the battle scenes, which showcase greater directionality and range, complemented by a satisfying use of bass. Dialogue remains sharp and clear throughout. The film’s action-packed climax is a standout, immersing the viewer with a flurry of effects that sweep through the surround channels, while quieter moments, like those in the minotaur’s lair, effectively use subtle echoes to build atmosphere. Overall, it’s a robust and engaging audio experience that works effectively with the film.
Extras 5/10
Unfortunately, much like Arrow’s handling of the first film, the supplements are sparse—arguably even more so here. The only new feature is another interview with producer Basil Iwanya, who once again offers a more candid perspective than typical studio-produced content, though it’s a brief 13 minutes. He discusses the different direction the sequel took, noting that this time they were prepared for a 3D conversion. He also reflects on the film’s disappointing performance and touches on early plans for a third entry, Revenge of the Titans, which ultimately never materialized.
Beyond this interview and a basic gallery, there’s nothing else new from Arrow. The remaining extras are ported from Warner’s Blu-ray, primarily consisting of short production featurettes grouped under the title Path of Men. This section, made up of six segments totaling 22 minutes, focuses largely on production design and effects work, including some insights into the motion capture process. Slightly more engaging is Path of the Gods, which includes four segments running about 13 minutes that explore the Greek mythology influencing the story and examine the design and effects behind the characters and creatures. Like the first film, there was an attempt to use practical effects where feasible, but the limitations were clear.
The disc wraps up with a handful of deleted scenes, mostly cutting minor exposition without the major changes seen in the first film, along with the film’s trailer.
Overall, Arrow’s lackluster effort in the supplements department makes the release feel underwhelming, leaving me questioning what drew them to these films to begin with.
Closing
The presentation of Wrath of the Titans is far more satisfying than what Clash delivers, but the features fall disappointingly short.
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