DVD Corner

Justice League: Warworld 4K UHD Review

“Justice League: Warworld” suffers from a clumsy mystery box structure.

Directed by Jeff Wamester, “Justice League: Warworld” is the latest Tomorrowverse DC animated film. The story kicks off in an almost anthological fashion with 3 separate stories involving Wonder Woman in the old west facing off against Jonah Hex, a barbarian sword wielding Batman becoming mixed up with a King and a wizard (Deimos) and a “The Twilight Zone” esque B&W 1950’s story involving Agent Clark Kent and possible alien arrivals. You might see one or more of these characters in each other’s stories as well. Each of the heroes has no idea where they are, where they are from or who they are. Are they in a different reality? Are they imagining situations? Are they in some sort of prison? Is someone or something behind this plot? All is revealed in the end.

Written by Jeremy Adams, Ernie Attbacker and Josie Campbell, the R-rated “Justice League: Warworld” is a new take on the War World from the comics that also offers up a new take on a villain (no spoilers as to who that is). For some, these changes may be welcomed. To others, it may come off as a needless change. 

‘Warworld’ starts off strong with the 3 stories. As someone with an appreciation for westerns, Conan/Frank Frazetta esque fantasy and “The Twilight Zone,” these stylized segments were up my alley. They also gave the animators ample opportunity to really mix it up from the standard style we have come accustomed to for many of the recent features. After these 3 segments, the story gets a bit messy as the plot finally comes into focus. Yes, we get answers about what is happening, but it’s supremely rushed to say the least. In fact, it’s only part of a story as the movie ends with a big cliffhanger. Again, without delving into spoilers, there’s a lot that happens after the segments (including the inclusion of some fan favorite characters). Once the mystery box opens as it were, the story becomes a convoluted mess that is more concerned with action set pieces, big villainous plans, and cliched DC comic fare. It becomes too traditional after a not so traditional start.

Cast wise, the stand out is once again Jensen Ackles as Batman. It’s nice to see the actor getting more chances to voice the Caped Crusader. Troy Baker crushes as Jonah Hex while Darren Criss does a commendable job as Superman. Sadly, Stana Katic is still entirely wooden as Wonder Woman.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2160p. How does it look? Despite the low-budget animation, this 4K transfer still shines with a colorful and crisp transfer.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track packs a Superman sized punch.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* “Illusions On Warworld” (On The Blu-ray)- A short 8 minute behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews, story discussions, and design and animation work conversations.
* “The Heroic, The Horrible, And The Hideous” (On The Blu-ray)- A very spoiler heavy story extra that covers 3 characters in this story, a touch of comic book history, and a rundown of Warworld.

July 24, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Batman, DC Animated Movie, Justice League: Warworld 4K UHD Review, Superman, Wonder Woman