DVD Corner

One Battle After Another 4K UHD Review

“One Battle After Another” is the best film of 2025 and it’s not even close.

Loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s “Vineland,” 2025’s “One Battle After Another” is the latest work from film auteur Paul Thomas Anderson. The story begins with Pat and Perfidia who are lovers and members of the revolutionary group The French 75. After Perfidia gives birth to a daughter (Charlene), she leaves Pay and Charlene behind to continue revolutionary work, but ends up getting caught by the deranged Colonel Lockjaw (who is sexually obsessed with her). Perfidia strikes a deal with Lockjaw to rat out French 75 members before fleeing to Mexico. Pat and Charlene manage to change their identities to Boba and Willa while also relocating in the process.

16 years pass by and Bob has become a paranoid stoner shut-in while Willa is trying to live her teenage life. The past comes back to haunt them both when Colonel Lockjaw seeks to capture and kill Willa who he learns is his real daughter. The reason? He wants to become a member of the exclusive and dangerous white supremacist group Christmas Adventurers Club and cover up his past. Bob and Willa soon find themselves split apart as they attempt to flee Lockjaw and his forces. Will Bob and Willa be able to reunite? 

“One Battle After Another” hits hard because it’s about so much of what is going on in the world right now. It’s about activism, racism, family, immigration, and corruption. It’s a big sprawling story told over 162 minutes, but it goes by in a flash thanks to PTA’s darkly comedic and thrilling scriptwriting and intense cinematic storytelling. Whether he’s making you laugh with Bob’s ramblings or keeping you on the edge of your seat with a rolling hills car chase, PTA is always able to command your attention in diverse ways. In fact, “One Battle After Another” really isn’t the type of film you can even classify as there’s so much going on here genre wise, tonally, and even subject matter wise.

The cast is an embarrassment of riches. When the Oscar nominations come out in 2 days, don’t be surprised to see multiple cast members nominated. Leonardo DiCaprio continues to show immense range while also proving why he’s one of the best actors around. It’s always great to see him partner with directing greats. Sean Penn gives one of the best performances of his long career as the truly messed up Colonel Lockjaw. Benicio del Toro shines in a quirky supporting role as Sergio (a man who wears many hats). Teyana Taylor’s career continues to reach new levels. Her bold performance as Perfidia is making waves. The real surprise here is Chase Infiniti who makes her feature film debut. She arguably steals the movie out from the stacked cast. It feels like we are seeing a new star born here.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 2160p. How does it look? ‘Battle’ looks positively stunning in 4K. On home video, you really notice that PTA uses every inch of the frame to full advantage.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the frenetic score to the gun battles, this Atmos track packs a punch. 

The lone extra is a Digital copy

January 20, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Benicio del Toro, Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another, One Battle After Another 4K UHD Review, Oscars, Paul Thomas Anderson, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor