DVD Corner

Project Hail Mary 4K UHD Review

“Project Hail Mary” is one of 2026’s best films.

Based on the novel by Andy Weir and adapted for the screen by Drew Goddard, “Project Hail Mary” is a sci-fi film that takes place in the not too distant future. The story jumps back and forth from past to present and revolves around Ryland Grace- a teacher/molecular biologist who finds himself as the lone survivor of a space flight. To make matters worse he has amnesia. In the past, we learn that Ryland was recruited by the head of Project Hail Mary to investigate a substance (astrophage) that appears to be dimming the sun at an alarming rate thereby threatening humanity’s existence. Ryland then finds himself being forced to embark on a one-way mission to the star Tau Ceti which is seemingly unaffected by astrophage. Whatever is found would be sent back via proves. While on the mission, Ryland makes first contact with a rock-like alien lifeform from the planet Erid. Much like Ryland, the alien (which Rylan names Rocky) is a sole survivor of a mission to stop astrophage from wiping out Erid’s star. Over time, Ryland and Rocky are able to communicate with one another and hopefully discover something to save their planets from future destruction.

“Project Hail Mary” bears a resemblance to Andy Weir’s other novel “The Martian,” but don’t hold that against it. Despite their similarities, ‘Project’ stands on its own and turns out to be a crowd pleasing, emotional, and rewarding story about friendship, coexistence, sacrifice, the universe, and science. “Project Hail Mary” is exactly the type of movie we need in this dark day and age. It has something to say that speaks to everyone, but above all else, it’s a hopeful movie. Sure, there’s some convoluted techno and science babble that may go over viewers heads, but directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller never lose sight of the core messages and the characters.

You can’t talk about this movie without talking about Ryan Gosling. The entire movie hinges on his performance. You have to believe him as Ryland, you have to believe his chemistry with Rocky, and you have to invest in this character who is often on screen alone. To say Gosling knocks it out of the park is an understatement. The actor has an immense amount of range and juggles dramatic and comedic moments with ease. His scenes with Rocky (perfectly voiced by James Ortiz) are the heart and soul of the movie. On the subject of Rocky, he will easily go down as one of the great sci-fi characters. The combination of practical and digital effects is, dare I say, amaze. Not to be forgotten here is Sandra Hϋller who delivers a layered performance as Eva (the head of Project Hail Mary). She really nails the key dramatic moments.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 and 1.78:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? Expect a predictably sharp 4K transfer.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it look? This is the type of movie that takes you on a real audio journey and this Atmos track does not disappoint. 

Extras include a commentary by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, 5 deleted scenes and a featurette on bringing Rocky to life called “Earth’s Favorite Eridian.”

August 10, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary, Project Hail Mary 4K UHD Review, Rocky, Ryan Gosling, Sci-fi