The Super Mario Bros. Movie finally arrives on 4K Blu-ray with a visually stunning presentation and an impressive audio mix. Packed with nostalgia and fan service, this film captures the essence of the beloved video game franchise, appealing to audiences of all ages. With a story that follows Mario and Luigi as they embark on an adventure to save Princess Peach from the clutches of King Bowser, it’s an adventure that features a ton of references, inside jokes, and levels from various eras of the game.
The narrative may not offer deep storytelling like some of Pixar’s classic animation films, but The Super Mario Bros. Movie provides an enjoyable popcorn movie experience nonetheless. The film combines nostalgia, fan service, and that trademark Illumination sense of humor that made the Minions movies so successful. The cast delivers excellent voice performances too, with Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong. Jack Black steals the show with his portrayal of Bowser though, delivering a humorous and menacing performance with the level of intensity we’ve come to know from him.

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray edition of The Super Mario Bros. Movie offers a fantastic visual experience. With Dolby Vision enhancements, the colors are bold and vibrant, enhancing the animated world of Mario – allowing the characters and game-inspired worlds to shine even more brightly than they did on the big movie screen. The nuanced shades and vibrant colors bring the characters and environments to life, creating an immersive viewing experience that really pops off the screen, especially in close-ups. The image quality is top-notch, with no issues of banding, aliasing, or video noise, making it a great transfer for those with a 4K-capable display.
The audio quality is equally impressive, with a Dolby Atmos track that immerses viewers in the world of Mario. The sound effects are robust, with excellent directionality and seamless transitions between speakers. And although a lot of the source material is 2D, the audioscape is wide and immersive. The iconic Mario sound effects are enhanced, and the height speakers add depth to the audio experience while keeping the dialogue clear and easy to follow.

The special features included in the 4K Blu-ray edition are worth watching as well, providing insights into the making of the film and showcasing the cast’s enthusiasm for their roles. The featurettes cover topics such as getting to know the cast, the production design, Easter eggs, and iconic locations in the movie. While additional behind-the-scenes content and a commentary track would have been welcome, the included extras offer an enjoyable glimpse into the film’s creation through about an hour’s worth of extra content.
Overall, The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 4K Blu-ray is a fantastic release that serves as a stunning look at the Nintendo universe on film. The film delivers on nostalgia, offers a fun story, and sets up the potential for a promising franchise. With its visually impressive presentation, immersive audio, and worthwhile extras, this edition comes highly recommended for fans and general viewers alike, and it’s easy to see what this quickly become one of the most successful animated features of all time.