Universal announces its first 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases

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The films will feature 4K resolution and HDR video and be released on 4K disc and via 4K digital services, with Jason Bourne, Lucy and Warcraft on the list of first titles.

Universal has announced its first titles to be released on the new Ultra HD Blu-ray disc format. Universal is promising a mix of new and old films, with the first releases including the forthcoming The Huntsman: Winter's War, Warcraft and Jason Bourne as well as recent films, Everest, Lucy and Lone Survivor.

The discs will offer films in 4K resolution and high dynamic range (HDR) colour, with some also including Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks. As well as the disc releases, Universal says the titles will also be available in 4K Ultra HD digital formats. A selection of Universal's IMAX films are also said to be in the pipeline to hit 4K Blu-ray.

MORE: The first Ultra HD Blu-ray discs are now on sale in the UK

Universal also says it will be releasing "an enhanced selection of its new release and catalogue titles mastered in Dolby Vision". Dolby Vision is Dolby's own take on getting the very best from 4K and HDR content, and requires Dolby Vision-compatible products to take advantage. This technology remains in its infancy for now.

The releases will join a small but growing number of Ultra HD Blu-ray discs now on sale, which include The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Chappie, Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, Fantastic Four, Maze Runner: Chapter II - The Scorch Trials, Kingsman - The Secret Service, The Maze Runner, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Life of Pi, Hitman: Agent 47 and Exodus - Gods and Kings.

The likes of Amazon, HMV and Zavvi all now feature Ultra HD Blu-ray releases, with the average price of a 4K disc being around £20.

MORE: Ultra HD Blu-ray - everything you need to know

Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).