The Warrior

2011's "Warrior" seems to have faded from the cultural conscious. In its all-new home release, which finds the film being released on the new 4K Ultra HD format, the packaging boasts a review blurb from ComingSoon.net claiming that the movie is "as powerful and unforgettable as 'Rocky.'" While I certainly wouldn't go that far, "Warrior" is still a strikingly moving, entertaining and well-acted picture in a classical sense, and its fists-against-skin framework will certainly draw comparisons to what is arguably the greatest boxing picture ever conceived.

But while this is no "Rocky," "Warrior" is through and through its own vicious beast. It swaps boxing gloves for MMA rawness in this tale of two estranged brothers (Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, early roles for both) who find themselves fighting for the title of "Sparta," the biggest MMA tournament ever held. Nick Nolte also turns in one of the best performances of his career as their recovering alcoholic father and former wrestling coach.

The film, directed by Gavin O'Connor, may seem like an odd choice to bring back to life in the 4K format, but watching the film again this upgrade makes a lot of sense. "Warrior" is certainly a visually thrilling film to witness, with well-choreographed MMA fights and gracefully crafted melodrama, and its transfer to an updated format looks great with the deep blacks and bright lights of the ring. It is probably one of the less-impressive 4K releases I've seen visually, but it makes up for it audio-wise with a booming, well-balanced sound palette. (Keep in mind, to view a 4K Ultra HD disc you must already own a 4K Blu-ray player and a 4K Ultra HD television.)

If you don't already own "Warrior, " and you enjoy the subgenre of "inspirational sports movie," this is definitely a worthy purchase to pick up. The many bonus features on this 4K release include:

� Audio commentary with writer/director Gavin O'Connor, co-writer Anthony Tambakis, editor John Gilroy and actor Joel Edgerton
� "Redemption: Bringing 'Warrior' to Life" documentary
� "Philosophy in Combat: Mixed Martial Arts Strategy" featurette
� "Simply Believe: A Tribute to Charles 'Mask' Lewis, Jr." featurette
� "Cheap Shots" gag reel
� "Brother vs. Brother: Anatomy of the Fight" featurette
� Deleted scene

"Warrior"
4K Ultra HD Combo Pack
$22.99
http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=34714&TitleParentId=7605