5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Mad Max on 4K UHD

After the great success of George Miller’s return to the ‘Mad Max’ world with 2015’s masterpiece ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, the question was asked, when would we see the original films make an appearance on 4K UHD? Well here in November 2021, the question has been answered, Mad Max 2: Road Warrior and Mad Max 3: Beyond The Thunderdome’ are both out on 4K UHD! So, today celebrating this monumental release, I will be breaking down the five reasons you should be picking these up! So, here are my 5 reasons why you should be buying Mad Max: Road Warrior and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome on 4K UHD.

The re-master – it goes without saying, these films look utterly incredible on 4K UHD. The presentation is stunning, from updated visuals to improved sound and an overall improved look. Road Warriors stunning action set-pieces really pop on 4K, with the colours of the wasteland really standing out and improving the overall feel of the film. There is more depth here with this new feel of the release of the films. They play differently than previous Blu-Ray and DVD restorations (as expected), because of this new gorgeous re-master. If you purchase these 4K editions, be sure to watch them on the biggest screen possible, with the sound turned all the way up, you will not be disappointed.

The action – The action set-pieces in both The Road Warrior and Beyond the Thunderdome look incredible. They’re just as exciting as they use to be, but with extra depth and more visual splendor than previously. The set-pieces hold up remarkably well, with a lot of practical stunt work on display, which is always impressive. Whilst Beyond Thunderdome is the lesser film in terms of narrative quality, the action scenes still hold up remarkably well. The hand-to-hand combat and the gorgeous car duels and chases all culminate into one epic story.

The artistic covers – The covers of the films themselves look incredible and will make owners want to display them among their movie collections. The films have re-branded their image based on the marketing and promotional materials of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, with the 4K covers looking very similar to the 4K and Blu-ray releases on that film. The cover for The Road Warrior is quite epic, with the harsh yellows of the desert on display, with Max front and center with the supporting cast behind, and villain Lord Humungus looking in the background of the image. It looks incredible and is already on display in my collection. Beyond Thunderdome has a similar presentation, matching the style of ‘The Road Warrior, but playing up the blue as Tina Turner’s Aunty Antity, taking up Lord Humungus’s mantle looming over the cover. Both are awesome!

The Special features – Road Warrior comes loaded with tonnes of special features. I am sure like many movie lovers out there (myself included), you love to watch the behind-the-scenes magic and making of your favourite films. The Road Warrior doesn’t disappoint in this category, with a re-mastered making-of documentary on the 4K disc, director commentary with George Miller and director of photography (cinematographer) Dean Semler, and a brand-new introduction to the film from Leonard Martin. These features are awesome and compliment the film giving it further meaning, depth, and nuance for fans. A worthy batch of special features for the biggest of Mad max fans!

Mel Gibson’s amazing performance – Mel Gibson has had his fair share of criticism in the public eye and rightfully so. The man has apologized and is making his way back into the public eye. Despite his wrongdoings, there is no denying Mel’s talent. The mad max films are responsible for the rise of his star, as they are a huge reason as to why Mel received the critical and commercial success that he has. He is fantastic in these films, playing the silent and stoic type. He is a true action star, all wrapped in leather and dusted with sand. Gibson gives his all to this character, committing to the action scenes with gusto and delivering a believable performance as our wasteland, post-apocalyptic “hero”. Re-visiting these films just reminds you how good he is in the role of Max. His performance is yet another reason as to why you should pick up these films on 4K UHD.

Each year there are plenty of re-masters on 4K UHD of old classics, but none even come close to the presentation of these films. The Road Warrior turned 40 this year and with this gorgeous re-master, you would not even know that the film is that old. The presentations are amazing, the special features are worth it, Gibson is still incredible, and the stories are still fun, action-packed, post-apocalyptic dramas. I wholeheartedly urge those reading this to pick up these films today! You can pick up both Mad Max: The Road Warrior and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome on 4K UHD today from your local Sanity or from the comfort of your own home online. 

Buy The Mad Max Movies on DVD, Blu-ray & 4K UHD here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here