Harriet (2019) 4k UltraHD Review

Slavery was a very dark time in our country. People of color were treated horrifically. But during these dark times many there were some bright and shining lights. Men and women who would not let these dark times break their spirits of achieving the dream of freedom! 

One of the most brave, strong and courageous person was a lady by the name of Harriet Tubman. Now many films have been made about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and many more but never Harriet, until 2019. Now Universal Home Entertainment are bringing this Academy award nominated film to 4K/Blu-ray!

Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery and transforms herself into one of America's greatest heroes. Haunted by memories of those she left behind, Harriet (Cynthia Erivo) ventures back into dangerous territory on a mission to lead others to freedom. With allies like abolitionist William Still (Leslie Odom, Jr.) and the entrepreneurial Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monae), Harriet risks capture and death to guide hundreds to safety as one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad. Witness the story of a woman who defied impossible odds to change the course of her life and the fate of the nation.

Harriet not only works, it is an engaging biography. I found myself so enthralled with this tale that the over 2 hour film went by so fast I didn't even realize it! Cynthia Erivo is absolutely amazing as the brave Harriet Tubman. But the whole cast is so believable. Kasi Lemmons masterfully brought the life of Harriet Tubman to the big screen.

This is a dramatic film, but it should be noted that this film is a realistic film. It shows the real ordeal that these men and women had to deal with. There is violence and racial slurs used through this film. So, viewers should be aware of this going into this film.

Universal has transferred this film to 4K UltraHD in 2.39:1 HEVC 4K and on Blu-ray in 1080p in 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The audio options include English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, Spanish DTS-HD 7.1, French DTS-HD 5.1. There is also subtitle options for English, French and Spanish.

Harriet looks so stunning in 4K. Even on the Blu-ray the film looks amazing. The picture is crisp and clean the colors are bright and vibrant and the skin tones are gorgeous. The audio is great. Every word of the dialogue is clear as a bell. 

Now in addition to the film on 4k UltraHD and Blu-ray discs. Universal Home Entertainment presents some nice bonus features on these discs. take a look at what is included.  

* Deleted Scenes: Over fifteen minutes of scenes trimmed from the film.

* Her Story: A six minute featurette showing us the journey of bringing Harriet on the silver screen.

* Becoming Harriet: A 3 and a half minute featurette looking at the casting of Cynthia Erivo as Harriet.

* Audio Commentary with Kasi Lemmons

I enjoyed the bonus featurettes, but if I were to be honest, I felt like these could have gone a little deeper into the story of bringing Harriet's life to film and casting Cynthia Erivo. But one of the really cool bonuses is that there is a digital code for a copy of the film you can take with you anywhere. This digital code can be redeemed on Movies Anywhere, Vudu Fandango and anywhere your redeem your digital movies.

The 4K/Blu-ray of Harriet is such a good release it deserves a place alongside such amazing film of its kind like Roots. If you love historical dramas or biographies as much as I do, this release of Harriet is truly a must own. Head over to Amazon and order your copy of this 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray today!


Out of the 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) the 4K UltraHD Harriet recieves.....