Andor: The Complete First Season (Steelbook) (4K UHD Review)

Andor was captured digitally by cinematographers Adriano Goldman, Frank Lamm, and Damián García in the X-OCN ST codec (in 16 bits and 6K resolution) using Sony Venice cameras with Panavision C and G-Series anamorphic lenses. It was finished at the 2.39:1 scope ratio for its streaming and physical release, and is presented here on 4K Ultra HD with HDR10 high dynamic range. As you might expect, the image quality is a major improvement over the Disney+ stream. With video data rates consistently in the 80-90 Mbps range (encoded for 100 GB discs), the result is much greater clarity and fine detail, a notably richer color palette, and an image of far more depth and dimensionality. There’s none of the banding and artifacting sometimes visible in the Disney+ stream. Notably, the HDR experience on disc is more of what you expect from this format, with deeply detailed shadows and more naturally bright and eye-reactive highlights. Perhaps best of all—and unlike The Mandalorian and other recent Star Wars series—Andor has actually been shot on large practical sets and out in the real world, so none of the limitations of the StageCraft Volume are in evidence. This is a fantastic 4K image, absolutely rock solid at all times and full of nuance.

Primary audio on these discs is offered in English Dolby Atmos. And unlike the compromised sound experience on the Disney+ stream, the uncompressed Atmos mix really shines. All the dynamics are present, with pleasing LFE and immersive use of the height and surround channels. The soundstage is nicely wide, with subtle atmospherics all around the listener. Dialogue is clean and readily discernible, while movement is smooth and buttery. Stand-out moments include the warehouse firefight at the end of Reckoning, the stunning Eye of Aldhani, Rael’s escape from an Imperial Arrestor Cruiser aboard the Fondor, and of course the Rix Road funeral procession and Maarva’s stirring holographic speech, all of which take full advantage of the overhead channels. This certainly isn’t an aggressive or blustery surround mix, but it serves the visuals well and—again like the imagery—is a nice improvement over the streaming experience. Additional sound options include English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, as well as French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital. Subtitles are available in English for the Hearing Impaired, French, and Spanish.