Review: Independence Day: Resurgence UHD + Screen Caps

THE MOVIE — 2.5/5

The tagline “We had twenty years to prepare…” makes me chuckle because one would apply it to the (numerous) writers to ask, 20 years and this is what they came up with? Now, I will say, Independence Day: Resurgence isn’t a dumpster fire of a sequel as there are some entertaining moments and the finale at least was passable, and yet by the end, I can only ask, “Why?”

The story, taking place 20 years following the “War of 1996”, there is world peace and humankind has utilized and weaponized the alien technology in case they ever would return. And it’s a good thing because not only are they back, but they are not out for revenge but to drain our resources, namely the magma at Earth’s core, thus ending all of life. They’re also bigger and badder than ever, led by the Queen (a la Aliens), with larger ships.

On the front lines to stopping these aliens are some familiar faces: David Levinson (JEFF GOLDBLUM), director of the Earth Space Defense; ex-President Whitmore (BILL PULLMAN) and Dr. Brakish Okun (BRENT SPINER) who have a telepathic connection with the aliens, the former looking like a nutcase while Okun wakes up from a 20 year coma; and Dr. Isaacs (JOHN STOREY) who I honestly do not remember from the first movie. We also get some fresh faces including pilots Jake Morrison (LIAM HEMSWORTH), Dylan Hiller (JESSE USHER) — who is the son of Captain Steven Hiller (played by Will Smith), killed off-screen in a training accident —, Rain Lao (ANGELABABY) and Charlie Miller (TRAVIS TOPE); U.S. President Lanford (SELA WARD), General Adams (WILLIAM FICHTNER); scientist Catherine Marceaux (CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG) who has a past with David; and war lord Dikembe Umbutu (DEOBIA OPAREI) with experience killing the aliens.

In addition, there are some side characters from Julius Levinson (JUDD HIRSCH), Jasmine Hiller (VIVICA A. FOX), Patricia Whitmore (MAIKA MONROE who was cast instead of MAE WHITMAN), a trio of kids (one portrayed by JOEY KING) whose parents were killed in the attacks, and a government bureaucrat (NICOLAS WRIGHT) who I think was supposed to be another comic relief.

The first Independence Day was hardly a masterpiece but a serviceable disaster flick with thin characters mostly played by charismatic actors (Pullman and Smith especially) and if it were not for Whitmore’s speech and some creative visual effects and miniatures, the entire film would be forgettable. With Resurgence, the effects were so-so; in some scenes outright bad (anything involving the futuristic helicopters was especially bad), and now you add in new characters who have no charisma whatsoever spewing laughable dialogue and you’ve got a film that at times was tough to sit through or even get engaged with.

Returning to the director’s chair, and is one of five screenwriters, is Roland Emmerich and technically speaking, he’s a serviceable director but at best he’s average with outings like 2012, White House Down and The Day After Tomorrow, he doesn’t exactly helm top-shelf material; this one is no different.

In the end, much like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows before it (at least that one came out a few years after the first), there’s really no good reason for Independence Day: Resurgence to even exist. Perhaps this is fine as throwaway, fast food-like entertainment but at this point, nobody asked for it and if the studio wanted to make money, it should’ve come out back in 2000.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 4.0/5

This 2-disc release comes with a semi-reflective slip cover. Inside is a code for the Digital HD copy.

Deleted Scenes (8:24; HD) – There are 8 scenes here including an alternate opening, a death scene of a semi-major character (was killed off-screen in the final cut which was a good idea) and a few others. There is an optional commentary included.

The War of 1996 (5:11; HD) is a mock news story looking back on the attack 20 years ago.

It’s Early ABQ! (3:07; HD) is a mock morning show hosted by Terry Dudley (played by Fred Armisen) with Julius Levinson promoting his book and Jeff Goldblum’s David making an appearance.

Another Day: The Making of Independence Day: Resurgence (55:25; HD) is a 4-part making-of featurette documenting the ideas behind the sequel and introducing the new and old characters. Includes interviews with the cast (including Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Liam Hemsworth, etc) and crew (Roland Emmerich, Dean Devlin).

Gag Reel (6:14; HD) which mainly shows Jeff Goldblum goofing off.

Audio Commentary – Producer/Co-Writer/Director Roland Emmerich provides a scene-specific track offering insights into how the movie got made and drills down into the story aspects. If you’ve ever heard an Emmerich commentary, it can be a tad dry but this one is still informative.

Concept Art for the Aliens, AI, Humans, Locations and Original Presentation Images

Theatrical Trailers (5:18; HD) – 2 Trailers and a TV Spot

Previews – Assassin’s Creed, Deadpool, X-Men: Apocalypse

4K UHD VIDEO — 5.0/5, BD VIDEO — 5.0/5

The 1080p Blu-ray is more or less the same with an obvious deference to the 4K UHD transfer. Colors are again vibrant and detail looking sharp and there were no signs of artifacts, aliasing or other flaws.

4K UHD AUDIO — 5.0/5, BD AUDIO — 4.75/5

For whatever reason, the Blu-ray has the old fashioned DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track which in itself sounds very good, though by comparison, the Atmos track on the UHD does take top prize and is ever so slightly better. However, fear not, for Blu-ray users, this still sounds extraordinary providing clear dialogue (unfortunately) intermixed with the bombastic destruction sequences.

OVERALL – 3.5/5

Overall, Independence Day: Resurgence is merely the latest example of why some sequels are not necessary. Although I don’t think this was awful, and frankly outside of the President’s speech, the first one is hardly great in terms of storytelling, there really is no reason for this to exist and based on its box office performance, the masses agreed which means we’re probably spared from any more. As far as this Blu-ray release is concerned, the video and audio transfers (both UHD and BD) are excellent and there’s a fine selection of bonus material to peruse.