Zack Snyder's Justice League [4K Ultra-HD] [2021] [Region Free] [Blu-ray]

Zack Snyder's Justice League is a cinematic masterpiece that delivers on every level. This four-hour director's cut is a vast improvement over the theatrical release, with deeper character development, a richer storyline, and stunning visuals. Snyder’s vision brings a darker, more emotional tone that perfectly suits the epic scale of the film.The extended runtime allows each hero to shine, with standout arcs for Cyborg and The Flash. The action sequences are breathtaking, and the new scenes, including the unforgettable Knightmare sequence, add depth and intrigue. For fans of the DC Universe, this is an absolute must-watch. A triumph of storytelling and filmmaking!

This is so much more than just a superhero movie. I'm not referring to the 4 hour run time either (which will fly by). This movie is of it's time: only in the internet age could we the public influence a great Hollywood studio to reluctantly #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. A movie that is superior in every way to the version Warner Bros. released in 2017. That version was the very height of capitalism over art.WB had already given Snyder the opportunity to build a franchise by allowing him to direct Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. They knew Snyder was a visionary director who's previous material was divisive, literary, cerebral, introspective, technically stupendous, corny-at-times and laden with slo-mo.Yet WB saw an opportunity following the suicide of Snyder's daughter Autumn and pushed him out and brought in the director of 'Avengers' and 'Age of Ultron' to Marvel-ise the DC franchise (read: sexist, quippy one-liners, connect-the-dots plot, shallow characterization and expeditionary). That said, Marvel/Disney do make strikingly popular and profitable films.In his defence, director Josh Whedon was up against it: Most actors were out of shape for re-shoots or moustache-iode in the case of Henry Cavill (Superman). The studio had also mandated to reduce Snyder's 4 hour sprawling mythological epic to a 2 hour runtime to get more cinema screenings in during a day, (and hence generate more money).But the case against is quite damning: rather than splice the mass of material he already had, Josh Whedon went ahead with unconvincing re-shoots sometime employing some very dodgy, time-constrained CGI. He shrunk the roles of Cyborg and Flash (who are the very heart and soul of Snyder's Cut) and sexualised Wonder Woman and even Superman's mother!! He also tore out the beautiful soundtrack continuity that Tom Holkenberg would have offered and replaced him with past-his-sell-by-date Danny Elfman.Watching the Snyder Cut is cathartic. The completion of a vision Snyder started with Man of Steel. It tells the story of a person who is neither of this world or of Krypton. A refugee or an immigrant if you like. Life will not be sunshine and rainbows. But as with all heroes the hard path leads to realization of their place in the world. Clark decided to do the right thing given his extraordinary powers. Not because he had to or because it is his job. But because he *wants* to. Consequently, his ultimate sacrifice inspires others: Batman, Wonder Woman and all the rest evolve to earn their place as symbols of hope and faith.In these times of dysfunctional governments, creaking democracy and a global pandemic we could all do with some hope and faith and art.

Superior to the theatrical (and butchered) cut in every way and it's hard to understand why a) WB didn't release this in the first place and b) why they haven't greenlit a sequel given the overall positive response, especially when their attempts to copy the MCU have resulted in poor profits for them.This is a long movie, though we have watched it many times now in one sitting as it is very engaging and feels more like two and a half hours. It follows about 60% of the core plot of the theatrical, but there is so much more depth to it, much like the ultimate edition of Batman V Superman. Each of the JL characters get their time to shine and the villain, now with the original intended design, is much better.The low point for me is that the music isn't quite as good as in Man of Steel and Batman V Superman, so the absence of Hans Zimmer is noticeable to anyone who enjoys the score as part of the experience. But it is still of a good standard and not enough of a concern for me to reduce this by a star.5 stars all the way and easily better than any of the DC movies released since Aquaman (and it shows when you look at the box office returns).