Star Trek: Section 31 4K UHD Review

Star Trek: Section 31 is a bold and visually striking entry in the long-running franchise, offering a refreshing break from traditional Star Trek storytelling while introducing a vibrant array of colorful alien characters. As a fan of the series, I found this film to be an intriguing and ambitious departure that both honors and challenges the legacy of Star Trek. While it may not resonate with older fans and every die-hard Trekkie, its daring narrative choices and inspired cast of characters make it a welcome addition to the franchise.

Michelle Yeoh stars as Emperor Philippa Georgiou in this Discovery spin-off which does everything possible breaking from classic Star Trek. I was taken aback by the general fan backlash to Star Trek: Section 31. It’s definitely not in the franchise’s normal mold, replacing the usual thoughtful sci-fi adventure with more action and quippy rogue characters. The producers have copied Guardians of the Galaxy while bits from the Hunger Games and Suicide Squad spice up the formula. Section 31 is a mostly breezy space adventure with a few nods to newer Star Trek lore but can easily be appreciated as its own standalone movie.

Section 31 is a mostly breezy space adventure with a few nods to newer Star Trek lore but can easily be appreciated as its own standalone movie

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its colorful alien characters, who bring a sense of wonder and diversity to the screen. From the neon-hued, bioluminescent diplomats of the Xylothi delegation to the multi-limbed, shape-shifting operatives of Section 31, the film’s alien designs are imaginative and visually captivating. These characters play integral roles in the story, adding depth to the film’s exploration of interstellar politics and covert operations.

The new alien species and cultures represented feels like a natural evolution of the Star Trek universe, celebrating the franchise’s long-standing culture while pushing the storytelling into something easily digestible for modern audiences who have grown up on Marvel blockbusters. There’s more humor and action than prior Trek movies.

The film’s break from tradition is perhaps its most defining, and divisive, feature. Unlike the optimistic, exploration-driven narratives that define much of the franchise, Section 31 delves into the shadowy world of espionage, moral ambiguity, and covert operations. The titular Section 31, a clandestine organization within the Federation, takes center stage, offering a darker, more cynical view of the utopian ideals typically associated with Star Trek.

This shift in tone and focus is a risky move, but it pays off by providing a fresh perspective on the franchise. The film’s willingness to explore the ethical gray areas of the Federation’s actions adds a layer of complexity that feels both timely and thought-provoking. For viewers who appreciate a more nuanced take on the Star Trek universe, this departure is a welcome change.

Michelle Yeoh’s return as Philippa Georgiou is another highlight. Her character, a former emperor turned Section 31 operative, is as enigmatic and compelling as ever. Yeoh brings a commanding presence to the role, balancing Georgiou’s ruthless pragmatism with flashes of vulnerability that make her one of the most fascinating characters in the franchise. The supporting cast, including the aforementioned alien characters, also delivers strong performances, each adding their own unique flair to the ensemble.

That said, the film’s darker tone and focus on espionage might not sit well with all fans. Traditional Star Trek stories often emphasize diplomacy, exploration, and the triumph of human will, whereas Section 31 leans heavily into themes of secrecy, betrayal, and moral compromise. This shift may alienate viewers who prefer the franchise’s more hopeful and idealistic narratives. However, for those open to a different kind of Star Trek story, the film’s exploration of the Federation’s underbelly is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Star Trek: Section 31 is a bold and ambitious film that takes the franchise in a new direction. It’s not anywhere as terrible as certain corners of social media would have you believe. The colorful alien characters and break from tradition make it a decently entertaining experience.

While it may not be for everyone, particularly those who prefer the franchise’s more optimistic fare, it’s a daring entry that could attract new viewers and spark fresh conversations about the future of Star Trek. For fans willing to embrace its darker, more complex narrative, Section 31 is a solid ride that proves the franchise still has plenty of surprises left in its warp core.

The 95-minute main feature is generously encoded in pristine HEVC on a dual-layer UHD. Paramount includes a starkly-rich Dolby Vision layer for the 2.39:1 presentation. The new movie shines in 2160p resolution, a modern blockbuster mix of practical effects and CGI which screams deep space and smooth tone mapping.

The 4K Dolby Vision transfer of Star Trek: Section 31 is a masterclass in modern home video presentation. Shot with cutting-edge digital cameras, the film’s native 4K resolution shines through with impeccable clarity and detail. Every frame is a testament to the meticulous work of the cinematography team, and this transfer does it justice.

The level of detail is astonishing. From the intricate designs of Starfleet uniforms to the subtle textures of alien skin, everything is rendered with precision. Close-ups reveal fine facial features and makeup work that might have been lost in lower resolutions. The practical sets and costumes, in particular, benefit from the enhanced clarity, making the universe of Section 31 feel more tangible and immersive than ever.

The Dolby Vision HDR implementation is where this transfer truly excels. The film’s visual style, characterized by its use of deep shadows and blooming lights, is perfectly suited for HDR. The contrast between the darkest blacks and the brightest highlights is striking, creating a sense of depth that pulls you into the screen. The grimy, shadow-laden environments of Section 31’s clandestine operations are rendered with a level of nuance that makes the shadows feel alive, while the bright, futuristic lights of Starfleet technology pop with a vibrancy that’s almost tangible.

Colors are rich and accurate, with a wide gamut that brings out the best in the film’s varied palette. The glowing panels and swirling track lighting, which are staples of modern Trek aesthetics, are vivid without feeling oversaturated. Skin tones are natural, and the practical makeup effects on alien characters are showcased beautifully, adding to the film’s immersive quality.

While the film’s reliance on dark, shadowy environments might frustrate some, the Dolby Vision transfer handles these scenes with finesse, ensuring that details are never lost.

For fans of high-quality sound, the Dolby Atmos track in Star Trek: Section 31 is a testament to the film’s strong production values. It enhances the excitement of the narrative, making viewers feel as though they’re aboard a starship or dodging phaser fire. Whether you’re a Star Trek enthusiast or an audio aficionado, this Atmos mix is a compelling reason to experience the film, offering a sonic journey that complements its sci-fi spectacle.

Jeff Russo’s score may be the most comfortable element for classic Trek fans. It would fit right in earlier films with nary a note out of place. It soars in the deep and dynamic soundstage, which delivers nice low-end thump. The surround experience is superb, especially in the interstellar combat scenes. Whether it’s the hum of a starship’s engines, the crackle of phaser fire, or the subtle ambient sounds of a bustling space station, the audio places you squarely in the middle of the action. This is an engaging mix that makes the set pieces come alive with massive dynamics and crystal-clear sound design.

Optional English SDH, German, French and Japanese subtitles are offered in a white font inside the scope presentation. Secondary audio dubs include 5.1 Dolby Digital in German, French (European), and Japanese.

Despite the poor critical response and box office, Paramount issues Section 31 on UHD in a two-disc combo pack with a companion BD. The regular retail edition has a neon yellow slipcover. A 4K SteelBook limited edition is also available. Included is a non-MA digital copy which redeems in 4K resolution on Fandango At Home.

The bonus features can all be found on the UHD. For the most part these featurettes are better than standard EPK material.

Alpha Squad (26:26 in HD) – A breakdown of each of the six members of the Section 31 Squad: Alok, Quasi, Zeph, Rachel Garrett, Melle and Fuzz.

Stunts Squad (12:49 in HD) – Stunt Coordinator Christopher McGuire and his team take us through the prep and execution of many of the stunts designed for the film.

Art Squad (11:08 in HD) – Production Designer Paul Kirby and Set Decorator Summer Gaal take us through the sets designed for Section 31.

Gear Squad (11:37 in HD) – Prop Master Mario Moreira gives a look inside the prop closet and all the practical gadgets.

Georgiou (15:22 in HD) – Philippa Georgiou is one of the more complex and ruthless characters in Trek history. Sometimes a villain. Sometimes a hero. The producers, screenplay writer Craig Sweeny, the team that created her look, and the Emperor herself, Michelle Yeoh, talk about further developing her character.

Gag Reel (04:16 in HD)

Full disclosure: This UHD was provided by the label for review. This has not materially affected DoBlu’s editorial process. For information on how we handle all review material, please visit DoBlu’s about us page.

The following six screen shots serve as samples for our subscription-exclusive set of 47 full resolution, uncompressed 4K screen shots ripped directly from the UHD: