Panic Room – 4K UHD Blu-ray Review
Commissions Earned
Film Title: Panic Room (2002)
Release Date: 2025
Rating: R
Runtime: 112 minutes
Region Coding: Region Free
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1
High Dynamic Range: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Version Reviewed: 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Release Date: 2/18/25
Director: David Fincher
Cast: Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam, Jared Leto, Patrick Bauchau, Ann Magnuson, Ian Buchanan
Jump to Sections:
Movie | Video | Audio | Bonus | Closing | Screenshots
Full 4K Tech Specs found at the bottom
click to view a 4K Screenshot
The Movie
“Panic Room” was a 2002 film directed by David Fincher. Fincher is best known for directing several acclaimed films. These include “Alien³” (1992), “Se7en” (1995), “Fight Club” (1999), and “Zodiac” (2007). He also directed “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), “The Social Network” (2010), “Gone Girl” (2014), and “Mank” (2020).
The screenplay was written by David Koepp. Koepp is best known for co-writing the screenplays for “Death Becomes Her” (1992), “Jurassic Park” (1993), and “Carlito’s Way” (1993). He also co-wrote “Mission: Impossible” (1996), and “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997). He directed and wrote the screenplay for “Stir of Echoes” (1999). Additionally, he also co-wrote “Spider-Man” (2002), “Secret Window” (2004), and “War of the Worlds” (2005).
The story here centers around a recently divorced woman, “Meg Altman” (Jodie Foster), and her daughter “Sarah” (Kristen Stewart). The mother and daughter, when we first meet them, are looking at an apartment in New York City. This upper-class apartment features something called a “panic room” — hence the title. A panic room is used by the homeowner during an emergency. It provides safety with a bolted lock door and has supplies to last them for an extended time. This idea of security we can tell comforts Meg and she decides to get the apartment.
The mother and daughter are just in the process of moving in. They are sitting eating a pizza in the kitchen. They discuss the separation between Meg and Sarah’s father. We can tell this has caused some real problems. Meg is especially affected, but she gets by with the help of her daughter. During the first night in their new apartment, Meg and her daughter will be glad. They have a safe room. Three burglars show up and start to break into the home, while Meg and Sarah are sleeping. Meg eventually wakes up. She manages to get her daughter to the safe room. This happens before the burglars can catch them.
But why are these burglars even here? The leader of the group is “Burnham” (Forest Whitaker). His accomplice is named “Junior” (Jared Leto). They know about a fortune in cash locked away in this apartment. Specifically, it is still locked in the safe inside the safe room. Joining these two in their burglarizing efforts is a man in a ski mask calling himself “Raoul” (Dwight Yoakam). Raoul thought it would be a good idea to bring a gun. Just remember that. So, these three men will do whatever it takes. They are going to put this woman and her child through a lot to get into the safe room. They want to get the cash.
So, as if this is not stressful enough for Meg, her daughter suffers from diabetes. She has to get her insulin shots to survive. This becomes a real issue. I’ll just leave it at that. The mother and daughter will have to truly try to fight to survive this ordeal. Will the burglars get into the safe room and get the cash? You’ll just have to watch to find out.
Movie Rating: 4.25 (out of 5)
click to view a 4K Screenshot
Video Quality
“Panic Room” on 4K UHD Blu-ray is presented in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision and HDR10 forms of high dynamic range. This has received a new 4K remaster and also has a new 4K DI (digital intermediate) master. The process was supervised by the film’s director David Fincher. The movie was shot on 35mm film. The filming used the Super 35mm cinematographic process. It employed the Arriflex 35-III, Panavision Panaflex Millennium, and Panavision Panaflex Platinum cameras. Panavision Primo lenses were used.
Next, let me get technical, regarding the 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc itself here. This 4K release uses a BD-100 (100 gigabytes) disc, 85.62 gigabytes total, and 77.8 gigabytes itself for the film. Looking back on it, the 2002 Superbit DVD release of the film used 5.83 gigabytes in total. And out of that, it used 5.6 gigabytes itself for the film (in standard definition). Now, with the 2025 Blu-ray, included in this release, the film uses 43.91 gigabytes in total. Out of that, the Blu-ray uses 32.3 gigabytes for the film in HD. This 4K version is a much larger file than the Blu-ray. It is 2.4 times larger than the HD version. And just for the sake of comparison, it’s also 13.9 times larger than the DVD (in SD).
Based on my observations via my 4K UHD Blu-ray player, this seems to peak at around 128.6 Mbps. It then runs roughly around 77.4 Mbps and dips down as low as 64.5 Mbps. According to info on the PC side, this seems to have an overall video bitrate of 75.9 Mb/s average.
Next, I want to visually compare the Blu-ray and the 4K UHD Blu-ray. I’ll show you the screenshots for both the new 2025 Blu-ray and the 2025 4K UHD Blu-ray releases. I don’t usually do comparisons to Blu-ray Discs included with a 4K release. I will make an exception, as this movie has never received a Blu-ray release stateside before this. For those who want to see more Blu-ray VS. 4K screenshots, click the text below.
Blu-ray VS. 4K Screenshots Comparison:
SOURCES: 2025 Blu-ray (left), 2025 4K UHD Blu-ray (right)
When looking at the new Blu-ray compared to the 4K, the improvement seems pretty obvious. The actual advancement here from the original 2002 Superbit DVD and the newly authored Blu-ray itself is pretty damn impressive. Even with that being said, the 4K is a definite upgrade. It enhances further beyond the newly authored Blu-ray. The 4K resolution offers incredible clarity with a considerable amount of visible film grain.
Additionally, consider the high dynamic range. This makes the 4K release an obvious choice over the earlier DVD release(s). That level of color can’t be achieved on a Blu-ray in SDR (standard dynamic range). It’s also quite obvious that the 4K has a much brighter visual presentation. This almost makes the Blu-ray feel visually less than, not that it’s a bad HD presentation. The Blu-ray is rather impressive (as mentioned). Nevertheless, you’ll be happy you decided to get this on 4K, as it holds a superior presentation.
This movie boasts a distinctive cinematic style that the filmmakers dubbed as a “no light” look. This explains why it is visually dim compared to other movies. Still, watch the bonus materials to discover that this intentional choice was made after several camera tests. The filmmakers didn’t intend for it to look bright, adhering to traditional lighting standards. Specifically, they employed a Kino-Flo balanced fluorescent fixture to create a soft, dim light. So, consider all this when examining the screenshots here, especially before watching the movie. Trust me, the filmmakers are aware of this movie’s dark tone and intended for it to be that way.
As briefly mentioned, this 4K presentation comes with a lot of newfound detail, especially in close-up shots. The HDR adds so much to the lighting and feel of the “no light” look. This Super 35 film source looks rather impressive now in 4K with HDR. Admittedly, some find this visually to be dull or drab. Still, you need to account for the visual style the filmmakers were going for here.
I think this serves as a great improvement over the earlier available DVD release(s). Keep in mind that this movie never received a Blu-ray Disc release until now. I can’t compare it much more than I already have. That being said, this remaster approved by David Fincher proved to be rather impressive. I like his track record so far of remastering his movies in 4K. “Panic Room” on 4K UHD Blu-ray earns itself a 4.5 rating for video quality.
4K UHD Blu-ray Screenshots
Video Quality Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)
click to view a 4K Screenshot
Audio Quality
“Panic Room” arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray with a new Dolby Atmos sound mix (with a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core) along with the original theatrical mix in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless surround sound. That DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 comes with a DTS 5.1 core for those who cannot decode the aforementioned lossless sound format.
Now, this brings up a very important question. Which is honestly the better choice to make for audio: either the new Dolby Atmos or the original theatrical 5.1 surround sound? It turns out, they both offer exceptional audio presentations but I ended up going with and preferring the Atmos. With that being said, I’ll be covering that audio mix here. But, if you’re a purist, just go with that original 5.1 mix and you’ll certainly be happy.
This Atmos mix includes a powerful amount of LFE via the subwoofer. This is thanks to the original music composed by Howard Shore. Shore’s original musical score fills the front left and right channels. It also occupies the height channels. Additionally, it is found throughout the rear channels. Sound effects are mixed in the same way. They get a nice amount of use of the height and rear channel speakers. The dialogue is delivered distinctly through the center channel speaker. It is never overwhelmed by any of the music or action.
The Atmos mix certainly has its highlight moments when the action intensifies and the musical score does as well. It’s enough to leave you in the suspense intended. I have to say that this new mix works and does the film justice. The 5.1 theatrical lossless mix is perfect as well. The audio presentation found on the 4K UHD Blu-ray for “Panic Room” is downright excellent and full of “demo material.” With that being said, it earns a 5 rating for audio quality.
Audio Quality Rating: 5 (out of 5)
click to view a 4K Screenshot
Bonus Materials
A Digital Copy of the film in 4K resolution is included (via paper insert) which is compatible with Movies Anywhere. You can use it across various online video services. These include VUDU (Fandango at Home), AppleTV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast. It is compatible even with smart TVs from television makers like LG & VIZIO. This digitally comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on most platforms.
A Blu-ray Disc is included with the film in 1080p HD video in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless surround sound, on a BD-50 disc. This also includes the following bonus materials listed below.
- “Commentaries” include:
- Cast Audio Commentary features Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, and Dwight Yoakam
- Director’s Audio Commentary features David Fincher
- Writer’s Audio Commentary features screenwriter David Koepp
- “Pre-Production” features:
- “Prep” includes:
- The Testing Phase (16 minutes, 33 seconds – SD) features a lot of camera test shots. I hope you enjoy watching stuff burn, smash, and explode. Also, you’ll get to see Jared Leto get set on fire preparing for a stunt. This includes interviews with Conrad W. Hall (cinematographer) and Joe Viskocil (special effects coordinator).
- Safe Cracking School (12 minutes, 54 seconds – SD) is pretty self-explanatory. This is very interesting.
- “Previsualization” includes:
- Creating the Previs (10 minutes, 23 seconds – SD) features director David Fincher. He discusses the changes he wants made to the previs storyboards. During filing, one of these scenes actually took 57 takes before he got it how he wanted. No joke. Also featured here is a conversation between Fincher and S. Quinn (previs coordinator). Lastly, Fincher makes a joke here, at the end, about how dark this movie is going to be visually.
- Previs Demo (3 minutes, 34 seconds – SD) features a comparison with the finished shots from the movie.
- Previs Demo with Audio Commentary (3 minutes, 34 seconds – SD) features director David Fincher.
- Habitrail Film (1 minute, 4 seconds – SD) is an animated 3D storyboard for a chase sequence in the film.
- Multi-Angle Featurette (38 minutes, 30 seconds – SD) the angles feature here include storyboards, previs, and the finished film. Some of these feature audio commentary.
- “Prep” includes:
- “Production” includes:
- Shooting Panic Room (52 minutes, 37 seconds – SD) is a very lengthy “making of” featurette. This includes footage of the construction of the set itself and on-set footage. It also includes interviews with the following people: Arthur Max (production designer), David Fincher (director), Conrad W. Hall (cinematographer), Jared Leto (“Junior”), Joe Viskocil (special effects coordinator). Additional interviews include Jodie Foster (“Meg Altman”) and Kristen Stewart (“Sarah Altman”). Interviews were also conducted with Roy “Bucky” Moore (property master) and Darius Kohndji (cinematographer). Finally, Dwight Yoakam (“Raoul”) and Forest Whitaker (“Burnham”) were also interviewed.
- Make Up Effects (8 minutes, 57 seconds – SD) includes interviews. It features makeup/visual special effects artists Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. along with on-set footage.
- “Easter Eggs” include:
- Real Safe Rooms (6 minutes, 18 seconds – SD) proves to be very interesting. It is slightly outdated since it is from 2002. The interviews feature the following people. Gavin de Becker is a security expert and author of “The Gift of Fear.” Gary Paster is the president of the American Saferoom Door Company.
- Breaking the Mirror (2 minutes, 17 seconds – SD) features on-set footage and interview with Joe Viskocil (special effects coordinator). This focuses on a specific scene and special effect used in said scene.
Bonus materials included on the second Blu-ray Disc are listed below.
- Visual Effects (1 hour, 21 minutes, 53 seconds – SD) features a “play all” option. This takes a look at the visual effects sequences. It feature interviews with Kevin Haug (visual effects supervisor) and Leslie McMinn (visual effects coordinator).
- Scoring features:
- Main Titles includes:
- Orchestra (2 minutes, 15 seconds – SD)
- Composite (2 minutes, 15 seconds – SD)
- “Sealing the House“ includes:
- Orchestra (2 minutes, 57 seconds – SD)
- Composite (2 minutes, 57 seconds – SD)
- “The Phone Call” includes:
- Orchestra 1 (3 minutes, 37 seconds – SD)
- Orchestra 2 (3 minutes, 37 seconds – SD)
- Orchestra 3 (3 minutes, 37 seconds – SD)
- Orchestra 4 (3 minutes, 37 seconds – SD)
- Composite (3 minutes, 37 seconds – SD)
- “Altman” includes:
- Orchestra (4 minutes, 24 seconds – SD)
- Composite (4 minutes, 24 seconds – SD)
- Main Titles includes:
- Sound Design – “On Sound Design” (15 minutes, 16 seconds – SD). This features interviews with Ren Klyce and David Prior, discussing sound design.
- Digital Intermediate (10 minutes, 44 seconds – SD) focuses on the creation of the original 2K DI master.
- Super 35 Technical Explanation (SD) is a written explanation on the Super 35 cinematographic process, written by David Prior.
- Sequence Breakdowns features:
- “The Phone Jack” includes:
- Script (2 minutes, 6 seconds – SD)
- Storyboards (1 minutes, 18 seconds – SD)
- B-Roll (5 minutes, 34 seconds – SD)
- Dailies (13 minutes, 49 seconds – SD)
- Tests (35 seconds – SD)
- “End of Junior” includes:
- Script (2 minutes, 6 seconds – SD)
- Storyboards (1 minutes, 10 seconds – SD)
- B-Roll (5 minutes, 39 seconds – SD)
- Dailies (5 minutes, 24 seconds – SD)
- Tests (3 minutes, 32 seconds – SD)
- ”Hammer Time” includes:
- Script (1 minute, 26 seconds – SD)
- Storyboards (1 minutes, 50 seconds – SD)
- B-Roll (4 minutes, 12 seconds – SD)
- Dailies (4 minutes, 52 seconds – SD)
- Tests (5 minutes, 35 seconds – SD)
- ”Burnham Surrounded” includes:
- Script (1 minutes, 26 seconds – SD)
- Storyboards (1 minute, 34 seconds – SD)
- B-Roll (5 minutes, 18 seconds – SD)
- Dailies (4 minutes, 1 second – SD)
- Test (1 minute, 41 seconds – SD)
- “The Phone Jack” includes:
- Teaser Trailer (1 minute, 55 seconds – SD)
- Theatrical Trailer (2 minutes, 26 seconds – SD)
- DVD Credits (3 minutes, 28 seconds – SD) are for the 2002 DVD 3-discs set.
The bonus materials total up to roughly 378 minutes in total. That’s over 6 hours of video extras, not counting the 3 different audio commentary tracks available on the Blu-ray Disc. My only complaint here is that the audio commentary tracks are NOT included on the 4K disc. I found that to be confusing and bothersome. Still, I was happy to experience the audio commentary tracks with at least an HD video presentation. Plus, you get a digital copy of the film. So, this is literally a perfect set of bonus materials.
Bonus Materials Rating: 5 (out of 5)
click to view a 4K Screenshot
Closing Thoughts
“Panic Room” from 2002 was certainly a great motion picture in director David Fincher’s incredible résumé of work. Panic Room made for a very unique and engaging psychological thriller. I think that’s truly the sub-genre that best describes this film. It’s also some of David Koepp’s best screenplay work writing on his own. And this features very memorable performances by Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Jared Leto, Dwight Yoakam, and a young Kristen Stewart. This was Stewart’s second acting credit in a movie.
In terms of critics’ reactions and box office returns, this did rather well. Still to this day, it carries a “Certified Fresh” rating based on critics over at Rotten Tomatoes. The movie reportedly had a 48 million dollar budget. It ended up making 197 million dollars worldwide at the box office. So, I think it turned out to be a pretty nice return for Columbia Pictures (Sony). Admittedly, this is probably one of the less popular of director David Fincher’s movies. Still, I find it to be a tad bit underrated. I enjoyed it very much back in 2002, when it was released, and still enjoy it all these years later.
In terms of video quality, this delivers a new remaster and 4K digital intermediate (DI) master. The remaster process was even supervised by director David Fincher. It looks impressive now in 4K resolution. You should keep in mind that it was always supposed to be a dark movie.
In terms of audio quality, this includes a new Dolby Atmos mix and the original 5.1 theatrical mix in a lossless format. Both of these mixes are incredible. This movie has such excellent sound design. This sounds excellent, no matter which audio mix you end up choosing.
The bonus materials are the full legacy supplemental materials found on the 3-disc DVD release. There are hours of content here and 3 audio commentary tracks to enjoy. The only downside is that those audio commentary tracks are only included on the Blu-ray Disc and not the 4K. That was a letdown. To be honest, I’ll let it slide. There are over 6 hours of extras here. This set of supplemental materials is perfect. I just wish that they would have included the audio commentary tracks on the 4K disc. I can’t get over that.
Overall, “Panic Room” on 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook proves to be a highly recommended upgrade. It’s probably not as pretty as you want it to be, but it still manages to impress me.
In terms of 4K UHD Blu-ray release, this gets:
4.5 (out of 5) for video quality
5 (out of 5) for audio quality
5 (out of 5) for bonus materials
Available As:
2025 4K UHD Blu-ray Release
Available at: Amazon | Walmart
Commissions Earned
Overall Verdict:
Highly Recommended Upgrade
4K UHD Blu-ray Technical Specifications:
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Exact Runtime(s): 1:51:57
Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos (with a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core) on 4K only, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (with a DTS 5.1 core) on both, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (with a DTS 5.1 core), DTS 5.1
Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Thai
Subtitles: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Disc Size: BD-100 + BD-50 + BD-25
Disc Use: Disc 1 uses 85.62GB total / 77.8GB for the film in 4K
Disc 2 uses 43.91GB total / 32.3GB for the film in HD
Disc 3 uses 11.89GB total for bonus materials
Video Bitrate: 75.9 Mb/s (4K UHD Blu-ray)
29.9 Mb/s (Blu-ray)