How to Train Your Dragon (2025) 4K review
Aug 16, 2025- Permalink
Writer/director Dean DeBlois returns to do a live action adaptation of his 2010 film How to Train Your Dragon. The Viking village of Berk, led by Stoick (Gerard Butler, reprising his role from the animated film), has been under attack by dragons for years. As Stoick heads off with his men to attack the dragons’ lair, he enrols his awkward son, Hiccup (Mason Thames), in a dragon fighting class with Astrid (Nico Parker) and other young Vikings. When events lead Hiccup to form a bond with Toothless, an injured dragon, he begins to see that all they believe about their foe might not be what it seems. The movie, which also stars Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz, and Nick Frost, has just been released by Universal on 4K and I had a chance to take a look.
The 2160p HEVC / H.265 encoded native 4K digital transfer with Dolby Vision and HDR10 is presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio with some scenes in 1.90:1. The video presentation is full of clarity and detail. The colour palette leans heavy on the earthy tones of the Viking world, so when we do get richer hues like fiery reds and blues, they really pop. For the most part black levels are inky and deep and there’s no loss of detail in the film’s darker scenes.
On the audio side of things, you have the choice of an English Dolby Atmos track that folds back to Dolby TrueHD 7.1. French and Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 tracks are also available. Subtitles are available for English SDH, French and Spanish. The surrounds are put to good use with effects, whether it’s the ambient sounds of the Viking world or the soaring of dragons in flight. The subwoofer adds extra power to action scenes and John Powell’s score is served well by the mix, adding emotional heft to the storyline. Dialogue is always clear in the mix.
The How to Train Your Dragon 4K also includes a Blu-ray and a digital copy, though once again, a digital code is not available on the Canadian version I was sent for review. Extras include deleted scenes, a gag reel, a lengthy 45 minute doc on the making of the film, a look at creating the Viking village of Berk, pieces on costume design and the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless, a test version of Hiccup and Toothless’ first flight, and a feature commentary by writer/director Dean DeBlois.
The How to Train Your Dragon 4K combines great sound and visuals and a nice selection of extras in this live action retelling of the tale. New and old fans of the franchise will enjoy this release.