BOTTOM LINE: Well, another bare-bones Blu-ray from Warner. I have a theory - because it is one I practice myself. A lot of also-ran films are coming out in 1080P - why? Well, this new format needs massaging to perfection (proper encodes, layering, enhancement etc.). What better film to practice this on than Outbreak? or The Gauntlet? or Pale Rider?  I'd rather the production studios hone the transfer process with these 'guilty pleasures' than the eventually released true classics. Warner is well aware of what will sell and what won't sell and like them - I too, am getting a handle on this Blu-ray format (what to look for, weaknesses, DNR etc.) so that when the Criterion or other important cinema milestones reach 1080P - I'll know what to say about it. Anyway, that's why I am reviewing these unremarkable Blu-rays - just to let you know. 

Outbreak, as a film, has weaknesses and some more obvious Hollywood-esque strengths. The plot may have been one of the first, latter, (let's not forget The Andromeda Strain though) to broach this virus-strain topic that was getting some press at the time. They threw every viable star in the studio at it, and it helped to some degree. Great films though - start with great scripts - and this was good - but certainly not great. Petersen's a bit of a journeyman and can produce salability while lacking depth (mutually exclusive?). Warner's competent Blu-ray has positives and detractions too. The lack of extras might not discourage fans as it is more of a popcorn flick than one to dwell on and mull over - well, it could have had a more dramatic impact but it's presented so superfluously that it's more of a throw away that you may wish to re-visit every 5 years or so. It is entertaining - for sure. That alone can make it worth owning for some.