Ghost in the Shell 3d Blu Ray Review
Best 4K movies: the most stunning flicks on Ultra HD Blu-ray
Alita: Battle Angel
A motion-picture show that's bound to receive a wider audience on dwelling video, Alita: Battle Angel soars on 4K Ultra Hard disk drive Blu-ray cheers to some incredible HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and a transfer that'south sharper than Alita's Damascus blade.
Despite being upscaled from a 2K digital intermediate, Alita: Boxing Angel looks expectedly astonishing in this 4K release. For starters, contrast and color depth is off the charts here, with inky-blacks and incredible color vibrance lending the picture show an eye-popping level of spectacle.
As the format does with most VFX-heavy scientific discipline fiction films, the disc'due south college resolution allows viewers to truly experience and appreciate the incredible design work and craftsmanship that goes into creating such a convincing futuristic word.
It helps that Alita: Boxing Angel is a moving-picture show that's bursting at the seams with particular, from the largely reckoner-generated world of Iron Metropolis, to the many cyborg characters who inhabit it. Witness, for example, the character of Zapan (pictured, right), whose entire robotic trunk is comprised of intricate metal parts, and whose only man characteristic is his face – yous'd exist hard-pressed to find a more detailed and visually-arresting cyborg blueprint in any other sci-fi motion-picture show that's come before.
Then there's Alita herself, with her oversized and extremely expressive eyes providing the character with an (intentionally) uncanny appearance. Simply put, Alita is a visual marvel, and while you lot'll never forget that she's entirely CGI, your eyes will be glued to her at all times.
When y'all factor in that the film's 4K release is ane of the few titles to arrive on the format that actually includes the 3D Blu-ray in the package, information technology's like shooting fish in a barrel to recommend Alita: Battle Angel for home AV enthusiasts looking for demo-worthy discs – even those who don't particularly similar the motion picture. But for those who are fans (this writer included), Alita: Battle Affections is 1 of the all-time releases the format has seen to engagement.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR: Dolby Vision / HDR10+, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K chief), Audio: English DTS-Hd Master Sound 2.0, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0, French DTS 5.one, Spanish DTS 5.one, German DTS 5.1, Italian DTS 5.one, Russian DTS five.ane, Czech Dolby Digital five.one, Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1, Thai Dolby Digital v.one, Hungarian Dolby Digital v.1, Polish Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1, Runtime: 122 minutes
Bumblebee
Exploding out of the gate with the most visually spectacular scene of any Transformers picture show, Bumblebee is a sight to behold on 4K Ultra Hard disk drive Blu-ray, making information technology like shooting fish in a barrel to forget Michael Bay's last few films in the franchise.
Taking up the entire screen thanks to the movie'south 1.78:1 presentation, Bumblee delivers a clear uptick in detail quality despite beingness upscaled from a 2K master. Making good apply of both Dolby Vision and HDR10, the film exhibits fantastic contrast and shadow detail during night scenes, such as the opening battle on Cybertron, while also sporting fantastic highlights and colors in sparks, laser blasts and explosions.
Once the flick'south activity transitions over to Earth, Bumblebee's 4K presentation continues to smoothen in settings that are far more brightly lit. Though the film is a visual effects showcase, the vast bulk of its running time is spent in real-world locations while our titular graphic symbol interacts with humans. Once again, the disc's resolution boost and high-dynamic-range capabilities lead Bumblebee straight into showcase territory, with skin tones that feel true to life and landscapes that appear extra beautiful. Highly recommended.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR: Dolby Vision / HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Sound: English Dolby Atmos, English language: Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD vii.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Czech Dolby Digital 5.1, Castilian (España) Dolby Digital v.1, Spanish (Latinoamérica) Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, French (Canada) Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Hungarian Dolby Digital five.1, Polish Dolby Digital v.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Russian Dolby Digital v.1, Thai Dolby Digital 5.1, Turkish: Dolby Digital v.1, Attribute ratio: ane.78:1, Runtime: 114 minutes
Valerian and the City of a Grand Planets
Luc Besson knows a matter or two about crafting incredible science fiction visuals (or whatsoever visuals for that matter), having directed the classic flick The Fifth Element. With Valerian and the Urban center of a M Planets, the French auteur kicks things up a notch, creating off-world visuals so absorbing, they alone warrant this disc a place in the collection of any serious Ultra Hd enthusiast.
Similar to James Cameron'southward Avatar, the film exhibits an overwhelming amount of crystal clear CGI, and while that may give the film an artificial look, at that place'southward no denying the level or detail and artistry axiomatic in every frame.
Witness, for instance, the scenes that take place on the pearl planet (pictured above), which are rendered entirely in a computer. In that location'southward an outstanding level of beauty on display here, with the scenes deep blues and bright highlights making great use of the format'southward HDR/Dolby Vision capabilities. Clarity is off the charts, with an impressively precipitous transfer – you'd never approximate Valerian was finished on a 2K digital intermediate.
The residuum of the moving picture, which is packed with high-octane spaceship chases and interplanetary action scenes, too looks outstanding, with the uptick in resolution revealing an astonishing level of detail throughout the flick.
If you're looking for your next visually spectacular reference quality 4K showcase disc, Valerian and the City of a Thou Planets is it – well, at least until Aquaman arrives on 4K Ultra Hard disk drive Blu-ray.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR: Dolby Vision / HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Sound: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), English language Dolby Digital 2.0, Castilian Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital Plus 5.1, Aspect ratio: two.39:1, Runtime: 137 minutes
They Live (4K Collector Edition)
Eat! CONFORM! OBEY! Always felt similar the earth effectually you is subliminally pushing clandestine letters to you? That perhaps your work colleagues and those in power aren't quite what they seem? Simply because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not after you...
That'south the crux of the brilliant premise backside John Carpenter'due south superb satirical sci-fi movie They Live, in which pro wrestler 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper discovers that the world is slowly being taken over by alien invaders, which can only exist seen by wearing special sunglasses.
The eminently-quotable 1988 cult archetype has been lovingly restored for this very special collectors edition 4K release, which saw the original camera negative scanned at 4K resolution before existence newly color graded by renowned cinematographer, Gary B. Kibbe.
It results in the best-looking edition of the film to date, and that's before you commencement looking at all the extras thrown in here – you're looking at the UHD disc aslope a HD Blu-ray presentation and HD special features disc, a CD soundtrack, a superb poster, five art-cards and a 48 folio book that fans of Carpenter and the movie akin will lap up.
Information technology's a dream package for fans of the picture show, while hardcore John Carpenter fans will as well desire to pick up the new 4K restorations of his other classics The Fog, Escape From New York and Prince of Darkness – each given a similarly-exquisite boxset release.
Technical specs: HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (from original camera negative scanned at 4K /16bit), Audio: English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio (subtitles in German, French), Aspect ratio: ane.78:i, Runtime: 94 minutes
2001: A Infinite Odyssey
What's at that place to exist said about 2001: A Space Odyssey that hasn't already been said? Jubilant its 50th ceremony this year, Stanley Kubrick'south visionary exploration of space, the future and the nature of life in this universe is as powerful today as on its solar day of release.
Often heralded for its groundbreaking visual furnishings work, it'south incredible only how well the motion picture holds up under the added scrutiny of this stunning 4K remaster. With this twelvemonth seeing a release of a newly restored 70mm impress (using elements fabricated from the original camera negative) this re-release piggybacks off that work, with the 4K UHD HDR image mastered itself from the 65mm original camera negative. The Warner Bros squad accept gone as close to the source every bit possible hither, giving an all-new UHD sheen to a marvellous film.
From the opening sun-rising glare to the decent into another dimension towards the moving-picture show's stop, the UHD presentation brings vibrant life to the dramatic range in the colour palette. HDR visuals add depth to the dark expanses of space, punctuated by amazing miniature model piece of work, with Dolby Vision support particularly well executed here. What'due south sadly missing is a Dolby Atmos soundtrack – what meliorate way than to hear 'Also Sprach Zarathustra' in space than both in a higher place and around you? Alas, we'll accept to wait longer. Yet, the soundtrack has also been given a DTS-HD Master Sound 5.ane revamp, as well as at that place existence the option to listen to the original 6-runway theatrical audio mix, at present formatted for DTS-HD Main Audio five.one.
As a gift package it'southward lovely as well – there's an excellent assortment of special features included on the disc, as well as great booklet and art cards within the sleeve. Whether a long time fan of the film or coming to it for the first time, information technology's a wonderful way to experience information technology.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K main), Audio: English language DTS-Hard disk drive Chief Audio 5.one, Portuguese 2.0, Castilian 5.1, French 5.1, German 5.1, Italian 5.1, Polish VO 2.0, Aspect ratio: 2.20:1, Runtime: 149 minutes
Solo: A Star Wars Story
The second Star Wars film to arrive on 4K Ultra Hard disk drive Blu-ray, Solo: A Star Wars Story faithfully represents the moving picture's beautiful theatrical presentation, fifty-fifty if its image is slightly flatter than nosotros're used to seeing on the format.
Like The Final Jedi earlier it, Solo boasts a true 4K digital intermediate, pregnant that no upscaling has gone into the making of this release. As y'all'd expect, particular is exceptional here, though y'all won't notice a lot of depth in the cinematography of Solo.
While some 4K releases carry a clean, near three-dimensional appearance, Solo'due south tendency towards darkness, haze and dirty environments more often than not prevents this outside of a few bright outdoor scenes (Solo'south confrontation with Enfys Nest is a particular highlight in this regard).
That said, color comes up especially well hither thanks to some fine HDR10 tinkering (Dolby Vision is unfortunately absent from this release), allowing for scenes that popular with a surprising amount of vibrance out of the moving picture'southward dark environments.
Witness, for instance, the Kessel Run sequence, in which the Millennium Falcon must travel through a space tempest filled with whirling colors and spectacular highlights. Elsewhere, the disc displays some standout color in Lando Calrissian'due south stylish xanthous shirt.
It's worth noting that your enjoyment of Solo's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray may be affected past the television you lot utilise to watch information technology — on OLED or QLED displays with local dimming, there'south a more noticeable depth evident in the pic'due south darker scenes.
Though it'southward unlikely to be considered a reference quality disc by Ultra HD enthusiasts, Solo looks equally expert as can be on the format cheers to its faithful presentation and HDR color tuning.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR: HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-scrap), English Dolby Digital Plus seven.1, Thai Dolby Digital 5.1, Castilian Dolby Digital 7.1, French Dolby Digital Plus 7.one, Attribute ratio: ii.39:1, Runtime: 135 minutes
Predator 3-Movie Collection
In an effort to make upwardly for by mistakes, 20th Century Trick has brought the Predator franchise (that's the standalone movies — the less said about Alien vs Predator, the better) to 4K Ultra Hard disk drive Blu-ray with a long-awaited new transfer for the moving-picture show that started information technology all.
One of the most beloved action sci-fi films of the 1980s, the original Predator has surprisingly been shown very trivial love in the past when it came to its HD releases. As one of the worst examples of DNR (digital noise reduction) run amok, Predator'south previous Blu-ray had all of its film grain scrubbed to the bespeak where Schwarzenegger and his coiffure looked more conflicting than the titular fauna itself.
Thankfully, the team behind Predator's Ultra Hard disk has finally given fans a home video release that's faithful to the film'southward original, grain-heavy look. That isn't to say that Predator now looks similar a new movie — given the picture show's harsh jungle setting and rugged shooting conditions, Predator can appear a petty rough effectually the edges at times.
Detail, even in close ups, isn't particularly high, which is probably why DNR was employed then heavily the commencement time around. That said, at that place's a pleasing, healthy grain nowadays throughout the motion picture'due south running time, and occasionally, there are some specially well-lit scenes that look extraordinarily vibrant and crisp on the 4K format. This is definitely the all-time that Predator is likely to expect for the foreseeable future.
Moving on to what is arguably the standout disc in this 3-movie collection, Predator two looks fantastic cheers to the added richness of color afforded by HDR. The flick'due south opening, assault the blisteringly hot streets of a criminal offense-ridden Los Angeles, burns with extra intensity on 4K Ultra Hard disk drive Blu-ray. You tin most feel the rut of the scene, with every driblet of sweat realised with added particular thanks to the resolution uptick. Likewise, there's at present extra clarity in the scenes which characteristic the Predator'due south thermal vision, with the reds, blues, yellows and greens looking especially vibrant here.
As the only picture in this collection to exist shot digitally (and the only one made in the last decade), Predators looks expectedly good on the Ultra Hard disk drive format. Upscaled from a 2K digital intermediate, Predators appears clean and abrupt at all times, with close-ups revealing enough of wrinkles and fine details cheers to the boost in resolution. Colors also announced more than refined here than in previous releases, with the pic'south interesting lighting choices offering a wide range of hues and tones. It'south rubber to say that y'all won't exist disappointed with the appearance of Predators on 4K Ultra Hd Blu-ray.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR: HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (Predators upscaled from 2K principal), Sound: English language DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital five.1, French DTS v.i, Spanish DTS five.ane, High german DTS 5.1, Italian DTS 5.ane, Czech Dolby Digital 5.1, Smoothen Dolby Digital 5.i, Attribute ratio: 2.35:1, one.85:i, 1.84:i, Runtime: 107 / 108 / 107 minutes
Ready Player One
The kind of motion picture that begs to be seen at the highest quality possible, Set Player One explodes onto 4K Ultra Hard disk Blu-ray with one of the near impressive discs we've e'er reviewed — a surprise, given information technology comes with a 2K digital master.
Set in a futuristic world where people'south virtual lives have become their principal ones, Ready Player 1 adopts an otherworldly, heightened visual way which lends itself to the 4K HDR format.
Characters and environments look incredibly detailed and highly animated, with Spielberg's sweeping photographic camera movements capturing the chaotic in-game globe of The Oasis in a way that other filmmakers could only dream of. A visual feast, Ready Player One's heavy use of color figuratively explodes from the screen thanks to the disc's terrific use HDR10 and Dolby Vision grading.
An early on scene, in which the lead characters must compete in the most over-the-tiptop race this side of Speed Racer, is bursting with hidden details and visual grandeur. In fact, it might be the almost visually spectacular sequence to hit the format to engagement.
Outside of The Oasis, real-world sequences wait fantastic, too, with perfectly-tuned skin tones and added detail in costumes and sets.
Add together to this a roaring Dolby Atmos track offers incredible iii-dimensional sound, and what y'all take in Ready Role player One is a new reference quality disc to demonstrate your home theater with.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Sound: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD seven.one (48kHz, 24-scrap), English DTS-HD Primary Audio five.1, French (Canada) Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian DTS-Hard disk drive Master Audio five.one, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.one, Czech Dolby Digital 5.1, Hungarian Dolby Digital 5.i, Polish Dolby Digital five.one, Russian Dolby Digital five.1, Thai Dolby Digital five.i, Turkish Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital five.1, Attribute ratio: 2.39:one, Runtime: 140 minutes
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
During the picture'south opening moments, and depending on your idiot box, y'all may find yourself taken aback past Star Wars: The Last Jedi'due south commencement foray into HDR territory, with its familiar opening crawl taking place on a space background that looks a little more than gray than we're used to seeing — especially in dissimilarity to the pitch black confined above and below the pic's 2.39:ane frame.
Don't fret — as soon as the action kicks in, y'all'll find an infrequent transfer worthy of such a mammoth release. Colors are greatly enhanced by the disc's HDR10 and Dolby Vision tinkering, exhibiting additional vibrance and brightness throughout the entire feature presentation.
Skin tones announced more natural, costumes appear more vibrant, lightsabers look brighter and hotter than ever... in that location'southward no end to the visual improvements that come up from the inclusion of high-dynamic-range.
Perhaps the most standout sequence of the moving-picture show, at to the lowest degree in terms of visuals, involves a lightsaber battle against a group of Praetorian Guards in Supreme Leader Snoke's red throne room (pictured higher up). The claret-crimson backdrop is vivid as can be, without displaying whatever color leakage or over-saturation. HDR brings a lot to the table here, showing incredible low-cal-to-dark blending without obvious color gradations cropping upward and ruining the prototype.
Every bit this release is based on the film's 4K master (no upscaling here), the increased detail here is also worth writing domicile well-nigh. We're now able to appreciate the incredible costumes, makeup and visual effects piece of work more than ever before, from the stitching in Finn's jacket, to the strands of fur all over Chewbacca'south body.
Add to this an extraordinary Dolby Atmos sound track which makes great utilize of spacial audio and the film's flatulent score, and you can chalk up Star Wars: The Concluding Jedi every bit yet some other reference-quality 4K Ultra Hard disk drive Blu-ray.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K primary), Sound: English language Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.one (48kHz, 24-bit), English Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 7.1, Aspect ratio: two.39:1, Runtime: 152 minutes
Blade Runner 2049
Perhaps non as immediately heed-blowing as the 4K release of Ridley Scott's masterpiece, Bract Runner (though that probably has to do with the movie'due south steady format progression over the last 35 years), Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 shines on Ultra HD Blu-ray nonetheless.
Roger Deakins' incredible cinematography takes heart stage hither, with the moving-picture show's futuristic locations receiving increased texture thanks to some smoky altercation, moody lighting and heavy rain. Flesh tones and costume detail as well get a significant uptick hither, with the college resolution offering a significant increase in clarity over the film's 1080p presentation.
Boasting a true 4K digital intermediate (no upscaling here), Bract Runner 2049 looks almost equally great at home every bit it did in the theater — nosotros say 'nearly' because the 4K Ultra Hard disk Blu-ray would've benefitted from the inclusion of expanded IMAX sequences (with shifting attribute ratios that testify bigger images during cardinal scenes), which many filmgoers witnessed during the film's theatrical run.
Other 4K releases take blown us away by including IMAX presentations (such as Dunkirk, The Nighttime Knight and Star Trek Into Darkness) equally that added particular and clarity translates magnificently at 2160p resolution.
Still, we tin can't argue with what we have here, which is an infrequent HDR-supported disc that makes the best of the film's dark photography and neon-drenched settings.
We likewise have to commend Blade Runner 2049 exception Dolby Atmos audio track, with the film's bombastic score setting the mood magnificently. Spacial audio is magnificent hither, bringing enough of dimensionality to the film's sound effects. A truly great sound presentation.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.ane (48kHz, 24-scrap), English DTS-Hard disk drive Master Audio five.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French (Canadian) Dolby Digital 5.i, , Aspect ratio: two.forty:one, Runtime: 164 minutes
War for the Planet of the Apes
One of the most impressive 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases to date, War for the Planet of the Apes is ape-solutely spectacular on the format (lamentable). We all know how astonishing the moving picture'south visual effects are (read more than nearly how they were created in our Weta Digital VFX report), just its photo-realistic apes concur up magnificently nether the increased scrutiny of 4K and HDR (despite existence upscaled from a 2K digital intermediate).
Unsurprisingly, fur looks peculiarly good here, looking completely natural at all times, particularly with light shining through it. Facial textures also receive increased particular, with the various wrinkles in the apes faces looking extra divers.
Though the disc's increased resolution is a benefaction for video enthusiasts, the real showstopper here is the wider colour gamut afforded by its HDR presentation. Much of the film is spent in darkness, withal nosotros now become to see more item and definition in those dark areas. Small details in costumes and props are now much clearer because of information technology.
The overall palette looks richer, too, with the picture show's woods settings feeling more lush and its white snow looking brighter and more tangible. Pare tones in humans also receive an uptick, looking warmer and more natural than they did in the movie theater.
War for the Planet of the Apes is a must-own for fans of the series, cheers to its exceptional fine detail quality, deep blacks, and terrific use of HDR. Stay tuned for reviews of the other ii films in the series, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English language Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD vii.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, German language Dolby Digital v.1, Italian Dolby Digital five.ane, Polish Dolby Digital 5.1, Czech Dolby Digital five.1, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, Runtime: 139 minutes
Blade Runner: The Final Cut
Remastered from a 4K browse, Blade Runner: The Last Cut looks absolutely astounding on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. We're not but saying that information technology looks expert for an old film – it looks amazing regardless of when information technology was filmed.
The transfer reveals an exceptional level of clarity in what is more often than not a dark and smoky film. The noirish, pelting-slicked, neon-soaked streets of futuristic Los Angeles wait more detailed than ever, with the HDR-enhanced visuals giving united states of america our best expect at Rick Deckard's earth to date.
Witness, for instance, the staggering level of particular found in the film'south miniatures – one particularly shot showing the Tyrell building will blow yous away with its clarity, revealing all the intricacies of the model in question, including the many glittering lights all over the structure giving you the illusion of thousands of offices within. You won't even heed that the illusion is slightly broken past the obviousness of the miniature piece of work, because yous'll be too busy affectionate the spectacular craftsmanship and on display.
Elsewhere, the whole film gets a visual uptick, with HDR helping significantly when information technology comes to the polish gradation of colours and lighting. Clothing, skin textures and pilus all look meliorate in this version, and the various extreme close-ups of eyeballs all show extra detail at present.
If you're a fan of Blade Runner, chances are that y'all already own The Final Cut of the film on Blu-ray. While it'southward highly likely that both releases come from the same 4K digital intermediate, this 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray version blows previous Blu-ray and Hd DVD releases of the film out of the water. This is the all-time that Blade Runner has ever looked, period.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, HDR10, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-flake), Castilian Dolby Digital five.i, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0, French Dolby Digital 5.i, High german Dolby Digital v.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.ane, Polish Dolby Digital five.1, Russian Dolby Digital 5.1, Attribute ratio: two.xl:1, Runtime: 118 minutes
Alien: Covenant
Though it's been upscaled from a 2K digital intermediate (much similar the 4K release of director Ridley Scott'due south previous motion picture, The Martian), Alien: Covenant looks expectedly magnificent on the Ultra HD Blu-ray format.
As this is a dark film with a muted palette (despite its many outdoor daytime scenes), an accent has been placed on HDR'south ability to provide deeper, more lifelike contrast, much to the benefit of Alien: Covenant'due south phenomenal cinematography.
Colors appear richer, too, continuing out even more confronting the film'south greyish bluish tones. The alien itself too looks magnificent, with its inky-hued skin receiving added translucence and detail, benefitting from the disc's improved contrast and wider colour gamut.
Those of you with OLED TVs volition get an fifty-fifty better viewing experience, with the technology's infinite contrast taking full advantage of the moving picture'southward tenebrous atmosphere.
But it'due south non all nigh the Xenomorphs – the film'due south human characters likewise look terrific thanks to the 4K release'southward bump in resolution and enhanced colors, with faces revealing extra definition and skin tones looking warmer and more naturalistic than the film'due south SDR presentation.
Adding to the picture'due south immense visuals is a beefy Dolby Atmos track that focuses on atmospherics with occasional moments of bombast. Admittedly, nosotros wish the disc offered a DTS Headphone:X track, every bit that would've made for an appropriately nerve-jangling experience akin to the recent video game release, Alien: Isolation.
Nevertheless, we can't mutter, as Alien: Covenant's 4K Ultra Hard disk Blu-ray release is hard to fault when information technology comes to the pic's video and audio presentation. If you're a fan of the film, consider this a must-have.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K main), Audio: English language Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Castilian Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital five.one, Aspect ratio: ii.39:1, Runtime: 122 minutes
Ghost in the Shell
As you lot might look, Ghost in the Shell looks glorious on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, with its neon-drenched cyberpunk setting really popping on the format. Though much of the film takes place in night areas, the disc impresses throughout, especially during scenes where vibrant colors are juxtaposed confronting dark environments.
We were too blown abroad past how well the special furnishings stand in this increased resolution, given that the film was finished at a 2K resolution. All the same, yous just accept to scout the picture's first major activeness sequence (pun intended), in which Scarlett Johansson's Major character applies active camouflage and blasts through a window to shoot down some haywire robot geishas, to go an idea of how impressive this presentation is. The scene is bursting with color and HDR-enhanced highlights, with cogitating glass flight through the scene and slow-movement gunfire at every plow.
All the same some viewers might be taken aback by the film's many dark scenes, though they truly come live when combined with OLED'southward capacity for infinite dissimilarity. This is truly a demo-worthy disc in that regard.
Also, while some picture buffs may scoff at a motion-picture show that isn't presented in the letterbox format, Ghost in the Beat looks fantastic as its i.78:1 attribute ratio fills the unabridged frame – especially impressive during overhead shots of the film's futuristic cityscape.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.ane (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital five.one, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: one.78:1, Runtime: 116 minutes
Passengers
Shot at a resolution of 6.5K and then finished with with a 4K digital intermediate, Passengers soars on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. An ideal candidate for demonstration purposes, the format allows the viewer to truly absorb the impeccable craftsmanship that went into the film'southward exception production design and special effects work. Taking place entirely on an enormous spacecraft. Passengers offers ample opportunities for glorious space gazing and futuristic interior design.
There are times in this 4K presentation when the photographic clarity of the film is and then high and lifelike, it most feels like you're watching a play. Other times, the digital photography is then clean and precipitous, that it gives the film an unreal quality, almost similar information technology's partly blithe. Of grade, this is completely intentional and only serves to make Passengers look even more astounding on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Of grade, the film's HDR colors contrast level keep everything in check.
Skin tones are remarkably true to life, and while the film's stars come up across a little also beautiful at times (seriously, no one can look that great at all times) Passengers is exactly the kind of flick that the 4K Ultra Hard disk drive format was made for. It'due south a showcase for gorgeous people hanging out on stunning sets doing remarkable things with the help of magnificent visual effects.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English language Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital v.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital v.one, Thai Dolby Digital five.1, Aspect ratio: 2.39:ane, Runtime: 116 minutes
Lucy
Arriving on Ultra Hard disk Blu-ray with an absolutely stunning transfer sourced from a 4K digital intermediate, Lucy demonstrates the strengths of the format by showcasing immense fine detail, exceptionally-realistic skin tones and textures, and truly-dynamic color reproduction throughout.
From the film's opening scene, which features Lucy the primate in a prehistoric setting, this presentation solidifies its identify every bit ane of the format's best reference-quality discs. The detail in the hominid'due south face and fur is utterly astounding, as are the colors and textures in its surrounding habitat.
As was mentioned earlier, skin tones and textures are also incredible on Lucy'due south 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, looking supremely lifelike at all times. Seriously, if you tin can observe pores and imperfections on the confront of someone every bit beautiful as Scarlett Johansson, you lot know you lot've reached an unparalleled level of clarity.
Likewise, equally the film starts to veer into truthful scientific discipline-fiction territory, the disc continues to polish, displaying vibrant HDR-enhanced colors and terrific dissimilarity. Fifty-fifty if you lot only have a passing admiration for Luc Besson's trippy action film, y'all owe it to yourself to bank check out Lucy on 4K Blu-ray.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-fleck), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.ane, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Aspect ratio: two.39:ane, Runtime: 89 minutes
Oblivion
Equally a scientific discipline-fiction film with a very sleek and minimalistic art design, Oblivion makes an platonic candidate for the added resolution of 4K. Though the transfer was taken from a 2K digital intermediate (common with visual effects-driven films), Oblivion looks sharp and clean, if not immediately listen-blowing.
With that said, every bit the movie enters its darker scenes, the impressive color gamut and contrast afforded by the film's HDR grading requite the film a real sense of depth and vibrancy, particularly in the film'southward indoor drone shootout sequence. Bloom lighting and sparks from the scene'southward many explosions burn white-hot, showcasing the brilliant effulgence that 4K Ultra Hard disk Blu-ray is capable of. Likewise, close-upwardly shots of the drones show a wonderful level of detail.
Though the moving picture has a mostly washed-out grey and bluish tone, pare tones announced quite naturalistic and at times appear to exist the most vibrant thing on screen. Facial textures also excel, showing fine details similar pores and individual hairs in Tom Prowl'south 5 o'clock shadow. Grime, cuts and bruises also look do good from the format'due south added clarity.
Giving the movie a visual uptick in every category over the standard Blu-ray edition, for fans, this is by far the best way to experience Oblivion.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K main), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD seven.one (48kHz, 24-chip), Spanish Dolby Digital v.1, French Dolby Digital 5.i, Attribute ratio: two.39:ane, Runtime: 125 minutes
Pacific Rim
The reference-quality Blu-ray disc of Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim threatens to stomp the rest of your Blu-ray drove and land itself at the top of the pile for visual quality.
Though the film was finished on a 2K digital intermediate, much like Star Trek Into Darkness, this does not cease Pacific Rim from looking utterly sensational on Ultra Hard disk Blu-ray. Shot in the ane.85:1 attribute ratio, your unabridged television screen will exist used to display the picture show's many giant robot vs monster set pieces.
Cheers to some HDR tinkering, the picture show'due south colors and contrast now look even improve than they did when the film was in theatres. Witness the rainswept battle that opens the motion picture to see how good its vivid colors look confronting the inky blacks of a nighttime-fourth dimension sky. The added resolution afforded by 4K Blu-ray makes the rain look more than detailed and realistic. Sparks that fly within the Jaeger cockpit are likewise more than conspicuously defined and burn hotter than ever before.
Though the entire motion picture is a showstopper, anyone that has seen Pacific Rim volition know that its mid-film Hong Kong monster battle is the best-looking department of the film, and believe us when we say that information technology has never looked better than it does on 4K Ultra Hd Blu-ray. The metropolis's neon-soaked skyline radiates with cute and realistic bloom lighting, making the all-time of the film's high-dynamic-range upgrade.
Even if you already own Pacific Rim on 3D Blu-ray, you owe it to yourself to see how incredible the motion-picture show can look on 4K Ultra Hard disk. This is absolutely a reference quality disc.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English language Dolby Atmos, Castilian Dolby Digital v.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital five.1, Aspect ratio: 1.85:1, Runtime: 131 minutes
Independence Day: Resurgence
Sourced from a true 4K digital intermediate, Independence Day: Resurgence roars onto 4K Ultra Hard disk Blu-ray without losing any detail whatsoever – in fact, the film's presentation is improved by the inclusion of HDR (that said, the ultimate way to watch a picture of this magnitude will ever be on the biggest cinema screen possible).
A much darker and gloomier movie than its predecessor, Independence Day: Resurgence features many scenes surrounded past inky blacks that would look infrequent on an OLED display. Unfortunately, we didn't have access to one for testing purposes, then we can only say that the 4K Ultra Hd Blu-ray's increased dissimilarity and vivid colors make Independence Mean solar day: Resurgence await fantastic on any HDR-compatible Television receiver.
Its various scenes of computer-assisted citywide destruction unfurl on screen with an extreme level of visual clarity and detail, acting as a showcase of what the 4K format is capable of. Many times, the motion picture's turquoise alien tech takes eye phase, glowing with a naturalistic light bloom that never shows obvious signs of colour gradation (run across the moving picture's opening scene to encounter how well light fades into darkness).
If you're a fan of the film, there's no amend way to watch Independence Solar day: Resurgence than on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K master), Sound: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.one (48kHz, 24-flake), Castilian Dolby Digital v.ane, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Attribute ratio: 2.39:i, Runtime: 120 minutes
Chappie
Director Neill Blomkamp (District ix) is known for his knack for seamlessly blending science fiction elements into everyday scenarios, offer a uniquely down-to-earth view of a globe filled with robots and aliens. His film Chappie is no exception. Set mostly effectually the slums of Johannesburg, Chappie'southward by and large daytime action allows this 4K HDR presentation to really pop.
Shot by Redcode RAW (5K) cameras and finished on a 4K digital intermediate, Chappie's 4K Ultra Hard disk drive Blu-ray practically mirrors what was shown in theatres, simply with HDR providing improved dissimilarity and more than naturalistic colors. The detail in the titular robot graphic symbol is astonishing, with the steely greys and blues of his frame making the orange highlights of his arm and antenna stand out even more. You lot tin too come across details in Chappie'south muddy, scratched body that just weren't visible on the flick's regular Blu-ray. Best of all, the expressive LED lights on Chappie's face now show much finer detail, making the grapheme seem even more like a real world object, and not just a marvel of figurer-generated wizardry.
Though the picture can be quite grimy at times, it's got a lively, vibrant undercurrent to information technology, employing a Day-Go manner thanks to Chappie'due south co-stars, the rap-rave group Die Antwoord. The group brings its signature art style to the film'due south costumes and set design, all of which looks fantastic when aided by HDR's wider color gamut. Now, bring on District nine and Elysium in 4K!
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (from 4K principal), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD vii.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), Spanish Dolby Digital v.1, French DTS-HD Master Audio five.i, Aspect ratio: 2.twoscore:1, Runtime: 120 minutes
Star Trek
Though it's been 'upconverted' from a 2K digital intermediate (which is what y'all likely saw in theatres upon release), J.J. Abrams' first Star Trek film looks absolutely wonderful on 4K Blu-ray – the release actually lends some weight to argument that Ultra Hard disk drive discs don't demand to come up from a truthful 4K source in order to print.
Director J.J. Abrams' may be guilty of relying a piffling heavily on his 'lens flare' technique on both of his Star Trek films, simply the effect looks improve than ever here thank you to HDR's increased color gamut and contrast levels. Light blooms looks completely natural, avoiding harsh shade transitions entirely. Elsewhere, the Ultra HD Blu-ray offers amazing detail when information technology comes to facial textures on the picture show'southward many creatures and conflicting races – Eric Bana'due south Romulan character Nero looks especially proficient, with the disc's increased resolution showing but how corking the film's Oscar-winning make-upwards and facial prosthetics are.
While Star Expedition's Ultra HD Blu-ray disc may be outclassed by its sequel'south truly (inter)stellar 4K release (listed beneath), this is past far the all-time mode to experience J.J.'s get-go voyage on the USS Enterprise at domicile.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K master), Audio: English language Dolby Atmos, English language Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-fleck), Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital five.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.one, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, ane.78:1, Runtime: 132 minutes
Star Trek Into Darkness
When information technology comes to the visual quality, the Ultra HD Blu-ray for Star Trek Into Darkness is admittedly mind-bravado – nosotros'd even go as far as calling it the most impressive 4K release on this list. With over thirty minutes of the film shot in the IMAX format, J.J. Abrams' Star Expedition Into Darkness cuts back and along between a traditional two.40:1 letterbox presentation for its non-showy scenes, and the more vision-encompassing ane.78:one aspect ratio for the flick's spectacle-driven moments (this presentation is exclusive to the film's Ultra HD release). Though the film looks great throughout (despite being sourced from the moving-picture show'south 2K digital intermediate), the level of detail displayed in these IMAX scenes is absolutely astonishing.
From its very first scene (pictured above), in which Kirk and Bones are chased through a vibrant crimson forest by the archaic Nibiru tribe, Star Trek Into Darkness will make an instant believer of any 4K/HDR naysayer. Witness, for example, the croaky, flaking pare on the faces of the Nibiru tribes people, shown up close and in great item. Curiosity at the naturalistic skin tones, visible pores and wrinkles shown on actors Chris Pino and Karl Urban's faces, offering a level of immersion that 3D just cannot compete with.
Some other scene, in which Spock drops downwards into a volcano, is as well a showstopper – with its swirling specks of burn down and ember, and contrast enhanced greatly by HDR, the scene becomes a showcase for the emerging 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format. Until more IMAX-enhanced films start to exist released, consider Star Trek Into Darkness your go-to 4K reference disc.
Technical specs: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: 2160p (upscaled from 2K chief), Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English language Dolby TrueHD 7.i (48kHz, 24-chip), Spanish Dolby Digital v.one, French Dolby Digital 5.i, Portuguese Dolby Digital v.i, Aspect ratio: 2.40:1, 1.78:1, Runtime: 132 minutes
Stephen primarily covers phones and entertainment for TechRadar's Australian squad, and has written professionally across the categories of tech, film, television and gaming in both print and online for over a decade. He's obsessed with smartphones, televisions, consoles and gaming PCs, and has a deep-seated desire to consume all forms of media at the highest quality possible. He's also likely to talk a person's ear off at the mere mention of Android, cats, retro sneaker releases, travelling and physical media, such as vinyl and boutique Blu-ray releases. Right now, he's most excited about QD-OLED applied science, The Batman and Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga.
Source: https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/video/blu-ray/the-best-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-movies-1329414/3
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