4K Digital Review of The Devil Wears Prada 2

 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 focuses on the original characters twenty years later. When the first movie came out, the iPhone was a year away and social media was yet to be a thing. So, exploring the fashion industry in today's world, is a very interesting take. 

The film opens with Anne Hathaway's Andy Sachs accepting an award for her entire journalist team and finding out they have all just been fired. Andy finds her way back to Miranda Priestley's (Meryl Streep) Runway Magazine and our story goes from there.

Watching both Priestly and Sachs dealing with social media trends and short attention spans is all too relevant. Having run my own site for over 15 years made the story very compelling to me. I really liked that instead of handling this in a cynical way, they took a how do we adapt and survive to change approach.

Video:

The streaming 4K video is pristine featuring crystal clear details on the materials of the fashion and accurate coloring on skin tones. A wonderful transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track offers clean dialogue audio and a wonderful surrounding score. 

Bonus Material:

FEATURETTES:

• Level Up: Updating the Icons: Join the cast, crew, and other notables as they look back on the iconic first film and its timelessness. Then see how the characters and their wardrobes have evolved for the sequel, and follow the shoot in New York.
• Inside the Fashion Closet: Sit down with the cast, filmmakers, and lead costume designer Molly Rogers as she talks about dressing Miranda, Andy, Emily, and Nigel. Discover their of-the-moment but timeless fashion looks that shine a spotlight on each of their personalities.
• Front-Row Access: Shooting in Italy: Join the cast, crew, and director David Frankel as he talks about the production in Italy and shooting during Milan’s fashion week. Hear how top design houses supported the production and how Runway’s own fashion show and concert was created.
• “Runway” Music Video by Lady Gaga and Doechii: Turn it up with Lady Gaga and Doechii in their music video for the movie’s new song, “Runway.”

 

GAG REEL

• Check out the fun on set in these outtakes from the making of the movie.
  
  AUDIO COMMENTARY BY DAVID FRANKEL, ALINE BROSH MCKENNA, AND MOLLY ROGERS
• Watch the film with audio commentary by director David Frankel, writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and costume designer Molly Rogers.

Conclusion:

The Devil Wears Prada 2 never misses a beat and the cast picks up right where they left off 20 years ago. Wonderful bonus features including an audio commentary makes this a welcomed addition to your movie library.

The Devil Wears Prada is available on digital now and on Blu-ray and 4K UHD July 28th.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review but the review is strictly my own opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Fight Club

 

Fight Club is one of those few films that literally demand repeat viewings. There is so much to process and take in. The film has many layers that you can take apart with each new viewing. On the surface the film works as a dark comedy on the grip that consumerism has on Edward Norton's character. Then you take in Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), who is so emptied out by modern life that he needs to reinvent himself as someone worth being. 

It is very interesting how the film almost predicted the effects on mental health caused by consumerism. It also eerily predicted male loneliness by looking at how society literally causes men to feel isolated, alone and insecure.

Still a powerful film about individuality and self-worth that still hits hard nearly 30 years after its release. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is reference-quality. This is a full restoration and remaster of the original 35mm film. Most of the movie takes place mostly at night and the blacks are inky. Details are razor sharp from skin tones, to cloth and outdoor features such as streets and buildings. Colors are rich and vibrant and pop off the screen. This is the best that Fight Club has looked on any format. 

Audio:

The audio here appears to have been remastered as well. Sadly the dialogue is at a lower volume than the music and the effects. There are a few times it is hard to make out the dialogue.  The rest of the audio mix is flawless and near reference-quality. The score combined with the atmospheric sounds creates an immersive surround environment. 

Bonus Features:

There are no bonus features on the digital version. 

Conclusion:

This cult psychological thriller is stunning on digital but sadly has no bonus material. If you need this to look and sound like never before then this is the version for you.

Fight Club is available now on digital.

*This film was sent by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my own opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Pixar's Hoppers

 

Pixar's Hoppers introduces us to Mabel (Piper Curda), an animal lover since childhood, who wants to save a glade that is important to her. This puts her at odds with the town's mayor, Jerry (Jon Hamm), who wants to put a highway through the middle of the glade. The animals of the glade have left due to the construction, but Mabel believes if she can get them to return, then the mayor might have a change of heart.

Mabel discovers one of her professors has invited a "hopping" technology that would allow her to enter the body of a robotic beaver and then communicate with other animals. Mabel hopes this will bring back the animals to the glade. Along the way, Mabel becomes friends with other beavers including King George (Bobby Moynihan), who shows Mabel what it means to be a beaver and trust those around you.

This is a different film for Pixar and yet one of their best films, and funniest, in years. Director Daniel Chong was the shot-in-the-arm that Pixar needed to tell a bold story that still had the heart of Pixar. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is pristine. The details from the fur on the animals, the clothing on people, the ripples in the water and the woods themselves look amazing. The colors are stunning. Another exceptional transfer from Disney and Pixar.

Audio: 

The Dolby Atmos track here matches the exceptional video. The front channels delivery crystal clear dialogue. The surrounds envelope you in the atmospheric sounds. A wonderful audio mix as one would expect.

Bonus Features:

• The Critter Diaries: Wander behind the scenes with director Daniel Chong and the Pixar creative team as they explore Yellowstone, study wildlife, and find real-life inspiration for our favorite new animated characters from Hoppers.
• Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers: Hop into the making of the movie as filmmakers, cast, and crew share how their ideas, collaboration, and creative process brought the story, animation, and lovable characters to life in Pixar’s Hoppers.
• "Meet King George" Scene Breakdown: Dive deep with director Daniel Chong and the filmmaking team as they reveal the craft of making King George’s Superlodge. Get insight into the directing process, editing, VFX, animation, and production design.
• Beaverton Revealed: Explore Hoppers to find surprising Pixar film cameos, hidden references, and plenty of fun, behind-the-scenes facts.
• Dam Good Bloopers: Laugh along with your favorite voice actors from Hoppers as they have fun bringing their characters to life in the recording booth.
• Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut, as introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes.
• Cold Open
• The Glade
• The Mission
• Kings Arrive
• George's Bachelor Pad
• Helicopter Ride

Conclusion:

One of the best films to come out of Pixar in years. A film full of heart and one of their funniest films to date. Some fun bonus features make this a highly recommended addition to your library.

Hoppers is available on digital now and on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD June 2nd.

*The film was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my own opinion.* 

4K Digital Review of Psycho Killer

 

Psycho Killer is directed by Gavin Palone and has a great cast featuring Georgina Campbell, James Preston Rogers (as the Satanic Slasher) and the legendary Malcolm McDowell. It runs in a very quick paced 91 minutes. 

On the surface, the film seems like your run-of-the-mill horror movie. A person is seeking revenge for the death of a loved one. This is not reinventing the wheel but they do have a different take on the lead character. Jane Archer (Georgina Campbell) is a Kansas highway patrol officer who is also expecting. Her husband Mike (Stephen Adekolu) has been killed and she is out to hunt down his killer. She finds out the killer is a notorious serial killer called the Satanic Slasher, who has ties to a mansion owned by Mr. Pendleton (Malcolm McDowell). 

The movie falls apart with something that should have made for a different take on the genre. We focus on Jane and the Satanic Slashers motivations to complete their mission. This should have made for an incredible movie, but instead is edited down to try to create a fierce pace but forgets about plot points that never get resolved. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is very crisp as to be expected. Details are sharp and clear. It is a very dark movie so the blacks are inky. 

Audio:

The 5.1 audio mix is good. Dialogue is clear from the front channels. The score and atmospheric sounds fill the surround speakers. 

Bonus Features:

 There are no bonus features.

Conclusion:

The 4K video is crisp and the audio mix creates the horror atmosphere but the lack of story makes this a one-time watch if you are into horror films.

Psycho Killer is now available on digital.

*The film was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Avatar: Fire and Ash

 

The world of Pandora has returned once again in Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in the Avatar franchise from James Cameron. Avatar: Fire and Ash is now available on digital. It will be available on DVD, 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and 4K UHD on May 16th. 

In this third film, we find Jake and Neytiri still mourning the loss of their oldest son. At the same time, there is a new threat, the Metkayina clan, also known as the Ash people. Their leader, the ruthless Varang, has moved away from the peaceful way of the Eywa, and instead has moved to the way of fire and violence. Joining the cause of the Ash people, the RDA helps them to fight the rest of the clans.  

This is a much darker story than the previous films. We see how the different clans interact and clash with one another. We also see the focus on the younger generation of Na'vi. The constant danger in the world and seen through the yes of the children gives the film real emotional heart. What will happen to the Sully family as well as the fate of the clans?  

Video:

The streaming 4K video is close to reference quality. You can see how the details such as ultra-realistic skin textures and clothing have vastly improved over the last two films. Colors are vibrant from the jungle, to the ocean and the volcanic areas. This is a new standard for CG and will be something you show off your 4K TV with.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos 5.1 audio mix is solid and compliments the amazing video. The mix makes incredible use of the surround channels to immerse you into the world of Pandora. 

Bonus Features:

English Family Audio Track (3:17:09) – All objectionable language removed.

Igniting The Flame: The Making of Avatar: Fire and Ash Play All (2:55:40)

1. Writing the Sequels (13:38)
2. Pandora Design (18:33)
3. RDA Design (18:38)
4. The Women of Pandora (11:40)
5. Varang and the Mangkwan (15:40)
6. Capturing Performance (16:44)
7. Stunts (13:04)
8. Editing and Virtual Camera (7:42)
9. WETA FX (16:45)
10. ILM (7:41)
11. Score (13:32)
12. The Art and Impact of 3D (10:04)
13. Home in New Zealand (12:01)

Jon Landau Tribue (21:40)

RDA Orientation Play All (13:39)

1. Na’vi 101: The RDA’s Official Language Orientation (5:06)
2. Pandora Intelligence Brief (8:32)

Marketing Materials & Music Video Play All (8:35)

1. “Dream As One” Music Video – Miley Cyrus (3:31)
2. Theatrical Trailer 1 (2:27)
3. Theatrical Trailer 2 (2:37)

Conclusion: 

Avatar: Fire and Ask continues the epic story of family and survival. It also continues to push the visuals and audio. With hours of bonus features to accompany an already three hour and fifteen minutes movie, this is a welcome addition to your library if you are a fan of the Avatar franchise. 

*The movie was sent by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of this review. The review is strictly my own opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Send Help

 

Sam Raimi is back, with a return to form, with another entry into the horror/comedy genre with Send Help. Linda (Rachel McAdams) is great at her job. So great that the CEO promised her a promotion. But after his passing, his son Bradley (Dylan O'Brien) is not interested in promoting her. Instead, he promotes his friends and they make fun of the little girl who eats lunch at her desk. As a way to prove herself, Bradley invites Linda on a business trip to Thailand. 

The plane runs into a storm and ends up crashing into the ocean. Bradley and Linda are the only ones to survive and end up on a tropical island. Fortunately for them, Linda is a huge fan of the TV show Survivor. She even sent in an audition tape which Bradley finds and shares with his buddies before the plane crash. So, in the reversal of the balance of power, Linda is in charge and we shall see what happens to them.

Here the film weaves back and forth between the two lead characters. You get the different perspectives from each one. It is thrilling, exciting and a comedic thriller from Sam Raimi who started the comedy horror genre. Rachel excels in her role and Dylan is along for the ride. He is good in his role but Rachel truly shines. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is stunning. The beginning of the film, in the office setting, the area is clean and well-defined. The textures on the materials especially clothing are exceptional. On the island is where the video truly shines. The sunsets, the beaches, the ocean water and the lush jungle all have remarkable clarity and color.  

Audio:

The streaming Dolby Atmos track is wonderful. The dialogue is crisp and clear from the front channels. The score is immersive and surrounds you. But where the audio truly shines is in the environmental sounds. The excellent use of audio to create a sense of chaos of the plane crash is the perfect example here. Also, the ambient environmental sounds of the island keeps you grounded. You feel like you are on the island with these characters. 

Bonus Features:

• Audio Commentary with director Sam Raimi and producer Zainab Azizi.
• Featurettes - a wealth of behind the scenes featurettes
• Deleted Scenes - over an hour of deleted as well as alternate scenes
• Bloopers

Conclusion:

Send Help is a return to form for Sam Raimi. Strong performances by both McAdams and O'Brien along with reference quality video and audio and a wealth of bonus material make this an easy recommendation to add to your movie library. 

4K Digital Review of Is This Thing On?

 

The latest film from director Bradley Cooper, "Is This Thing On?" tells the story of Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern). Thyeh vae decided to end their marriage of 20 years and Alex turns to stand-up comedy as a way to try to understand what is happening. Tess, a former Olympian volleyball player and was one of the all-time greats. Since retirement she became a wife and a mom. With the upcoming divorce, she turns to volleyball once again but this time to become a coach.

Through the movie we learn about the difficulties of co-parenting and self-discovery. We also learn how hardships can lead you down new paths, opening up new doors. Arnett is outstanding as an everyman trying to handle failure. Blending his comedic skills in a dramatic role gives Alex a sense of vulnerability that feels believable. Dern is equally outstanding as she brings strength to a role that also showcases the quiet sacrifices of partnership. Her chemistry with Arnett is the grounds of the emotional core of the movie. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is stunning. The streets and colors of New York come to life. Skin tones are accurate and details such as cloth and other materials are rich and vibrant. A wonderful transfer from Searchlight and Disney. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio track here is wonderful. Dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. Ambient environmental sounds and audience laughter in stand-up comedy shows fill the surround channels. The score blends in around you. A solid audio mix from Searchlight and Disney. 

Bonus Feature*

• Mic Drop: Making Is This Thing On? – Go behind the scenes as filmmakers and cast open up about the inspirations behind this story of love, loss, and starting again. Get a glimpse into working with a remarkable ensemble and hear about how the team developed their comedy sets.

Conclusion:

"Is This Thing On?" is a solid look at separation and self-discovery. Solid performances from Arnett and Dern capture the pain of life at times as well the rewards that come through hardship. A decent bonus feature combined with solid video and audio make this a welcomed addition to your movie library. 

"Is This Thing On?" is available on digital and on 4K Blu-ray and DVD March 17th.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Ella McCay

 

Emma Mackey plays Ella McCay, who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when Governor Bill (Albert Brooks) takes a job in Washington D.C. and leaves his job to Lt. Governor Ella. She has plans for her 14 months in office. But her problems with her family take over her life. She struggles with her womanizing father Eddie (Woody Harrelson), as well as the emotional issues faced by her brother Casey (Spike Fearn). Ella's husband Ryan (Jack Lowden) creates a scandal for his wife and threatens her plan to help the people of her state.

Estella (Julie Kavner) plays Ella's secretary and narrator of this film. She gives us the details of Ella's life. We see her mother (Rebecca Hall), deal with her husband's cheating. When her mom passed away, Ella is pretty much on her own. But as we move back into the present, there is literally too much going on and nothing seems to be resolved. This is what hurts the movie. Too many characters with too many motivations and we get a maze that we never get out of.  

Video:

The 4K streaming video is crystal clear. Fine details such a as sets and clothing are wonderful. Colors are natural and unsaturated. Another outstanding transfer from Disney and 20th Century Studios.

Audio:

The 5.1 Dolby Atmos audio track is very immersive. Environmental sounds surround you whether the scene takes place indoors or outdoors. Even background voices fall into the surround channels to increase the level of immersion. Dialogue is crystal clear through the front channels. The Hans Zimmer score fills in the space wonderfully. 

Bonus Features:

Deleted Scenes:

• “You Win, We Lose”
• “Forget About The Union Rep”
• “I Love Girl”
• “No More Interruptions”
• “Make Your Family Whole”
• “A Small Concussion”
• “Hazel Bottomless”
• “You Got Him Out”
• “Nice Family”

 

Bloopers

Featurettes:

• A James L. Brooks Film: Go behind the scenes as the film’s star-studded cast and crew share their joy of working with acclaimed writer-director James L. Brooks. Experience Brooks’ singular gift for creating beloved, memorable movie moments — and what it’s like to hear him laugh.

• In Good Company: The Cast Of Ella McCay: Sit down with James L. Brooks as he talks about his extraordinary cast and as the actors share their respect and appreciation for Brooks — and each other. Hear about the casting process that created heartfelt chemistry both on set and onscreen.

Conclusion:

Ella McCay has an amazing cast and some witty writing but sadly this ends up feeling like something for television instead of a motion picture. The audio and video are solid and the bonus features are enjoyable if you are considering to make this a purchase. 

Ella McCay is out on digital and will available on Blu-ray on March 3rd.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my own opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Zootopia 2

 

The first Zootopia is one of my favorite animated films ever. A sequel was inevitable and nine years later, Zootopia 2 has arrived. The movie begins one week after the end of the first film. Nick (Jason Bateman) and Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) get in trouble for a bust that goes wrong. But while this bust went wrong, they have stumbled upon another mystery that will lead them into further trouble as they continue to investigate it. 

This movie contains a lot of the same DNA of the original, but we get to focus on the relationship between Nick and Judy. You can see that the two have come a long way from the first film. You don't get the bickering of the first film but more of their differences of how to get this case solved. I won't get into any spoilers so you can let the movie unfold on its own.

While almost everyone returns to voice their characters again, there are a lot of new characters. We meet Gary De'Snake (Ke Huy Quan) who is a wonderful addition to the cast. Pawbert Lynxly (Andy Samberg) is a lynx and adds warmth and charm. Mayor Winddancer is voiced by Patrick Warburton in perhaps my favorite character since Kronk. 

If you are a fan of the first movie, then you will like the sequel. It continues the story along without just being a rehash of the first one. The returning characters move forward in their story and the new characters are a welcome addition.

Video:

The streaming 4K video is picture perfect. The colors are bright and bold, the details of the fur, scales, and cloth are all exceptional. Backgrounds are full of details and create a lived in world. A fantastic transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track is a wonderful match to the video quality. Dialogue is crisp and clear from the front channels. Environmental sounds surround you and invite you into the world. The amazing songs and soundtrack fill in all the surround channels. Another solid audio track from Disney. 

Bonus Features*

• Featurettes:

o   The Zookeepers — Trot along with writer/director Jared Bush and director Byron Howard for a tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios! Get a behind the scenes look as they open up the doors to meet cast and crew and share about all the work done to bring the movie to life.

o   A City of Stars — Meet the fur-tastic voice actors behind the cast of Zootopia 2 as filmmakers share the joy of having the original cast returning and how each new role found its purr-fect match.

o   Everybody Can Draw! — Sketch along with Benson Shum, Animation Supervisor, as he talks about his role on Zootopia 2 and guides viewers in drawing everyone’s favorite new beaver, Nibbles!

o   Zoo-prising Secrets — Uncover ssssurprising references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the movie, along with fun facts.

o   Wilde Times in the Booth — Hop inside the recording booth for plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes fun. See how the hilarious cast brings their characters to life!

o   The Treat Trolley — Meet the cheerful crew behind the Treat Trolley that brings smiles and snacks throughout the halls of Disney Animation to keep the studio artists fueled and energized.

o   "Zoo" Music Video by Shakira — Celebrate friendship and adventure with Shakira in her music video for the movie’s new song, “Zoo.”

• Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut, with an overall introduction by directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard.

• What's In the Box?

• Where Are They Now?
• Animal Hospital

• Welcome to the Team

• Desert Festival

• Clawhauser Tracks Judy

• A Plight at the Museum

• Clawhauser's Family

Conclusion:

A fun movie filled with laughs and heart. We get wonderful returning characters and great new characters to propel the story forward. Lots of great bonus material as well will make this a more than worthy addition to your movie library.

Zootopia 2 is now available on digital. It will be available on DVD, 4K UHD on March 3rd.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my own opinion.* 

4K Digital Review of Rental Family

 

Rental Family is a charming "feel good" film about human connections and a movie that is sorely needed at this time. Phillip (Brendan Fraser) is an American actor, living in Japan. His career is not going so great. He takes a gig to be a sad American, where he catches the eye of Shinji (Takehiro Hira), the owner of a "rental family" business. At this type of business, customers hire actors to fill in roles in their lives. 

Phillip isn't sure about taking this job but once he does his first gig he is hooked. But as he takes on further roles, he becomes emotionally invested and can see that he is making a positive difference in these people's lives. Two of these clients will also change Phillip forever.

The first is an elderly man, Kikuo (Akira Emoto), an aging actor with dementia. Phillip has been assigned to be a reporter who is seeking an interview. As the two men talk, the bond becomes strong. The second client is Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman). Her mother needs a father to help place Mia into a private school. Phillip and Mia also develop a strong bond. Phillip never had a father in his own life and feels the paternal relationship between him and Mia. 

As the relationships between Kikuo and Mia flourish, Phillip can see how tricky it can be toying with people's lives and hearts. The ideas of finding connection and purpose while also feeling completely lost in life is apparent. It is a heavy, dramatic film filled with powerful performances that will stay with you long after the movie is over.      

Video:

The streaming 4K video is crisp and sharp. Skin tones are accurate and clothing is detailed. The background environments, both indoors and outdoors are sharp and clear. Another wonderful transfer from Searchlight and Disney.  

Audio:

The audio mix is subtle which is perfect for a movie such as this. The dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. The environmental effects are subtle and immerse you in the scene. The beautiful score will surround you, envelope you, haunt you. 

Bonus Materials:

• Featurette: Rental Family Revealed — Go behind the scenes with Brendan Fraser, director HIKARI, and the Japanese cast as they explore friendship, culture, found family, and filming in Japan in this intimate look at the making of Rental Family.

 

• Deleted/Extended Scenes:
• Columbus
• Crying Session
• Apology
• Aiko’s First Client
• Clearbright
• Tickets
• Audition
• Phone Call
• Final Montage

Conclusion:

Rental Family is a deeply moving film that made me question my own role in life. Simple and honest storytelling with powerful performances throughout. A quiet charming film that will stay with you. Some good bonus features that would have done even better with an audio commentary. A highly recommended addition to your movie library.

4K Digital Review: Predator: Badlands

 

After Prey, I found myself fully vested in the Predator franchise once again. Predator: Killer of Killers added to that. That now brings us to Predator: Badlands, one of my most highly anticipated Predator movies ever. It did not fail to disappoint. By focusing on the Predator species known as the Yautja, we get this wonderful look into their culture and family structure.

Here we focus on Dek, a Yautja youth, who is considered to be the runt of the family by his father. His father wants him dead, but his brother tries to stop him. Dek, wants to prove he is a warrior and sets out to hunt a Kalisk, an apex predator on the planet of Genna.

Literally everything on Genna is out to kill you. Dek struggles but then comes across Thia, a Weyland-Yutani android. Even though she has been cut in half, Thia is remarkably resourceful and agrees to help Dek track the Kalisk. She also wants to meet up with the others from the corporation that are also on the planet.  The unlikely pair then meet a friendly creature that Thia names Bud. At the same time, Tessa, Thia's android "sister" has been retrieved by the corporation.

The corporation has other plans for the Kalisk. Dek and his friends go against the Wetland-Yutani corporation. I am curious to see how or if the Predator franchise will merge with the Alien franchise once again. In Alien: Earth we see some of the species that the Weyland-Yutani corporation are searching for. 

Video:

The 4K video is stunning. Details are sharp and crisp. Take a look at the characters and the environments. The details on the armor and weapons that Dek carries, the colors on the planet, the way the fur moves on Bud are all wonderful examples of the video quality.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack matched the video quality. The environmental sounds are immersive and completely surround you. The dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. 

Bonus Features:

• Deleted & Pre-Visualization Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary:
• Sand Trap – An early animatic version of Dek’s very different first encounter with Thia.
• Squirt Canyon – The full version of Dek and Thia traversing the water-filled trench while trying to survive Genna…and each other.
• Tessa vs. Abe – Tessa faces off against a superior synth in this deleted scene and storyline.
• Razor Grass – The original previsualization of Dek, Thia, and Bud’s first hunt together…sort of.
• The Outpost – Thia takes Dek to a small Weyland-Yutani field facility where they experience a few things that ended up being used elsewhere in the final film.
• Super Power Loader Extended – Special additional moments during Dek’s climactic final battle with the Super Power Loader and the Kalisk.

 

• Featurettes:
• Embodying the Predator – Meet the talented team of designers, performers, and effects artists responsible for bringing one of cinema’s most terrifying creatures to life on screen in ways we’ve never seen before!
• Authentic Synthetics – Get up close and personal with synths Thia and Tessa as star Elle Fanning walks us through the process of crafting two characters who may look the same but have evolved in surprisingly unique ways.
• Building the Badlands – With razor sharp grass, killer trees, and terrifying animals, never has a planet been more deadly than Genna. Uncover how a team of artisans built this threatening landscape, transforming real locations into the dangerous environments seen on screen.
• Dek of the Yautja – For the first time ever, director Dan Trachtenberg has given audiences an extended peek at Predator culture. Follow the evolution as filmmakers reveal the process behind developing the Yautja’s home world, spacecraft, and family dynamics.  
• Audio Commentary: Watch the film with audio commentary by Director Dan Trachtenberg, Producer Ben Rosenblatt, Director of Photography Jeff Cutter and Stunt Coordinator Jacob Tomuri.

Conclusion:

Predator: Badlands is a fun, visual spectacle with good bonus features. It takes the franchise in a different direction and I look forward to see what comes next. Highly recommended addition to your library.

Predator: Badlands is available now on digital.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

 

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere is an almost emo look at the man and his music. A dark, depressive world that Springsteen turned into music. We see his sad childhood and we know that this is not going to be a glossy, feel good biopic. It is a showcase for Jeremy Allen White who plays Springsteen. 

As we hear the lyrics of the songs, we hear the problems Springsteen had with his father. The movie itself goes back and forth between the troubled childhood of Springsteen and his troubled early professional career. In the current time frame of the movie, there is also a romantic interest that is introduced. But history shows that Springsteen was very single during this time and I think would have made for a more interesting story. 

Video:

The 4K streaming presentation is another solid transfer from Disney and 20th Century Studios. There is so much detail and clarity. The color graded scenes are beautiful and the colors pop off the screen. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos presentation here is stunning. The live concert sequences take full advantage of this in terms of creating a huge immersive soundscape. Dialogue is clear and front channel forward. Environmental effects move effortlessly from the side and rear channels. This is another solid effort from Disney and 20th Century Studios.

Exclusive Four-Act Documentary: Making Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

• Act 1: From Book to Screen — See how Warren Zanes’ moving book inspired filmmakers to bring Bruce Springsteen’s most intimate chapter to life on screen.

• Act 2: Beyond the Music — An intimate look at Bruce Springsteen’s raw and enduring masterpiece “Nebraska” — its sound, spirit, and powerful influence on the film’s tone and emotion.

• Act 3: Becoming Bruce Springsteen — Jeremy Allen White dives deep into the mind and music of Bruce Springsteen, capturing the grit, grace, and humanity that define the icon’s artistry.

• Act 4: Deep Authenticity — From vintage wardrobe to the Asbury Park boardwalk, experience how the filmmakers captured the raw soul of Bruce Springsteen’s New Jersey.

Conclusion:

The film is slightly disjointed, but there are solid technical merits and a rather enjoyable look at the making of the film for anyone who is interested in adding this to their library. 

The movie is currently available on digital and 4K Blu-ray.

*The film was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*