4K Ultra HD – US Edition – Lionsgate Films – 83 min – 08 September 2020
Video format
• Intermediate Master: 4K
• Standard HDR: Dolby Vision
• Ratio: 1.85
Soundtrack
• Japanese Dolby Atmos
• Japanese LPCM 2.0
• English Dolby Atmos
Subtitles
• English
It is brought to the attention of our dear readers as well as the viewing equipment specified and used by each tester of the MaG team, the rendering may differ from one installation to another, whether or not it is calibrated, as well as personal preferences and expectations may influence the rating. Moreover, the images in the article are not representative of the edition tested.
WORK – Ghost soul
In 2029, the world, as well as the human soul, were controlled by the Internet. Motoko Kusagani, a cyber-policeman, and Batou, two cyborgs belonging to Section 9, an anti-terrorist elite unit, must get hold of a mysterious hacker in contact with a corrupt diplomat...
A stunning plastic beauty and a dizzying philosophical reach (human nature, Cartesian dualism, transhumanist thought, natural law), this Japanese animation classic signed by the great director Mamoru Oshii is and will remain a flagship of cyberpunk science fiction.
IMAGE – Puzzle anticipation
Drawn from a new 4K master's degree and presented for the occasion in Dolby Vision, the picture that in the whole impresses (except the opening sequence that remains below) shows several notable improvements.
Clearly more precise (see details on urban landscapes) and with great clarity, it enhances the brightness of a large step and carefully prepares the colours (especially the red ones) through the HDR process. As for the granular structure, despite the use (but without abuse) of a noise reducer, it remains organic enough not to distort the traditional hand-made animation and digital engineering of the time.
Far from the UHD (from the old 2007 HD master), ultra-DNRized from JP (which I also own), this US edition does ENFIN justice to this monument.
SON – In search of humanity
Both remastered in Dolby Atmos, the soundtracks are most accomplished.
Using a spatialisation with truly enveloping placements (the lively streets, the air atmospheres) and prioritising dialogues, they are as subtle (the diffusion of the atmospheres) as they fit in (explosive dynamics and grumbling basses). Of course, the unforgettable score composed by Kenji Kawai (who invites to meditation) offers a place of choice within the mixing.
Apart from the end credits, the LPCM 2.0 soundtrack remains the original Japanese blend.
CONCLUSION – What is human being?
Explicitly influenced by Blade RunnerThis visionary work was awarded a technologically improved 4K Ultra HD (during September 2020) to celebrate its 25th anniversary!
Artistic note
8
Video quality
8
Audio quality
9.5
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