Welcome to The 4K Ultra HD Bazaarvo monthly appointment to find out all about the latest 4K releases and the visual and audio experience they offer. Born of his author's passion for physical media and his desire to share with you the pleasures of cinema at home in his most accomplished form, each issue is the opportunity for the celest wolf to test and evaluate the audio/video performances of many discs released in France and internationally, guiding you through the subtleties of the HDR, the nuances of the WCG and the immersion of 3D soundtracks.
Whether you're a seasoned cinephile looking for the best editions of the market or an amateur wishing to maximize its home-cinema installation, follow the recommendations of our expert and prepare to be amazed by a quality image and sound you thought so far reserved for cinemas. Good reading and enjoy every issue to come! #WeLovePhysicalMedia 📀✨
It is brought to the attention of our dear readers that, in addition to the specified and used viewing equipment, the rendering may differ from one installation to another, whether or not it is calibrated, as well as personal preferences and expectations may influence notation.
Video broadcaster (QD-OLED) : Sony Bravia XR-65A95L
Sources (4K) : Oppo UDP-203 Audiocom Reference | Zappiti Reference
Pregnant (5.1.4): Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max, SB-4000
Image Modes : Professional (SDR or HDR) | Dolby Dark Vision | IMAX Enhanced
Listening modes : Dolby Atmos | Dolby Surround | DTS:X | DTS Neural:X
Contents
Project Silence
Source Germany | Publisher : Capelight Pictures | Release date : 12 December 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
Korean Dolby Atmos
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
German DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
English
German
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 10 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – When the canine horror of Cujo encounters the urban disaster of Daylight against the background of political denunciation, this series B that keeps the promises of its tempting pitch (while a bridge threatens to collapse, killer molesters find themselves freed in the midst of the survivors) releases a furious survivor to the haunting suspense, to the effective staging, to the steady pace, to the neat technique and to the casting all-star (dominated by the formidable Ju Ji-hoon and Lee Sun-kyun). Attack!
IMAGE – A truly stunning digital capture perfectly reproduced by a Dolby Vision UHD transfer at any fantastic point... while the action is immersed in a thick night fog (uniform grey gradients). With absolute clarity, the image displays details with even more remarkable sharpness, from wonderfully saturated colors to enriched primary (reds) and extended contrasts. Extremely deep blacks and intensified lighthouses.
SON – The Dolby Atmos VO continues to make use of all the channels at its disposal for a wide and enveloping sound scene. The dynamic deploys a beautiful energy, immersion officiates throughout by alert surrounds (road traffic, the pack of dogs) and an efficient verticality (the events related to the helicopter), the voices always remain audible and the bass box shows a certain depth (the grunts).
Werewolves
Source Germany | Publisher : Capelight Pictures | Release date : 23 January 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
German DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
English
German
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 6.5 | Video : 8.5 | Audio : 9
WORK – Bounced with action (led by a Frank Grillo in great shape) and bloody deaths, this series B uncomplexed with the old (as in the 90s) and with pleasant practical effects (like Dog Soldiers), designed and built by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr (who worked on franchises) Alien and Predator), is playing it American Nightmare with werewolves in it. Without pretentiousness and very rhythmic (it's all over the place), this little film with a hair fully assumes.
IMAGE – With no HD disk, no comparison could be made. This 4K HDR10 presentation is technically sound despite certain stylistic limitations such as blurred background (use of short focal lenses) and omnipresence of lens flares (all the time). But the details in the foreground are excellent (face hair, furs), vibrant colors (oranges, blues), dense blacks and extreme lighting.
SON – Quite aggressive and using appropriate spatialization, the VO DTS-HD MA 5.1 physically transmits the chaos of this night of super-moon. Surrounding effects (bulk fire, rain, movement of animals) are solicited as soon as narration permits (very often so), the LFE channel grumbles sharply during cattle roaring and the use of large calibres (the Gatling machine gun), the dialogues are well returned by the plant and the score is not lacking.
Stardust, the mystery of the star
Source France | Publisher : Paramount Pictures | Release date : 25 September 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.40
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 2K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 8 | Video : 7 | Audio : 9
WORK – Born under a good star (the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel by Matthew Vaughn) and a refreshing originality, this funny and poetic fantasy more inclined to comedy than to darkness, crosses the dream wall without sacrificing the magic of fairy tales to embark his cast of legend (Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro in hilarious counter-jobs) in a hectic adventure to the wonderful universe, to the aerial staging and to the exhilarating frivolity.
IMAGE – If it easily surpasses the previous Blu-ray thanks to an improved sharpness (suits, landscapes, hair), much deeper blacks, an avid colorimetric palette (the incandescent green powers and inflamed oranges) and better crapped light sources (see skys), this UHD DV transfer from an upscale 4K is affected by the bad eye as to the laziness of its encoding. Because when binary flow drops (often), grain 35 mm and details follow.
SON – Rhythmed by musical flights and spells, the VO lossless delivers a first-rate acoustic experience (although an Atmos remix would have served the storm clouds crossed by the pirate aircraft). The dynamics are in the scathing, the fierce basses (the lightning) and the rear scene engaged. Sometimes stifled when the effects break violently on all sides, the voices are usually well exuded by the power plant. More limited in its spatialization, the VF lossy remains fishing.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man
Source United Kingdom | Publisher : Icon Film Distribution | Release date : 09 December 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
CSD | BT2 BT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2
HEVC encoding | DI 2K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
English
Rated 3 of 5
Artistic : 6 | Video : 8 | Audio : 8
WORK – After craft blockbusters and the low B series of the forehead, Mike Mignola's hero returns in a small, dreadful forest movie where action gives way to folk horror. More faithful to comics published at Dark Horse (the script is co-signed by its creator) but served by a limited budget (which appears in the CGIs and empty sets), this sincere secondary adventure in its effort is nevertheless supported by its glaucous atmosphere and the interpretation of Jack Kesy.
IMAGE – The scaling of the DI 2K and the absence of WGG/HDR necessarily limit the extent of improvements, such as the grey anthracite darkness (so little deep) and the earthy colours at the edge of the monochromaticism (red skin of our horny friend included) of the well dull photo. However, the higher binary flow eliminates the degradation problems of its HD counterpart and the details are significantly refined (face pores, wood textures).
SON – While the LFE channel is not concerned with the effects (cf. the train accident and the gunshots) and the rear scene lacks assiduity (even though the demonic whispers and the swarm of insects show with generosity that it remains active), this DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix to the diabolical dynamics delivers dialogues of great clarity (despite the strong accent of the inhabitants of the corner) and a particularly large atmospheric partition (with solid low frequencies).
Farewell chicken
Source France | Publisher : Rimini Editions | Release date : 05 June 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.66
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 8.5 | Audio : 8
WORK – If there is a lack of subtlety and a plan-plan setting, this old-fashioned polar who is inspired by a real affair (a colliery of posters of the PS killed by gun during an election campaign in Puteaux) takes us into a buddy movie with a well-carved scenario, where a mismatched duo (the old breaker Ventura and the young wolf Dewaere) crosses the road of politicized justice in Giscardian France. Popular cinema marked by morals and mood of his time.
IMAGE – Restored in 2017 from the original negative 35 mm by Digital lights, the clean and stabilized image of this 4K master (the same that had already been used by TF1 Studio for its 2018 Blu-ray) benefits from an increased resolution, more saturated colors and an open shadow. The night scenes are more legible, the plans better defined (cf. the increased finesse of textures) and the silver grain more natural. The frame was slightly planed to the right and left.
SON – From the original magnetic track, this mono soundtrack without the slightest bitterness offers a good acoustic rendering by its opening (music and effects), its clarity and its balance (between voices and background atmospheres). The score has panache, the dialogues are often sharp and the action strikes as it should. But since the general volume is quite low, you will have to play the remote control (+ 12 dB) to reach the reference level.
Venom: The Last Dance
Source France | Publisher : Sony Pictures | Release date : 05 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 3 of 5
Artistic : 5 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 10
WORK – While he's trying at the road movie to try to divert, this final lap is as inconsistent as the first two opus (the great villain doesn't even move) and looks more like a series of disparate vignettes (with a Tom Hardy in full play) than a coherent story. A schizo bromance with consumed scriptual idiocy and staggered humour that oscillates between frantic action and disturbing emotional drama. If he wasn't funny, he'd be knull!
IMAGE – More vibrant (Mme. Chen, the bright colors of the Symbiotes of Zone 55), more lit (Las Vegas, the laboratory), more detailed in the darkness (the prison of the Lord of the Abysses, the third act) and better solved when the visual boil of the CGI allows it (the dirt of Eddie Brock's face, textile fibres), this UHD Dolby Vision transfer with robust encoding (an average bitrate of 70 Mb/s) is technically impeccable and cares for Fabian Wagner's photo.
SON – Unbelievably noisy and roaring its verticality as soon as the occasion presents itself (helicopters, torrential rain, shrapnel, water pressure), the VO Dolby Atmos is an aggressive soundtrack where dynamics fly away, bass explode and immersive spatialization (the surrounding canals amuse well). Very powerful, accurate and well distributed, the VF DTS-HD MA 5.1 gives everything in its horizontality. The dubbing is good and fits well into the original mixing.
Thelma and Louise
Source France | Publisher : BQHL Editions | Release date : 27 February 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
French
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 10 | Video : 9 | Audio : 9
WORK – Escaped from their daily prison, two women drive straight ahead without looking in the mirror until (re)found life at destination... A veritable feminist masterpiece of the modern era, this road movie with a wind of freedom (primarily feminine) is a staggering identity quest that plunges into the gulf of hopes to escape the hell of routine. And with two beautiful female characters, this emancipation in road trip to the fury of living.
IMAGE – Scanned in 4K from the original 35 mm negative, this UHD restoration calibrated in Dolby Vision (under the supervision of Ridley Scott) is of all beauty. The silver texture is finely preserved, a veil of extra sharpness operates all along (the close-ups on the faces, the wild expanses), the dusty colors enjoy new nuances (the « T-Bird » blue, twilight) and the improved contrast range enhances light and darkness.
SON – Drawn from the 4-channel magnetic tapes of the time, the VO DTS-HD MA 5.1 releases a beautiful spatial precision in which road traffic is running in the lead. The dialogues are clear, the back scene (the atmosphere of the bars, the races and pursuits) and the iconic score of Hans Zimmer (including his mythical Thunderbird) as wide as enveloping. Even if its dubbing is a little too advanced, the very good VF does not have to blush comparison.
Navy Seals
Source United States | Publisher : Vinegar Syndrome | Release date 28 May 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 10 | Audio : 8
WORK – Exacerbated American patriotism, high testosterone rates, and virile bullet-proof friendships, boost the combative hormones of this good little 80s war film conducted by a male commando (Michael Biehn, Charlie Sheen, Bill Paxton) that nothing can stop. And driven by Lewis Teague (The Incredible Alligator), Top Gun First degree of the US Navy sends action scenes that blow everything between two squeaky punchlines. The bad guys will have been warned!
IMAGE – Scanned and restored from the original 35 mm negatives, this 4K source calibrated in HDR10 is sumptuous. The silver grain (fullly preserved) has been stabilized, the fine details increased (cf. the facades damaged during the last act in Beirut) and the intensified colorimetric palette (the orange shades of the sky during the parachute jump). Perfectly corrected, contrasts bring punch to images by increased energy lighting and deeper blacks.
SON – To prioritise on its conœur DTS-HD MA 5.1, less broad and dynamic even if a little more physical when the pyrotechnics explode (the LFE channel being for something) and equipped with good surround sound on the ground of operations, energetic and striking track 2.0 turns out to be much more engaging and does not lack precision when the chaos comes. In either case, the dialogues are strongly exuded by the central and the music faithfully transcribed.
Dark Angel (1990)
Source United States | Publisher : Shout Factory | Release date : 09 July 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 7
WORK – On the buddy movie background « subtly » led by Dolph Lundgren (Universal Soldier, Blackjack, Expendable), this SF actioner of the 90s (having the good smell of the 80s) still remains today a generous cinema bis proposal where races-prosecutions, shootings, explosions and punchlines rhythmize the story. From the B-series as we do more (while she did the good days of the video clubs), where even if you come in peace, you get your ass kicked!
IMAGE – The old pique softness and the few fumes on the film are atomized by this solid UHD Dolby Vision transfer from a new 4K scan of the original 35 mm negative. The image is stable, the details benefit from an undeniable leap forward (the outfits, the equipment, the streets), the silver grain is well solved, the colorimetric palette captures better its primary (blue and red lights) and the contrasts are raised without excess (blacks a little denser).
SON – Not very dynamic in nature (it is a film with a small budget) but far from being mischievous in sound effects (cf. flying discs), the stereo mix 2.0 which sounds well diffuses clear dialogues and is provided with a good separation of frontal channels. Track 5.1, which is very lazy at the back (a tenuous opening) and emptied of the slightest infra-bass, is more projected (the score to the synth) and remains balanced when it moves. Particularly weak recording volume.
Narc
Source United States | Publisher : Arrow Films | Release date : 21 May 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
English
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 8.5 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 9
WORK – In a delicacy in which the cam destroys lives, a duet of debarked cops (Ray Liotta and Jason Patric in their best roles) starts a war lost in advance. Back to the ebony black movie of the 70s with this urban polar at the Friedkin (English Connection) formally visceral which, not content with sweeping the codes of the genre to better slap the system, favours dramaturgy to action in the heart of an implacable intrigue in which the overdose of tension wand.
IMAGE – Superbly returned by this new master (made from a 16-bit 4K scan of the original 35 mm negative) approved by Joe Carnahan and encoded by FiM, the glacial and crumbler photograph turns out somewhat of its addiction for the blues (much more nuanced here) in order to begin to appreciate the other hues (a more natural carnation) of winter Michigan. From fine details to contrasts to silver grain, improvements are immediately noticeable.
SON – Just as excellent, Dolby Atmos remixing does not allow itself to be corrupted by the « dopamine » 3D reproduction and retains its appetite for the front of its multichannel network. Nevertheless, it gives all its confidence to the spatialisation necessary for ambient noise. The rear benefits road traffic and verticality to the meteorological sounds. Tones, the shots use the dynamic and the LFE channel to violently perforate the soundscape.
Lisa Frankenstein
Source United Kingdom | Publisher : Mediumrare Entertainment | Release date : 03 June 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 2K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English LPCM 2.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 9 | Audio : 8.5
WORK – A sweet, acidic, burtonian taste (Edward in the hands of silver meeting Beetlejuice) where the screenwriter Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifers Body) proposes a feminist version of the Dream creation by John Hughes while flirting with Mary Shelley's masterpiece. Out (from earth) a revival of the 80s (including ten movie and slashers of this decade) to the macabre initiatory narrative and grinning humor, of which there is just a bit of madness to have the lightning strike.
IMAGE – With its slightly silveric texture simulated in post-prod, its blurry edges of the frame (typical of an anamorphic capture) and its saturated colorimetric palette, this aesthetically marked photograph is nostalgic of a certain mid-eighties style. The definition is increased (the make-up of the travelling corpse, Lisa's eccentric costumes and hairstyles), even brighter hues (neon lighting), effective HEVC compression and sharper contrasts.
SON – Prioritizing before, if it is when the incredible BO (from the post-punk, the modern covers of the Pop years' standards and a score to the striking synth lines) comes to life at the back, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack with rather limited effects (except for thunderstorms, the lightning that ensues and the deadly blows) focuses its efforts on transcribing its dialogues (loufocs and chiseled) and other grunts, with crystal clearness. Low tight frequencies.
Terrifiing 3
Source France | Publisher : ESC Editions | Release date : 05 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
French
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – While he continues to deepen the mythology of his demonic killer clown, this third rubbish crash « great puppet » redone the portrait of Santa Claus at the chainsaw by putting the double bites on the scabreous gore (cf. the bedroom of Terrifiing 2) and low-ceiling provocation (from desecration of religious symbols to massacres of children). A bloody carnage just for laughter that goes beyond the limits of good taste to offer us a dirty kid gift.
IMAGE – In the pure tradition of the slasher of the 80s, this old school photograph with ultra granular texture (it swarms abundantly) and blood-sip colorimetry (the primary ones are fantastic) is wonderfully restored by this UHD Dolby Vision transfer. The tinglings are no longer at the foot of the tree, the details are refined (see practical effects), the colors come out more and the shades and lights are more sliced (black and white intensified).
SON – If the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mixes (including a tastyly bis-dubbing VF) benefit from excellent dynamics and sound distribution, the VO Dolby Atmos joyfully massacres them with its spatialization not making in lace (verticality included) and its overflowing scale. From howlings that resonate to unsavory organic noises, passing through the thunder of death machines, no escape is possible with this soundtrack.
Snowshoeing: The Snowshoeing
Source United States | Publisher : Lionsgate Films | Release date : 14 January 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 2K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
Subtitles
English
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 8.5 | Video : 9 | Audio : 10
WORK – Where the 2020 series derailed, the 2013 film by Bong Joon-ho (Memories of Murder, The Host, Okja, Parasite) is an icy allegory of class struggle that leads to a hell train in horizontal scrolling. And on the tracks of success, this adaptation of the eponymous French comic strip of the 80s perfectly accommodates the enclosed space of the wagons to embark on an ambitious railway dystopia rich in reflections. Book your ticket!
IMAGE – A first-class trip with a Dolby Vision offer (an average bitrate of 82.3 Mbps) with superior comfort despite deliberately dull interiors (a dark photo with faded cold colorimetry). Details gain in precision (suits, decors), colors display new blue-green shades and contrasts, so important in many scenes (the tunnel), enjoy better designed shades and light sources with significantly improved cremation.
SON – The Dolby Atmos (4576 kbps, 24-bit) runway with very active environments is physically involved in a series of striking effects (the detonation of gunshots), multiple sounds (rolling noises) and various atmospheres (wind blowing, passenger whispers) projected in all directions. The dynamics are feverish (accelerations of the locomotive), balanced dialogues, bigrement immersive listening, varied partition and thick bass.
Sound of Freedom
Source United States | Publisher : Angel Studios | Release date : 30 December 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
CSD | BT2 BT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Digital 5.1
French (Parisian) Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 8 | Audio : 8
WORK – By leaving aside any controversy (themes dear to the conservative right, silenced complaints of sexual assault against Tim Ballard and promotion instrumentalized by the conspiracy movement QAnon), this cleverly crafted series B thriller takes to the guts because of the gravity of his subject (the sexual trafficking of children). A deeply moving awareness film where Jim Chaisel (The Passion of Christ), totally involved, preach the good word.
IMAGE – A private UHD transfer of the benefits of HDR and WCG which nevertheless stands out from its counterpart 1080p by an increased definition and consolidated encoding. The low light planes are thus much less noisy and the digital capture much more detailed (faces, textile fibres, environments). Clarity is required, natural colors are balanced and contrast management is adapted. But all 4K tools would have produced better results.
SON – Despite the absence (wrongful) of lossless tracks, the mix 5.1 (VO/VF) is robust enough to attack paedophile networks. The atmospheres of South America are well disaggregated, the musical fidelity is on the part, the dialogues are clear, the dynamics accompany field operations and the surrounds act on several occasions (notably in the maritime container). However, compression (448 kbps) limits the level of precision and the sound ratio.
Gorgo
Source France | Publisher : BQHL Editions | Release date : 27 February 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 2.0
French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 3 of 5
Artistic : 6.5 | Video : 7.5 | Audio : 7
WORK – Kaijū eiga in English turned towards the family audience, this close cousin of Godzilla (the pre-première of the film being made in Japan) which attaches itself to the monster (the victim) and not to humans (the torturers) has obviously aged (raw composite plans, unbelievable costume) but retains a certain kitsch charm. Unusually, its global success has prompted the Tōhō to bring back his king of monsters (with King Kong versus Godzilla) changing direction.
IMAGE – Restored in 2023 within the TCS lab from the original 35 mm negatives (Kodak Eastmancolor), the image finds the bright hues of its previously collapsed Technicolor print (red eyes, green skin, blue expanses). And if damage persists (scratch here, colorimetric fluctuations there), such as the softness of optical riggings and the flagrance of detours, the gain in definition is remarkable (refined textures). Grain (variable) better managed.
SON – Presented in dual mono, these two audio tracks encoded in DTS-HD MA have not been modernized and therefore remain naturally limited. Clean and sufficiently broad (Gorgo's screams), the VO delivers dialogues (sometimes post-synchronized) and noises of good clarity. In the most acute notes, a slight distortion works. Crossed by a slight breath (in no way relibitory), the VF enjoys a solid dubbing despite some sibiliances.
Ichi the Killer
Source France | Publisher : Carlotta Films | Release date : 18 February 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
CSD | BT2 BT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
Japanese DTS-HD MA 5.1
Japanese DTS-HD MA 2.0
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 7.5 | Audio : 7.5
WORK – Adapted from Hideo Yamamoto's manga, this depraved rereading of the film of yakuzas hides behind his hectolitres of hemoglobin a twisted reflection on suffering and pleasure. A cinematic experience with devastating ultra-violence and dingos characters who, under hypnosis, explore the sharp abysses of the human mind. If Tarantino had an eccentric Japanese cousin with a penchant for sadistic surrealism, it would probably be Miike.
IMAGE – Resulting from a 4K restoration of the 35 mm internegative (a 16 mm capture digitized in HD for the post-prod before its transfer to the intermediate element) subject to the validation of its real, this low flattering UHD CSD transfer (protuberant grain, definition on restraint, variable contrasts) « affine » the artistic limits of photograhia without digital artifice. Details (still thick) gain in precision and colors (still slender) liveliness. New Blu-ray similar.
SON – Far less fololes than the work (and its images) they sound, these soundtracks (5.1 and 2.0 surrounds) surprisingly wise at the back (if not on rare occasions) and not inclined to a demonstration of magnitude, nevertheless remain of a good clarity (dialogues) and are rather balanced despite a somewhat erased music within the mix. More acutely, VF suffers from a very medium dubbing which physically takes on the atmospheres by its salutation.
The Faculty
Source United States | Publisher : Shout Factory | Release date : 17 December 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 8 | Video : 9 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – When Invasion of desecrators played in high school with a team of thunder (Josh Hartnett, Clea DuVall, Elijah Wood, Jordana Brewster, Robert Patrick, Usher), Don Siegel's classic found a second youth in the 1990s. From teenage horror to deceptive appearances (down the clichés) where the « body slasher » Injects a good dose of Kevin Williamson's know-how (Scream and Remember... last summer). A little miracle of the kind that became cult.
IMAGE – A UHD Dolby Vision presentation from a new 4K restoration (approved by the director and based on the scan of the original 35 mm negatives) that clearly details the darkness and the high luminances. With an unprecedented clarity, the image displays a well-solved silver grain (finished and intact) and a firmly increased pitch (skin, SFX). As for the colours, they benefit from an excess of heat (the carnation) and spread out brighter primaries.
SON – Rhythmed by the fierce score of Marco Beltrami (World War Z, Le Mans 66, No noise 2The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is as immersive as it is striking with its alert dynamics (gunshots), clear dialogues, exquisite spatialisation (agitation in corridors, football activity) and low weights. Recommended virtualization DSP (rain and speaker ads).
Amadeus - Theatrical Cut
Source France | Publisher : Warner Bros. | Release date : 12 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 9.5 | Video : 8.5 | Audio : 9
WORK – At the height of the genius she celebrates (the composer Mozart) and the drama she exposes (her Shakespearean rivalry with Salieri), this masterful film work (a virtuoso narration, prodigious actors and a fascist artistic direction) inspired by Peter Shaffer's eponymous play (in the script), transcends the simple biopic (which she is not) by turning into a metaphysical and emotional reflection on talent, envy, glory and decay. 🎶
IMAGE – As faithful as possible to his vintage photograph (despite a subtly treated grain), this UHD HDR10 transfer from a recent 4K scan of the original negative 35 mm (rebuilt for the occasion since modified in 2002 for the DC) is a delight. The copy is perfectly cleaned, solid encoding, the softness of the enhanced frame and the rejuvenated colors (the wardrobe). More highlighted, the darkness benefits from better detached candle lights and much deeper blacks.
SON – Proposed in its 1984 first dubbing (Jean Topart, Patrick Poivey), the VF lossy does not have the transparency to listen to its HD conœur but remains sufficiently broad and playful at its level. Encapsulated in a DTS-HD MA 5.1 container, the original 5.0 mixing of the VO (no track dedicated to the LFE channel) is more flourished in its spatialization (see operatic passages) even though the front predominates. The musical momentum is dynamic, the activity surrounds subtle and the dialogues clear.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian – Season 3
Source France | Publisher : Disney | Release date : 26 February 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 9
WORK – Despite secondary narrative arches of no interest (but visited by surprise guests) and a sometimes uneven rhythm, this 3rd season still as technically sound of the peregrinations of Mando (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, continues to explore the vast extended universe of the Galaxy Star Wars with its captivating adventures (which hangs up cars with Postlogy), its seductive father-son dynamic and its impressive action (the reconquest of Mandalore).
IMAGE – Equipped with a Dolby Vision armor and a much more contrasting photograph than in the past (cf. S1 and S2), this UHD high bitrate transfer, resulting from a 4.5K digital capture (refined in 4K), massively improves Blu-ray and streaming versions. This results in a noticeable increase in detail, an increased richness of colours and an increased density of contrasts. In fact, the shadows are deeper and the lights are more naturally bright.
SON – If it is necessary to increase the volume in order to take full advantage of it, the VO Dolby Atmos is a track with a solid dynamic range, with dialogues firmly anchored on the power station, with a wide spatial dimension (the pyrotechnic effects and other environmental atmospheres abound at the back and in the heights), with massive low frequencies (unlike its diffusion on the Disney+) and to the score of a beautiful fidelity. Although well distributed, VF DD 5.1 lacks scope and accuracy.
The Warriors of Revelation
Source France | Publisher : Carlotta Films | Release date : 03 December 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
Japanese Dolby Atmos
Japanese DTS-HD MA 4.0
Japanese DTS-HD MA 1.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 8.5 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – Inspired by a Japanese SF novel, this Nimitz, back to hell in samurai is a hybrid and outrageous blockbuster designed by the Kadokawa and guided by the immense Sonny Chiba where, in an incredible logistical mismeasurement, battles with the exacerbated violence, cruel eroticism and comedy situation succeed each other in a background of historical lag. Surprisingly in his pop songs in total lag with the subject, this popular war film crosses the iron with warlike imposture.
IMAGE – Impressive despite a slight handling of the 35 mm grain, this 4K restoration (based on a scan of the original negative) of the integral assembly (139′), enhanced by a solid layer of Dolby Vision, unfolds unprecedented details until then (even in the softness of optical riggings), elegant enriched colours (from the blue sky to the green plains) and strong contrasts. Darkness increases in readability and bright reflections shine. A short censored plan is blurred.
SON – Opposing the powder blade, this soundtrack is available in 1.0 operating formats (light and front), 4.0 original (creuse and less spatialized) and Dolby Atmos modern. In an uproar, this 3D track, with its noisy verticality (the overflights of the helicopter, the fauna and flora, the rains of arrows) evokes the mixes of the 1990s where all the pottards were pushed to the fullest. Between a dynamic that wants to get rid of it and a very committed spatialization, it is very spectacular.
Megalopolis
Source France | Publisher The Covenant | Release date : 26 February 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.00
CSD | BT2 BT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
French Dolby Atmos
Subtitles
French
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – Au carrefour du chef-d’œuvre et du nanar, cette audacieuse et expérimentale épopée babylonienne à la décadence somme toute Romaine fricote avec la fable futuriste adepte de soap opera. Et devant cette fresque tissée aux visions fulgurantes proches de la rêverie, des personnages symboliques s’exprimant en langue théâtrale édifient un péplum postmoderne où, la puissance de l’art et les passions amoureuses font naître une humanité meilleure. Veni, vide et sentiendum !
IMAGE – Un transfert UHD SDR resplendissant au piqué chirurgical, à l’étalonnage flamboyant, aux contrastes hypnotiques (les ombres sont fouillées et les lumières distinguées) et à la compression impeccable. Limité par son encodage 8 bits, le Blu-ray ne restitue pas aussi bien la folle chatoyance de la colorimétrie (regardez les dorures). En 4K, la définition accrue permet aux textures de gagner en netteté, spécialement lors des gros plans. Ratio 1.43 IMAX (pour quelques scènes) non convié.
SON – Une VO DTS-HD MA 5.1 immersive (ambiances surround fournies) où la dynamique officie en présence du public (la boîte de nuit, les manifestations, le mariage) et sur la musique orchestrale d’Osvaldo Golijov. Favorisée, la VF Dolby Atmos (au doublage juste passable) jouit d’une verticalité qui vient ouvrir de nombreuses séquences et élever les voix intérieures de Cesar. Dans les deux cas, les dialogues sont clairs et le canal LFE punchy. Droit bloqué pour l’exploitation du mix 3D original.
Gladiator II
Source France | Publisher : Paramount Pictures | Release date : 13 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 10 | Audio : 10
WORK – S’il aurait gagné à se détacher de son glorieux aîné (qu’il rattache maladroitement à sa propre mythologie), ce remake déguisé à l’ossature narrative semblable abandonne l’émotion pour entrer dans l’arène politique. Plus froid et prompt à la surenchère (papy Scott sait manier le glaive), ce blockbuster viril dominé par un Denzel Washington impérial (Alonzo Harris en toge) s’apparente donc à un épisode de la série Succession avec des skins de péplum et de l’action bourrine. Feri !
IMAGE – From a digital capture in 4.5K under the wise gaze of John Mathieson (the Ops leader of Gladiator), this UHD Dolby Vision transfer differs significantly from its HD counterpart by details that are otherwise more precise (injury, leatherasses, embroidery, decorations), warm colors (in earthy tones) much brighter (primarily) and nuanced (sepia, gilding), deep blacks and naturally bolder light sources (torches, sun).
SON – Filled with ambiences (waves, crowd shouting, wind blowing) and belligerent effects (iron cruising, water collisions) on the back, this 3D soundtrack with engaged dynamics and muscular bass is as immersive as it is balanced (clarity of dialogues, prodigy of noise and fidelity of score). But where the VO uses verticality only for music, the VF uses it generously (grinces of wood, whispers arrows, screams of baboons, etc.).
Hardware
Source Australia | Publisher : Umbrella Entertainment | Release date : 05 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 8 | Audio : 8.5
WORK – Inspirée de la nouvelle graphique Shock parue dans l’hebdomadaire britannique 2000 A.D., cette science-fiction horrifique fauchée mais esthétiquement chiadée est une p’tite pelloche culte à l’univers cyberpunk crasseux (Judge Dredd n’est pas loin), aux SFX réussis (récompensés à Avoriaz), à l’ambiance glauque déglinguée, aux trouvailles visuelles étonnantes, à la distribution underground et aux débordements gores bienvenus. Une pépite du postmodernisme des 80’s.
IMAGE – Entre la noirceur profonde de l’espoir perdu, le filtre rouge de l’angoisse et la granularité des débris technologiques, ce festin visuel disloqué (difficile à reproduire à la maison) reluit comme jamais* avec ce transfert UHD HDR10. En comparaison du Blu-ray de 2009 (de Severin Films), la texture organique est plus fine, le niveau de précision accrue (l’affûtage numérique n’est plus), l’étalonnage des couleurs plus subtil, la pénombre plus menaçante et les éclairages plus véhéments.
* Alors que le remaster 4K de 2018 (le Blu-ray de Ronin Flix) n'exposait aucune saleté, la présente restauration 4K tirée du scan des négatifs originaux 35 mm est parsemée de taches blanches. Présentes sur l'OCN, ces minuscules égratignures laissées par la poussière lors du tournage (c'était courant avec les films à petit budget captés en argentique) ont été conservées par souci de fidélité à la source.
SON – Rythmée par une BO éclectique (d’une grande clarté) où Iggy Pop, Motörhead et Ministry cohabitent avec la synthwave de Blade Runner, cette piste sonore 5.1 bien équilibrée délivre des dialogues faciles à distinguer, une séparation droite-gauche large, des effets à l’intensité dynamique étonnante (dès que le robot passe à l’action) et une activité surround décente. Plus compact mais particulièrement stable, le mix 2.0 original est de fort bon acabit avec sa remarquable scène frontale.
Peur bleue (1999)
Source United Kingdom | Publisher : Arrow Films | Release date : 17 mars 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
English
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 8 | Video : 9 | Audio : 9
WORK – Avec une grosse louche d’action, une pointe d’horreur, une once de suspense et une pincée d’humour, ce survival catastrophe fun et sans complexe confronte ses personnages peu chanceux à un trio de requins affamés au sein d’un complexe en voie de destruction. Le rythme est tendu, les attaques en mettent plein la vue (malgré des CGI limites) et les protagonistes, même si archétypaux, sont sympathiques et interprétés par des comédiens talentueux. Allez hop… plongez !
IMAGE – Approuvée par le réal, cette restauration basée sur une numérisation 4K 16 bits du négatif original 35 mm est superbe. L’encodage ne cède pas sous la masse d’eau, les détails (pas toujours fermes quand les SFX inondent les lieux) sont resserrés, la structure granuleuse (épaisse çà et là) est mieux résolue, les couleurs affichent des teintes plus vives (les bleus et les oranges), l’obscurité est à présent bien noire et la haute luminance, plus brillante, est aussi plus nette (les reflets aqueux).
SON – Des pistes sonores dynamiques et pleines de mordant côté graves et surrounds. Plus chargé en infra-grave (les explosions) et ouvrant le champ acoustique, le remix Atmos (de chez Deluxe Audio) se déchaîne dans les hauteurs (la tempête, l’inondation des couloirs, la pression de l’eau). Contrairement à la moins tonitruante bande-son 5.1, déferlement d’effets « en bulle » oblige, la musique (qui se coupe anormalement une minute avant la fin du générique) s’y noie un peu.
La Tulipe noire
Source France | Éditeurs : Seven7 and the image workshop | Release date : 13 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.25
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
French DTS-HD MA 5.0
French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 8 | Audio : 8
WORK – Taillé sur mesure pour Alain Delon (The Samurai), ce film de cape et d’épée dans lequel il incarne deux rôles s’inspire du roman d’Alexandre Dumas pour livrer un récit chevaleresque plein de panache et de noblesse qui célèbre les idéaux de liberté et de courage non sans un humour raffiné. Les cascades sont remarquablement réglées, le rythme soutenu, la mise en scène élégamment orchestrée, les péripéties palpitantes, les dialogues notablement ciselés et le casting séduisant.
IMAGE – Venant ennoblir la restauration 4K (issue du négatif image original 65 mm à 5 perforations) proposée sur le Blu-ray de 2018, ce transfert UHD Dolby Vision stimule l’affichage du grain, le niveau de détails (une captation en Superpanorama 70), la pétillance des couleurs (les ciels bleus, le salon rouge de la marquise, les prairies vertes) et l’allant des contrastes (cf. la lumière du jour). Malgré l’emploi d’un filtrage automatique, de nombreuses rayures et autres taches perdurent sur le master.
SON – Résultantes du magnétique son français 6 pistes (cinq à l’avant et une à l’arrière) et de copies d’exploitation 70 mm, ces pistes sonores exemptes des ravages du temps (bruit de fond, distorsion, etc.) sont agréables à l’écoute. La dynamique a du panache, les dialogues sont restitués avec clarté et la musique est entraînante. Plus offensive que le mix 2.0, la piste 5.0 fait revivre les conditions d’exploitation avec une spatialisation discrète (la musique et de rares effets) où l’avant prédomine.
The Substance
Source France | Publisher : Metropolitan Video | Release date : 13 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
Encodage HEVC | DI 2K, 4K (TV show)
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
French
Rated 5 out of 5
Artistic : 9 | Video : 10 | Audio : 10
WORK – Alors que la quête de beauté éternelle mène au body horror qui tache, Coralie Fargeat vomit le strass du jeunisme hollywoodien. Et parvenant à « remplacer » les maîtres de l’horreur qu’elle convoque (Cronenberg en tête), c’est en Reine qu’elle s’impose dans un geyser de sang proprement cathartique. Monstrueuse et jouissive, cette fable noire féministe qui assume sa part comique accouche de fait d’un classique du genre où le duo Moore/Qualley crève l’écran. Waouh !!
IMAGE – Magnificent in its graphic outburst (pop colors, very disgusting close-ups, clinical interiors), this immaculate digital photograph that sticks to the skin provides an exceptional UHD Dolby Vision transfer. The details are more cruelly carved (cf. flesh rot), the more pimping colorimetric palette (an explosion of pastels and acidulated hues) and sharper contrasts (from the darkness of the hidden room to the vivid lighting of the TV tray).
SON – With an ever-increasing ferocity (from the frenzy of dynamics to the violence of effects), this DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack overflows with organic noises (the transformations of the bodies) and is full of activity at the back (where electro dissonant music screams with all its strength) spreads its rage towards the diktats of beauty in a particularly wide sound field addicted to the claimed bass. More powerful, the VF is equipped with a well-integrated careful dubbing.
Super Mario Bros. (1993)
Source Australia | Publisher : Umbrella Entertainment | Release date : 30 juin 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
CSD | BT2 BT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2 NT2
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 2.5 out of 5
Artistic : 4.5 | Video : 8 | Audio : 8.5
WORK – Première « adaptation » en live-action d’un jeu vidéo (qu’elle ne respecte en rien), cette inoubliable aventure sous champis à l’univers cyberpunk kitsch à souhait (Blade Runner atteint de mycose), aux situations grotesques et à l’interprétation en freestyle (un casting mythique composé de Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo et Dennis Hopper), s’est imposée avec les années comme LE nanar culte des 90’s. À sa façon, cette folle anomalie aura su marquer les esprits. Trust the Fungus !
IMAGE – Privée de HDR par le concédant (alors que les scènes coupées proposées en bonus en sont pourvues !), cette restauration 4K issue d’un scan des négatifs originaux 35 mm level up après le Blu-ray paru chez Pathé en 2023 (malgré l’usage d’un léger DNR absent du disque français). Les textures sont plus raffinées (même si les plans à SFX sont moins piqués), la palette colorimétrique plus agréable (bonjour carnation réaliste, adieu dérives rouges) et les contrastes bien ajustés.
SON – Immersive et dynamique, la piste 5.1 sonne bien avec des dialogues clairs, une activité arrière ludique (le portail interdimensionnel, l’agitation de Dinohattan, la course-poursuite à la Mad Max), des basses funky (l’explosion de la Bob-omb), une musique enjouée et des effets en pleine forme (l’énergie des armes à dé-évolution). D’une grande clarté, la bande-son 2.0 surround ne manque pas de pêche et use d’une bonne répartition (les rumeurs de la foule, la circulation routière).
Barbie (2023)
Source France | Publisher : Warner Bros. | Release date : 22 November 2023
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.00
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English Dolby Digital 5.1
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 3 of 5
Artistic : 5 | Video : 10 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – Si elle n’est pas en plastique (mise en scène libérée, DA luxueuse et casting cinq étoiles), cette satire pop à l’humour absurde, qui vient dynamiter l’image ringarde et controversée de sa poupée vedette pour en faire une icône féministe opposée au patriarcat, n’en reste pas moins un placement de produit géant (mal) camouflé sous une couche de paillettes roses*. Plus inclusives et donc plus rentables, nul doute que les poupées Barbie vont se (re)vendre comme des petits pains !
* Comprendre par là une redite flashy du millennial pink... Du post-féminisme qui reproduit les clichés sexistes pour mieux inviter les femmes à dépenser toujours plus pour (ré)affirmer leur identité féminine. En outre, son féminisme (consensuel) et son inclusivité (de surface) ne sont qu'une couche de vernis pour mieux vendre une poupée à l'image redorée (on appelle ça du femvertising). Abject !
IMAGE – Là où la poule aux œufs roses de Mattel marchande un « girl power » opportuniste et hétéronormatif, la photographie noyée dans une lumineuse dérision kitsch nous permet de voir la vie en rose de par un exceptionnel transfert UHD HDR10. Les détails fins affichent un piqué plus incisif (les fibres textiles, les décors factices de BarbieLand), les pastels et teintes fluorescentes sont plus saturés (la garde-robe Chanel), et les sources lumineuses gagnent en éclat (cf. la séquence disco).
SON – Animé par une bande originale acidulée, ce mixage Dolby Atmos extravagant (si ce n’est dans sa bien trop sage verticalité) nous fait vibrer à travers l’exploitation de sa scène arrière (très active lors des moments-clés) et la force inattendue de son canal LFE (délivrant des basses très profondes sur quelques passages musicaux). Les dialogues sont clairs, la dynamique guillerette et la répartition horizontale immersive (la foule à Venice Beach). VO et VF équivalentes. Doublage français réussi.
The Soul Eater
Source Germany | Publisher : Capelight Pictures | Release date : 17 octobre 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
French DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
German DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
English
German
Rated 2.5 out of 5
Artistic : 4 | Video : 9 | Audio : 8
WORK – D’après le roman d’Alexis Laipsker, ce polar poisseux sur fond de meurtres et de disparition d’enfants est aussi mal ficelé qu’archi-raté. Mise en scène télévisuelle, jeu d’acteur risible, incohérences à la pelle, situations grotesques, dialogues sans aucune crédibilité et invraisemblances procédurales viennent de fait polluer la scène de crime (glauque à souhait). Allumez plutôt votre TV pour retrouver la série policière à succès « Meurtres à… ». Un immense gâchis !
IMAGE – Donnant l’impression de regarder par une fenêtre ouverte sur les Vosges (surtout lors des plans extérieurs), ce transfert UHD Dolby Vision impressionne à de rares scènes près (aux contrastes un peu laiteux). Plus net que son homologue HD (même dans la pénombre), il placarde des détails à la précision grandie, une palette colorimétrique naturellement maussade affermie (la végétation, l’éclairage rouge), des sources lumineuses intensifiées et un niveau de noirs assez bien ajusté.
SON – Plutôt silencieuse (une zone rurale dépeuplée) et dévouée aux atmosphères inquiétantes (bien aidées par la partition cafardeuse d’Antoine Le Guern), cette bande-son encodée en DTS-HD MA 5.1 n’est en rien démonstrative mais colle bien à l’action (quasi-inexistante). Les surrounds qui distillent des ambiances lourdes se font remarquer lors de certains hors-champs, les dialogues sont parfaitement intelligibles, et la dynamique comme les basses officient au besoin (l’accident routier).
Red One
Source France | Publisher : Warner Bros. | Release date : 19 mars 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 3 of 5
Artistic : 6.5 | Video : 8 | Audio : 9
WORK – Quand la comédie d’action (saturée de CGI) doit faire équipe avec le conte de Noël (dégoulinant de bons sentiments), les Avengers du Pôle Nord s’en donnent à cœur joie (le délire est assumé à 100%) pour livrer le premier blockbuster du genre. Et si elle ne réinvente pas la roue, cette sucrerie (très bourrative) de saison à la mythologie généreuse et aux péripéties musclées est loin de sentir le sapin. Car au pays des lutins, le buddy movie sous stéroïdes (à la Hobbs & Shaw) divertit !
IMAGE – Bien plus sombre que la présentation 1080p SDR (plus lisible dans la pénombre malgré des noirs moins profonds) mais aussi paré de hautes luminances manifestement plus détaillées (l’aube), ce transfert UHD Dolby Vision à la propreté exemplaire gagne des points du côté de la finesse des textures (plus nettes) et de la reproduction des couleurs (moins ternes). Seulement voilà, charte esthétique oblige, la mollesse du piqué (beaucoup de SFX) et la platitude de l’étalonnage perdurent.
SON – Même si les arrières (le QG de Red, la salle de jeu de Krampus) et les canaux de hauteur (le blizzard, les survols en traîneau) sont peu audacieux, inutile d’enguirlander cette bande-son Dolby Atmos (réservée à la VO) qui assure la tournée. L’activité spatiale y est assidue (bien que classique), l’ampleur réjouissante (bonne gestion de la dynamique et basses puissantes), les dialogues d’une grande clarté et la partition (façon MCU) stimulante. Certes mal emballée, la VF lossy reste robuste.
Tops of support:
- The best 4K Blu-ray in support v.1, v.2
- The best 4K Blu-ray to test 3D sound v.1, v.2
- The best 4K Blu-ray 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Support flops:
The previous Bazar:
- Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, Volume 5, Volume 6, Volume 7, Volume 8, Volume 9, Volume 10, Volume 11, Volume 12, Volume 13, Volume 14, Volume 15, volume 16
Useful links:
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