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 4K) : Sony Bravia XR-65A95L
Universal reader : Oppo UDP-203 Audiocom Reference
Multimedia player : R_volution PlayerPro 8K Signature Edition
Pregnant (7.1.4): Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus, 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
Paddington
Source United Kingdom | Publisher : Studiocanal | Release date : 17 February 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 2K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
English
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 8 | Video : 8.5 | Audio : 9
WORK – As sweet as a well-filled pot of marmalade, this film adaptation of the cult work of British author Michael Bond is an ode to kindness and empathy, where the adorable little Peruvian bear in duffle-coat instantly steals the hearts of spectators. A perfect mix of humour, tenderness and adventure, with hilarious and touching situations, which delivers not without contagious optimism a concentrate of happiness for all ages. Rooaar!!!
IMAGE – Newly groomed in UHD DV, this visual hug of every moment improves the (very good) rendering of the previous Blu-ray. The binary flow is particularly high there (sounding regularly above 80 Mbps), the somewhat refined details (see Paddington hairs), the colorimetric palette to the adventurous primary (green jungle) much warmer and the strong contrasts (denser blacks and brighter whites). There's still a little bit of a poop.
SON – Extremely active (in the surrounds and heights) when the burlesque awkwardness of the bear in action (the chaos in the bathroom, the hunting of the wallet), this unique Dolby Atmos mix is charming. Urban environments are alive, the original tape is very light and the dialogues, absurdo-candid, are of great clarity. If not during the earthquake in Peru, the bass have nothing left to put under the red hat.
Elizabeth Campbell's Dishonor
Source United States | Publisher : Kino Lorber | Release date : 18 March 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 2.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 9 | Audio : 8
WORK – As he explores the shadow zones of the great mute as part of a (wronging) investigation into a scabrous murder, this military polar impulsive by John Travolta and Madeleine Stowe gradually reveals disturbing truths about power, loyalty and buried trauma. And inviting a reflection on the notions of justice and integrity within the army, this testimony (a little sluggish) on the weight of secrets and the cost of truth hangs.
IMAGE – Made from an original 35 mm negative scan, this 4K Dolby Vision calibrated restoration is excellent. The master is devoid of any dirt, the silver texture displays with a new finesse, the details show greater clarity, the colorimetric palette shows more bold hues and the contrasts enjoy a significant improvement. Blacks thus gain in depth and light sources in radiation (external headlamps).
SON – Unbalanced in its design (the rear scene is overexploited and the music, far too prominent, chokes many noises), this soundtrack encoded in DTS-HD MA 5.1 still remains faithful to the original mixing. The voices are clear, the solemn score is (too) large, the atmospheres fill the space well and the LFE channel comes in reinforcement if the need makes it felt (explosions, passages of helicopters). Activate a virtualization DSP, it's an order!
Confidential Informing
Source Germany | Publisher : Plaion Pictures | Release date 23 November 2023
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.40
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
German DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
German
Rate 2 of 5
Artistic : 3 | Video : 8 | Audio : 8
WORK – Taking place in the 1990s (but without the means to make it believe), this serious police melodrama is murdered by its horrible value of production. One Narc from the poor to the clumsy performance, where the ostentatious staging, the uninspired script, the drowsy actors (including a passing Mel Gibson), the disorienting montage and the impotuted action scenes are fatal to him. This is a shame because the themes he addresses are engaging.
IMAGE – With its false 16 mm texture (unmeasured after production), its traficated colors from everywhere (a green pea filter here, yellow urine there) and its floating aesthetic (very soft textures), this photograph is just repulsive. Nevertheless, this UHD HDR10 transfer is repairing the brows of its HD partner. The digital noise is more contained, the details less blurred and the range of contrasts strengthened. Even brighter tints and lights (cheaps).
SON – Despite a limited sound design (environmental atmospheres are rare), this rather immersive DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack makes rather good use of its urban playlist (as wide as enveloping) and delivers its dialogues (machists). The basses are heavy, the shots are striking and the spatialisation is very well off (the activity around is there) if the budget limits allow (when the weapons are mostly out). That's coffee!
Nosferatu (2024)
Source France | Publisher : Universal Pictures | Release date : 07 May 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.66
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 9 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 10
WORK – Passionately embracing darkness and introducing in broad daylight the repressed sexual desires of women (represented by the very invested Lily-Rose Depp), this modern rereading of the myth signed Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman) is a stubborn gothic nightmare about the horror that, in the wake of contemporary feminist struggles, consents to attack male oppression with unfeigned ardour. Finally new blood!
IMAGE – Captured in 35 mm using vintage optics, Jarin Blaschke's sumptuous exsangue photography is even more disturbing in UHD Dolby Vision. A soft, (more threatening) shaded winter bite allowing for small enjoyments of natural light (flame with enhanced acuity), where fine details spread with excess precision and the unsaturated colorimetric palette allows for an additional strand of heat. A touch of color banding in the hostel.
SON – Charnal and sensory (the breaths of Orlok, the snowfall), the VO Dolby Atmos strikes as much by its subtlety (environmental atmospheres) as by its sound intensity (see the arrival of the carriage). Spatialization (including voice placement) raises concern about the presence of evil, the bass are visceral and the verticality is loose at key moments (The Last Trip of the Demeter). Well distributed and fairly large, the VF is nothing sterile. Successful dubbing.
Farang
Source Germany | Publisher : Plaion Pictures | Release date 31 October 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
French DTS-HD MA 5.1
German DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
German
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 8 | Video : 10 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – If she does not reinvent the powder with her revenge all quite agreed and its well-known themes, this series B degreased up to the bone hurts as soon as the strong and visceral baton comes along with the descent to the underworld of a Nassim Lyes physically invested. Not without mentioning the HK polar of the 80s-90s, Xavier Gens' feature film (Under the Seine), in full possession of its means, imposed by KO as the uppercut of action of cinema FR.
IMAGE – Going head down in a flood of violence, these already hot Blu-ray reprisals explode in the face in 4K Ultra HD! Without the slightest sweep, this UHD DV transfer to the just fantastic precision delivers fine details to the increased edge (drops of sweat, wounds), a more striking range of contrasts to densified blacks (the closed house) and toned whites (the clouds), and divinely saturated colors (the blood red) to the increased fishing (the urban neons).
SON – A lively dynamism (when violence is unleashed) and a significant development (we are at the heart of the baston with effects emanating from all sides), this multichannel soundtrack willingly bourrine castagna strong in Thailand. The dialogues are clear and distinct, systematic spatialization (environmental atmospheres do you want to see), Jean-Pierre Taïeb's score very wide and painful bass (the blows feel physically).
Beast Day
Source France | Publisher : Extralucid Films | Release date : 29 November 2021
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
Spanish DTS-HD MA 5.1
Spanish DTS-HD MA 2.0
French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 3 of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 7.5 | Audio : 7.5
WORK – In a glaucous and unsanitary Madrid populated by sinners, while a malignant priest in the name of good, a metallous beauf adept of drugs and a megalo television charlatan have an appointment with Satan, Álex de la Iglesia (Mutating action, Perdita Durango) makes a joyous foot of the nose to the Catholic Church (an enthusiastic transgression of beliefs) by communicating with a demonic delirium where the absurd and the slapstick do not get prayed. WTF, this black prank is to worship!
IMAGE – This UHD HDR10 transfer, which comes from a scan of the original 35 mm negatives, leaves its soutane in the locker room to reveal in a new light (increased level of detail, sharper shadows, expanded colorimetric palette, more authentic light sources and assaine silver texture) the glauque neon and peasy corners of the « Villa y Corte ». Problem, the compositing of many plans (Finalized in PAL video) stings eyes like never before.
SON – Despite a fluctuating immersion (the rear scene suffers from a bipolar disorder) and some somewhat deaf noises (such as gunshots), the VO 5.1 is more spacious and dynamic than its consoeurs 2.0 (the final on The gateway to Europe). In all cases, the dialogues are clearly exuded by the power station (French dubbing is cultivating) and the music of Battista Lena (between liturgical masses and guitar riffs) is particularly well sent. Ready to deal with the beast?
Happy Together
Source France | Publisher : The Jokers | Release date : 18 December 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
Cantonese DTS-HD MA 5.1
French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 3 of 5
Artistic : 8 | Video : 5 | Audio : 9
WORK – In the meanderings of a love passion (loves Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung) imbued with sweet bitter melancholy, Wong Kar-wai (As Tears Go By, Our wild years, In the Mood for Love) weaves a fresco as poetic as it is visceral, mixing memories, where love and pain dance on the unstable thread of the razor. An invitation to feel, to reflect, to love and to cry, which depicts the beauty and fragility of human love with a tearing honesty.
IMAGE – Disputable revisionism (the green invites in the couple, the bright yellows slam the door of the apartment) and very risky management of the grain (which may collapse to flirt with a waxy appearance) tend to prove that there is water in the gas between this 4K restoration digitized from the original negative 35 mm (increased definition, improved contrasts) and the elusive initial photo of Christopher Doyle (which nevertheless continues to lurk in the instability of the flame).
SON – In VO 5.1, while the music deliciously nostalgic and wonderfully covering intensifies the intimacy of moments (to dialogues* Between the two protagonists, the exterior atmospheres (the falls of Iguazú, the road traffic, the spectators at the horse race) shake the apparent calm thanks to striking dynamics and enveloping effects. Although less authentic (dubbing) and deep (low), the VF 2.0 remains well balanced.
* During a fire in 2019, part of the original negative was damaged. If Immagine Ritrovata achieved the restoration of many elements, some fragments had to be recovered from an anterior scan (no notable difference to the image). However, the sound of the impacted reels could not be preserved. In fact, some Lai Yiu-fai monologues have been shortened by force.
The Solitaire (1981)
Source United States | Publisher : Criterion | Release date : 11 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 9 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 9
WORK – The coup d'assay, master of this founding work of Michael Mann's cinema (Heat, Collateral) where the torments of masculinity, imbued with melancholy and fatalism, are projected into a stylized neo-black illuminated by the solitude of a James Caan (The Godfather, Rollerball) at its best. An incredible formal mastery, this brutal urban fable greatly influenced the Drive NWR does not forget, however, the emotion that touches at every moment.
IMAGE – Operated on HD media in 2014, this 4K restoration (from a scan of the 35 mm negative and from a 35 mm internegative – the fisherman's scene – with the original 35 mm copy of the DC as colour reference) supervised and approved by « Super-Mann » is maximized in UHD DV. The silver texture is finer, the details are better defined, the metal colorimetry is bolder (blues), the neons and other reflections on the more vibrant wet ground, and the urban night more suitable.
SON – Remastered in 5.0 (in a 5.1 container) from its magnetic tape 4 tracks 35 mm, the original Dolby Stereo (4.0 so) sounds admirably well. A limited rear scene, but a wide frontal directivity (nocturnal atmospheres) for a metronome track where the hypnotic score of Tangerine Dream (to crystal fidelity) gives the la the dialogues (limpids) and the effects (road traffic), mixed to match the tone of the music.
The Bread of Evil
Source France | Publisher : BQHL Editions | Release date : 21 November 2023
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 2.0
French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 10 | Video : 9 | Audio : 9
WORK – At the top of its virtuosity (a legendary plan-sequence from the first minutes) and its baroque demeasurement, Orson Welles (Trial) delivers an American nightmare where authoritarianism (the corrupt inspector) and freedom (the cop of the stups right in his boots) fight in duel (two actors excepting the incredible presence) during a superb twilight black film on the decomposition of the Great West. A poisonous masterpiece with undeniable modernity.
IMAGE – Available in a 1.85-scale format, this 4K restoration (reserved for the cinema version) with the unexpected cleanliness and silver texture of a beautiful finesse (a 35 mm capture) transcends the brilliance of its N&B. The contours are more carved (backgrounds) and the contrasts are better maintained (deeper blacks, enriched greys and luxuriant whites). As a result, threatening shadows are more detailed and malicious lighting more sliced.
SON – Two monophonic soundtracks with remarkable clarity (dialogues, atmospheres) and without any instability (no breath or saturation or distortion). The dynamics of urban sounds and the jazz score (signed Blake Edwards) amazes, as does the balance and consistency of mixing. Even if dated, the effects continue to impress. A little less extensive and precise, the VF closes the survey without success. Well integrated original dubbing.
Chromosoma 3
Source United Kingdom | Publisher : Second Sight | Release date 31 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English LPCM 1.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 9 | Audio : 8
WORK – While therapy literally takes shape when the emotional wounds buried physically manifest, Dr. Cronenberg (eXistenZ, Spider, Crimes of the Future) exults the malaise of family trauma. And born by Samantha Eggar, the incarnation of nightmare motherhood, this pure manifestation of black anger (strictly first degree) shouts his despair, both moral and physical, with rare brutality. Here, rage takes shape.
IMAGE – Approved by the director, this new 4K restoration is absolutely fantastic. The details are much more refined than in the past (hair, textile fibres), the silver patina is more finely preserved, the colors now warmer (the carnation is more natural) display avid primaries (children's downcoats), and the management of contrasts is more harmonious with its deep darkness and extended light sources.
SON – Free of breath or background noise, this monophonic soundtrack capitulated with clarity is certainly limited by nature (a unique channel not doubled) but does not deliver in pain. The dialogues are not subject to similiance, the dissonant score of Howard Shore is well restored and no sound is pinched (while remaining rather brilliant). As of course, the dynamics are limited and the low frequencies are not part of the patients in the clinic.
The Wage of Fear (1953)
Source France | Publisher : Seven7 and the image workshop | Release date : 11 April 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.37
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
French
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 10 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 7.5
WORK – Fuelling with anxiety and anti-capitalism, this explosive masterpiece that runs towards the depths of the human condition (where every moment is a struggle against oneself) turns its dangerous journey into a truck (mined by many obstacles) into a frightful odyssey of four men (formidable Yves Montand and Charles Vanel) at the edge of the abyss. And carrying Clouzot's manic genius, this unbeatable classic of French cinema sucks the tragedy.
IMAGE – Restored in 4K from the negative nitrate image under the supervision of the chef opThe Artist), this UHD Dolby Vision presentation goes further than Blu-ray (published in 2017 and from the same master's degree). The 35 mm grain is healthier, textures become sharper (brush, rocks), the N&B regains its neutrality (the slight chromatic drift is no longer), contrasts are enriched and compression is no longer perfectable. Optical rigging below.
SON – A result of the digitization (a 1K video scan) of the optical track of the sound countertype, this multilingual soundtrack (French, English, Italian and Spanish) DTS-HD MA dual mono creates a real listening comfort (an exemplary cleaning) despite some dialogues (again) a little deaf and a slight distortion of the strongest musical notes. On the horizon, no breath or saturation. Throughout the path, roundness, precision and well-overhauled effects. No stridence.
Born on 4 July
Source France | Publisher : The image workshop | Release date : 15 April 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 : 8.5 | Video : 9 | Audio : 9
WORK – Deeply marked by his anti-militarist message where Kovic's paralysis, embodied by a inhabited Tom Cruise (M:I, Top Gun), symbolizes not only the physical injuries inflicted on the soldiers, but also the immobility and impotence in which society leaves its veterans, this portrait (from the autobiography of its pacifist activist and filmed at the height of his « hero ») still current in Puritan America, is a peace hymn that demands accounts. Climbing.
IMAGE – Resulting from a new 4K restoration (from the original negative) supervised and approved by the director, this UHD Dolby Vision transfer with solid encoding (dust on the battlefield) stands out from the previous Blu-ray on the cleanliness of the master, the finesse of the silver grain (from 35 and 16 mm sources), the precision of the details, the purification of the colorimetric (magenta drift has disappeared) and the management of contrasts. More balanced blacks and more frank whites.
SON – Supported by committed verticality (Vietnam War, post-traumatic stress), the VO Dolby Atmos is the winner of the conflict. The rear spatialisation is supported (fires, demonstrators), the voices are clear and the dynamic range expresses the extent of his anger. Based on the 6 track stereo track recorded for 70 mm copies, VO 5.1 honours with robust original mixing. By a (very good) dubbing a little prominent, VF 5.1 is less homogeneous.
Willy's Wonderland
Source United States | Publisher : Shout Factory | Release date : 13 February 2024
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.38
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 2K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 6 | Video : 8 | Audio : 8
WORK – Much more entertaining than the loving suspense Five Nights at Freddy, this decomplexed B series where Nicolas Cage (Volt/Face, Lord of War), which says no word but gives of his person, turns a cleaning chore into a ballet fight WTF against « Casimir » badly licked, is particularly fun despite some redundancy. The approach remains sincere, however, and the staging, inspired by Sam RaimiEvil Dead, joyfully tarabiscoted.
IMAGE – A visual delirium with cartoonesque colours and circus lighting that takes full advantage of WCG technologies (primary are brighter) and Dolby Vision HDR (light sources are brighter). The improvement of details (the fur of the animatronics) and the gain of compression (the color banding has made the trunk) are also part of the game. Variation of blacks (sometimes bluish) and heterogeneity of the carnation appear to be inherent in the source.
SON – Acoustic burlesque that amuses to accentuate the musical score as well as the least effect (see opening of the cans), for a multichannel track lossless to the appropriate depth and engaging immersion (even if the atmospheres do not enjoy the establishment). Despite the fact that some voices have a somewhat metallic rendering (especially inside the sheriff's vehicle), the dialogues are clear. Because of its limited budget, this soundtrack is on the tab.
Shanghai Blues
Source France | Publisher : Spectrum Films | Release date : 28 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
Mandarin & Shanghai DTS-HD MA 2.0
Cantonese DTS-HD MA 2.0
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
French
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 9 | Video : 9 | Audio : 5
WORK – An attractive boulevard comedy that, in a city (the Pearl of the East) of broken dreams and renewed hopes, skillfully blends romanticism and social satire with as much lightness as depth. A true visual feast, this mix of genres illustrates the nuances of love, friendship and sacrifice through the full dynamic of its irresistible trio (Kenny Bee, Sally Yeh, Sylvia Chang). Hivering and moving, this tribute to the musicals of the 40s won the membership.
The humorous scene in which Tung grimmed his face in black (for the advertising of a toothpaste brand) was removed. Unlike the 2024 version where the dialogues were modified, the 1984 version retains the reference to this passage. The remaining plan (the appearance of the character in the street below) used a digital retouch (his face is now white).
IMAGE – Resulting from a new 4K restoration (from the original negative supervised by Tsui Hark and Nansun Shi, in collaboration with Immagine Ritrovata) initiated on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the company Film Workshop, this UHD Dolby Vision transfer is adorned with its most beautiful... Aging on DVD HK Video. Remanufactured nick, 35 mm more organic grain, adjusted colorimetry (hotter and adorned with yellow hues) and raised contrasts have actually placed their suitcases in Shanghai.
SON – In 2.0 surround, the soundtrack remixed by One Cool Sound presents a recent multilingual dubbing that is closer to the social mix present in Hù shàng. On the programme, the (too) generous opening of the soundscape (the enchanting music, the lively streets) at the price of a constant sharp whistle. More authentic, the VO dual mono is more pleasant despite sizzling voices. Very enclosed, VF 5.1 (spacedgently) forces the volume to grow.
Scanners
Source United Kingdom | Publisher : Second Sight | Release date 31 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
English LPCM 1.0
Subtitles
English
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 8 | Audio : 7.5
WORK – Bizarre, disturbing, fascinating... this horrific science-fiction that connects a mind to bodies gives the strange feeling that our thoughts are being monitored. And inspired by a health scandal in Canada, this man-hunting « superheroic » Unequal pace and hasty production (the paranoid thriller of the poor), anxiety over the use of information technologies by nation states (the Watergate scandal has gone through this). A certain cult.
IMAGE – Approved by David Cronenberg, this 4K restoration improves the raw aesthetics of photography. The leap forward in terms of definition is important (make-up, textile fibres, electrical circuits), the earthy palette sees its primaries stand out (green and red), the granular structure gains in finesse and the contrasts, expanded, highlight the details of the darkness and the luxuriance of light sources. Damage continues.
SON – Coming to expand the sound scene, the VO DTS-HD MA 5.1 shows a robust dynamic while delivering crystalline dialogues, many back effects and decent bass. However, there are several moments when the electro-anxiety partition of Howard Shore overwhelms too much space. More natural and with great clarity, the (slightly thick) LPCM 1.0 track is well balanced. Less impetuous than her multichannel friend, she nevertheless projects very well.
Babygirl
Source United States | Publisher : A24 | Release date : 18 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.00
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
Subtitles
English
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 8 | Video : 10 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – Exploring without morality or judgment the meandering of female desire in an icy setting letting itself go to the burning desires of a clippesc staging, this troubling sensual thriller that never gives way to romance is an exciting introspection on power relations and inhibitions. Nicole Kidman dares to do everything (in an ambiguous register that he sits wonderfully) and the scenario imposes a bold female gauze on the stereotypes of the genre shaped in the 90s. An unexpected ass of heart.
IMAGE – Accredited by a post-prod-labelled silver texture, this exciting digital capture of the present UHD Dolby Vision transfer. The level of detail impresses (the shimmering bodies), the cold colors (blues, greens) and warm (reds, oranges) are superb, the range of contrasts radiates (shades worked, striking lights) and the encoding has no shameful defects to hide under the duvet (an average bitrate of 57 Mbps).
SON – While the guttural sounds of Montreal composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer flirt with all the speakers, heavy breaths reach orgasm using fervently the back. And stimulated by a feverish dynamic that does not simulate, this soundtrack Dolby Atmos evocative to unbridled spatialization (office life, the club in boiling, urban agitation) and with clear voices (including groaning), enjoys basses fully expanded. It's the foot!
The Brutalist
Source United States | Publisher : A24 | Release date : 25 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.66
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
Subtitles
English
Rated 5 out of 5
Artistic : 9.5 | Video : 10 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – Sculpted in the concrete of destiny, this cinematic building, which boasts a visual power with relentless rigour and unfolds a narrative architecture with fascinating austerity, builds an ambitious drama around a Hungarian architect (Adrien Brody at the top of his art) whose scaffolding of soul has collapsed since the horror of the Shoah. And while greatness and decadence frame the construction of lives, Brady Corbet deconstructs the American dream.
The intermission (a welcome breathing integrated between two symmetrical acts) was shortened to 60 seconds for its video exploitation, lasting 15 minutes on film prints. This monumental fresco no longer lasts 215 minutes but 201 minutes. The introduction and epilogue, which are also vestiges of a unfortunately past era, remain intact.
IMAGE – Captured entirely with the VistaVision process and digitized in 6K, the 10-bit SDR image (a deliberate choice) in 1.66 format is carefully shaped with a 100GB triple-layer disk giving it access to a particularly healthy bit rate. The crudeistic aesthetic of the work finds an exemplary sharpness, sumptuous details, a perfectly solved grain and richly saturated tones. The dirt on the negative and the raised blacks result from an artistic will.
SON – Rhythmed by Daniel Blumberg's oscarized (and noiseist) score, where screaming woods, industrial percussions, popping brass and prepared piano notes fill the space, this soundtrack 5.1 delivers dialogues to the clarity never taken in default (when even the noises of construction sites rage) while subtly weaving immersive atmospheres such as crowd agitation and echo of the Carrara marble mountains. Low sagacious frequencies.
Wicked
Source France | Publisher : Universal Pictures | Release date : 09 April 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 8.5 | Video : 10 | Audio : 10
WORK – As magic floats in the air, this enchanting and 100% inclusive musical breaks the appearances (carried out by a fascist dictatorship) to reveal deep truths (in the wake of tolerance). A bold and visually magical revisit of the universe of Oz, where the strange becomes sublime and the complexity of friendship is exalted by stunning vocal performances. Beyond the rainbow, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine with a thousand lights.
IMAGE – Trapped by a Dolby Overlay Vision clearly magical, this witchcraft of all moments fully benefits from the support capabilities. The fineness of the details makes a leap forward, the shades with dazzling primaries are much more saturated, the darkness is much more graduated and the high luminances (with the sun as the main source of light) benefit from a much better crapping (cf. counter-days). Colour contrasts increase with time.
SON – In addition to an exemplary vertical location (the manifestations of Elphaba's powers, the flame of the hot-air balloon burner, flying monkeys and so much more), the VO Dolby Atmos with low gutturals and electrifying dynamics proclaims a grandiose mix (in controlled vacarm) in which the song strikes as much by its accuracy as by its power (the voice of sopranodari). Even if dominated, the VF remains refined in its translated songs.
Kraven the Hunter
Source France | Publisher : Sony Pictures | Release date : 23 April 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 : 4 | Video : 8 | Audio : 10
WORK – Lost in a badly exploited savannah, this CBM that tries to enrich the SSU (Venom, Morbius, Mrs Web) is an umpteenth generic blockbuster (and patched) where ch(i)asse prepared by yet talented J. C. Chandor is as boring (the action is mollassasonne) as heinous (the CGIs tuminate ugly peaks). And despite the impeccable abs of Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy), his Kraven spits in the face of comics fans. A damaged turnip.
IMAGE – While it surpasses its HD counterpart on absolutely all points, from a little more precise details (from finer textures) to slightly bolder colours (including gilding and soarings) to moderately enhanced contrasts (from more sustained blacks), this UHD Dolby Vision transfer can't cope with the extreme fadness of a dreadfully greyish photograph in which vivacity is lacking (it's dull) and the drop with SFX.
SON – If he misses his target visually, the Savanna Puncher is just aiming for hearing thanks to a highly spectacular VO Dolby Atmos. The voices are clear, the eruptive dynamics, the immersive atmospheres (a restless rear scene), the energetic music, the thundering effects, the physically imposing LFE channel (the herds of gnus) and the active verticality. More closely tightened, the VF remains no less extensive and certainly spatialized. Dubbing well integrated but caricatural.
Abigail (2024)
Source Germany | Publisher : Medien Turbine | Release date : 10 April 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
German Dolby Atmos
Subtitles
English
German
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7.5 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – As she dances on the old myth of the vampire, this horrific comedy that overflows with valves and hemoglobin is giving up on a neo-Gothic slaughter game good child where Melissa Barrera (Scream, Scream VI) and Dan Stevens (The Guest, Godzilla x Kong) have fun as little fools. In the same vein as their Wedding Nightmare, Tyler Gillett and Matt Betinelli-Olpin deliver a fun and generous forain trip in which Livid Plays his score at 2nd degree.
IMAGE – With its heat amber a browner canine (a certain advantage for the carnation), its contrasts still as marked but now more homogenous (a better managed shadow and well-marked artificial lighting), its even more surgical accuracy (a more pronounced relief of the background) and its refined encoding (a much less visible digital noise), this UHD DV transfer has more biting than its HD counterpart appeared at the end of 2024. Universal.
SON – Submerged by a grandiose spatialization (it springs from everywhere) where the surrounds give to heart joy and the high channels give the hen flesh, this soundtrack Dolby Atmos (limited to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 on the previous Blu-ray) really does not like restraint. The effects abound, the power officiates, the dialogues are perfectly exuded by the power station, the hybrid partition (between broad strings and dissonances d'afraid) has a wingspan and the bass hit strongly.
Vaiana 2
Source United States | Publisher : Disney | Release date : 18 March 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.00
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 2K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English (Quebec) Dolby Digital PLus 7.1
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 3.5 out of 5
Artistic : 6 | Video : 10 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – In the hollow of the wave, this autopilot boat finds neither the magic nor the emotional impact of the first film. A swell due to a lack of means and ambition, specific to its initial development (a series to Disney+), despite a new stunning animation and further exploration of Polynesian folklore. But on the waves, the journey is very little enlivened (where is the danger?) and the songs less memorable. A nice suite.
IMAGE – Taking advantage of much more extensive contrasts (from light sets to doubled intensity) and a much brighter colorimetric palette (even more fantastic primary), this UHD Dolby Sun vision transfer stands out strongly from its 1080p counterpart, lighter and less sharp in comparison. For beyond a very different radiance, it displays a horizon (most often blue) with improved precision (sand grains, currents, natural decorations, hair).
SON – If it is necessary to increase the volume (by 4 dB) to fully feel the storm, the VO Dolby Atmos sails in immersive waters. The dynamics hold the bar, the bass shake the ocean, the spatialization has the wind in stern, the environmental sounds splash everywhere (a flattering verticality) and the music follows the sea current. Well distributed in the sound space and quite powerful, however, the VF lacks scope and precision vis-à-vis its 3D consœur.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Source France | Publisher : Disney | Release date : 18 April 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 1.85
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
English Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Subtitles
English
French
Rated 4 out of 5
Artistic : 7 | Video : 10 | Audio : 9.5
WORK – More original than its predecessor of 2019 but far from the 1994 masterpiece, this photorealistic animation film rendered less National Geographic in his facial expressions (a real plus for the transmission of emotions) is a friendly return to the land of lions where the new Shakespearean drama that is being played serves to relate the genesis of a king (but also of a villain) on a background of inheritance and transmission. Despite a bad sense of humour, the sense of spectacle (family) is there.
IMAGE – Of all beauty, the African savannah (digital) comes to life in UHD DV with a visual majesty that Blu-ray cannot approach. The precision of the pique increases in acuity (the coats, the landscapes), the colours (arids or lush) benefit from an increased chromatic generosity (green meadows, water expanses, flower beds) and the range of contrasts is well extended (from night sky to snowy soils). Moderate light sources (solar rays).
SON – The VO Dolby Atmos has an excellent distribution of (environmental) effects, music and songs (engaging but forgotten). Dynamics are not lacking in strength, dialogues are always clear and the LFE channel reinforces the impact of key passages (inaugural flood). Constant surrounds and well exploited verticality (the thunder, underwater scenes). VF 7.1 very solid even if less round and sharp at the rear. Careful dubbing.
Star Wars: Ahsoka – Season 1
Source France | Publisher : Disney | Release date : 12 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 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 8 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 10
WORK – Directed by Rosario Dawson and created by Dave Filoni, Creative Manager of LucasFilm, this fifth season of Star Wars Rebels (yes yes) easily finds its place among the most prominent stars of the saga (under the era Disney) without achieving mastery ofAndor. A love letter to fans that gives breath and wealth (lore grows) to the universe Star Wars, while highlighting the importance of transmission and the weight of responsibility.
IMAGE – A clear surplus definition (everything is more textured than on Blu-ray and Disney+), less limited colours (laser sabres, orange shades during the youth of Ahsoka) even if still unsaturated (and sometimes monochrome), unfaulted compression (cf. the holding of fog during the Clones War) and more refined contrasts, where the increased depth of the blacks and the sharpness of light sources raise the mystical dimension of the « World between the Worlds ».
SON – Dignified of the best mixes of franchise (the sound designer of Postology), the VO Dolby Atmos edicts a quaint dynamic of concert to an exemplary negotiation of noises in the acoustic space (a constant immersion). The action is not vile in effect (they fume everywhere), the basses are thundering and bold music by Kevin Kiner is particularly wide. In a distant galaxy where aerial activity is no longer, the modest VF lossy cannot fight.
Heretic
Source United States | Publisher : A24 | Release date : 07 January 2025
Video format
2160p24 | Ratio 2.39
HDR10 | Dolby Vision | BT.2020
HEVC encoding | DI 4K
Soundtrack
English Dolby Atmos
Subtitles
English
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Artistic : 9 | Video : 9.5 | Audio : 10
WORK – Pushing the spectator to reflect on the faith and its implications, this theoretical closed camera far from the disincarnate horror fear, highlights the instrumentalization of religions by man. And while a deaf menace is already imposing on the mind (a model of tension), the sharp weapon of language (as an intellectual philosophy) serves a formidable mechanics where Hugh Grant (D&D: Honor of thieves, Wonka), with a carnal smile, preaches a psychological terror.
IMAGE – Highlighting the fear of taping in every corner of the den of the big bad wolf, the Malaysian photograph of Chung Chung-hoon (Old Boy, Last Night in Soho) depicts a theological version of the Little Red Riding Hood. The digital grain (perfectly encoded) is not a belief, the limited light sources draw frightening shadows (wonderfully defined) and the details are exposed with great care. Discreet but attractive colours.
SON – Exceptional (a 3D demo in subtlety), this Dolby Atmos mix that gives times made shows a wonderful sound design to leave us at the gates of hell. Immersion is filled with suspense (closing parts of which emanate disturbing noises) through destabilising surrounds (the out-of-field abounds) and endemic verticality (water infiltrations through the roof), and discussions with broken sticks (with moving voices) are divinely restored.
Sonic 3, the movie
Source France | Publisher : Paramount Pictures | Release date 25 April 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 | Video : 9 | Audio : 9
WORK – An explosion of fun and speed where Shadow adds themes deeper than in the past (from desires of revenge to self-knowledge), while Sonic remains the flash of humor and energy that he has always been. A third opus that climbs the slope after Fast & Furious suite, including the concentration of action (fractured) and the good dose of humour (Jim Carrey's bizarre interpretation) develop electrifying family entertainment despite a predictable intrigue at all points.
IMAGE – A luminous UHD Dolby Vision transfer (up to dark scenes, sometimes a bit flat) to the increased sharpness (the costumes and moustaches of the two Robotniks), to the strong colors (the furs of our alien heroes) and to the boldly raised contrasts (the emerald power). As for compression, it better follows the very high racing rate of the hedgehog of Sega. Well integrated, animated characters never drop the definition.
SON – Extremely dynamic and pulsed by Tom Holkenborg's staggered score (Alita: Battle Angel, Furiosa), the largely immersive VO Dolby Atmos delivers a moving spectacle (powerful basses, agitated aerial stratum and virevoltant effects) without doing in subtlety (environmental atmospheres are not of great richness). The VF Dolby Digital 5.1 is necessarily less open, but still quite efficient. Good volume level of dubbing.
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:
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