4K Ultra HD – US Edition – Lionsgate Films – 137 min – 21 November 2017
Video format
• Intermediate Master: 2K
• Standard HDR: Dolby Vision
• Ratio: 2.39
Soundtrack
• English Dolby Atmos
English Dolby Digital 2.0
• French (Parisian) Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles
• English
It is brought to the attention of our dear readers as well as the viewing equipment specified and used by each tester of the MaG team, the rendering may differ from one installation to another, whether or not it is calibrated, as well as personal preferences and expectations may influence the rating. Moreover, the images in the article are not representative of the edition tested.
WORK – Extravagant Space Cruise
In the 28th century, Valerian and Laureline formed a team of space-time agents to maintain order in human territories. Mandated by the Minister of Defense, the duo is on a mission to the extraordinary intergalactic city Alpha, a constantly expanding metropolis where species from all over the world have converged over the centuries to share their knowledge, know-how and culture. A mystery is hidden in the heart of Alpha, a dark force that threatens the peaceful existence of the City of the Thousand Planets. Valerian and Laureline will have to start a race against the clock to identify the terrible threat and safeguard not only Alpha, but the future of the universe...
With the necessary adventure, humour and action, this successful adaptation of the famous eponymous sketch is an innovative and surprising science fiction blockbuster that fills the view. The staging is grandiose, the infantilo-amourous relationship between Valerian and Laureline (two very friendly heroes) is singular, the scenario is full of ideas, the baroque decorations are sumptuous, the costumes are hallucinating, the bestiary is abundant, the special effects are just stupendous and the action scenes are decoupling. An extraordinary entertainment!
IMAGE – Intergalactic postcards
Clarity at all times, exemplary definition, increased details (the patterns on military uniforms), infinite depth of field that extends even more than on the Blu-ray, sumptuous colors, sharper contrasts and better managed black (they are far too clear on HD transfer) are the components of this superb 4K Ultra HD.
And if we only need to talk about the benefits of WCG and HDR technologies, the shades that are richer saturated (multicolor clouds on Mül, the green uniforms of soldiers, the red curtains in Jolly The Pimp's pleasure, the translucent blue of Bubble) give a more realistic look to CGI, the whites are incredibly more intense, the light sources (not a plan without) that are much more radiant and sparkling (the butterflies) « neons » and Paradise Alley signs are the best example) keep dazzling the screen, and dark scenes that are better cut (blacks are deeper) deliver more legible details.
A little word now about the French UBD that lacks time (according to the studio) is not equipped with HDR. If the resolution does not naturally show any change, the American edition obviously imposes by technical K.O.; Coding Dolby Vision making all the difference between brightness and dimensionality of images. But vis-à-vis the Blu-ray, it must be recognized that the rendering is more dynamic with a slightly richer colorimetric palette. So in both cases, it is difficult not to take full eyes.
SOUND – A journey to the heart of a supernova!
A mix Dolby Atmos loud as necessary where atmospheres, effects and music go through all the speakers with the help of optimal spatialization. The voices are crystal clear, the sound details are ultra-numerous, the very rich surround activity (Valerian's chase in the City of the Thousand Planets), the memorable height effects (the fall of the ships on the planet Mül, the voice of the Intruder, the announcements at the Big Market, the passages of spacecraft, the debris of explosions, etc.) even if not overexploited and the deep bass.
La VF n’est pas aussi enveloppante mais reste engageante et fortement dynamique. En passant par le disque français, la VO reste inchangée alors que la VF passe au format Atmos. Et si les dialogues sont un peu trop mis en avant, elle fait jeu égal avec la VO.
CONCLUSION – Perdu dans l’espace ?
Même s’il peut diviser, le rêve d’enfant follement imaginatif de Luc Besson est une œuvre de SF techniquement ambitieuse à déguster sur la Lune, ou ailleurs, en Ultra HD Blu-ray puisque succulent pour les yeux et les oreilles !
Artistic note
8
Video quality
10
Audio quality
10
0
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