4K Ultra HD – Edition EN – 20th Century Studios – 156 min – 15 April 2022
Video format
• Intermediate Master: 4K
• Standard HDR: HDR10
• Ratio: 2.39
Soundtrack
• English Dolby Atmos
• English Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Subtitles
• English
• French
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 – The cursed lovers of New York
In the 1950s, two youth gangs clashed for control of a poor Upper West Side neighbourhood in full gentrification. There are on one side Puerto Rican Sharks immigrants, led by Bernardo and on the other the Americans of the Jets, with Riff at their head. Recently released from prison, Tony, linked to Jets, is fed up with this daily violence. He prefers to work in Valentina's shop, Doc's widow. One day, on a dance evening in high school, Tony falls under the charm of María, Bernardo's sister. However, because of their membership in these opposite bands, it is an impossible love.
Respectful of the original material (the essence of the work, Leonard Bernstein's scores and Stephen Sondheim's words have been preserved) while being in tune with the torments of modern society (racism, poverty, social exclusion, misogyny, violence against women), this new adaptation of West Side Story, Broadway's famous musical, is a flamboyant fresco where the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, transposed in Manhattan, is rhythmized by a virtuoso staging, carried by young brilliant artists and communicative romantic breath. Already a classic?
IMAGE – The new America?
Captured in 35 mm anamorphic (lens flare there is) by the chef op « period » is superb) find in this transfer UHD HDR10 a box of choice so that the atmosphere of the 50s fully breathes.
Stacked with details and textures at the four corners of the wide frame that the top resolution refines (faces, costumes and decors), they display excellent depth of field (sometimes 3D way) and a silveric texture as discreet as homogenous (not always the case on the Blu-ray).
Unsaturated colours (even dull in the neighborhood due to its ruined buildings) « Spotted » bright shades (clothing fabrics) that enriched WCG technology (tones are warmer and primary ones come out better); As the blues, less artificial, and the reds, more energetic), they deploy thanks to the HDR more realistic contrasts (cf. the best definition of the shadows in the salt shed) and light sources (very theatrical) otherwise more pimping (the neon signs, the lighting of the ball in the school gym).
SON – We know the music!
While the dynamics lack some verva, this Dolby Atmos soundtrack, once the volume is increased (more than usual), remains nonetheless rather impressive and especially very immersive.
The dialogues are clear (those in Spanish, deliberately unsubtitled, reflect the invisible barrier that separates communities), music is particularly well highlighted, effects such as atmospheres (the background noises of urban neighborhoods) are broadcast on all channels (with some high voices, birds, dancing characters, demolition balls and passing) with a special mention about the surround activity, and bass are felt as soon as requested (especially during songs).
A more powerful hair, the VF generates a good distribution of sounds despite less dexterity. And neatly, the dubbing is cleverly integrated with the rest of the mixing.
CONCLUSION – The Resurrected Legend
Sixty years after the release of the mythical West Side Story, this passionate rereading beautifully performed by Steven Spielberg will make everyone's hearts vibrate in 4K Ultra HD!
Artistic note
8.5
Video quality
9.5
Audio quality
8.5
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