Rampage 4K Ultra HD

"Rampage" tells the story of an unshakeable bond between an extraordinarily intelligent gorilla and a noteworthy primatologist. In 1993, a breakthrough new technology gave scientists a path to treat incurable diseases through genetic editing. In 2016, due to its potential for misuse, the U.S. Intelligence Community designated genetic editing a "Weapon of Mass Destruction and Proliferation." Dwayne Johnson stars as primatologist Davis Okoye, a man who keeps people at a distance but shares a bond with George, the incredibly rare silverback gorilla who has been in his care since he rescued the young orphan from poachers. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry mutates this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size.
To make matters worse, it's soon discovered there are other similarly altered animals. As these newly created super creatures tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams with discredited geneticist Kate Caldwell (Harris) to secure an antidote, fighting his way through an ever-changing battlefield, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend. (Gary Reber)

Special features include five feaurettes: "Not A Game Anymore" (HD 06:15), "Rampage: Actors In Action" (HD 10:45), "Trio Of Destruction" (HD 10:08), "Attack On Chicago" (HD 10:25), and "Bringing George To Life" (HD 11:53); seven deleted scenes (HD 10:12); a gag reel (HD 02:43); upfront previews; and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.40:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10/Dolby Vision picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa 65, Arri Alexa Mini, and Arri Alexa SXT camera systems and sourced from a 2K (not 4K) master Digital Intermediate format. As the 2K Digital Intermediate has been upconverted to 2160p, there is no real gain in native resolution. Picture quality is fantastic! HDR contrast is superb, exhibiting bright white levels and deep, solid blacks, with nuanced shadow delineation exhibited throughout. Such excellent contrast really enhances the sense of realism. Color fidelity is enhanced with a wide color gamut that reveals a wide spectrum of nuanced hues. The picture exhibits impressive naturalness. Hues are nicely saturated, with strong primaries that at times pop. Earth tones are naturally realistic with rich greens and browns. Fleshtones are perfectly natural throughout. Resolution is also superb, with fine detail revealed in every frame. Facial features, skin pores, hair, both human and gorilla, and beards are impressively defined. As well, clothing, object textures, and environment descriptors, such as black and white smoke, also are incredibly defined, Special effects are mesmerizing and well integrated with the real action. WOW! segments are numerous, such as from 00:13:04 to 00:14:09, 00:33:34 to 00:34:40, 00:43:28 to 00:49:10, 01:05:38 to 01:06:16, 01:21:22 to 01:23:10, 01:26:48 to 01:27:02, and 01:31:46 to 01:32:44. This is a dynamite visual experience that is exciting throughout with reference-quality imagery. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is a powerhouse of intense sonics and dynamics. Deep bass is fully energized, extending to sub-20 Hz frequencies, and encompasses the entire soundfield. The dynamic character is impressive and will challenge the performance capability of the very best home theatre systems. Andrew Lockington's orchestral score is effectively supportive with a complemental dynamic character. The music extends wide and deep across the soundstage and extends deep into the surrounds and into the height layer. Atmospherics enhance the realism with all manner of nuanced sonics. Foley also is well executed with realistic sonics. Sound effects fill the soundfield with powerful dynamics that energize the action scenes. Helicopters whiz overhead and are panned throughout the soundfield. Explosions are intense, as are machine gun and pistol fire. Throughout, dialogue is intelligible, with effective spatial integration.

The Immersive Sound element is dominated by the orchestral score, as well as sound effects of all manner, with intense energy. The sound designers effectively used the height layer of the Dolby Atmos format. Sound effects include a voice warning, wreckage sounds, glass breakage, jungle sounds, gorilla sounds and roars, interior ambiances, vehicle sounds, explosions, interior reverberant dialogue, whirling helicopter blades, machine gun fire, a helicopter crash, crumbling rock, wind, wreckage sounds, a pushed-out helicopter door, building debris, and much, much more.

This is an extraordinary holosonic® spherical surround experience that is adrenaline inducing, with nonstop action and reference-quality sonics. (Gary Reber)