Predator, The 4K Ultra HD

The hunt has evolved––and so has the explosive action––in "The Predator," the next chapter in the series. Now, the most lethal hunters in the universe are stronger, smarter, and deadlier than ever before...and only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and an evolutionary biology professor can prevent the end of the human race. (Gary Reber)

Special features include four deleted scenes (HD 06:55); four featurettes: "A Touch Of Black" (HD 10:28), "Predator Evolution" (HD 20:11), "The Takedown Team" (HD 16:14) and "Predator Catch-Up (HD 09:07); a gallery; upfront previews; and a Movies Anywhere digital copy code.

The 2.39:1 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 Mini and XT 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. The picture is terrific, with visually exciting HDR contrast exhibited in numerous scenes. Intense bright lighting effects and accents excite the picture dynamics. In contrast, blacks are deep and solid and shadow delineation is excellent, especially during the night settings. HDR is really an eye grabber, with superb peak white brightness. The color palette is natural throughout with excellent saturation. Hues are robust with strong primaries. Red light accents are seen throughout. Fleshtones appear perfectly natural. Resolution also is excellent, with fine detail exhibited throughout, which enhances the realism and nuances in set pieces, such as the spacecraft and laboratories. Clothing, uniforms, bright white lab coats, facial features, hair beards, and all manner of object texture are nicely resolved. WOW! segments are from 21.14 to 23:14, 29:50 to 30:43, and 01:15:48 to 01:20:04.

This is a digitally shot picture with a satisfying color palette and excellent detail, all contributing to the dynamic visual experience that is sure to please fans of the series. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is excitingly dynamic and powerful with deep, articulated bass to, at times, sub-25 Hz surround energy that is intense and fully energies the four surround channels with powerful sound effects and ambiance clues. Sound effects are directionalized throughout with pans between channels and spot localizations. Gunfire and explosions, as well as spacecraft thunder, rip up the soundfield. Atmospherics also are effectively realistic as well as Foley sound effects. Henry Jackman's orchestral score is dynamic and expansive, completely filling the soundfield with strength and presence, and excellent fidelity to match. Dialogue throughout is intelligible and generally well integrated spatially.

The Immersive Sound element is dominated by Henry Jackman's terrific and powerful score and at levels to effectively energize the height layer. Sound effects also contribute effectively and include jungle bird and insect sounds, helicopter pans, alarm sirens, and a woman announcing "Level 2 Alert," jets flybys, the Predator running on a metal walkway, Predator sounds, a helicopter landing, gurgling sounds, more helicopter pans, a flair launch, alien sounds, disturbance in trees, jungle birds and insects, and other infrequent sound effects. Still, development of numerous soundscapes are ignored as in all Immersive Sound productions thus far.

This is a strong holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that really delivers an exciting dimensional experience. (Gary Reber)