Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins 4K Ultra HD

"Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" traces the origins of the iconic G.I. Joe. After saving the life of an heir-apparent to an an ancient Japanese clan called the Arashikage. Storm Shadow (Andrew Koji) and Snake Eyes (Henry Golding) join the battle against the terrorist group Cobra. Pushing him to the limits, Snake Eyes will become the ultimate ninja warrior. But, when past secrets are revealed, his honor and allegiance will be tested—even if that means losing everything he has been fighting for. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes: "Morning Light: A Weapon With Stories To Tell" (HD 03:11), "Enter Snake Eyes" (HD 09:32), "A Deadly Ensemble" (HD 06:22) and "Arashikage" (HD 06:59); five deleted scenes (HD 02:07) and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed digitally in anamorphic Scope using the Arri Alexa Mini camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The setting in Japan and the architecture is magnificent. The urban scenes exhibit vivid colorful neon lighting, HDR contrast is good with deep black levels, revealing shadow delineation and natural white levels. Night scenes are revealing of shadow delineation. The night scenes with the bright-white motorcycle lights transversing is vivid. Clarity and sharpness is excellent. The candle scene around the Japanese palace is spectacular. The imagery is very cinematic. Production design and costume design are captivating and exhibit incredible detail. This is a very fine 4K Ultra HD presentation. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack features great atmospherics, sound effects and Foley. Surrounds are directionalized and comprised of a thunder and rainstorm, the clang of swords, the sound of hand-to-hand combat and realistic atmospherics and other sound effects. The motorcycle chase and car chase is spectacular with all manner of crashes, sword swipes and wreckages, and human carnage. Dialogue is at times a bit unintelligible but often spatially integrated. The music score is prominent but reserved as mostly a background sound element, though, with instances of prominence. The music spans the soundstage with extension to the surrounds.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of an extension of the music to the height layer, various atmospherics sounds, fighting ring shouting, inner mid dialogue, bath house ambient sounds, thunder and a rainstorm, an iron gate opening, torches wavering, a helicopter and other minor sounds. Far more could have been achieved, but the effect with the music carries the height layer experience.

This is an exciting holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that will thrill fans of the genre. (Gary Reber