The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent 4K Ultra HD

In "The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent," Nicholas Cage plays Nick Cage who is creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin. The fictionalized version of Cage accepts a million-dollar offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan (Pero Pascal). Things take an unexpected turn when Cage is recruited by a CIA operative (Tiffany Haddish) and he must use his legendary acting skills, channeling his most iconic and beloved characters to become a real-life action hero. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary by Writer-Director Tom Gormican and Writer-Executive Producer Kevin Etten; two deleted scenes (HD 04:53); seven featurettes: "The Mind" (HD 06:38), "Glimmers Of A Bygone Cage" (HD 04:48), "Everybody Needs A Javi" (HD 04:21), "Nick, NIcky, And Sergio" (HD 04:33), "Second Act Action" (HD 06:41), "Cages 5 And Up" (HD ) and "SXSW Film Festival Q&A" (HD 15:48) and a digital 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 LFm Arri Alexa Mini LF and Panavision camera systems and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is superb with a beautifully vivic color palette that exhibits rich and warm hues. Colors are nicely saturated yet natural in appearance. Hue variations are finely displayed and enhance he realism. The seaside settings exhibit earthly tones that are perfectly realistic, as well as the gorgeous teal waters. Flesh tones are natural throughout. HDR contrast is excellent with natural black levels, revealing shadows, and natural lighting and highlights. Resolution is superb and exhibits fine textural detail throughout. Facial features are explicit in detail and exhibit fine skin pores, lines, hair and beards, This is a terrifically beautiful picture that is reference quality. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack delivers excellent fidelity. The dynamics are excellent. Bass response is superb and natural sounding. Atmospherics sound natural as well as sound effects. The numerous settings and production designs are supported with realistic audio. Things become increasings energized once a kidnapping plot enters the picture. Mark Isham's orchestral score is dynamic with a wide soundstage that extends to envelop the surround field. Dialogue is intelligible and nicely recorded with generally good spatial integration.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of infrequent extremely short music segments which become more prominent in the ending scenes, spotty atmospherics, din and a segment of background wind. So much more could have been achieved that would have created a far more satisfying height layer.

This is a satisfying holosonic® soundtrack with some standout sequences. (Gary Reber)