Beast

"Beast" is an epic adventure of this true fight for family in this "classic man-vs-nature story. The movie follows recently widowed father Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) who returns to South Africa with his two daughters Meredith (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Jeffries) to visit an old friend, Martin Battles (Sharlto Copey), on a game reserve. What begins as a journey of healing turns into a fearsome fight for survival as his family find themselves hunted by a massive, rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one ape predator. (Gary Reber)

Special features include six featurettes: "Creating The Beast" (HD 04:07), "Man vs. Lion: The Final Battle" (HD 02:57), "Making It Real: The Wounds" (HD 04:10), "Filming In The Beast's Territory" (HD 05:03), "Family Bond: The Cast Of The Beast" (HD 06:05) and "A Lion's Pride" (HD 07:42); a deleted scene (HD 0:47); upfront preview and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa 65 and Arri Alexa Mini LF camera systems and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is excellent with s naturally saturated color palette, Colors are warm and rich. Earth tones dominant, as the setting is an African reserve. Flesh tones are naturally rendered. Contrast is well balanced throughout with natural black levels and revealing shadow delineation, White levels exhibit natural illumination, Resolution is excellent with fine detail exhibited in facial features, clothing and object textures. This is descriptive of a terrifying experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic with lots of atmospherics delivered by the wildlife in the African wild environment. The ferocious sounds of the rogue lion's roar and growls is powerful. Sound effects are gun shots that sound realistic and the mayhem of the lion's attacks. Dialogue is intelligible throughout though often ADR produced and wanting in spatial integration. The orchestral score is expansive with a wide and deep soundstage that aggressively extends to the surrounds. Deep bass is a component of the music. The entire soundstage is enveloping with all channels constantly active. Surround energy is at times intense. This is an intense-building holosonic® soundtrack that is adrenaline inducing. (Gary Reber)