M3GAN

"M3GAN" is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a life-like doll programmed to be a chil's greatest companion and parent's greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma (Allison Williams) , M3GAN can listen and watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to. As Gemma faces pressure at work from her boss (Ronny Chieng) to deliver a finished version of M3GAN, she suddenly becomes the unprepared caretaker of her newly orphaned 8-year-old niece, Cady (Violet McGraw. Gemma decides to pair the M3GAN prototype with Cady in an attempt to resolve both problems –– a decision that will have unimaginable consequences, (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes "A New Vision Of Horror" (HD 05:51), "Bringing Life To M3GAN" (HD 05:22) and "Getting Hacked" (HD 03:45), and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 1080p picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa Mini LF camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture exhibits naturalness and clarity throughout. The color palette is warm and rich with strong primaries that at times pop. Flesh tones are perfectly natural. Contrast is realistic and dynamic with deep blacks, revealing shadows and natural white levels that are notably intense at times. Resolution is excellent with fine textural detail exhibited throughout. Facial feature resolution, including the doll's lifelike face and hair, exhibits realism. Clothing textures are detailed as well as textural features of interiors and exteriors. This is a wonderful looking picture. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1-channel soundtrack is dimensionally satisfying. Atmospherics are realistic sounding and often subtle. Sound effects excite the soundfield with quick transient response and bass support that can extend to effective low frequencies, especially in scenes depicting M3GAN's destructive energy. The orchestral score is dynamic with a wide and deep soundstage that expands to all four surround channels. Surround energy is nicely enveloping and dimensional. Fidelity is excellent, Dialogue is intelligible but quite unnaturally forward. This is a well-crafted holosonic® soundtrack that delivers realistic atmospherics and effective dynamics. (Gary Reber)