Babylon 4K Ultra HD

"Babylon" is a an account of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood set against the evolution silent films to sound and color. (Gary Reber).

Special features include a digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on Kodak Vision3 film stock in anamorphic Atlas Scope using the Arricam LT and Arriflex 435 camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. This is a gorgeous picture with a rich and warm strongly saturated color palette. Primaries, such as reds are strong and the color is brilliant. Yet there is this natural quality to the picture's imagery, Color depth and textural refinements are excellent with wonderful nuanced hue shadings. Flesh tones are naturally hued and at times slightly golden. This effect can also be seen in various scenes, HDR contrast is excellent with deep black levels, revealing deep shadows and bright white levels. Lighting is terrific, Film grain is smooth and light and the picture exhibits excellent clarity and sharpness. Resolution is amazing with fine detail exhibited throughout, especially during closeups. Facial feature are finely detailed in terms of skin pores, lines, facial hair, beards and hair. Clothing exhibits fine textures. White levels are brilliant This is a extremely colorful filmic picture that is in many respects eye-candy. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack (mis-credited as Dolby Atmos) is very dynamic with all manner of atmospherics and sound effects, The sonics are incredibly diverse The music score ranges from soft to wildly loud and 1920's and 30' jazz. The music envelops the soundfield with a wide and deep soundstage that aggressively extends to the surrounds. The opening party scene is an example of exceptional sonic presentation, Perfectly captured is the raucous partygoers and the intense blasts of the 1920's big band sounds. The sense of envelopment and definition is fantastic. Dynamics are wonderful as well as fidelity. At times, deep bass enhances the excitement with sub-25 Hz extension but bass always plays a foundational role. Dialogue is well presented with generally good spatial integration.

While the soundtrack is credited as Dolby Atmos, there are no Immersive Sound elements. The height layer is silent. Unfortunately, there was so much opportunity that was ignored.

This is an wonderfully exciting holosonic® soundtrack that is dynamic and compelling. A reference quality presentation. (Gary Reber)