True Lies 4K Ultra HD

In "True Lies," writer-director James Cameron creates an exhilarating mix of non-stop action-adventure and romantic comedy. Secret agent Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a top spy in the ultra-secret Omega Sector—although to his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), he’s just a dull computer salesman. But while Harry’s been busy saving the world, Helen’s been gathering secrets of her own. When their two lives unexpectedly collide, Harry and Helen find themselves in the clutches of international terrorists, fighting to save not only their marriage, but also the world. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes "Fear Is Not An Option: A Look Back At True Lies" and "Archives: Script, Artwork, Marketing" (HD 43:27), theatrical trailer and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photograph on Eastman EXR film stock using the Arriflex 35 BL4, Arriflex 35 IIC, Arriflex 35-III, Beaumont VistaVision Camera, Bell & Howell Eyemo and Moviecam Compact camera systems and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. Film grain is very fine and virtually invisible. Picture quality is excellent. The color palette is perfectly natural with nicely saturated hues that exhibit realism. Flesh tones appear natural throughout. HDR contrast is wide with deep backs, excellent shadow delineation and brightly illuminated white levels. Resolution is superb with facial details that reveal fine detail in skin pores lines, hair and beards, Clothing fabrics are perfectly defined. Object textures are realistic throughout. This is a wonderfully colorful and natural picture that projects realism. (Gary Reber)

The repurposed Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack was sourced from the original Dolby Stereo SR elements. The soundtrack is dynamic sounding with a blend of action sonics and romantic comedy sonics. Foley sound effect are executed well and in perfect sync with picture. Atmospherics sound realistic. Sound effects, especially those associated with the action sequences are dynamic sounding with natural support from deep bass enhancement with solid sub-25 Hz extension. Gunfire and explosive effects are numerous and realistic, as well as directionalized. The orchestral score is dynamic with a wide and deep soundstage that extends to the side and surround channels. Surround envelopment results in a dimensional soundfield that never sounds artificial. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with generally good spatial integration.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of an aggressive extension of the orchestral score, occasional gunfire and explosions, a loud dialogue during Helen's interrogation and the sound of helicopters and a jet. The effect is to nicely enhance the height layer's spherical surround impact. Still more could have been achieved to support the visual impact,

This is a well crafted holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that delivers excellent fidelity and naturalness with action and romantic elements. (Gary Reber)

As a footnote I was on the dubbing stage during the mixing of the original soundtrack, during which I interview James Cameron on the subject of 3D for Widescreen Review, which is republished in this issue.