Dune: Part Two 4K Ultra HD

"Dune: Part Two" explores the mythic journey of Paul Atreides (Timethée Chalamet) as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. (Gary Reber)

Special features include 15 featurettes: "Chakobsa Training" (HD 04:51), "Creating The Fremen World" (HD 11:41), "Finding The Worlds Of Dune" (HD 06:24), "Buzz Around The New 'Thopter'” (HD 03:51), "Worm-Riding" (HD 09:23), "Becoming Feyd" (HD 07:33), "A New Set Of Threads" (HD 07:40) and "Deeper Into The Desert: The Sounds Of The Dune" (HD 12:59) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD DolbyVision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed in IMAX digital using the Arri Alexa LF IMAX and Arri Alexa Mini LF IMAX camera systems and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. A 3D version was produced with stereo conversion by DNEG but no 3D Blu-ray was provided for review. This three-layered disc delivers superb challenging imagery throughout. Dune: Part Two is not presented with a shifting aspect ratio as seen in IMAX theatres, but rather a flat 2.39:1 throughout. As with Part One, the imagery is extremely imaginative with a dusty earthy color palette and an overall dark presence. Color balance is even with no hue accents common that pop in character with the stylization. The desert scenes exhibit a color palette that is comprised primarily of orangish or beige hued sand and grayish and blackish rock formations Numerous flying fighting machines suspend and fly through the skies. As the scenes shift to the fighting arena the color palette become strongly desaturated, then in a ceremony the colors become hued in green shading and blacks. The powerful rolling machinery metallically hued. Nuanced hue shadings are excellent. Human flesh tones appear natural and the Emperor's people are cast in whitish tones. HDR contrast is excellent throughout and well balanced. Blacks are deep. Shadow delineation is superb and enhances the realism of the contours of the vast sand deserts.. White levels are never exaggerated. Resolution is excellent throughout with stylized softness to enhance the filmic quality of the imagery. Resolution is revealing of excellent detail, especially in medium and closeup perspectives seen in facial features, wardrobe designs and fabrics, and objects and machinery. This is an incredibly captivating visual experience, best served by a display system capable of visual accuracy and viewed in a dark, preferably black environment, to fully appreciate the experience. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is strongly dynamic sounding with scenes that deliver powerfully challenging deep sub-25 Hz .1 LFE bass. There are powerful segments throughout. Sound effects, such as heavy machinery, is supported by powerful bass. The weighted sound effects engage the entire soundfield. Atmospherics effectively enhance the ambiance of the locations. Foley sound effects are perfectly in sync with the movements on screen. Hans Zimmer's rhythmic orchestral/synthesizer/choral score is amazing as a powerful sound element that envelopes the entire soundfiedl from the wide and deep soundstage to the surrounds. The music is a dominant sound element that sets the mood of the story. The surrounds are powerful and directionalized with segments of voices wraped around the soundfield. Dialogue is virtually all ADR produced and is intelligible throughout, though much is in an outerworld Chakobssa language with English subtitles. The dialogue is enhanced with sonic stylization.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of the Hans Zimmer score elevated throughout with a few sound effects, including rolling machinery, explosions, sand eruptions and thunder. The music is a dominant element and sounds powerful, and definitely enhances the sense of soundfield dimensionality. The height element failed to capture the Thpter fly-bys and other aerial maneuvers and effects. and disappoints in this regard..

This is perhaps the most dynamically powerful holosinic® spherical surround soundtrack ever!. The sonics are haunting and brooding with excellent dynamics and fidelity. To fully realize this tremendous power, especially in the deep bass regions, requires a home theatre system fully capable of full fidelity, SPL and immersiveness. Reference quality throughout. (Gary Reber)