Conclave

"Conclave" follows the world's most secretive and ancient events –– selecting the new pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Raloh Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. One the Catholic Church's most powerful leaders have gahered fom around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope's wake, seccrets which could shake the foundations of the Church. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Edward Berger, the featurette "Sequestered: Inside Conclave" (HD 16"47) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Red V-Raptor 8K VV camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. The picture's production design is essentially confined to the interiors of The Vatican, which are comprised of stone and marble grayish materials. Within this environment are sightings of colorful paintings, wood paneling and draperies. The conclave's color palette is predominantly red and white, as well as the red-draped tables at which the Cardinals sit. The Sisters are dressed in black and so too at times the Cardinals. As such, the color palette is rather dull and darkest throughout, due to the closed-in setting. Flesh tones appear natural in complexion. Contrast is clamped down due to the generally darken interiors. Blacks appear solid and shadows are revealing. White levels appear natural, such as the white table cloths, white gowns of the Cardinals and the white umbrellas in one scene. Resolution is a bit soft but closeups appear realisticly detailed. Facial features are revealing os skin pores, lines, hair and beards. The church's various gowns are very realistic and fabric detail is discernible. Structural features and objects are generally softly focused but at times detailed. This is a fine representation of what an actual Pope transition would appear and a satisfying and engaging visual experience. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack sounds over-produced, especially with respect to dialogue and sound effects. Dialogue is intelligible but very forward sounding and wanting in spatial integration. Atmospherics sound realistic as do sound effects, which too are forward sounding. Foley sound effects too are very forward. Volker Bertelmann's orchestral score is hauntingly beautiful with its staccato strings providing dramatic support. Deep bass occurs briefly such as during two explosions and at times as foundational support. Surround energy is often strong with excellent directionality. And the surrounds provide good envelopment, such as the Cardinals' applause. Frontal sound staging also presents excellent imaging. While the unnaturalness of the dialogue positing and sound effects is disappointing, the overall experience is a satisfying holosonic® experience. (Gary Reber)