A Minecraft Movie

"A Minecraft Movie" is a live-action adaptation of Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time. Four misfits—Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks)—find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they’ll have to master this world (and protect it from evil things like Piglins and Zombies, too) while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve (Jack Black). Together, their adventure will challenge all five to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative…the very skills they need to thrive back in the real world. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes: "Building The World Of Minecraft: Block Party" (HD 14:19), "Creepers, Zombies, And Endermen Oh My!" (HD 13:14), "A Minecraft Movie: Block Beats" (HD 9:01), "A Minecraft Movie: Pixel Pals" (HD 14:02) and "Marlene + Nitwit" (HD 5:07) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 1.85:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa 35 camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. A stereo 3D conversion was performed by DNEG but no 3D Bl-ray was provided for review, nor was there a 4K Ultra HD edition provided. This is a picture full of CG visual special effects throughout, The production design if elaborate and visually exciting. The color palette depicts a made-up world with a kaleidoscope of hues that are saturated. The visual diversity is imaginative and impressive for a largely computer generated picture. Explosions occur frequently with intense fire thrusts. While the characters in the other world reflect diversity, human flesh tones appear natural, Contrast is excellent with solid black levels, dark revealing shadows, and natural white levels. Resolution is excellent. The animated characters and the settings exhibit fine detail. The human facial features reveal details in skin pores, lines, beards and hair, all of which looks perfectly natural. Clothing and creature textures reveal good detail. Objects and the square structures throughout are sharp and clear. This is a picture of mayhem and visual imagination that will thrill fans of the game. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding with extremely active sound elements. But to appreciate the full dynamics the sound level needs to be raise several decibels to reference level. Sound effects are galore. Throughout, bass activity is intense with deep extension in the .1 LFE channel. The orchestral score is quite active and extends wide and deep across the soundstage with aggressive extension to the surrounds. Foley sound effects also are quite active and supportive of the mayhem. Soundstage and surround directionality is present. Dialogue is ADR produce but presented with satisfying integration.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of sound effects during Henry's rocket man science experiment and a few other sporadic sound effects of minor consequence. No music extension. This is a real disappointment as the material definitely was rip for an extensive height layer treatment.

This is a very active dar-level holosonic® soundtrack with lots of sound effects and an active orchestral score that breaths life into this imaginative e action epic. (Gary Reber)