M3GAN 2.0 4K Ultra HD

In "M3GAN 2," the marvel of artificial intelligence, is back –– taller, stronger, and faster. When an autonomous android engineered to be the ultimate weapon threatens M3GAN’s beloved Cady (Violet McGraw), M3GAN convinces her creator, Gemma (Allison Williams), to give her a glow-up that makes the original A.I. diva even deadlier. Armed with wild new upgrades and her same iconic attitude, M3GAN claps back against the wannabe techno-terror in a fierce faceoff to crown the baddest bot built for maximum mayhem. (Gary Reber)

Both the theatrical version (01: 59:59) and the unrated vernion (02:00:47) are available. Special features include four featurettes: "Total Upgrade: Making M3GAN 2.0" (HD 11:19), "Droid DNA" (HD 07:39), "The Art Of Slaying" (HD 08:06) and "Scene Breakdown: Embrace AI Convention" (HD 05:04) and a Movies Anywhere 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 digitally in anamorphic Hawk Scope using the Arri Alexa 35 camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is superb. The settings are interiors that reflect a high-tech production design with all sorts of technology objects, enhanced with exciting visual effects, such as the body movement of M3GAN and AMELIA. The color palette exhibits saturated hues that are warm and rich. Primaries are vivid and colors pop throughout, especially reds. The color gamut exhibits wonderfully nuanced hue shading throughout. Every set exhibits natural hues that enhance realism. Flesh tones are naturally toned. HDR contrast is excellent. Black levels are deep and defined. Shadow delineation is revealing of deep dark shadings and depth. White levels are brilliantly illuminated, especially the spot lighting that is notably intense and prevalent. As for resolution, facial features are generally well resolved though at times digital noise appears to soften facial features. Otherwise, complexions are distinctive and lines, beards and hair are detailed, Costumes reveal fine detail throughout and the body characteristics of M3GAN with her large penetrating eyes. The set environments are nicely defined as well as the varied objects that occupy and characterize the sets. Overall, the imagery throughout is sharp and clear. This is a visually engaging and exciting picture that lights up the screen. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding with exciting sound effects galore and excellent fidelity. Atmospherics enhance the realism of the settings, Sound effects are powerful with quick transient response that enhance the action. Strong low-frequency bass attack and extension is extended to sub-25 Hz delivered by the .1 LFE channel The effects are directional as well as imaging that defines the sound field. The orchestra/synthesizer score is dynamic sounding and envelopes the sound field with a very wide and deep soundstage that aggressively extends to the surrounds. Surround energy is aggressive throughout. Sound field imaging is dimensional. Dialogue is intelligible but often ADR produced and quite unnaturally forward sounding.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of multi-elements with a virtually constant presence and imaging. The music is extended to the height channel as well as low level dialogue, atmospherics and numerous sound effects, all of which result from an extension of the ear-level sonics. This is a very effective height layer treatment that enhances the sense of spherical dimensionality. Filmmakers should take note.

This is a terrific holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that delivers excitement and powerful sound field envelopment. Well crafted throughout, the soundtrack serves as a showcase for a home theatre presentation. (Gary Reber)