Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires 4K Ultra HD

"Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires" is the bold reimagining of the Batman legend, unfolding within the vibrant and fierce culture of 16th century Mesoamerica. In the time of the Aztec empire, tragedy strikes Yohualli Coatl, a young Aztec boy, when his father is murdered by Spanish conquistadors. To warn King Moctezuma and his high priest, Yoka, of imminent danger, Yohualli escapes to Tenochtitlán. There, he trains in the temple of the bat god Tzinacan with his mentor, developing equipment and weaponry to confront the Spanish invasion and avenge his father’s death. Along the way, he encounters key figures like the fierce Jaguar Woman and the enchanting Forest Ivy. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes "The Battle Cry Of Aztec Batman" (HD 03:46) and "The Batman Mythology And Aztec Inspiration" (HD 06:26) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 1.78:1 HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was animated digitally and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The animation is in the smooth line-drawn simplistic style but visually captivating. Textures are absent with characters and backdrop filled in with solid colors. Objects are dimensional and well defined. The color palette exhibits vividly saturated solid hues that are warm with spots of strong brightness. Colors are diverse with Aztec costumes and architecture. as well as worshiped supernatural "god" elements nicely saturated. Contrast is excellent. Blacks are deep, solid and inky. Animated shadows are solid. White levels are brilliantly intense. Resolution is defined in the line structures of the characters, objects and structures that comprise the Aztec habitats, This is a visually stunning animated feature that is wonderfully colorful. (Gary Reber)

The mis-credited DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0-channel (not 5.1) soundtrack is dialogue focused with action scenes delivering aggressive sonics. Still bass support is generally reserved, lacking in intense SPL energy. There is no .1 LFE output. Sound effects are active throughout, especially during the battle scenes. The orchestra/choral score is presented as a generally background element, and not forward sounding. The music does occupy a wide and deep soundstage with aggressive surround envelopment. ADR dialogue is clear but clearly produced and could be better integrated spatially. But then this is a given trait of soundtracks for animated movies. While Spanish was the original production's language, the English translation and dub is effective. This is a satisfying holosonic® soundtrack though the production would greatly benefit from more intense dynamics. (Gary Reber)