Eddington

"Eddington" takes place in May of 2020, when a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the making-of documentary "Made In Eddington" (HD 33:23) and six collectible souvenir postcards.

The 1.85:1 1080p picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa 35 and Sony PMW-320K camera systems and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The setting is a town in New Mexico on the verge of collapse. The New Mexico locations provide desert toned backgrounds during the outdoor scenes. The color palette is vivid and exhibits naturally saturated warm and rich hues that favor earthy brownish tones. Throughout, flesh tones appear natural. Contrast is realistic, Daylight scenes exhibit natural illumination. At times, dark scenes mask detail, but otherwise reveal realistic shadow depth and detail. Resolution is excellent, especially during brightly lit closeups, with fine detail revealed in facial features, sets, town buildings and objects. This is a very realistic and good looking presentation that effectively supports the storytelling. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is strongly moody with dynamic segments predominantly produced by the orchestra soundtrack. The music is well recorded with clear instrumentation and orchestrations that are enhanced at times with deep bass. The music occupies a wide and deep soundstage that aggressively expands to the surrounds for sound field envelopment. Sound effects include powerful sniper gunfire, the sounds of vehicles, an intense explosion and powerful machine gun rounds, all of which sound realistic. Sound effects are supported with excellent bass impact and .1 LFE bursts. Discrete channelization and panning effects are effective throughout and during the outbreak of violence. Atmospherics are nuanced and sound realistic. Foley sound effects are perfectly in sync with picture. Surround treatment covers the numerous ambient environmental noises such as wind, the score and the gun violence. Dialogue is intelligible with generally good spatial integration.

The Immersive sound element is limited to an extension of the score to the height layer. This is a weak treatment and far more opportunities to enhance dimensionality were addressed.

This is a mysterious politically infused holosonic® soundtrack that is compelling. (Gary Reber)