Bad Times at the El Royale

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bad Times at the El Royale" delivers an undeniably impressive upgrade over its 1080p counterpart, presenting the film in its original widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio with a native resolution of 3840 x 2160p. Leveraging the HEVC (H.265) codec, the disc employs 10-bit video depth, a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR), notably introducing HDR10+ for a brighter and more dynamic viewing experience. Despite slight variations in grain levels, which some may critique, the overall presentation is a visual feast, enhanced by detailed textures and a nuanced color palette that faithfully renders the stylized aesthetic of the ‘60s and ‘70s setting. The film's design elements, from opulent set decorations to the intricate patterns of the El Royale itself, are showcased with exceptional clarity, highlighting the rich golds, burgundy, and brown tones that dominate the film's visual narrative.

Shot on traditional 35mm film before being mastered to a 4K Digital Intermediate, this transfer respects the filmmaker's intentions while offering modest improvements in overall definition and background information. The improved resolution brings out more detail in the film’s meticulously designed setting, from the distinct wallpaper patterns to the fabric of the furniture, enhancing the visual storytelling. Contrast levels and shadow details maintain their cinematic quality without dramatic differences, but the HDR enhancement offers a bit more depth, especially in scenes illuminated by neon or natural light. Notwithstanding a couple of instances of minor artifacting, the film's grain structure remains consistent and unobtrusive, contributing to its filmic quality.

The most striking aspect of this 4K presentation is undoubtedly its color reproduction, which sees a significant improvement over its Blu-ray release. The HDR10 technology enriches the film's palette with more vibrant primaries and a broader spectrum of secondary hues, transforming what was already a visually captivating film into a more immersive and visually stunning experience. Fire scenes and neon lights are particularly noteworthy for their intensity and hue, breathing new life into the darker, noir elements of the film. Despite occasional moments where clarity could be improved, "Bad Times at the El Royale" on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands out for its refined texture detail, impressive depth of field, and enhanced color dynamics, making it a compelling upgrade for enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of home cinema presentation.

The audio presentation of "Bad Times at the El Royale" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release showcases a masterful use of the Dolby Atmos sound format, providing an immersive experience that captures the essence of the film's setting with vivid clarity and depth. Dialogue is crisp and well-prioritized across the front channels, ensuring every line, from Jeff Bridges' gritty murmurs to Cynthia Erivo’s soothing tones, is heard without compromise. The soundtrack, a mix of diegetic and non-diegetic tracks, breathes life into the neo-noir atmosphere of the film, offering a lush, auditory landscape that enriches every scene. Atmospheric sounds, particularly the impactful use of thunder and rain, add a tactile sense of environment, enveloping the viewer in the story's suspenseful moments.

The Atmos mix excels in creating a spatial audio environment that extends well beyond the confines of traditional surround sound, making effective use of overhead channels to add verticality to the soundstage. This dimensional layering is evident in sequences where ambient sounds—ranging from overhead rain to the crackling of fire—enhance the film's dramatic tension. Sudden outbursts of violence, such as gunshot echoes and shotgun blasts, punctuate the narrative with startling clarity, demonstrating the mix’s dynamic range and its capability to handle sudden shifts in audio intensity without losing balance or fidelity.

Fox’s audio presentation carefully balances explosive action with delicate moments of dialogue and music, showcasing a wide range of frequencies and sonic textures. From the deep, rumbling lows that lend gravity to the film’s more intense scenes, to the crisp, defined highs of the musical score and effects, the audio mix is meticulously crafted. The inclusion of both a DTS-HD 7.1 option for Blu-ray and a Dolby Atmos track on the 4K UHD disc allows for an accessible yet profoundly engaging audio experience that complements the visual excellence of the film. Overall, whether it's the nuanced sound of waves gently lapping on a shore or the full-throttle roar of a muscle car, "Bad Times at the El Royale" serves as a benchmark for audio presentation on home media platforms.

The "Bad Times at the El Royale" 4K UHD Blu-Ray package presents a limited but engaging set of extras on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, as the 4K disc itself is devoid of any special features. The highlight is a making-of featurette running approximately 28 minutes, offering insights into the production, style, and design from the perspectives of the cast and crew, albeit in a promotional tone. Additionally, a gallery and a couple of trailers provide a cursory glance at the movie's aesthetic and promotional efforts. Notably, the package includes a digital copy redemption code for Movies Anywhere, affording access to the 4K UHD version of the film. This assortment may leave some desiring more comprehensive behind-the-scenes content, reflecting a modest effort to complement the film's home release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Bad Times at the El Royale: A featurette with cast and crew interviews delving into the production's style and design.
• Gallery: A collection of images from the film.
• Trailers: Includes teaser and theatrical trailers for the movie.

"Bad Times at the El Royale" revels in its homage to 90s multi-narrative cinema, drawing heavily from Quentin Tarantino’s stylistic playbook while carving out its own niche with a deeply engaging mystery. Drew Goddard, known for "Cabin in the Woods," infuses this ensemble thriller with a blend of homage and originality, setting it in a dilapidated hotel straddling the California-Nevada border. The setting is as much a character as the diverse cast that includes a preacher (Jeff Bridges), a salesman (Jon Hamm), a hippie (Dakota Johnson), and a singer (Cynthia Erivo), among others. Each character harbors secrets, weaving a complex tapestry of deception and revelation against the backdrop of the late 1960s, a period fraught with political and social turmoil. The film's pacing and structure draw viewers into its world, where identity is fluid, and danger lurks in every corner.

The production design and cinematography deserve special mention for encapsulating the era’s essence, juxtaposing the El Royale's once-glitzy veneer with its seedier realities. This visual storytelling complements the narrative’s twists and turns, maintaining suspense and intrigue. The performances are uniformly strong, with Cynthia Erivo’s Darlene providing a soulful center to the moral ambiguity surrounding her. Chris Hemsworth’s departure from his superhero persona to embody a charismatic and menacing cult leader further showcases the cast's range. Despite its nods to Tarantino-esque dialogue and situations, "Bad Times at the El Royale" succeeds in delivering an original tale of crime, redemption, and the elusive nature of truth.

Goddard's script expertly balances moments of tension with character development, slowly peeling away layers to reveal each individual’s motivations. As secrets unravel, the film manages to be both a reflection on and a product of its time, addressing themes of sin and salvation while firmly rooted in the stylistic preferences of modern cinema-goers. Its meticulous attention to period detail, combined with Goddard's direction and a compelling ensemble cast, makes "Bad Times at the El Royale" a memorable entry in the neo-noir genre, offering more than just pastiche. It stands as a testament to storytelling that can entertain while provoking thought, proving that even in stories of bad times, there can be glimmers of greatness.

"Bad Times at the El Royale" emerges as a stylish, genre-bending thriller that balances its storytelling prowess with remarkable technical mastery, particularly in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation. The sophomore venture by writer-director Drew Goddard revels in its thematic complexity, blending sin and redemption across a tapestry of well-crafted characters and timelines. The film itself—a bold, visually arresting piece—benefits immensely from the technical enhancements offered in this release. The implementation of HDR10+ as a fresh Dolby Vision alternative, alongside an impeccable Dolby Atmos soundtrack, ensures that both video and audio aspects contribute to an immersive viewing experience. Despite some narrative excesses and underdeveloped character arcs, the film’s ambitious execution and compelling ensemble cast make it an engaging watch.

Technical merits of this Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment are noteworthy, complementing the film’s intricate mood and style. The superior 4K HDR10 presentation significantly upgrades the visual quality over its Blu-ray counterpart, offering deeper contrasts and vivid detail that elevate Goddard's aesthetic choices. Whereas the audio experience is notably enhanced by a robust Dolby Atmos track, providing a layer of auditory depth that is as intricate as the film's plot. However, the package is slightly marred by a sparse selection of extras, which might leave fans craving more behind-the-scenes insights into the film’s unique production.

In conclusion, "Bad Times at the El Royale" thrives on its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, securing its place as a must-have for fans of thought-provoking thrillers and aficionados of technical excellence in home cinema. The film’s blend of style, swagger, and narrative complexity, coupled with state-of-the-art video and audio upgrades, offers an enthralling home viewing experience. While it might not cater to all due to its narrative choices and a dearth of supplemental material, those invested in film craftsmanship and innovative storytelling will find much to appreciate.