The First Purge

The 4K UHD release of "The First Purge" enhances the viewing experience with a discernible upgrade in visual quality compared to its Blu-ray counterpart, despite its challenges with dark scenes and stylized cinematography. The improved clarity and sharpness are immediately noticeable, particularly in details such as facial imperfections, the gritty texture of urban environments, and the intricate designs of masks and costumes. The HEVC H.265 encode, sourced from an Arri Alexa Mini camera system capable of up to 3.2K resolution, delivers an image that reveals the tiniest defects and details with profound clarity. However, during the heavily stylized nighttime Purge scenes, there is a slight but noticeable dip in resolution, with certain high-contrast edges occasionally suffering from mild aliasing, and the darkest areas sometimes appearing crushed.

HDR color grading substantially elevates the film's visual appeal, offering a more nuanced and vibrant palette that significantly enhances the movie's intense and eerie atmosphere. Primaries pop with energy, making the reds deeper and the blues more intense, while skin tones remain natural and authentic throughout. Despite improvements in overall clarity and color rendition, the UHD presentation contends with somewhat subdued contrasts and cloudier whites due to its stylized orange-teal aesthetic, which at times limits dynamic range in brighter areas and specular highlights. This, paired with a slight visibility reduction in the darkest scenes, underscores the technical balance struck between preserving the film's visual style and enhancing detail fidelity.

In sum, "The First Purge's" 4K UHD version stands out as the definitive way to watch the film, thanks to its meticulous attention to detail, richer colors, and controlled use of darkness to convey the movie's harrowing theme. The presentation navigates inherent challenges posed by the original cinematography to deliver a compelling and visually rich experience that aligns closely with the filmmakers' vision, despite minor discrepancies in resolution and contrast management during its most stylized moments.

The audio presentation of "The First Purge" on 4K UHD Blu-ray boasts a remarkable DTS:X soundtrack, shared with its 1080p counterpart, immersing viewers in an audibly textured world that underscores the chaotic violence erupting on screen. The soundscape crafted for this installment is both nuanced and subtle, choosing to envelop rather than overpower. This is achieved through astute use of the ceiling channels which, while not aggressively prominent, are constantly active, layering the film's atmosphere with understated environmental sounds. These include the urban ambiance of distant gunfire, the rustle of leaves, and even the mundane chirp of city-dwelling birds, creating an encompassing hemispheric aural experience. The fluid motion of sound from the fronts to the sides and rears via the surrounds adds to this immersive soundfield, ensuring that action sequences are engagingly broad and spatially aware.

In terms of dynamics, the DTS:X track excels with a bright and directional sound profile that prioritizes every element within the audio mix. From Kevin Lax's vibrant score that seemingly dances around the listener, to the tight and detailed mid-range handling the crispness of gunfire and explosions with clarity, the soundtrack ensures an engaging auditory experience. The height channels further enhance this experience, adding layers with the sound of rain, drone flyovers, and other atmospheric elements without overwhelming the senses. The low-frequency extension underpins the action with a satisfying heft, bringing to life the various elements like car crashes and stairwell fights with an impactful presence reminiscent of a well-placed punch.

Surround sound presentation is key in maintaining constant immersion, with even ambient sounds such as background conversations or nearby noises contributing to the enveloping atmosphere. Fireworks, gunshots, and the iconic Purge siren are reproduced with impeccable directionality, enveloping the viewer in the film's unsettling world. Despite the cacophony, dialogue remains crystal clear throughout, ensuring that no narrative detail is lost amidst the audio spectacle. This careful balance of sound elements makes "The First Purge's" DTS:X track a commendable audio achievement, providing viewers not just with a feast for the eyes but an arresting sonic experience that captures the essence of the franchise’s anarchic spirit.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The First Purge" offers a succinct yet insightful collection of extras across both its 4K and Blu-ray discs, catering to enthusiasts with a penchant for behind-the-scenes content. Despite the sparse selection, each featurette provides valuable insights into the film's production process and thematic underpinnings, ranging from sociopolitical reflections to the technical aspects of creating its chaotic atmosphere and iconic masks. Although some might find the limited number of supplemental features disappointing, the included content—such as the deleted scene—though not groundbreaking, enriches the viewing experience by offering glimpses into the filmmakers' decision-making process. Additionally, the package is enhanced with a Movies Anywhere digital copy code and an embossed slipcover, though notably lacks promotions for related media such as the television series, maintaining a focused yet comprehensive exploration of the film's creation and impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scene: A brief unused scene providing insight into possible alternate story directions.
• A Radical Experiment: Delve into how cultural anxieties and sociopolitical themes influenced the movie.
• Bringing the Chaos: An overview of how the film's action sequences were amplified to escalate the tension.
• The Masks of The First Purge: A closer look at the design and significance of the distinctive masks worn by characters.

"The First Purge," as the prequel and fourth installment in the Purge franchise, attempts to explore the origins of the purge night — a 12-hour period where all crimes, including murder, are legal. Directed by Gerard McMurray and written by franchise creator James DeMonaco, this entry diverges from its predecessors by not only setting the violent spectacle against a stark sociopolitical backdrop but by doing so with a fresh visual flair that breathes life into what could have easily been just another redundant chapter. Set against the turmoil of a failing economy and political upheaval, the New Founding Fathers of America's decision to test this gruesome experiment in Staten Island thrusts the narrative deep into the heart of urban decay, observed through the experiences of characters like Nya and her brother Isaiah, as well as the drug lord with a conscience, Dmitri.

The film's unflinching political commentary, primarily critiquing the exploitation and marginalization of lower-class minorities, is both its strength and crutch. While it augments the franchise's recurring themes of societal breakdown and human depravity under duress, it also treads a fine line with its overtly direct messaging, occasionally risking the subtlety that might have lent more depth to its critique. Despite these narrative pitfalls, "The First Purge" distinguishes itself with its execution. McMurray, alongside cinematographer Anastas Michos, employs a vibrant palette that combines blues, candy rose reds, and emerald greens, crafting an atmosphere that melds horror with a Giallo-inspired aesthetic. This visual approach not only sets the stage for the chaos but enhances the film’s attempt to offer a nuanced exploration of its thematic undertones.

However, for all its innovative visuals and earnest attempt at a deeper narrative, the film is hampered by its predictability and heavy reliance on formulaic elements of the franchise. The introduction of compelling characters and genuinely eerie moments are overshadowed by a storyline that unfolds with few surprises. Despite this, "The First Purge" manages to be engaging, thanks in part to its action sequences and the horror-infused revelry of purge night. McMurray’s direction injects a much-needed vigor into the franchise, marking this installment as a visually memorable exploration of the Purge's origins, despite its narrative shortcomings and overt messaging.

"The First Purge" as the fourth installment in the series and a prequel to the existing films, offers a mix of perspectives on its overall delivery and impact. While the narrative might not be the strongest link, considering it hews closely to the familiar theme of survival during a lawless 12-hour window, it does attempt to lay bare the socio-political underpinnings that led to the horrifying Purge night. The transition in directors brings a fresh, albeit mixed, reception to its execution. Gerard McMurray steps in with a direction that, while maintaining the essence of the franchise, attempts to infuse the plot with a palpable sense of dread reminiscent of classic horror vibes. The script, helmed again by franchise architect James DeMonaco, endeavors to keep the narrative relevant amidst a few arguably underdeveloped characters navigating through their purge night odyssey driven by personal vendettas and survival instincts.

On the technical front, the Universal UHD release ascends beyond its storyline limitations, boasting commendable upgrades with its 4K HDR10 presentation. The visuals on this Ultra HD Blu-ray are particularly noted for their vivid enhancements over standard HD, bringing the chaotic night to life with animated colors and an advanced DTS:X soundtrack that emphatically complements the on-screen tension and atmosphere. However, the package's appeal is somewhat dimmed by a sparse selection of supplementary materials, leaving much to be desired for those digging for deeper insights into the film's creation or lore.

In conclusion, "The First Purge" 4K UHD Blu-ray presents itself as a decent acquisition mainly for franchise enthusiasts or 4K collectors. While the film itself may not rank as the strongest entry in the series, its technical presentation on 4K UHD—highlighted by superior video and audio quality—provides a solid argument for its addition to one's collection. The inclusion of gripping bonus features would have been desirable, yet the exceptional 4K HDR visuals coupled with the immersive DTS:X audio create a compelling home viewing experience. Viewer discretion is advised, as enjoyment may heavily depend on one's affinity for the franchise's thematic exploration and execution style.