Creed 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Creed" on 4K UHD Blu-ray, upscaled from a 2K digital intermediate, sparks debate on its visible improvement over its standard Blu-ray counterpart. The implementation of High Dynamic Range (HDR) does not dramatically alter the film's realistic color scheme, which remains faithful and well-appreciated. What HDR does significantly benefit are the contrast and lighting conditions, adding texture and depth to various settings. Notably, in darker scenes like the intimate meeting between Adonis and Rocky or the visually charged boxing matches, HDR enhances detail within the shadows and individual crowd members, adding a layer of depth that might go unnoticed without direct comparison.

Shot digitally with ARRI Alexa XT cameras and presented in its original 2.40:1 aspect ratio, "Creed's" upconversion to 4K (3840x2160) exhibits an increase in noise in film grain texture—a common effect seen in other upconverted 4K releases. Nevertheless, this is a minor concession as the image boasts improvements across the board, especially in black levels, color nuance, and atmospheric lighting enhancing the realism and grit of the film's numerous physical confrontations. The additional resolution aids in bringing out textures more vividly, like in the worn surfaces of the Front Street Gym or the antiquated fight posters adorning its walls.

Despite the technical enhancements, some reviewers note the subtlety of these improvements, suggesting that without side-by-side comparison, these enhancements might not stand out to the average viewer. The strategic addition of digital grain aims to maintain a filmic quality to "Creed's" visual presentation. However, it occasionally detracts from image sharpness. The film's natural color palette is preserved, with HDR contributing to richer black levels and better shadow delineation—critical for conveying the intensity of Creed’s climactic bouts. Enhanced details in both close-ups and wider shots of arenas subtly uplift the viewing experience, proving this 4K UHD release, while not a monumental upgrade over the Blu-ray, enriches Creed's visual narrative in nuanced yet appreciable ways.

The 4K UHD release of "Creed" boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 channel soundtrack that shines with crystal clear dialogue, dynamic range, and an effective use of ambient and directional sounds that enhance the movie's immersive experience. This sound mix excels in providing spacial dimension, making scenes, especially those in the boxing ring, come alive as viewers can hear voices and actions moving around them, giving a sense of presence in the scene. The bass delivers a powerful punch, necessary for a movie that relies heavily on its musical score and the intense physicality of its fight scenes to drive its narrative.

The audio presentation also impresses with its balance between music and dialogue. Ludwig Göransson's score, alongside tracks from various artists, is integrated seamlessly, never overpowering but always complementing the on-screen action. The crowd sounds in fight scenes, ambient noises in gym and street settings, and dialogue clarity—even Stallone's nuanced mumbles—are meticulously mixed to create a potent auditory experience. The audio's dynamics bring a richness to the film’s atmosphere, from the tension of quiet moments to the exhilarating energy of a packed arena.

Moreover, Warner Bros. enriches this release with a plethora of audio and subtitle options catering to a diverse audience, though an Atmos upgrade was notably absent. While this may be seen as a missed opportunity for an even more enriched audio experience, the existing DTS-HD MA 7.1 track—ported from the Blu-ray edition—still stands out for its robustness and attention to detail in sound staging. From the thud of punches to the strategic placement of ambient sounds that fill the room, this audio mix masterfully underscores "Creed's" emotional depth and physical intensity, confirming that it's much more than just another entry in the boxing movie genre.

The "Creed" 4K UHD Blu-ray extra features, bundled exclusively on the accompanying standard Blu-ray disc, present a concise yet enriching post-film experience aimed at both fans and newcomers to the Rocky saga. Despite the absence of director's commentary—which could have significantly enriched the offering—the extras include notable highlights. "Know the Past, Own the Future" and "Becoming Adonis" provide compelling behind-the-scenes looks, emphasizing the transition of the franchise's legacy to a new generation and Michael B. Jordan's physical transformation and dedication to the role of Adonis. The deletion of a substantial number of scenes, some offering depth to character backstories and others righteously trimmed to maintain the film's pace, adds value for enthusiasts seeking more content. However, the package's scarcity of additional material, notably commentary tracks reminiscent of previous releases in the franchise, leaves a feeling of missed opportunity for a deeper dive into the film's creation and thematic underpinnings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Know the Past, Own the Future: A featurette exploring the legacy transition from Rocky to Adonis with cast and crew interviews.
• Becoming Adonis: Insight into Michael B. Jordan's year-long physical preparation for his role.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of 11 scenes not included in the final cut, offering additional context and character development.

"Creed" invigorates the "Rocky" series with a fresh perspective that respects the legacy while introducing a dynamic future. Michael B. Jordan delivers a standout performance as Adonis Johnson, embodying both vulnerability and determination with a natural charisma that echoes the fighting spirit of his father, Apollo Creed. Director Ryan Coogler's partnership with Jordan, following their collaboration on "Fruitvale Station," brings an intimate familiarity to the storytelling, crafting a narrative that's as much about personal identity and familial legacy as it is about boxing. Sylvester Stallone's return as Rocky Balboa offers a nuanced portrayal of a character grappling with his own mortality and the ghosts of his past, delivering one of the finest performances of his career and earning well-deserved accolades.

The technical aspects of "Creed's" 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation subtly enhance the cinematic experience without overwhelming the film's character-driven focus. While the 4K/HDR upgrade from its original Blu-ray release offers only marginal improvements, it finely accentuates the film's visual texture and the gritty atmosphere of Philadelphia, bringing Coogler's deliberate cinematography and the film's well-choreographed boxing sequences to life with enhanced clarity and depth. Despite slight reservations about revisiting the "Rocky" universe, "Creed" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, character development, and technical craftsmanship in filmmaking.

However, what truly sets "Creed" apart is its ability to capture the emotion and struggle both inside and outside the ring. The film doesn’t rely solely on the spectacle of the fight but delves deep into the personal battles of Adonis and Rocky. Amidst Rocky's battle with cancer and Adonis's fight to step out from his father's shadow, "Creed" masterfully balances action with important messages about legacy, family, and resilience. This narrative depth, combined with superior performance and a respectful nod to its heritage, renders "Creed" not only a rejuvenation of a beloved franchise but an exceptional standalone masterpiece that continues to resonate upon multiple viewings.

"Creed," the film that rejuvenated the Rocky saga for a new generation, delivers a knockout punch in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation. Distributed by Warner Brothers Home Entertainment, this release offers the movie in an array of formats including 1080p HD on Blu-ray disc, a visually striking 4K on UHD Blu-ray, and a versatile digital version in Digital HD with UltraViolet. While the Ultra HD video quality may not represent a monumental leap over its Blu-ray counterpart, the addition of HDR brings a noteworthy enhancement to the visual experience. The audio/video fidelity remains solid, providing viewers with a robust and immersive soundstage that complements the film's dynamic range from intimate dialogues to the echoing intensity of the boxing ring.

Despite the minimalistic approach to supplemental content, the set includes a few gems that justify its existence for fans and cinephiles alike. Sylvester Stallone's impassioned performance as Rocky Balboa, which garnered him critical acclaim including an Oscar nomination and Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actor, shines brightly in this release. Moreover, "Creed" stands out as a finely crafted film, meriting repeated viewings and securing its place alongside other cinematic greats of 2015. The film's profound narrative coupled with superior boxing sequences cements it not just as a worthy successor to the Rocky series but also as the potential progenitor of its own saga.

In conclusion, while the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Creed" may not demand an upgrade for those who already possess the Blu-ray edition, its HDR enhancement and solid audiovisual presence make it a commendable addition to one's collection. This release captures the essence of what makes "Creed" both a pivotal reset for a beloved franchise and an extraordinary standalone film. For enthusiasts of the series and newcomers alike, it offers a compelling reason to experience Creed’s inspirational journey with the added allure of high-definition clarity.