Reminiscence 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Reminiscence" makes its mark on the UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray scene courtesy of Warner, aligning its release closely with its US counterpart and delivering an identical, visually stunning native 4K presentation enhanced by Dolby Vision. This Ultra HD Blu-ray showcases the movie in its original widescreen aspect ratio of 2.4:1, employing a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image that leverages Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (including Dolby Vision), and is encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. This review is based on observations made using an LG 55B7 Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD OLED TV paired with a Panasonic DP-UB820EB-K Dolby Vision HDR10+ 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, emphasizing the disc’s impeccable ability to render textures and detailing both in expansive landscape shots and intimate close-ups. The lavishly retro-futuristic noir aesthetics enrich the presentation, with attention to nuanced detail in the projected memories adding a layer of tangible weight to the visuals.

Despite the film's less than stellar performance at the box office, the native 4K source material shines through on this transfer, demonstrating a robust color palette, striking image detail, and a fluid integration of live-action and special effects. The neon-lit city scenes stand out with their fusion of color, contrast, and sharpness, particularly in interior settings that are brimming with vibrancy. HDR10 enhancement plays a crucial role in bringing both saturated and subtly toned colors to life against darker themes, benefiting from the disc's ample capacity (a dual-layered 66GB) to avoid common pitfalls such as banding or compression artifacts. Daylight scenes, though fewer, are equally impressive, underscoring the disc’s superiority in retaining color depth and detail when compared to its commendable 1080p Blu-ray counterpart.

This edition’s visual fidelity is significantly bolstered by HDR (including Dolby Vision) and WCG, introducing an additional layer of depth and brightness that accentuates the film's distinctive future-noir ambiance. Scenes are imbued with an amber whiskey hue, and technological elements within the movie, like Ferguson's striking red dress, pulsate with a glow that almost lends a three-dimensional quality to the screen. Black levels are profound, underscoring a presentation that is nearly flawless in its execution. The attention to detail in both expansive and intimate scenes creates a viewing experience that far exceeds initial expectations for a film that might have otherwise been relegated to standard definition releases.

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of "Reminiscence" presents its audience with an immersive audio experience via its Dolby Atmos track, blending atmospheric sounds with precise dialogue delivery and dynamic action sequences to create a deeply engaging auditory atmosphere. While the audio design successfully prioritizes dialogue—despite criticisms towards its cliché noir narration—it effectively utilizes effects to reinforce the film's futuristic setting and waterlogged cityscape. The action scenes, although not frequent, stand out with significant LFE impact and dynamic presence, complementing the atmospheric and future noir vibe that permeates the film. The soundscape created is well-rounded, offering a mix of ambient noise and succinct sound effects that breathe life into the movie's unique environments.

Dialogue clarity is a hallmark of this audio presentation, with voice-over narration projected cleanly through the center channel, ensuring that the story remains accessible and grounded amidst its more fantastical elements. The use of surround sound channels enhances the expansive and often claustrophobic settings from sunken coasts to memory sequences that aim for a dream-like quality, occasionally leveraging height channels for an added layer of immersion. Despite the original soundtrack by Ramin Djawadi having its ups and downs, it finds a balance between being unobtrusively ambient and assertively engaging, contributing to the overall solid sound design of the film.

This Dolby Atmos mix doesn’t just cater to home theater enthusiasts but is balanced enough to be appreciated in less equipped setups without the need for constant volume adjustments. The optional subtitles, including English (SDH), ensure accessibility across various viewing contexts, adding to the inclusivity of the viewing experience. Overall, while it may not claim the title of a reference track, the audio presentation of "Reminiscence" is technically difficult to fault, providing a clean and well-adjusted auditory experience that complements its visual counterpart commendably.

Warner's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Reminiscence" might be light on extras on the 4K disc itself, but its accompanying Blu-ray disc offers a modest yet insightful collection aimed at those interested in the production process behind this ambitious film. The release is packed in a dual-hubbed keepcase with appealing cover art and a digital copy redemption slip, although notably missing a slipcover, which might irk some collectors. A letter from writer/director Lisa Joy adds a personal touch to the package. The extras include a quartet of featurettes providing a well-rounded look at the making of the movie, with interviews from key cast and crew such as Hugh Jackman and Lisa Joy, and a peek into the production design and future tech used in the film. Each featurette, despite their brevity, offers fans a deeper dive into the creative world of "Reminiscence," complimented by a music video to round off the collection. This selection provides a satisfying albeit succinct overview for enthusiasts and steelbook collectors, despite the absence of additions on the 4K disc itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes Featurettes: Dive into the creation of "Reminiscence" with insights from the cast, including Hugh Jackman, Thandiwe Newton, and Daniel Wu, alongside director Lisa Joy and other crew members.
• You're Going on a Journey: A brief exploration of the story and characters.
• The Sunken Coast: A deeper look at the location shooting and the setting of the movie.
• Crafting a Memory: Insights into the production design and future technology depicted in the film.
• Reminiscence: A Family Reunion: Highlighting the collaboration among the film's cast and crew.
• Save My Love Music Video: Performed by Lonr feat. Amber Mark, adding a musical dimension to the extras.

Reminiscence" dives into the murky waters of future noir, skillfully interweaving themes of memory, longing, and a dystopian future shaped by climate change and technological advancements. Directed by Lisa Joy, and bearing the thematic weight and ambitious scope reminiscent of her work on "Westworld," the movie attempts to navigate through a labyrinth of cinematic references and nods. From the atmospherically rich legacy of "Blade Runner" to the speculative intrigue of "Strange Days," Joy crafts a narrative that is as much an homage to the genre as it is an endeavor to redefine it. The storyline follows Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman), a scientist who, alongside his partner Watts (Thandiwe Newton), offers clients the ability to relive their memories. It's when Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) steps into their lives that the plot thickens, spiraling into a tale of lost love and a desperate quest for truth amidst a backdrop of rising sea levels and societal decay.

However, despite its lofty aspirations and visual panache, "Reminiscence" struggles under the weight of its own ambition. The film's pacing is sluggish, with an over-reliance on voice-over narration that often muddles rather than elucidates. While Jackman, Newton, and Ferguson deliver performances that strive to breathe life into their characters, they are hampered by a script that fails to fully realize their potential, leaving audiences with more questions than answers. The movie's narrative pays tribute to classic noir staples—unraveling conspiracies, femme fatales, and a flawed protagonist—yet it falls short of delivering the emotional depth and complexity that define the genre's best.

Amidst these narrative and pacing challenges, "Reminiscence" manages to carve out moments of brilliance. Its production design is undeniably stunning, crafting a believable world teetering on the brink of collapse due to climate change. This aesthetic achievement, coupled with the occasional thrilling sequence and the chemistry between the lead actors, offers a glimpse into what could have been a compelling addition to the neo-noir canon. However, these highlights are not enough to salvage the film from its convoluted plot and lackluster execution. Ultimately, while "Reminiscence" aspires to innovate and captivate, it serves as a sobering reminder of the difficulties inherent in paying homage to genre classics while striving to chart new territory.

Reminiscence" arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray courtesy of Warner Bros., boasting a tech spec sheet that does its best to elevate the film’s lamented box-office performance and critical reception. Offering a detailed native 4K video presentation in 2.4:1 aspect ratio enhanced by Dolby Vision, this release thrives visually, showcasing the neo-noir sci-fi thriller’s ambitious aesthetic with impressive clarity and color depth. The accompanying Dolby Atmos audio mix complements this visual splendor, creating an immersive auditory experience that highlights the movie's rich sound design. Despite the film's shortcomings in storytelling and overall appeal, this home release format shines a new light on director Lisa Joy's debut, offering a technically remarkable viewing opportunity for those with an inclination towards the genre or involved talent.

Upon its cinematic debut, "Reminiscence" struggled to captivate audiences, which reflected poorly on its box-office earnings. Its narrative and execution have been critiqued for lacking substance and replay value, a disappointing outcome for a piece that combines intriguing sci-fi concepts with a noir stylistic approach. However, the strength of the film’s technical presentation cannot be overstressed. The 4K UHD package includes some extras, although relegated to the Blu-ray disc, it still adds value to those particularly invested in the filmmaking process or seeking deeper insight into this audacious yet flawed project.

In conclusion, while "Reminiscence" may not have struck a chord with mainstream audiences or cinema-goers, its home release stands as a testament to the potential of high-quality home viewing experiences to redefine a film's reception. Though it might not warrant a blind buy for the average viewer, enthusiasts of the genre or fans of the talent involved might find the 4K UHD Blu-ray release compelling. It is a solid demonstration of how superior audiovisual technology can breathe new life into films that otherwise may have lingered in obscurity, making it a noteworthy addition for collectors or aficionados seeking to explore every facet of neo-noir science fiction cinema.