Cocaine Bear 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Cocaine Bear" provides a visually compelling upgrade over its already impressive Blu-ray version. Utilizing the ARRIRAW 4.5K digital source, 10-bit video depth, and HDR10 grading, the 3840 x 2160p resolution image in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio is exceedingly clear and finely detailed. The transfer is free of any noticeable grain, resulting in razor-sharp details, from clothing textures to the lush foliage of the forest setting. The contrast is excellent, with profoundly deep blacks and vibrant colors that enhance the film's aesthetic without oversaturation. While there are fewer instances of high intensity highlights, such as the bright lights in the opening plane scene or the night-time waterfall, the HDR pass amplifies nuance in darker scenes.

The HDR implementation brings added depth and brilliance to the visual experience. Whites gain noticeable luminance, and colors, particularly greens and 1980s attire, are rendered vividly and naturally. The contrast between brightly lit areas and shadows is finely tuned, offering seamless transition and stability across the spectrum of light and dark. Detail is enhanced, particularly in close-up shots, with textures appearing more refined. The encode quality is immaculate, devoid of artefacts or noise, capturing fine elements like leaves and skin textures with extraordinary clarity. The CGI bear also benefits, appearing more lifelike due to added detail and fidelity.

Though the improvement margin over the Blu-ray may seem incremental to some, it’s significant in specific areas like color density and shadow detailing. The heightened color grading enriches skin tones and enhances primaries, particularly the omnipresent red blood. Despite lacking Dolby Vision, which might have provided a bit more sparkle, the HDR10 grade shows that even modest gains substantially elevate the viewing experience. Overall, the visual presentation of "Cocaine Bear" on 4K UHD is exceptional, offering a true-to-source image that suits the film perfectly.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cocaine Bear" presents a particularly polarizing audio experience. While the disc includes a technically proficient lossless 5.1 surround track, it is disappointing compared to the superior Dolby Atmos soundtrack available in digital formats and in the US 1080p Blu-ray release. The included 5.1 track retains excellent technical qualities: deep, impactful bass, clear and prioritized dialogue, and a balanced overall mix that immerses the listener effectively. Despite the expertly delivered LFE hits and immersive surround sound, the absence of a Dolby Atmos track feels like a significant omission for a modern action film with such potential for aural engagement. It’s troubling when considering the premium price for this 4K release, which should arguably provide the most comprehensive audiovisual experience available.

In contrast, previous releases featured either DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 or even Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which significantly enhanced the immersive aspects of the audio. The Atmos track, in particular, added a top-end layer that enriched environmental sounds and provided an amplified sense of spatial dynamics, particularly in scenes set in the forest. Overhead effects, while subtly integrated, enhanced atmospheric details such as birds, insects, and rustling leaves, making the experience more immersive. Action sequences benefited from height effects and directional sound cues, adding to the intensity and engagement.

Overall, while the provided 5.1 mix performs admirably with powerful bass and coherent sound distribution, the decision to exclude an Atmos track compromises the overall value of this 4K UHD Blu-ray release. This omission feels particularly unfavorable given that other formats offer far more comprehensive audio experiences at lower costs.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cocaine Bear" includes a variety of extras, though they mostly recycle material available on the Blu-ray and certain digital versions, potentially diminishing the disc's added value. Highlights include a commentary track from Director/Producer Elizabeth Banks and Producer Max Handelman, featuring an engaging and informative discussion of the film's production. Supplementary content spans from constructional breakdowns of key scenes to lighter, humorous inclusions like the gag reel. Despite some repetition among the extras, the collective offerings provide comprehensive insights into the film's creation and intent.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: A brief, head-scratching alternative climax to the film.
• Gag Reel: Highlighting humorous moments from the set.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Four and a half minutes of additional footage, featuring some memorable moments.
• All Roads Lead to Cokey: The Making of Cocaine Bear: A behind-the-scenes look at creating the movie.
• Unbearable Bloodbath: Dissecting the Kills: An exploration of the film's special effects and stunt work.
• Doing Lines: Cast and crew reading lines from the screenplay.
• Audio Commentary: Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman provide detailed and lively commentary on the film.

Elizabeth Banks' Cocaine Bear masterfully embraces the absurdity implied by its title, delivering a wildly entertaining creature feature that strikes a delicate balance between dark comedy and gory thrills. Inspired by true events from the 1980s, the film leverages a tongue-in-cheek B-movie aesthetic reminiscent of nostalgia-soaked classics like Tremors and Lake Placid. With an exaggerated take on an already bizarre premise—a bear consuming vast quantities of cocaine and wreaking havoc in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest—the movie doesn't just revel in its eccentricity but actively enhances it with a sharp, self-aware script by Jimmy Warden. One should be prepared to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the over-the-top ride.

A robust ensemble cast elevates the film's chaotic narrative. Veteran actors like Keri Russell, Ray Liotta, and Margo Martindale infuse their roles with undeniable charm and a sense of earnestness that grounds the action amidst the insanity. However, it’s the younger talents like Brooklynn Prince and Christian Convery who truly steal the show; their witty banter and spirited performances inject the film with youthful exuberance. The varied characters—ranging from a grieving smuggler to a determined cop—collide in a series of hilarious yet dire situations as they navigate the bear's drug-fueled rampage. While most of the bear attacks are played for laughs rather than horror, they contribute significantly to the comedy-driven gore that maintains a fine line between humor and suspense.

Visually, Cocaine Bear benefits immensely from its 2160p/HDR video presentation, which captures the picturesque yet menacing backdrop of the Georgia wilderness with vivid clarity. Although some CGI elements show occasional limitations, they are generally well-executed, especially given the modest budget. The Dolby Atmos audio enhances the overall experience with immersive soundscapes that make every growl, crunch, and comedic interaction resonate more profoundly. Despite some narrative hiccups and reliance on set-piece moments, Banks’ directorial effort impresses with its unapologetic zaniness and compelling ensemble performances.

"Cocaine Bear" on 4K UHD Blu-ray lives up to the outrageous promise of its title, capturing a blend of gore, irreverence, and unexpected heart. The film's ability to mix elements of crude humor with a surprisingly sweet undertone offers a nostalgic nod to creature features. Though it may not be for everyone, fans of offbeat humor and thrilling absurdity will find Cocaine Bear an absolute riot. The technical aspects of this 4K release show notable enhancements in picture and sound quality compared to the Blu-ray version, although these improvements may not justify the price difference for all buyers.

Despite delivering a satisfying viewing experience with notable improvements in the HDR grade and overall visual fidelity, the 4K UHD release from Mediumrare Entertainment comes with dubious value propositions. The absence of Dolby Vision, a feature available on other platforms, and an underwhelming audio track reduce the appeal. Furthermore, the extras offered are identical to those found on less expensive versions, making it difficult to recommend this release for those who own the previous Blu-ray edition.

In conclusion, "Cocaine Bear" on 4K UHD is big, goofy fun that may not live up to its outrageous potential but still provides a surprisingly good time. While the movie itself is an unexpected treat for fans of creature features and absurd humor, this particular release suffers due to its higher price point and lack of significant upgrades. For die-hard collectors or first-time buyers, the UHD version might be worth considering—otherwise, sticking with the Blu-ray or digital versions is a more cost-effective choice.