Kin 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kin," presented on 4K UHD by Lionsgate Films, carries a 2160p resolution in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Originally captured with Arri Alexa Minis, the film undergoes significant post-production adjustments to emulate a filmic texture, introducing a digital grain that may not resonate with all viewers due to its somewhat mottled and noisy appearance. This choice appears to aim for a grittier visual narrative but occasionally distracts from the finer details, which is more noticeable given its 4K UHD presentation. Despite this, the improved shadow detail and nuanced grading choices enhance the visual experience, with Dolby Vision bringing out vibrant yellow and orange tones, particularly in home scenes and shootouts. The desaturation across certain segments adds a stylistic flair, reminiscent of bleach bypass techniques.

Contrast levels shine on this Dolby Vision-encoded disc, cutting through any perceived murkiness to reveal dazzling highlights and rich, accurate flesh tones amidst a variety of color-graded locations. The excessive grain intended to add visual roughness occasionally compromises facial and textural clarity, yet the overall detail remains impressively resolved. The digital filtering technique, while aiming to match the narrative's tone, sometimes obscures finer details but allows the urban decay and grim exterior scenes of Detroit to emerge vividly.

Despite some concerns with black levels occasionally undermining the film's dimensionality, the color palette remains a standout feature. Cooler hues dominate, complementing the film's primarily nocturnal setting, with neon lights vividly punctuating darker scenes. While the encoding on the Blu-ray version struggles with grain handling—leading to artifacting in shadows and some chroma noise—the 4K rendition manages to maintain consistency in contrast and saturation. Ultimately, "Kin" on 4K UHD offers an intricate visual experience that is both precise and colorful, though not without minor drawbacks in its bold stylistic choices.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Kin" showcases an audio experience that is as dynamic and varied as the film itself, featuring a DTS:X track that oscillates between moments of intense, rumbling energy and quieter, dialogue-focused scenes. The audio mix excels in creating an immersive soundscape, particularly evident in the opening scenes where a mix of thunderous sounds and low-frequency effects (LFE) hint at an otherworldly presence, enhancing the visual storytelling with an auditory spectacle that suggests the arrival of aliens. Such precise and powerful use of sound is consistent throughout the film, not only in action-packed sequences where the use of Eli's weapon brings impressive panning effects and clear overhead sounds of explosions and gunfire but also in subtler moments that offer immersive surround sound activity, like the whimsical scene of Eli learning to drive in circles. Additionally, the score by Mogwai enriches the narrative with its excellent utilization of surround channels, adding another layer to the film's overall atmosphere.

The DTS:X track’s handling of dialogue is impeccable, ensuring clarity and crispness across various scenes, a testament to the mix's overall quality and attention to detail. The audio presentation further shines in its nuanced approach to soundscapes, effectively using LFE to lend weight to laser beams and vehicle engines, thereby enhancing the action sequences beyond the film’s budgetary constraints. Surround channels are judiciously employed to simulate environmental sounds—be it ambient debris or bullets whizzing by during climactic confrontations—resulting in a highly convincing and engaging auditory experience. The mix's strength lies in its ability to maintain wide imaging and deliver flawless transitions between scenes, whether it’s capturing the directional swivel of an argument heard from a distance or the general panning of vehicles, showcasing a sharp and observant audio mix that significantly contributes to the immersive quality of the film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Kin" might not have made a significant impact at the box office, but its array of special features sets a new standard. From the compelling audio commentary by co-directors Jonathan and Josh Baker and screenwriter Daniel Casey, to the comprehensive making-of documentary "Thicker Than Water", which, at nearly two hours, delves deeper into the film's creation than most would dare. The included original short "Bag Man" provides foundational context for the film, supplemented by insightful commentary. The visual effects breakdown showcases the meticulous craftsmanship behind the movie's visual magic, distinguishing between CGI and practical effects. Deleted scenes offer a glimpse into the editing process, while "Learned Behavior" humorously deconstructs the making of special features themselves. Overall, these extras not only enrich "Kin's" viewing experience but also serve as a masterclass in filmmaking and post-production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Co-Directors Jonathan and Josh Baker and Screenwriter Daniel Casey: Insightful commentary providing depth and background.

• Thicker Than Water: The Making of Kin: A thorough behind-the-scenes look at production.

• Enhanced Visual FX Breakdown: Detailing the film's effects, frame by frame.

• Bag Man: Original Short: The inspiration for the film, with optional directors' commentary.

• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes with introductory comments by the editor.

• Learned Behavior: Special Features at Work: A meta discussion on the crafting of special features.

• Theatrical Trailer: The official movie trailer for "Kin".

Kin," a film that daringly attempts to blend disparate genres, finds itself navigating the rough terrain of an inner-city drama meshed with science fiction elements. At the heart of the story is Elijah Solinski (Myles Truitt), a young African American navigating life in Detroit's harsh urban environment alongside his widowed adoptive father Hal (Dennis Quaid) and recently paroled brother Jimmy (Jack Reynor). The narrative escalates when Eli stumbles upon an extraterrestrial weapon in a derelict warehouse, a discovery that catapults him and his brother into a perilous journey evading both a vengeful crime lord, Taylor Balik (James Franco), and mysterious alien hunters. Directors Jonathan and Josh Baker ambitiously navigate these narrative complexities, delivering a film that is both visually captivating and emotionally grounded, primarily through Truitt's compelling performance.

Despite the Bakers' commendable effort in their feature film debut, "Kin" grapples with substantial moral ambiguity. The film’s portrayal of gun use as a means to empowerment for Eli, amidst the backdrop of America's ongoing struggle with gun violence, strikes a discordant note, overshadowing the sci-fi adventure with a grim undertone of reality. Moreover, the depiction of nearly every character lacking a moral compass presents a bleak view of humanity, one where unethical actions are not only commonplace but unchallenged. This thematic darkness seeps through every layer of the story, from the protagonist’s troubled family dynamics to his encounters with societal indifference and criminal underworlds.

In essence, while "Kin" showcases promising talents and an intriguing genre blend, it ultimately falters in delivering a coherent moral narrative. The film wades into the murky waters of glorifying weaponry without fully addressing the consequences, encapsulating a sense of moral lethargy that may sit uncomfortably with viewers amidst contemporary societal challenges. The directors manage to inject moments of heart and human connection, but these are overshadowed by the overarching portrayal of guns as problem solvers and the unsettling normalization of violence, leaving audiences to ponder the intent behind this cinematic endeavor.

Kin," presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray, offers a complex blend of kitchen sink drama and science fiction, a mixture that might not cater to all tastes but certainly stands out for its uniqueness. The Baker brothers have ventured into somewhat uncharted territories, merging these distinct genres in a way that commands attention, albeit not without its flaws. Particularly, the film's moral backbone can seem questionable, stirring mixed feelings. However, it's the daring combination of elements that makes "Kin" intriguing for a specific audience niche that lies at the uncommon intersection of drama and sci-fi enthusiasts. On the technical front, "Kin" maintains high standards, with outstanding audio quality that matches that of its 1080p counterpart. Nonetheless, the film’s grainy visual texture might not appeal to purists seeking the utmost in naturalistic presentation.

The narrative pits a high school-aged teenager as the sole beacon of hope in a grim world, with a gun as his constant companion—a theme that adds a layer of darkness to the already bleak setting. Despite the potential lack of appeal in its more fantastical elements for those seeking the spectacle typical of 4K UHD presentations, "Kin" manages to hold its own. The special effects are understated, but this does not detract from the overall experience, especially for viewers who appreciate depth and narrative over sheer visual flair.

In conclusion, "Kin" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents a bold experiment that merges the gritty reality of drama with the expansive possibilities of science fiction. While it may not satisfy all viewers, its technical prowess and the uniqueness of its vision make it a recommended watch for those seeking something out of the ordinary in their cinematic experiences. The film navigates moral ambiguity and a stark narrative with a commendable technical execution that underscores its niche appeal.