MaXXXine 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

MaXXXine arrives on 4K UHD (2160p) with a 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen Dolby Vision presentation that stylishly emulates its mid-1980s visual inspirations. Director of photography Eliot Rockett embraces a lightly grainy texture and subtle haze, evoking a sense of nostalgia that enhances the film's atmosphere. The retro aesthetic, which might be a detriment to most contemporary films, instead serves as a substantial asset here, enriching the film’s mood. The inky shadows maintain depth without any crushing, and the restrained HDR grading adds notable flourishes, especially during key scenes such as the climactic chase near the Hollywood sign. Close-ups reveal a high level of detail, particularly in facial features and costumes, exemplified by Kevin Bacon's intricately portrayed private investigator character.

Technically, the film is encoded in HEVC/H.265 and mastered in 4K (2160p), with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 on a BD-100 disc. Clarity is consistently exceptional, even with intentional VHS-like graininess interspersed throughout, seamlessly blending the natural UHD footage. This results in striking scenes during both sunlit California days and darker urban alleys. Depth of field is meticulously handled, with moments of purposeful defocus adding to the visual narrative. Black levels are impressively maintained without any loss of detail, ensuring no scene feels visually compromised.

Color reproduction is deliberately styled to reflect the era, with somewhat washed-out yet vibrant hues—greens, reds, and sky blues are prominently luscious, while neon colors pop vibrantly during night scenes. Flesh tones are impeccably rendered, with every character fitting perfectly into the period’s look without appearing exaggerated. Despite the presence of digital grain, the overall image remains pristinely clean, providing a visually cohesive experience that significantly bolsters MaXXXine's evocative tribute to its 1980s cinematic roots.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu Ray of "MaXXXine" showcases an exemplary Dolby Atmos 7.1 soundtrack that immerses viewers in its dynamic soundscape. The pulsing score by Tyler Bates and the period-appropriate needle drops, including ZZ Top’s "Gimme All Your Lovin’," Animotion’s "Obsession," and Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s "Welcome to the Pleasuredome," are rendered with exceptional clarity and detail. The sound design ensures dialogue is clear and distortion-free, while gunfire and squishing rivulets of gore deliver a visceral punch. Additional audio options include an English descriptive audio track and a Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 track, with optional English and Spanish subtitles enhancing accessibility.

Technically, the Dolby Atmos mix excels in creating an immersive experience. The film’s music and spookier sound effects dominate the lower frequencies, complemented by robust low-frequency extension that makes 80’s needle drops resonate with deep, impactful bass. Helicopters, punches, and other action sequences are equally forceful. Surround sound channels effectively envelop the audience in MaXXXine's world, using crowd noise, studio echoes, and ambient sounds to enhance the viewing experience. Height channels are utilized brilliantly with elements such as studio echoes, helicopter noises, and city ambiance seamlessly integrated, making for a captivating auditory experience.

Dialogue reproduction stands out as a key strength. Throughout the film, dialogue remains perfectly intelligible, ensuring that viewers do not miss any crucial narrative details amidst the elaborate soundscape. Altogether, the combination of clear dialogue and dynamic sound effects creates a rich, immersive auditory experience that enhances the overall impact of MaXXXine.

The extras on the MaXXXine 4K UHD Blu-ray disc provide an insightful and engaging behind-the-scenes look beyond the main feature. “The Belly of the Beast” offers a standard making-of featurette, revealing the enthusiasm of the cast and crew. With “XXX Marks the Spot,” viewers get a deep dive into the film's distinctive mid-1980s aesthetic, with influences ranging from Repo Man to Giallo horror. “Hollywood is a Killer” impressively showcases the effort and skills of the special effects team. Additionally, there's a comprehensive Q&A session with writer-director-editor-producer Ti West and journalist Jen Yamato, as well as various trailers, including the teaser and red-band theatrical trailers of MaXXXine and other A24 films.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Belly of the Beast: Standard behind-the-scenes making-of featurette.
• XXX Marks the Spot: Explores the film’s mid-1980s vibe and visual influences.
• Hollywood is a Killer: Focuses on makeup and digital effects.
• Q&A With Ti West: 25-minute discussion with the director.
• Various Trailers: Includes teaser, red-band theatrical trailer, and A24 film trailers.

Writer-director Ti West's "MaXXXine" is an unapologetically visceral descent into 1980s Hollywood, continuing the narrative of adult film star Maxine Minx, portrayed with unflinching bravura by Mia Goth. Picking up six years after the grisly events of "X," Minx has firmly entrenched herself in the adult film industry and now aspires to break into mainstream horror with "The Puritan II." The film meticulously recreates the gritty atmosphere of mid-1980s filmmaking, down to the VHS tracking flicker in the opening credits, effectively situating the viewer into the era.

West masterfully juxtaposes the seedy underbelly of the adult entertainment world with the dark threats looming in 1985 Los Angeles, including the real-life terror of the Night Stalker and a ruthless private investigator, played by Kevin Bacon, whose slimy determination adds layers to the tension. The film excels in creating a heightened sense of peril as Maxine navigates her past and present dangers while contending with murders that claim her closest confidants. The carefully curated setting and period-specific details, from costume design to vehicles, along with flawless musical scoring, encapsulate the era's essence.

Mia Goth delivers an outstanding performance, seamlessly embodying Maxine's fierce determination and vulnerability. The ensemble cast, featuring talents like Elizabeth Debicki, Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Monaghan, and Giancarlo Esposito, bolsters the narrative's dramatic heft. However, despite its stylish execution and compelling performances, "MaXXXine" occasionally wavers under closer scrutiny, leaning heavily toward style over substance. Yet, it remains a visually stunning and engaging thriller that effectively pays homage to its cinematic influences while carving its own bloody path.

Director Ti West continues to captivate audiences with "MaXXXine," the latest installment in his gripping horror trilogy. This film follows the journey of Maxine Minx, portrayed by Mia Goth, as she navigates the sleazy streets of 1985 Hollywood. Building upon the gritty foundation laid by "X" and "Pearl," "MaXXXine" immerses viewers in a raw, nostalgically charged landscape. While the movie dazzles with its intensive gory visuals and clever genre homage, some may find it skirting a line where style takes precedence over narrative substance. Nonetheless, West masterfully cultivates an atmosphere of suspense and dark allure.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray from Lionsgate is nothing short of spectacular, with a remarkable video transfer that retains the film's rich, grimy texture and an audio presentation that envelops you in every evocative underscore and blood-curdling scream. The meticulous attention to detail in this release ensures that both hardcore fans of the trilogy and new viewers will appreciate the technical craftsmanship. The sharpness and clarity of the visuals, combined with the immersive sound design, elevate the viewing experience to new heights.

In conclusion, while "MaXXXine" may emphasize its aesthetic appeal to a point of overshadowing plot depth, it remains an enthralling addition to Ti West's oeuvre. Fans of the previous films, as well as thriller enthusiasts willing to brave its unapologetic gore, will find this installment immensely satisfying. The exceptional 4K UHD presentation by Lionsgate solidifies this disc as an essential purchase for collectors and aficionados of high-quality home entertainment.