Alien: Romulus 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 88
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
Alien: Romulus excels as an engaging sci-fi horror with top-notch retro design and performances, delivering stunning audio-visuals on 4K UHD for dedicated fans.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 99
Alien: Romulus on 4K UHD is a remarkable presentation, leveraging HEVC 2160p transfer with Dolby Vision and HDR10 for stunning detail and color depth. The transfer honors the film's practical effects with precise clarity even in darkness, though shadow definition is deliberately subtle to enhance its atmospheric tension.
Audio: 99
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'Alien: Romulus' offers an outstanding Dolby Atmos audio experience, seamlessly integrating height and bed channels for a captivating soundstage filled with powerful ambience, discrete effects, and thundering bass, making it a reference-grade track with perfectly clear dialogue.
Extra: 57
The Alien: Romulus 4K Extras, although limited to the 1080p Blu-ray disc, offer a compelling behind-the-scenes exploration with a focused 25-minute making-of documentary, immersive Xenomorph showdown breakdown, and insightful dialogue between Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez, enhancing the film experience without overshadowing the main content.
Movie: 74
Alien: Romulus delivers a nostalgically immersive 4K UHD experience that masterfully evokes the gothic claustrophobia of its predecessors while introducing new narrative elements; however, it struggles with some inconsistent story beats and fan-service callbacks. Despite these flaws, director Fede Alvarez's atmospheric craftsmanship and superb technical presentation make it a thrilling, if slightly repetitive, addition to the franchise.
Video: 99
The video presentation of "Alien: Romulus" on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands out as a technically masterful addition to your home media collection. Captured digitally at a high resolution of 4.6k using the Arri Alexa 35, and completed with a 4K digital intermediate, it exhibits an impressive blend of precision and artistry. Presented in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio, this release benefits immensely from its HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer, enveloped by both Dolby Vision and HDR10. This results in an image that consistently impresses with its clarity and details, particularly in the intricate textures of practical effects like facehuggers and Xenomorphs. The transfer mirrors the pristine experience of a Dolby Cinema presentation, offering an exceptional degree of sharpness and depth, ensuring no moment appears soft or unfocused.
Moreover, "Alien: Romulus" enjoys a sumptuous color palette that balances thematic warmth with chromatic depth. The film boasts appealing bronzes, golds, ambers, and later shifts into bold reds and oranges. This Dolby Vision-enhanced presentation highlights details such as glowing control panels and red lockdown scenes amidst pure black star fields, avoiding common pitfalls like black crush even in its low-light settings. The rendering of shadow plays a critical role in maintaining the ominous allure of the film while still preserving minute details like beads of sweat or alien blood. Such quality in color reproduction underscores its ability to deliver appropriate atmospheric tension without sacrificing visual integrity.
In terms of dynamic range, the contrast is meticulously managed to enhance the film’s predominantly dark aesthetic without overwhelming it. Despite the low light conditions often depicted, the disc maintains clean visuals with no noise or artifacts, enabling the viewer to fully appreciate the cinematic vision articulated through the subtleties of color and contrast as intended by its creators.
Audio: 99
The audio presentation of "Alien: Romulus" on the 4K UHD Blu-ray is a superb showcase of Dolby Atmos technology, delivering an immersive and dynamic auditory experience. The blend of height channels with bed channels provides a resplendent mix that enhances the film's atmospheric tension and intensity. The nuanced use of spatial sound elements, particularly during key sequences such as the sprinklers activating or a Xenomorph roaming above, demonstrates the track's excellence in creating a rich, enveloping soundscape. The verticality of sound is effectively leveraged, allowing for heightened immersion during both space-bound and atmospheric scenes.
The Dolby Atmos track distinguishes itself from the accompanying DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track by offering increased spatial depth and more pronounced vertical sound effects. Ship noises, echoing space sounds, and the chittering of facehuggers contribute to a pervasive sense of dread and suspense. The surround and height channels work in unison to deliver meticulous sound placement, ensuring each transition from one auditory point to another is seamless. Benjamin Wallfisch's score, along with Ligeti-esque vocals, further complements the atmospheric conditions through carefully curated overhead placement.
Low-frequency extension is robust, with ship takeoffs, explosions, and electrical surges creating an intense rumble that physically resonates with the listener. Dialogue clarity is consistently maintained across all scenes, ensuring that speech is articulate even amidst the chaos. The flawless integration of surrounds and LFE elements reinforces the high quality of this audio experience. Optional subtitles in multiple languages enhance accessibility without detracting from the immersive sound presentation. Overall, "Alien: Romulus" on 4K UHD offers an exemplar sound design that appreciably elevates the home viewing experience to near-theatrical levels.
Extras: 57
The extras included in the Blu-ray edition of "Alien: Romulus" offer an intriguing, albeit not deeply comprehensive, exploration into the film's creation. "Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus," a 25-minute documentary, provides valuable insights through interviews with key figures such as director Fede Alvarez and Ridley Scott, as well as a look at the practical sets reminiscent of the franchise's origins. The featurette "Inside the Xenomorph Showdown" meticulously dissects the film's climactic zero-gravity sequence, detailing the blend of wirework, stunts, and visual effects. The package also includes "Alien: A Conversation," which showcases a unique dialogue between Alvarez and Scott commemorating the original film’s 45th anniversary. Several alternate and extended scenes offer additional context to the narrative without significantly altering the storyline. This collection, while brief, enriches the viewing experience by shedding light on both the intricate production processes and thematic continuity within the Alien franchise.
Extras included in this disc:
- Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus: A making-of documentary that covers story inspiration, casting, and set construction.
- Inside the Xenomorph Showdown: Detailed exploration of the film’s climactic sequence.
- Alien: A Conversation: Discussion between Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez for the franchise’s anniversary.
- Alternate / Extended Scenes: Collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
Movie: 74
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Alien: Romulus" presents a captivating visual and auditory experience, anchoring Fede Alvarez’s entry into the Alien franchise with mood and authenticity. As a prequel-slash-sequel, "Alien: Romulus" delves deeply into the atmospheric aesthetics of the original films, evoking the iconic ‘truck drivers in space’ vibe originally brought to life by Ridley Scott. Fede Alvarez, alongside his long-time co-writer Rodo Sayagues, serves up impressive world-building through detailed costumes, ship designs, and the use of practical effects that merge seamlessly with contemporary CGI enhancements. Composer Benjamin Wallfisch’s score pays homage to the musical groundwork laid by James Horner and Jerry Goldsmith, enriching tense narrative moments with a richly evocative auditory backdrop.
Narratively, the film manages to offer a mixed bag that caters to both die-hard fans of the series and newcomers. Alvarez throws viewers into a story where Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny), accompanied by a reprogrammed android Andy (David Jonsson), embarks on a perilous journey across darkly atmospheric space settings. The script impressively explores character motivations, particularly Rain’s struggle for freedom from Weyland-Yutani’s corporate shackles, while orchestrating compelling action sequences reminiscent of James Cameron’s high-adrenaline approach to storytelling. However, despite the engaging setup and suspenseful environment, the film falters in its latter half. The plot feels burdened by over-reliance on franchise callbacks, leading some sequences toward a fan service-driven narrative rather than offering fresh, innovative storytelling arcs.
Despite these narrative missteps, "Alien: Romulus" excels technically. The visual presentation and sound design crafted by Alvarez and his team emphasize the haunted house-in-space feel with moody lighting and clever use of shadows. The claustrophobic vibe endears it as a cinematic jewel for enthusiasts who appreciate classic Alien trimmings mixed with modern cinematic flair. Though opinions may vary on its thematic depth and originality, this installment stands as a testament to Alvarez’s passion for the Alien universe, sparking both nostalgia and new interest within a storied franchise.
Total: 88
"Alien: Romulus" on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers an enthralling experience for sci-fi and horror enthusiasts, balancing nostalgia with fresh elements for the enduring franchise. The film showcases Fede Álvarez's adept direction in blending sci-fi horror with emotional depth, backed by a production design that intentionally embraces retro aesthetics. With standout performances and rich storytelling, it navigates the intricacies of offering fan service while innovating within the Alien universe. Despite some overextension in certain segments, the journey remains absorbing, engaging audiences with its gripping narrative.
On the technical front, "Alien: Romulus" sets a new benchmark with pristine 4K video and immersive audio quality. The striking visual presentation enhances the film’s atmospheric depth, allowing home viewers to immerse themselves fully in the cinematic experience. Although the supplementary content may not meet all expectations due to limited extras, the core viewing experience more than compensates with its execution. This release is indeed a technical marvel, appreciated by audiophiles and videophiles alike, enhancing the value of owning such a high-quality disc in an Alien collection.
Conclusively, "Alien: Romulus" may not redefine the genre or sway staunch critics of the franchise, but it succeeds in offering a thrilling ride for those on the fence. It revitalizes the series with a compelling fusion of homage and innovation, ensuring it appeals to both new fans and seasoned aficionados. While not flawless, it captures the quintessential essence of the Alien saga and shines in its 4K presentation, making it a must-own for home cinema enthusiasts.
avforums review by Mark CostelloRead review here
Video: 100
Both include the same two discs – a 4K UHD blu-ray that houses just the film and a 1080p disc that houses the film and its extras....
Audio: 100
The director has gone for a very specific aesthetic, one that is helped by the strengths of digital capture – aiming to recapture a similarly gritty, earthy aesthetic to the first film, his bathing of...
Extras: 40
Making superb and constant use of all the speakers, including the overheads (MUTHUR’s voice is so brilliantly present overhead, it feels part of the actual viewing room rather than part of the film), its...
Movie: 60
Much more so in its latter half, but present throughout, these hugely frustrating notes stand out even more with the knowledge gained from the extras on the disc that Alvarez knows these films like the...
Total: 60
Not likely to change anyone’s mind about the film unless they were very much on the fence, it can now be enjoyed as a very well-crafted, genre rollercoaster ride, whilst still being a crushing disappointment...
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 100
While HDR / Dolby Vision add some significant highlights to the film's rather interesting grading choices, which range from a lot of yellows in the first half hour or so, to, later, more uses of red and...
Audio: 100
All of the excellent surround activity I mentioned in the review of the 1080 disc's audio is certainly well intact here, though the Atmos track does offer some verticality from the get go, with some of...
Extras: 50
The 1080 disc offers the following bonus content: Alternate / Extended Scenes (HD; 11:27) Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus (HD; 25:34) is a nice making of set of featurettes which include some...
Movie: 80
That relative dearth might be explained in part not necessarily due to fans' inability to spot things, but the fact that the film is placed squarely between the events of the first two outings in the franchise,...
Total: 80
If things are a bit too long and overamped in the third act, it's remarkable how much emotion Fede �lvarez is able to wrest from the proceedings....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 100
Detail is, of course, off the charts and that may or may not be a good thing when you see folks getting killed by alien blood....
Audio: 100
Vocals are to notch, surrounds are used often and to great effect and we get a nice, well-balanced mix....
Extras: 50
Constructing the World – Explore the massive, practical sets of Alien: Romulus that hearken back to the futuristic style established in the ’80s and get up close and personal with a hoard of practically...
Movie: 0
And I can see why this film was made as it does help provide a segue to some of the later films giving us context and such....
Total: 70
I wasn’t that big of a fan of this one not because it was “bad” by any means, it just seemed like…another Alien movie....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
This is aided by Dolby Vision, bright and rich whether that’s a star against the pure black of space or a lighted button on a control panel....
Audio: 100
Boomy, powerful, and intense, Alien Romulus exists in a near constant state of ambient sound, whether it’s a voice bouncing off the walls, steam hissing when a door opens, or the creaking metal of the...
Extras: 60
A 25-minute four-part collection of featurettes fits together a general making-of (story, casting, creating the world, etc.)....
Movie: 80
Much as this works as a narrative device, it runs counter to the brooding, vintage-like tension that fills Alien Romulus; the story needs time, but time is an inconsistent constant in this script....
Total: 85
Attempting to build a better Alien means relying too often on what came before, but Alien Romulus is a great creature feature....
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 100
Contrast is also excellent, as the film takes place for the most part in near darkness (the disc does not play well on non-HDR capable displays) that allows for nearly pure black star fields and deep black...
Audio: 100
Surround activity is very active with heights used for some crossover effects and additional atmospheric ambience....
Extras: 60
Return to Horror: Crafting “Alien: Romulus” (1080p; 25:34): Am above average behind the scenes documentary featuring interviews with Fede Alvarez, Ridley Scott, and other members of the cast and crew....
Movie: 70
The effects, most of which are practical with some CGI enhancement, are particularly well-done with a few exceptions (one recurring character from a previous film suffers from uncanny valley at times,...
Total: 80
Alien: Romulus, despite some of its fan service moments, is a very entertaining new entry in the Alien franchise....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 96
It adheres to sepia and limited chromatic schemes that provide thematic emphasis and, this Ultra HD rendering makes the most of its elements....
Audio: 96
In addition to things like ambience mixed with pointed sound objects, such is in chapter 14 when the sprinklers activate and the xenomorph jumps on the catwalk overhead, there are a host of sequences that...
Extras: 70
Constructing the World – Explore the massive, practical sets of Alien: Romulus that hearken back to the futuristic style established in the '80s and get up close and personal with a hoard of practically...
Movie: 70
When Alien was unleashed in theaters in 1979, the world as introduced to one of the most terrifying monsters in motion picture history and one of the most popular movie franchises of all time....
Total: 83
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Why So Blu? review by Adam Toroni-ByrneRead review here
Video: 100
The dense practical set pieces and effects look amazing, with detail sharp as ever and colors only made better by the Dolby Vision HDR.Depth:...
Audio: 100
Low-Frequency Extension: Ship takeoffs, big landings, power coming on and off, explosions, gunfire… so much of the film has bass response that you feel the rumble for much of the film....
Extras: 70
Constructing the World – Explore the massive, practical sets of Alien: Romulus that hearken back to the futuristic style established in the ’80s and get up close and personal with a hoard of practically...
Movie: 90
While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young colonizers come face-to-face with the most relentless and deadly life form in the universe....
Total: 90
This 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of the film will stand as the way to watch the movie at home, and with audio/video quality like this, it’s safe to say that everyone involved in this film did the franchise...
Director: Fede Alvarez
Actors: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux
PlotIn a distant future, humanity's relentless expansion into the cosmos leads them to a remote colony on the planet Romulus. The setting is bleak but presents promise with advanced technology supporting the miners and scientists who aim to harvest mineral resources. Among the colonists is Danielle, a young engineer trying to escape her troubled past by starting anew. Her technical knowledge sets her apart, yet she feels a growing unease as unprecedented happenings disrupt the colony. Electrical systems malfunction, and communication with nearby outposts becomes irregular, fostering an air of tension and paranoia among the crew. As Danielle investigates these anomalies, she uncovers evidence suggesting that an uninvited presence has found its way into the colony.
Amidst growing fears and deteriorating conditions, a deadly alien organism begins to hunt the colonists one by one, its presence unraveled through gruesome discoveries. Danielle, along with a small group of survivors including a resourceful scientist named Tom and a pragmatic leader named Jamie, fights for survival. They face a heart-pounding race against time to decipher the alien's behavior and origins while unlocking the mysteries hidden in Romulus's core. Battling against both the alien and their growing mistrust in each other, they must navigate claustrophobic environments, consume fragmentary clues about its weaknesses, and find ways to use the colony's technology to their advantage. The once-promising voyage into the unknown becomes a fight for survival, with survival instincts put to the ultimate test amidst an unforgiving extraterrestrial threat.
Writers: Dan O'Bannon, Ronald Shusett, Fede Alvarez
Release Date: 16 Aug 2024
Runtime: 119 min
Rating: R
Country: United Kingdom, United States, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Canada
Language: English