Nope 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 88
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
Nope blends spectacle with deep themes, impressing in 4K but critiques on pace and character depth linger.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 90
Nope's 4K UHD showcases exceptional clarity, vibrant colors and deep blacks via a mix of digital and film formats, delivering a visually rich and detailed viewing experience.
Audio: 92
The Dolby Atmos mix captivates with immersive, dynamic soundscapes, elevating the Nope experience with vivid realism, deep bass, and clear dialogue.
Extra: 81
The Nope UHD and Blu-ray release offers a rich array of extras including a detailed making-of documentary, deleted scenes, a gag reel, in-depth featurettes on Jean Jacket and 'The Horse in Motion,' preserving technical clarity and creative insights.
Movie: 81
Nope, a Jordan Peele film blending spectacle with social commentary, explores human curiosity and the dark sides of entertainment, engaging audiences with its unique sci-fi horror twist.
Video: 90
The 4K UHD presentation of "Nope" offers a masterclass in visual fidelity, making full use of its native 3840 x 2160p resolution across both 1.78:1 and 2.20:1 aspect ratios. This film was meticulously shot using a blend of digital and analog formats, including 35mm, 65mm, and IMAX film, alongside Arri Alexa 65 Infrared cameras, capturing details at resolutions up to 6.5K. These high-resolution captures were then finely tuned into a pristine 4K digital intermediate, ensuring every frame presents exceptional clarity. The utilization of HDR10 enhances the viewing experience further, with the film’s variable aspect ratios maintaining true to its cinematic intention. This release exploits a wide color gamut and high dynamic range to deliver visuals with a depth and vividness arguably surpassing standard HD presentations. The landscapes and skies of the film's Southern California setting are rendered with lifelike precision, while nighttime scenes exhibit a haunting depth without sacrificing detail.
The disc's encode, utilizing the HEVC H.265 codec, manages to deliver a pristine, artifact-free image that respects the film's diverse palette and complex textures. Film grain is subtly preserved, reflecting the organic nature of its cinematic scope and enhancing the visual narrative without ever becoming intrusive. Detail is king here; from the fine nuances of skin textures and clothing fabrics to the expansive desert vistas and intricate set pieces, each element is distinguishable with remarkable sharpness and depth. The HDR grading underscores this with vibrant yet natural colors, deep blacks, and a luminosity in whites that contributes to an incredibly dynamic image without any loss in shadow detail or highlights clipping.
"Nope's" 4K UHD presentation is not just about displaying technical prowess; it’s an immersive experience that respects Jordan Peele’s vision, marrying the technical aspects of big-screen filmmaking with at-home viewing capabilities. The melding of various filming formats has yielded a visually captivating output that both aficionados and casual viewers will appreciate. The colors, from the neon vibrancy of amusement attractions to the subdued natural tones of the desert landscape, are rendered with a richness that breathes life into every frame. Black levels are profound and contribute significantly to the atmospheric depth of darker scenes, ensuring that the film’s eerie ambiance is palpable. This UHD version stands as the definitive way to experience "Nope" at home, delivering an unmatched clarity that celebrates both the broad strokes and minute details of its visual storytelling.
Audio: 92
The Dolby Atmos mix of "Nope" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release is a masterful auditory journey that combines the terrifyingly immersive sounds of an otherworldly presence with the crystal-clear dialogue and deep, rich soundscapes expected from top-tier audio presentations. This mix excels in using its overhead channels to bring the film's antagonist and its environment to life, filling the room with a dread-inducing atmosphere. Sound effects, from the subtle to the bombastic, are precisely placed across the soundstage, creating an enveloping experience that heightens the tension and excitement. The realism of sounds, such as the horrifying act of consumption at Jupiter’s Claim, is unnervingly clear, making the audience feel uncomfortably close to the action. The LFE channel is robust, delivering a solid foundation of bass that enhances the score's impact and the terrifying presence of the film’s creature, though it leaves a bit of range untapped. The practical effects of weather, objects tumbling from the sky, and chillingly unnerving movement around the listener showcase a meticulous attention to detail.
Dialogue remains consistently clear and well-prioritized amidst the chaos, ensuring that every word is heard without overpowering the intricate layering of ambient sounds and directional effects that contribute to the movie's immersive atmosphere. The mix cleverly navigates between quieter moments and sudden, intense auditory assaults, employing a dynamic range that keeps viewers on edge. Audio quality remains flawlessly clear, underpinning the on-screen action with a perfect balance of music and effect levels, reflecting a nuanced understanding of how sound can enhance storytelling.
Universal's Dolby Atmos soundtrack for "Nope" sets a high standard for immersive audio, leveraging every channel to create a cohesive and compelling sonic experience. The additional audio options and subtitles provide accessibility without compromising on the atmospheric integrity of the original mix. With its playfulness in audio directionality and effective use of the sound environment, from overhead to deep bass responses, this soundtrack is a testament to the powerful role of audio in modern cinema, delivering both subtlety and intensity in a meticulously crafted audible rendition of the film's unnerving tale.
Extras: 81
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Nope" offers a meticulously curated selection of extras that enhances the experience of the film, pedantically preserved across different formats, emphasizing its technical and narrative depth. Enriched with a detailed, hour-long documentary, "Shadows: The Making of Nope," this collection dives into Jordan Peele's creative process, exploring the film's key themes, collaborative efforts with the cast and crew, and the meticulous design of the antagonist "Jean Jacket." Also featured are five deleted scenes, a gag reel showcasing the lighter moments on set, and a featurette dedicating to the enigmatic "Mystery Man of Muybridge," connecting historical motion picture significance to the film's narrative. While the extras mourn the absence of a commentary track, their quality compensates by offering a comprehensive insight into the production, from conceptual origins to final execution. The addition of a Movies Anywhere digital copy and aesthetic touches like themed disc artwork adds value, making for an attractive package for collectors and cinephiles alike.
Extras included in this disc:
- SHADOWS: THE MAKING OF NOPE: An hour-long, in-depth look into Jordan Peele's filmmaking process and the unraveling of "Nope."
- DELETED SCENES: Five scenes providing additional context to the narrative.
- GAG REEL: Behind-the-scenes outtakes and bloopers.
- CALL HIM JEAN JACKET: A deep dive into the film's mysterious antagonist.
- MYSTERY MAN OF MUYBRIDGE: Exploration of the film's historical tie-in with Eadweard Muybridge's work.
Movie: 81
Jordan Peele's "Nope," a cinematic blend of sci-fi and horror nuanced with the Western genre, unfolds on the expansive Haywood Ranch following the mysterious death of the family patriarch, Otis. OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer), heirs to a storied Hollywood animal wrangling business, encounter inexplicable phenomena threatening both their legacy and lives. Armed with an obsession to document these terrifying occurrences, they venture into a rabbit hole of discovery, flanked by an eclectic cast including their neighbor, a former child star turned theme park owner (Steven Yeun), and an electronics store employee (Brandon Perea). This film is a journey into the obsession with spectacle, unfolding against the backdrop of Hollywood's dark allure and the harsh realities of show business.
Peele skilfully marries traditional horror elements with a profound examination of humanity's voyeuristic tendencies, using the sky as a canvas to project his multifaceted themes. The narrative is enriched by standout performances, particularly Kaluuya's portrayal of OJ, which balances internal chaos with external calmness amidst mounting otherworldly terror. The film's pacing, special effects, and character-driven storytelling underscore Peele's adeptness at blending spectacle with substance, much like his forebearers Spielberg and Shyamalan. Yet, "Nope" veers into new territory, critiquing the insatiable quest for virality at humanity's expense, thereby positioning itself as a unique entry in Peele's oeuvre and modern cinema.
Despite its ambitious scope and inventive premise, "Nope" at times grapples with clarity in character motivation and narrative coherence, leaving some audiences desiring more from the character arcs. However, the film's layered subtext, seamless integration of genres, and commentary on exploitation—coupled with its exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the pursuit of authenticity—affirm "Nope" as a compelling yet complex tapestry of Peele's continued evolution as a filmmaker. Its slow-burn mystery culminates in a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience that challenges viewers to ponder their complicity in the spectacle culture it critiques.
Total: 88
Jordan Peele's "Nope" is delivered in a 4K UHD Blu-ray edition that stands out for its technical prowess and thematic depth. The film itself, an allegory rich in subtext, may not hit every mark due to its pacing and character development, yet it remains an ambitious endeavor from Peele. The 4K UHD Steelbook edition does this cinematic spectacle justice, featuring superior video quality with stunning clarity, vivid color reproduction, and impeccably balanced black and white levels. The Dolby Atmos audio track is a highlight, delivering an immersive sound experience that enhances the film's eerie atmosphere and tension. Furthermore, the bonus features included are comprehensive and informative, offering valuable insights into the film's creation and Peele's vision.
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment's release of "Nope" on 4K UHD Blu-ray provides an exemplary home theater experience. The visual presentation shifts seamlessly to IMAX ratios at crucial moments, honoring Peele’s cinematic intent and creating an engrossing viewing experience. The package's Dolby Atmos audio thoroughly engulfs the audience, adding a layer of immersion that is rare and captivating. Supplemental materials are generous, reflecting Peele’s commitment to his craft and providing aficionados with ample content to explore the film’s nuances. Collectors and cinephiles will find the UHD SteelBook a must-have, as it marries exceptional technical quality with aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, "Nope" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a compelling purchase for enthusiasts of Jordan Peele’s filmography and high-quality home cinema experiences alike. While the film itself may divide opinion with its narrative and pacing choices, there's no denying the exceptional care put into this home release. It's a testament to the evolving synergy between storytelling and technology, offering a viewing experience that is both intellectually stimulating and technically sublime. The bonus features alone make it a worthy addition to any collection, ensuring "Nope" will be a topic of discussion and appreciation for years to come.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 100
Nope was shot both digitally, and on 35mm and 65mm film, using a variety of different cameras, including Arri Alexa 65 Infrared, IMAX MKIV, IMAX MSM 9802, Panavision 65 HR Camera, Panavision Panaflex Gold,...
Audio: 100
The score makes good use of 3D space, and bass is rich and deep, adding significantly to the effects....
Extras: 80
...
Movie: 60
In the end, Nope, is somewhat unsatisfying, there is a lot going on, and a lot to see and feel, but becoming involved with the characters and their plight is difficult when Peele seems to be actively discouraging...
Total: 80
The 4K UHD Steelbook is a thing of beauty, the native 4K image is stunning in its clarity, detail, colour reproduction, and black and white levels, while the Dolby Atmos track is simply out of this world...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Overall sharpness gains are in clear evidence around the frame, but fine skin and clothing details are immediately striking for the rather sizeable boost in overall complexity....
Audio: 100
There's a constant sense of absolute and seamless sonic immersion into the film's locations, whether serene open landscapes or chaotic "UFO" interiors with sound that replicates the suffocating, enclosed,...
Extras: 100
Shadows: The Making of Nope (2160p, 56:05): A comprehensive, film-quality piece that explores Peele's workmanship and process, story and themes, cinematography, shooting locales, cast and performances,...
Movie: 80
Peele has once again built a film that is novel and engaging, stable and confident, and well capable of holding audience attention through its surge of strange material....
Total: 50
The film is, superficially, a curious mash-up that doesn't always work, but in Peele's keen eye for understated and naturally occurring spectacle and drama, the film plays remarkably well....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 95
The nighttime footage is also impressive, in that you’re able to see much more detail—not just in faces and foreground objects, but also in the distant landscapes—than would normally be possible on film,...
Audio: 95
The soundfield if big, wide, and highly atmospheric, enveloping you in the film’s sonic environments....
Extras: 80
And finally you get a bit of background on the iconic footage of the Black jockey riding his horse—the so-called Muybridge clip, which was one of the first ever pieces of motion picture footage (whether...
Movie: 80
“OJ” Haywood (Daniel Kaluuya, Sicario, Black Panther) and his sister “Em” (Keke Palmer, Hustlers, Akeelah and the Bee) are Hollywood royalty of a kind, having inherited their family’s cinema horse-wrangling...
Total: 88
So many ideas are competing for prominence here that the work as a whole falls a little short of the mark....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
The disc keeps a switching aspect ratio, ranging from 2.35:1 to full IMAX 1.85:1.Hearty contrast and dense black levels keep Nope visually dimensional....
Audio: 80
This Atmos mix follows voices too, moving characters through the stereos, surrounds, and heights in various places where appropriate....
Extras: 80
At 56-minutes, the making of is fantastic, and for a new release from a major studio, a refreshing break from EPK fodder that usually makes up the bonus menus....
Movie: 100
Weird, compelling, unique, Nope defines them all, embracing creative freedom in a way few directors can under a major studio banner....
Total: 85
Surreal, unusual, and compelling, Nope keeps a continual level of wonder alive until the final act....
High-Def Digest review by Bryan KlugerRead review here
Video: 100
The color palette is gorgeous, stretching out over the open wild west of Southern California with brown and grey dirt, those beautiful purple mountains, a blue sky, green shrubs and bushes, and of course,...
Audio: 90
Extras: 70
- This examines Jean Jacket closely, including its origins, design, the way it moves, the audio of the creature, and doing something different with this alien....
Movie: 90
With Us telling a dark and spooky story full of scares and violence, Peele has finally delivered his vision of sci-fi horror in such a way that pays homage to those Spielbergian moments that have been...
Total: 90
His vision of aliens and UFOs in the sky is unmatched and is scary-as-hell with all of the right pacing, characters, and winks at previous films that make Nope succeed....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 94
As I alluded to earlier Nope isn’t an especially colorful film however, its chromatic hues, sepia tones and variants of blue/red/green benefited from UHD's wider color gamut, appearing warmer and pleasing...
Audio: 100
The use of overhead sound objects elevates proportional correlation, opening up the soundstage, and placing the listener within the frame onscreen....
Extras: 80
• DELETED SCENES - Watch five unreleased scenes from NOPE • GAG REEL - A highlight reel of bloopers and outtakes featuring main cast • CALL HIM JEAN JACKET - The object of the Haywood siblings’ fascination...
Movie: 80
Along with a former child star turned family theme park ringmaster (Yeun) who neighbors the siblings, the pair’s efforts to chase the spectacle soon bring terrifying consequences and unimaginable horror....
Total: 89
It comes to Blu-ray in this Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital Combo Pack from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment featuring excellent Ultra HD/HD video, engaging lossless sound, including a terrific Dolby...
Why So Blu? review by Brandon PetersRead review here
Video: 90
Black Levels: Blacks are deep and natural, really well saturated with the contrast helping bring out the beauty and sting of some light displays and clothing....
Audio: 100
Its well mapped out, layered with loads of depth and some playfulness for you to enjoy a good 360 degree appearance....
Extras: 80
This featurette focuses on the design and background of the extraterrestrial presence featured in the movie....
Movie: 80
This time around, he appears to be focused on exploring himself as a craftsman and sharing more hidden histories of the film industry, rather than gutting you with subtle and not so subtle commentary....
Total: 90
Universal’s 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray of the film does it good justice with a terrific visual presentation that shifts to “IMAX ratios” in appropriate moments to honor his intention....
Director: Jordan Peele
Actors: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea
PlotSiblings OJ and Emerald Haywood inherit their father's horse ranch in Agua Dulce, California, following his mysterious death, which appears to be caused by random objects falling from the sky. The ranch, once prosperous by supplying horses for film and television productions, is now struggling financially. The Haywoods notice strange occurrences around their property, including the horses becoming spooked and erratic power outages. Their investigation into these events leads them to believe that something otherworldly may be present in the skies above their ranch. An encounter with a reclusive tech salesman heightens their suspicion that they're dealing with a phenomenon beyond human understanding.
Determined to capture evidence of this anomaly, the Haywoods embark on a plan to photograph and expose the truth, seeing it as an opportunity to regain their financial stability and claim fame. They join forces with the tech salesman and documentarian Antlers Holst, who has his own motivations for capturing the spectacle. Together, they set up surveillance and begin to decipher the patterns and behaviors of the unexplained occurrences. As their pursuit intensifies, the Haywoods' ambition to seize control of the narrative of their discovery puts them in increasingly perilous situations, challenging the very fabric of their family bonds and their connection to reality.
Writers: Jordan Peele
Release Date: 22 Jul 2022
Runtime: 130 min
Rating: R
Country: Canada, Japan, United States
Language: English, Spanish