Catwoman: Hunted 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Catwoman: Hunted" makes its 4K UHD Blu-ray debut with some notable qualities and a few shortcomings. Despite being an upscale from a 2K digital intermediate, the transition to 4K, paired with HDR (HDR10 format), enhances the viewing experience to a certain degree. Although it must be said, this enhancement does not drastically improve upon the fine detail when compared to its Blu-ray counterpart. The film's deliberate stylistic choices, including diffuse lighting and a generally flat contrast due to its unique blend of 2D and 3D animation, mean that the increase in resolution does not significantly elevate the visual spectacle. However, the higher bit rate and 10-bit color space of the UHD format markedly reduce compression artifacts such as banding, which is a common issue on the DCAU's Blu-ray releases.

In terms of colors and gradations, the HDR grading provides a more refined presentation, albeit within the confines of the film's intentionally limited contrast range and saturation. Scenes that do benefit from HDR—like the opening costume party or instances of bright neon lights—demonstrate nicely saturated colors without bleeding, and improved shadow detail. It's clear that while "Catwoman: Hunted" does not present a stark difference in visual fidelity on UHD versus Blu-ray for casual viewers, enthusiasts will appreciate the subtle enhancements in color gradations and the reduction of banding.

One cannot overlook the film’s creative origins and how they impact its presentation on home media. The melding of Western and Eastern animation influences results in a distinctive look that perhaps isn’t best served by the leap to 4K resolution. Despite this, there are improvements in terms of color handling and reduced artifacts, thanks to the UHD's superior technical capabilities. Yet, for those without a keen eye for these minimally improved gradients or who are less affected by color banding, the added investment in this edition over the Blu-ray might not seem justified. Particularly given that black levels and overall detail don't vastly surpass what's been previously available, leaving this release as a more enticing option for collectors or die-hard fans than the average viewer.

The audio presentation of "Catwoman: Hunted" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray employs a default DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that remains consistent across both the UHD and Blu-Ray discs, providing a traditional yet well-balanced sound stage. This mix adeptly balances dialogue and background effects with Yutaka Yamada's jazzy score, which truly stands as the driving force behind the film's auditory experience. Despite the film’s more conservative approach to discrete effects, opting instead for a flatter atmospheric soundscape, this does not detract from the overall audio experience. Highlights such as the energetic costume party, an intense high-speed car chase, and dynamic boss fights, exhibit the mix's ability to deliver a broad sound stage, though it doesn't aggressively exploit all available opportunities for immersive audio.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track showcases robust surround activity with impeccable channel separation and impactful low-frequency effects, making explosions and action-packed scenes resonate with clarity and power within the home theater setting. While the mix doesn’t leverage the full potential of newer Dolby Atmos technology—likely due to budget constraints—the design remains highly commendable, enhancing the film’s visuals and narrative with crisp, engaging audio. Despite some inconsistency in voice talent, dialogue is seamlessly integrated into the vibrant musical score and sonic effects, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience.

Subtitle options cater to a wide audience with English SDH, French, and Spanish available on the UHD disk, while the Blu-ray disc expands its offerings to include Dutch and German SDH, showcasing Warner's commitment to accessibility. The inclusion of French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital dubs further broadens viewer accessibility. Remarkably, Yutaka Yamada’s energetic score—not only reinforces key narrative moments but infuses "Catwoman: Hunted" with a distinctive sonic identity reminiscent of classic anime franchises like Lupin III, cementing its appeal to both audio enthusiasts and fans of animated action.

The "Catwoman: Hunted" 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition impresses with its packaging and the quality of its extras, albeit the selection is slimmer than some might expect. Exclusive to the Blu-ray disc, the two significant bonus features offer deep dives into Catwoman's complex character and her evolution across comics, movies, and TV shows. "When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted" explores Catwoman's unique place in Batman's Rogues' Gallery, featuring insights from creators like Jeph Loeb and James Tynion IV, while delving into the anime influences on the film's design. "Catwoman: The Feline Femme Fatale," narrated by Tara Strong, provides an in-depth historical overview, utilizing a mix of new and archival interviews with luminaries such as Bob Kane, Frank Miller, and actors who've embodied Catwoman. Though lacking trailers and additional DC content, these offerings deliver substantial enjoyment and insight for fans. The release is available in a standard edition with a cardboard slipcover or as a Best Buy exclusive SteelBook, both including a Blu-ray copy and a Movies Anywhere digital copy redeeming in UHD.

Extras included in this disc:

• When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted: Featurette focusing on Catwoman’s role and character evolution, with discussions on the film's villains and anime design influences.

• Catwoman: The Feline Femme Fatale: A documentary exploring Catwoman’s history in various media, narrated by Tara Strong and featuring interviews with key figures in her development.

Catwoman: Hunted," Warner Bros.'s latest foray into the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), presents a vibrant fusion of Western animation and anime sensibilities, echoing the stylistic undertones of Japanese classics while charting its own course. Directed by Shinsuke Terasawa and penned by Greg Weisman, this direct-to-video offering sees the titular Catwoman, voiced with a mix of rambunctious charm and sultriness by Elizabeth Gillies, embroiled in an international caper against the shadowy criminal consortium Leviathan. The narrative briskly moves through a globe-trotting adventure, pairing Catwoman with an initially reluctant Batwoman—though Stephanie Beatriz's portrayal has drawn criticism for its dissonance with the character's essence. Despite this, the film’s unabashed embrace of anime tropes, along with its light, quippy script heavy on action yet light on depth, makes for an enjoyable romp.

Aesthetically, "Catwoman: Hunted" is a delight, marrying smooth line work and atmospheric designs with a jazzy soundtrack that subtly nods to "Cowboy Bebop," albeit without diving deep into complex mythology. This approach complements the film's overall tone, focusing more on surface textures and kinetic energy rather than narrative heft. The adventure is garnished with humorous exchanges and a dash of sexual tension between Catwoman and Batwoman, providing levity amidst the action sequences. However, it's worth noting the peculiar choice regarding dialogue synchronization, which either serves as a nostalgic homage to classic anime dubs or a misstep in production quality.

Technical merits aside, "Catwoman: Hunted" shines in its action set pieces and character dynamics, especially between the leads. While some performances may feel mismatched, Gillies' Catwoman embodies the anti-hero’s allure and wit effectively. The plot might not offer groundbreaking stakes or depth, but it successfully captures the spirit of its characters within an international thriller framework. This experience is further enhanced for viewers opting for the 4K UHD Blu-ray package, promising an enriched visual and auditory feast, albeit the film itself maintains a primarily casual stance towards its storytelling ambition.

Catwoman: Hunted" presents a visually engaging 4K UHD Blu-ray offering, marrying the sleek escapades of DC's iconic feline femme fatale with an anime-inspired aesthetic reminiscent of the James Bond and Lupin the Third franchises. While the narrative occasionally trips on its ambition, leaning heavily into a barrage of quippy one-liners that somewhat undercut its visual storytelling prowess, there remains much to admire. Particularly noteworthy are the action sequences, which are executed with a commendable level of finesse, and an art direction that stands out for its vibrant and detailed approach. The 79-minute runtime may test the patience of viewers not fully invested in Catwoman's dynamic with Batwoman, yet the overall experience is buoyed by a robust audio-visual (A/V) presentation that does justice to the film’s artistic intentions.

Warner Bros.' decision to include only a couple of bonus featurettes, directed by Constantine Nasr, might seem scant at first glance. However, these additions prove to be of substantial quality, prioritizing insightful content over quantity. "The Feline Femme Fatale" serves as a particular highlight, offering a deeper dive into the character of Catwoman and enriching the viewing experience. Such thoughtful curation of extras reinforces the release's value, making it an enticing pick not only for die-hard DC enthusiasts and DCAU aficionados but also for those who appreciate well-crafted supplementary materials that enhance the main feature.

In conclusion, "Catwoman: Hunted" in 4K UHD Blu-ray format emerges as an appealing package that, despite its narrative and pacing shortcomings, offers a visually striking and engaging experience. The film's solid A/V presentation, coupled with a selective but qualitatively superior range of bonus features, anchors its appeal. Fans of Catwoman, and of DC's animated universe in general, will find much to enjoy here. The release stands as a testament to Warner Bros.' commitment to supporting its films with quality home video editions, making it a recommended addition to any aficionado's collection.