Jurassic World Dominion 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Jurassic World: Dominion, directed by Colin Trevorrow and photographed by John Schwartzman, makes a prominent mark in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, offering a crisp and vivid viewing experience that stands out distinctly from previous installments. Shot using a combination of high-quality film and digital formats including 35mm, 65mm, VistaVision, and 8K Redcode RAW, the film exhibits a remarkable blend of practical and CGI effects. Finished with a 4K Digital Intermediate and presented in the film's original theatrical widescreen 2.00:1 aspect ratio, this release benefits from the utilization of HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR, enhancing the visual depth and color dynamics significantly. The rendition on screen displays an impressive level of clarity and detail, with the sharpness and definition evident in both the intimate close-ups and the expansive, scenic shots. The portrayal of various environments, from the dense foliage of the Biosyn Sanctuary to the snowy terrains, showcases the resolution's ability to bring out intricate textures and nuances, making for a captivating watch.

Color grading plays a pivotal role in elevating the visual aesthetics of Dominion, with Dolby Vision HDR providing a nuanced spectrum of colors that range from cool to warm palettes. This variety adds a layer of immersion and realism, especially in scenes that demand a higher degree of visual storytelling. The HDR presentation enriches black levels and contrast, offering deeper and more detailed shadows that contribute to the overall three-dimensional feel of the image. Whites are notably clean and bright, enhancing visibility and depth in the frame. Despite minor inconsistencies resulting from the blend of different source materials, these do not detract from the overall visual quality. Grain levels are maintained across varying sources, adding a filmic texture that videophiles will appreciate.

The technical prowess of this 4K UHD presentation is thoroughly apparent, offering viewers a stellar visual experience that showcases the technological advancements in film production and post-production processes. The nuanced handling of colors and light, alongside superior detail and clarity, sets a high bar for high-definition releases. While some CG sequences may present slight softness, this aspect is minor when considering the breadth of visual excellence demonstrated throughout the film. The richness of the environments, the lifelike portrayal of dinosaurs, and the meticulous attention to detail in every frame establish Jurassic World: Dominion as a benchmark in 4K UHD home entertainment, making it an engaging and visually spectacular ride from start to finish.

Jurassic World: Dominion's 4K UHD Blu-ray comes armed with a monstrous, reference-quality DTS:X soundtrack that elevates the home cinema experience to thrilling new heights. From the opening scenes, viewers are immediately plunged into an immersive audio environment, complete with the sounds of a roaring ocean storm and the palpitations of heavy rain seemingly falling from above, setting the stage for a sensory spectacle. The DTS:X's object-oriented audio platform masterfully utilizes every channel, including the overheads, to create a three-dimensional soundscape that not only supports but enhances the visual storytelling. Action-packed sequences, like the aerial chase above Biosyn or the ground-based encounters with prehistoric predators, are complemented by a dynamic mix of atmospheric sounds and discrete effects that rotate and revolve around the listener, offering a cohesive and tangible level of auditory immersion in line with on-screen events.

The sound engineering showcases a powerful and throaty bass that underscores the dinosaurs' sheer size and weight, turning each roar and footstep into a room-shaking event. This robust low-end is seamlessly integrated with crisp, clear dialogue and Michael Giacchino's evocative score, which builds on John Williams' iconic themes to add emotional depth and tension. Every location, from Owen's secluded cabin to the lush Biosyn Sanctuary, is sonically distinct, filled with meticulously captured ambient noises that breathe life into these environments. The audio mix maintains its stellar quality throughout, ensuring that even in the busiest sequences, each snap of a dinosaur jaw or chorus of panicked shouts cuts through with extraordinary clarity. Moreover, the track achieves a delicate balance between the intense dynamics of its more action-oriented moments and the subtler, yet equally atmospheric sounds that fill quieter scenes, thus preserving an engaging and highly satisfying hemispheric soundfield.

Jurassic World: Dominion's DTS:X track is undeniably impressive, providing an enthralling auditory experience that matches its visual spectacle. With sound effects traveling seamlessly between channels, creating an aggressive yet balanced soundscape, and a score that blends seamlessly into the mix without overshadowing the on-screen action, this audio presentation is a testament to the technical excellence that has come to define the franchise. Subtle details are thoughtfully positioned for maximum effect—water droplets and dinosaur calls echo throughout the multi-dimensional space created by the surround mix. As part of this expansive audio package, alternate tracks in Spanish and French 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio are included, alongside optional subtitles in several languages, ensuring a broad appeal. Through its dynamic range, clarity, and immersive qualities, Jurassic World: Dominion sets a new standard for home audio experiences, making it a must-experience spectacle for audiophiles and film enthusiasts alike.

The 4K UHD release of "Jurassic World: Dominion" is a comprehensive package that caters to die-hard fans and newcomers alike, featuring both the theatrical and director's extended cuts of the movie. The extras are substantial and varied, covering everything from a short film, "Battle at Big Rock," which skillfully bridges "Fallen Kingdom" with "Dominion," to an in-depth looking into the movie's visual effects in "A New Breed of VFX." The centerpiece, however, is the "Dinosaurs Among Us" documentary, a neatly packaged behind-the-scenes featurette that spans over an hour, diving into various production facets. This includes touching cast reunions in "Together for the First Time," intriguing set explorations like the "Underground Dino Market," and the thrilling "Mayhem in Malta" sequence. The highlight for many will undoubtedly be the extensive look at the movie's practical effects in the "Scary Real Animatronics" section, showcasing the meticulous craft behind creating some of cinema's most beloved dinosaurs. This release proves to be an essential pick-up for enthusiasts, offering a blend of action-packed entertainment and insightful filmmaking perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

• EXTENDED VERSION: Includes 14 minutes of additional footage.
• BATTLE AT BIG ROCK: A short film set one year after "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom".
• A NEW BREED OF VFX: Insight into the visual effects work featured in the movie.
• DINOSAURS AMONG US: INSIDE JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION: A detailed behind-the-scenes look that includes:
  • TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME: Discussions on merging characters from both trilogies.
  • UNDERGROUND DINO MARKET: Exploration of the dino market set.
  • MAYHEM IN MALTA: Behind-the-scenes of a key chase scene.
  • SCARY REAL:
    • SPIT TAKE: THE RETURN OF THE DILOPHOSAURUS: Creation of the Dilophosaurus animatronic.
    • INSIDE THE DIMETRODON: Details on operating the Dimetrodon animatronic.
    • CREATING A PLAGUE: Designing and deploying the film's enormous locusts.
    • PASSING THE BATA..N: The making of the Beta animatronic.
    • GIGA-BITE: Introducing the cast to the Giganotosaurus.
  • FINAL NIGHT: Capturing the emotional last night of filming.

Jurassic World Dominion" attempts to wrap up the expansive narrative of dinosaurs cohabiting the planet with humans, a premise brimming with promise but ultimately falling short in execution. Set four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar, the film embarks on an adventurous journey with a blend of original trilogy characters like Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), and Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) joining forces with "Jurassic World" veterans Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard). Their mission intertwines with the shady dealings of Biosyn Genetics, intent on exploiting dinosaurs and a new breed of locusts for profit, raising the stakes for an ecological disaster. Despite the rich lore and the return of beloved characters, the narrative feels overstretched and tangled in its own ambitions, struggling to find coherence and genuine tension amidst a deluge of action sequences and CGI spectacle.

Technically, the movie shines in its visual effects, presenting some of the most lifelike and detailed dinosaur renderings to date, a testament to the advancements in CGI technology since Spielberg's original. The dinosaurs roam an Earth that is vivid and immersive, thanks to the 4K UHD presentation, which accentuates every scale and feather with incredible clarity. However, while the visual prowess is undeniable, it overshadows the film's storyline, which meanders through convoluted plotlines and underdeveloped character arcs. The action feels repetitive and lacks the sense of wonder and thrill that once defined the series, with pivotal moments often undermined by erratic pacing and a disjointed narrative structure.

Despite its ambitious scope and the promise of uniting two generations of Jurassic heroes, "Jurassic World Dominion" grapples with its identity, caught between the desire to innovate and the comfort of nostalgia. The performances vary, with the newcomers struggling to leave a mark amidst the chaos, while the original characters appear mainly for fan service, offering little in terms of narrative depth. The director's cut adds some flesh to their stories but not enough to salvage a coherent or compelling narrative. As it stands, "Dominion" serves as a visually stunning but ultimately unsatisfying conclusion to a beloved franchise, demonstrating that even with state-of-the-art visuals and a horde of dinosaurs, the magic of storytelling cannot be overlooked.

Jurassic World Dominion," the final chapter in the iconic Jurassic saga, delivers with its 4K UHD Blu-ray release, offering a mixed bag that fans of the franchise will find both familiar and disappointing. The film itself has not managed to escape criticism, described as a bloated yet visually incoherent spectacle that fails to mesh the return of beloved characters with the awe-inspiring dinosaur action that once defined the series. Despite these narrative and directional missteps, the technical presentation stands out. Universal's 4K release shines, presenting the film in stellar native 4K video with Dolby Vision, complemented by a thumping DTS:X soundtrack. This high-definition upgrade significantly enhances the viewing experience, bringing to life the film's few redeeming qualities - its visual effects and auditory thrills.

However, the allure of visually stunning dinosaurs and sound design that roars through the home theater setup cannot entirely mask the film's fundamental flaws. The storytelling stumbles, reliant on nostalgia and spectacle over coherent narrative and character development. Moreover, although the 4K UHD package includes a decent array of extras and both cuts of the film, it slightly redeems a project that notably falls short of its predecessors in terms of originality and emotional depth. Fans might appreciate the attempt to conclude a beloved series, but it's hard not to feel the lack of the initial magic that once breathed life into Jurassic Park.

In conclusion, while "Jurassic World Dominion" struggles to find its footing as a worthy finale to a legendary franchise, its 4K UHD Blu-ray release presents a visually and audibly impressive experience that may appeal to completists and die-hard fans. Despite the film's numerous shortcomings, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment's commitment to high-quality home releases ensures that "Dominion" at least leaves a mark as a technical showcase. Whether this is enough to satisfy viewers or merely serves as a reminder of what could have been, will vary from fan to fan.