The Kid 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Kid," presented by Lionsgate Films in 4K UHD with a 2160p transfer and a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, navigates through the complex territory of home video releases with an undercurrent of technical ambiguity. Notably, the film is shot using Arri Alexa cameras; however, the resolution of the Digital Intermediate (DI) becomes a focal point of discussion. Despite the initial assumptions of a 2K DI - due to the lack of clear, authoritative information to claim otherwise - there's a hesitant labeling as a Native 4K release. This differentiation is crucial, as the authenticity of a 4K presentation heavily relies on whether it was sourced from a genuine 4K DI or simply upscaled from a 2K DI. Given the prevalent confusion and potential misinformation regarding DI resolutions, one could lean towards considering this release as an upscale from a 2K DI, especially without definitive evidence pointing towards a native 4K source.

The visual experience of "The Kid" in 4K, while not revolutionizing detail levels, modestly enhances them, particularly in scenes that leverage the film's striking landscapes and meticulously designed costumes and sets. Directors Vincent D'Onofrio and cinematographer Matthew J. Lloyd adeptly marry sweeping wide shots with intimate close-ups, enriching the narrative's visual palette. However, the absence of High Dynamic Range (HDR) - despite an initial indication of standard HDR - curtails the potential vibrancy and depth of the film's color spectrum. This SDR presentation limits the visual impact of the film's scenic beauty and atmospheric lighting, which is particularly noticeable in dimly lit environments where fine details tend to falter. The juxtaposition of impressive landscapes against the sometimes lackluster representation underscores a missed opportunity to showcase the full splendor of "The Kid" in a manner that fully exploits the capabilities of 4K UHD technology.

Lionsgate’s approach to the audio presentation of "The Kid" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray remains consistent with their handling of previous catalog titles, opting not to introduce the Atmos upgrade but rather sticking with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track previously found on the 1080p disc. This choice, while it might not satiate the appetites of all audiophiles looking for the very pinnacle of home theater audio experiences, nonetheless delivers a solid, immersive soundstage that leverages the surround sound capabilities effectively. The reutilization of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix ensures a continuity in the audio quality, with an energetically utilized surround field that brings to life a variety of sound effects ranging from the subtle nuances of environmental ambiance to the more direct and forceful sounds of action sequences.

Within the soundscape of "The Kid," the directional accuracy of sound effects, particularly during scenes of hand-to-hand combat and gunfire, provides an engaging auditory experience. This, combined with the environmental ambiance in outdoor sequences, adds a satisfying layer of depth and spaciousness. The unique score by Latham and Shelby Gaines further enriches this soundscape, utilizing the side and rear channels to envelop the viewer in music that may be deemed eccentric by some but undeniably adds character to the film's atmosphere.

Importantly, the audio track executes the delivery of dialogue with clarity and precision, ensuring that the spoken word is never lost or overshadowed by the dynamic range of sound effects or music. This focus on maintaining clear dialogue amidst the complex layers of audio demonstrates a well-balanced mix, free from technical issues, and contributes to an overall satisfying auditory experience for the viewer.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "The Kid" offers a concise though fairly standard behind-the-scenes glimpse with "Making The Kid", featuring notable appearances including Vincent D'Onofrio donning an amusingly oversized hat. The featurette straddles the familiar terrain of electronic press kits, without introducing groundbreaking insights but maintaining a level of entertainment value, especially for fans. Oddly, this version's runtime varies slightly from its 1080p counterpart, a quirk seen in other recent Lionsgate releases without clear explanation. Additionally, the inclusion of a digital copy adds value for viewers preferring versatile viewing options, rounding off the extras with a nod towards digital accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

Making The Kid: Insightful behind-the-scenes look featuring interviews and on-set footage.

Digital Copy: A code for a digital version of the movie for convenient viewing on multiple devices.

Diving into the 4K UHD presentation of "The Kid" by Lionsgate, one can't help but notice a peculiar trend that has been somewhat of a mixed strategy when it comes to their selection of titles for 4K releases. With comparisons to their other recent 4K UHD ventures like "Primal" and "Gamer," "The Kid" finds itself in an interesting position. It was received with a slightly warmer welcome than its counterparts but suffered from a limited theatrical run that didn't quite match "Gamer" yet outdid "Primal" in terms of longevity and audience reach. This kind of eclectic selection strategy by Lionsgate provides an amusing albeit bewildering landscape for home theater aficionados who relish in the prospect of expanding their 4K collections with Lionsgate’s offerings.

"The Kid" in 4K UHD shares more than just a conceptual space with "Gamer" and "Primal"; it carries forward Lionsgate's recent trend of excluding a 1080p disc from the package, focusing solely on delivering a high-definition cinematic experience. This exclusion might puzzle those accustomed to the inclusion of both formats, yet it seems to underscore Lionsgate's commitment towards pushing the adoption of 4K UHD as the definitive home theater format. As per the video quality and overall movie experience specifics, one is encouraged to look at the dedicated video section for an in-depth analysis, echoing Lionsgate's approach towards revamping and releasing titles in superior formats that have previously enjoyed a 1080p release.

Interestingly, beyond just the visual upgrade, "The Kid’s" 4K UHD release brings over the solitary supplement from its 1080p counterpart, preserving special features amidst this transition to higher fidelity. This move symbolizes a bridge between the old and the new, ensuring that while the focus is heavily on improving the visual presentation, the essence and additional content of the original release are not lost in translation. This aspect could indeed be appealing for collectors and home cinema enthusiasts who value both the advancement in picture quality and the preservation of supplemental materials that enhance the overall appreciation of the film.

In the landscape of Lionsgate's latest foray into the 4K UHD Blu-ray market, "The Kid" emerges as a standout amongst its contemporaries, including "Gamer" and "Primal", for its engaging narrative arc and compelling performances. The upgrade to 4K, while presenting a marginal improvement in detail levels over its 1080p counterpart, does not offer a substantially different viewing experience in terms of color palette. This aspect might leave enthusiasts debating the value of this upgrade, given the visual similarities with the previously available version.

Audio quality and supplementary content further mirror the offerings of the 1080 release, presenting a package that might seem lacking in novelty for those hoping for a more enriched or enhanced auditory and supplementary material experience. Such similarities across versions underscore a missed opportunity to truly leverage the capabilities of the 4K UHD format by delivering a more immersive audio-visual experience or providing additional content that could justify the investment in this format.

Conclusively, while "The Kid" stands out for its storytelling prowess and acting within Lionsgate’s recent 4K UHD releases, it falls short of fully utilizing the potential enhancements of the format. The minimal improvements in visual detail, unchanged audio and supplements from its Blu-ray predecessor may not suffice for a compelling upgrade to existing owners or enthusiasts seeking a definitive version. Purchasers should weigh these factors against their expectations and desires for 4K content, particularly if seeking significant advancements over previous editions.