Risen 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Risen" delivers a perceptible improvement over its 1080p counterpart, yet it navigates the waters of technological limitations and source material constraints with varying results. Shot digitally using Arri Alexa equipment and subsequently up-converted from a 2K digital intermediate to a 2160p/HEVC presentation, the film benefits significantly from HDR rendering. This enhancement introduces richer colors and sharper details, most notably in facial features, garment textures, and the rugged terrains of the movie's landscape. Despite these advancements, the intrinsic challenge lies within the film's original cinematography and palette choices. Predominantly featuring barren environments and a subdued color scheme, the movie doesn't inherently lend itself to the spectacular visual feast often associated with 4K showcases. However, enhancements such as the deeper reds of Roman uniforms and finer environmental textures indicate a successful adaptation to the higher resolution format.

Addressing technical performance, while the HDR execution brings about a deeper and more dynamic visual experience, it also underscores the absence of universal calibration standards for HDR content. This issue complicates achieving an optimal setup but does not detract significantly from the viewing experience of "Risen," where improvements in black levels, color firmness, and general picture clarity remain evident. Minor issues like motion judder in slow pans recall the challenges inherent in early 4K transfers, particularly those up-scaled from a 2K digital intermediate.

Ultimately, the upgrade to 4K UHD for "Risen" presents a compelling case for enthusiasts and fans of the film, provided they possess HDR-compatible displays. The nuanced enhancements in texture, contrast, and color depth enrich the visual narrative without betraying the film's intended aesthetic. While it may not serve as reference-quality material for showcasing the pinnacle of 4K capabilities, it represents a significant stride forward from its Blu-ray incarnation, making it a worthy contender for those looking to expand their Ultra HD library.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Risen" brings with it a Dolby Atmos audio track, enhancing the cinematic experience with a more enveloping sound, albeit in a manner that remains faithful to the original essence of the film. This upgrade from the standard DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 found on the 1080p Blu-Ray variant introduces a fuller and more detailed soundstage, especially noted through improved use of back-rear channels and subtle musical enhancements. The overall effect is one of greater immersion without overwhelming the source material. In particular, ambient sounds such as rolling thunder, crowd noise during the crucifixion scene, and environmental elements like buzzing flies and chirping birds gain a noticeable boost in presence and spatiality. This addition of depth and texture also extends to the bass, which becomes richer and adds gravitas to scenes requiring aural emphasis.

Despite the expansive capabilities offered by Dolby Atmos technology, "Risen" utilizes these tools in a measured way. Key sequences such as the opening battle and a seismic event early in the movie showcase a tempered but effective use of overhead channels, lending a slight but tangible layer of immersion to these already compelling moments. However, it's clear that the film's audio elements were never designed to push the boundaries of what Atmos can offer. The focus remains on clarity and fidelity, with dialogue consistently well-prioritized despite occasional complexity in the mix. Notably, the score by Roque Baños is subtly enhanced, deriving natural depth without overshadowing the on-screen action.

For those without an Atmos setup, the track defaults to Dolby TrueHD 7.1, maintaining a high quality of sound presentation. The upgrade in audio is complimented by additional language options and subtitle versatility, making this release accommodating for diverse audiences. While "Risen" may not be the quintessential demonstration of Atmos' potential given its straightforward audio demands, this release proves to be an auditory enhancement that respects and compliments the source material, ensuring an engaging viewing experience that slightly surpasses its Blu-Ray counterpart in both immersion and technical execution.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Risen" comes with a significant array of extras, albeit all supplemental materials apart from the audio commentary track are contained on the included 1080p Blu-ray disc. Noteworthy is the audio commentary provided by Patrick and Paul Aiello, offering comprehensive insights into the film's production, themes, and the creative process, making it a highlight for those interested in the movie's backstory. The package also includes deleted scenes offering glimpses of what didn't make the final cut, alongside featurettes that explore the making of the movie, the conceptualization of A.D. Jerusalem, and a particular focus on key sequences such as the Battle of the Zealots. Despite a more modest extra on the 4K disc itself, the inclusion of a digital HD copy adds value, accompanied by a new menu system that enhances navigation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Producer Patrick Aiello and writer Paul Aiello discuss the film’s production.
• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes providing additional context and perspectives.
• The Mystery of the Resurrection: Making Risen: Insights into the film’s creation and its narrative ambitions.
• Creating A.D. Jerusalem: A dive into the production design and historical adherence.
• The Battle of the Zealots Deconstructed: Examination of the choreography and historical background of a key battle scene.
• Script to Screen: Discussion on adapting such a significant story for the big screen.

"Risen," as presented in its 4K UHD Blu-ray rendition, navigates the first forty days following the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, unveiling this storied period through the perspective of Clavius, an agnostic Roman tribune. Tasked by Pontius Pilate to debunk the resurrection rumors and prevent a potential uprising by finding the missing body of Christ, Clavius embarks on an investigative journey that challenges his skepticism. Encountering Apostles and witnessing miracles firsthand, his quest transforms into a profound exploration of faith.

Director Kevin Reynolds melds biblical scripture with dramatic creativity, offering a fresh narrative that penetrates deeper into the conceptualization of faith through non-believers' eyes. The film stands out by intricately balancing the procedural aspects of Clavius' investigation with the spiritual revelations encountered along the way. The blending of genre elements with a deeper thematic exploration of faith and acceptance marks "Risen" as not just a mere retelling of biblical events but a robust character-driven story that uniquely presents fundamental teachings and miracles of Christianity. Joseph Fiennes delivers a compelling performance as Clavius, whose internal transformation is portrayed with subtlety and depth, further enriched by notable performances from Peter Firth as Pilate and Cliff Curtis as Christ.

Despite criticisms regarding its supporting cast's inconsistent performances and areas lacking in production value, "Risen" captivates with its original storytelling approach. It adeptly combines investigative drama with spiritual inquiry, making it appealing even to those outside the Christian faith. While it might not have achieved breakthrough success, its innovative perspective on a well-trodden narrative ensures its place as a film that stimulates both thought and feeling regarding the nature of belief and the transformative power of encountering the divine.

"Risen" embarks on a thought-provoking journey through the events post-Crucifixion from an intriguingly secular point of view, diverging into an account that is both controversial and compelling for audiences. This 4K UHD Blu-ray edition by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment elevates the viewing experience with its brilliant Ultra HD video quality and an immersive surround sound that complements the visual storytelling. Despite the movie's deviation from traditional biblical adaptations, which might not cater to all demographics, its solid production values, including standout performances (notably Cliff Curtis as Christ), position it adeptly within the realm of high-quality Ultra HD presentations. The 4K resolution, even if not sourced from native 4K footage, showcases a significant enhancement over the standard 1080p version, highlighting a meticulous attention to detail in texture and depth that breathes life into the ancient setting.

The Dolby Atmos audio track, though restrained due to the film's narrative direction, adds layers of auditory depth without overwhelming, enhancing the ambiance through well-placed sound channels that subtly uplift the storytelling without distracting from it. The absence of new special features in this edition is counterbalanced by a commendable collection of behind-the-scenes content that enriches the viewer's understanding of the film's creative process. While "Risen" may not reach the iconic status of some of its predecessors in the genre nor impress with blockbuster production elements, its thoughtful exploration of faith from an outsider’s perspective and commitment to technical excellence in home entertainment merit acknowledgment.

In conclusion, while "Risen" navigates the delicate waters of biblical storytelling with unique choices and a less than groundbreaking execution in terms of narrative and performance, its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation stands out as a testament to the technological strides in home cinema. For enthusiasts equipped with the appropriate setup and a penchant for religious narratives told from fresh viewpoints, this release promises a visually striking and auditorily engaging experience that slightly overshadows its cinematic shortcomings. The quality of the Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos enhancements alone make "Risen" a commendable addition to one's 4K collection, particularly for those seeking to delve into a story of faith and doubt with a technically superior viewing experience.