Black Mass 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros.' release of "Black Mass" on 4K UHD Blu-ray brings a substantial video enhancement over the previous Blu-ray edition, offering an immersive visual experience that benefits extensively from modern encoding techniques and HDR support. Presented in 2160p/HDR10 with Dolby Vision capability, this new transfer excels in utilizing the HEVC codec on a triple-layer (100GB) disc, facilitating higher bit rates and nearly eliminating compression artifacts such as macroblocking, banding, and posterization. The result is a remarkably clean and stable image that closely resembles a theatrical-grade presentation.

The film's colors and contrast levels gain appreciable depth from the new HDR grading, exhibiting a more natural representation of hues and enhanced contrast against darker elements. This nuanced color enhancement is evident across various visual elements: Christmas decorations, blood splatter, headlights, and period-specific signage all benefit from the wider color gamut. In addition, shadow details are more defined than in the previous Blu-ray release. Though not transformative, these improvements provide a significant visual boost, particularly for viewers with larger displays or a keen eye for detail.

"Black Mass" features a slight but consistent grain that lends the movie an authentic cinematic feel, balancing well with the pin-sharp detail that allows subtle makeup effects, such as Johnny Depp’s prosthetics, to seamlessly blend into the overall image. The darker, bolder color palette aligns with the film's somber narrative, showcasing elements such as leather jackets and slicked-back hairstyles in striking detail. Warner's meticulous handling of the 2.40:1 HEVC 4K transfer ensures the film meets, if not exceeds, expectations for UHD video quality.

The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Black Mass" mirrors the version found on Warner Bros.' 2015 Blu-ray. This audio configuration provides a competent and robust performance, reliably engaging when required, but without any enhancements beyond the previous edition. Though it lacks any additional audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, the mix does an effective job in maintaining the film's atmosphere and dialogue-centric approach. Notably absent are various foreign dubs and subtitles previously available, including English SDH subs, which are now presented in ALL CAPS, a choice that may detract visually.

This soundtrack exudes a quiet authenticity, well-suited for a dialogue-driven narrative. The front sound stage carries the weight of the film’s audio elements, ensuring clarity and depth in the portrayal of character interactions. Surround elements are occasionally deployed to accentuate scenes with tire squeals or gunshots, adding texture without overwhelming the audience. The regional dialect's distinct characteristics are captured cleanly, lending an air of realism to the Boston setting. While it is a solid and satisfying mix, it might not leave a lasting impression, providing a competent but unremarkable audio experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Black Mass" comes effectively packaged, albeit without new supplementary content. All three existing features from the 2016 WB Blu-ray edition are included, maintaining their original quality without adding optional English subtitles. The most comprehensive extra, “The Manhunt for Whitey Bulger,” is an in-depth hour-long documentary extensively detailing the national search and subsequent capture of Whitey Bulger with engaging interviews and thorough coverage. “Black Mass: Deepest Cover, Darkest Crime” offers a compelling, albeit shorter, 23-minute exploration with cast and crew insights into the characters and story development. The “Johnny Depp: Becoming Whitey Bulger” featurette provides a detailed look into Depp's transformative process into the character, underscoring his intensive research and makeup efforts despite not meeting the real Bulger. This trio of extras provides substantial additional value to the release, making it a robust offering even without new additions.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Manhunt for Whitey Bulger: Detailed documentary on the FBI’s long pursuit and eventual capture of Whitey Bulger.
• Black Mass: Deepest Cover, Darkest Crime: Insightful interviews with cast and crew about character development and narrative.
• Johnny Depp: Becoming Whitey Bulger: Exploration of Johnny Depp's transformation and research into his role as Whitey Bulger.

Black Mass, directed by Scott Cooper, seeks to delve into the life of notorious Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger, portrayed by Johnny Depp. Despite its strong visual appeal and noteworthy performances, particularly by Depp, the film struggles to establish a coherent narrative. Many critics compare it unfavorably to cinematic predecessors like Goodfellas and The Departed, noting a lack of originality and uneven pacing. The film's structure, beginning with an interview that shifts back to the 1970s, aims to provide a comprehensive look at Bulger's criminal endeavors and his controversial role as an FBI informant. However, the execution falls short, resulting in an experience that feels derivative and at times, unengaging.

The film attempts to balance the arcs of both Bulger and FBI Agent John Connolly, played by Joel Edgerton, yet this dual focus dilutes the intensity of Bulger's storyline. Critics highlight that long stretches dedicated to Connolly often detract from the film's central narrative, making parts of it less compelling. Despite a stellar supporting cast including Kevin Bacon, Peter Sarsgaard, and Benedict Cumberbatch, Black Mass struggles with pacing issues and a somewhat generic execution. For all the effort in recreating the 1970s Boston setting with authenticity, the film never quite finds its own identity, leaving viewers with a sense of missed potential.

From a technical perspective, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release provides a notable upgrade over the previous Blu-ray edition. The 2160p/HDR10 (Dolby Vision capable) master encoded on a triple-layer disc ensures enhanced visual quality that will likely appeal to established fans. Nevertheless, for those less enamored with the film’s narrative shortcomings, this visual enhancement may not suffice to elevate its overall standing within the genre.

Black Mass delivers a compelling depiction of the infamous Boston crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger, with Johnny Depp offering a riveting performance that captures the chilling essence of his character. Despite Depp's magnetic screen presence, the film suffers from an uneven narrative and poor pacing. This detracts from the overall storytelling, making it difficult for the audience to become fully invested in the plot. The film's timing does not work in its favor either, as many superior movies covering similar ground have set a high benchmark that Black Mass struggles to surpass.

From a technical perspective, Warner Bros.' 4K UHD release offers significant visual improvements over the previous Blu-ray edition. The enhanced resolution and HDR promise a superior viewing experience, particularly in scenes that demand intricate detailing and vivid contrast. However, the visual upgrade doesn’t completely redeem the film's narrative flaws. The audio remains largely unchanged, which might disappoint audiophiles hoping for an elevated sonic experience. This makes the 4K version a worthwhile purchase primarily for those who already appreciate the film despite its shortcomings.

To conclude, Scott Cooper's Black Mass manages to capture moments of brilliance through its strong performances but ultimately doesn’t achieve greatness due to its narrative missteps and lackluster pacing. While the 4K UHD version offers notable visual enhancements, it fails to address the core issues of the film itself. This release is best suited for established fans who can appreciate its merits despite its evident flaws. Newcomers might find it a decent rental but may not see enough value in adding it to their permanent collection.