Knowing 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"Knowing" makes its remarkable debut on 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films, with an HEVC H.265 encode that promises a visual feast. Transitioning from its original digital capture in Redcode RAW codec using Red One cameras at a 4K resolution and finished with a 2K Digital Intermediate, the upgrade to 4K UHD encompasses not just a bump in resolution but a profound enhancement in its color and contrast dynamics, thanks to HDR10 and Dolby Vision grading. While the film was captured fully in 4K, resulting in commendable image detail and texture, it's the transformation in color grading and contrast that truly sets this presentation apart. The nuanced and deeply saturated colors, alongside the luxuriously deep blacks, present a vivid and immersive picture that significantly elevates the visual narrative.

The film's distinct visual style, initially characterized by a brownish-yellow to convey its unique aesthetic and thematic undertones, receives a golden-amber uplift in this 4K presentation. This not only complements the storyline's progression towards a climactic heat but also enhances the night scenes with a silvery blue cast, providing a cooler counterbalance. The improved contrast offers dazzling whites without sacrificing detail in the lighter areas, ensuring that scenes are as striking in their brightness as they are profound in their shadow detail. Small but impactful details, such as the Earth from orbit or the subtle glow of distant activities during night scenes, are rendered with an eye-reactive clarity that stands as a testament to the format's capabilities.

However, despite these significant upgrades, particularly in color fidelity and shadow detail, there are instances where the source's 2K DI limits achieve an absolute pinnacle of sharpness expected from native 4K content. This is most noticeable in certain darker scenes where, despite the impressive black levels and shadow detail, some finer textures might not leap off the screen as they would with a native 4K source. Nonetheless, the overall presentation is a noticeable step up from its Blu-ray counterpart, with enhanced definition allowing for a richer visual experience. Scenes featuring natural landscapes or intricate details in clothing and environments benefit the most, showcasing an appreciable depth and clarity. This 4K UHD presentation of "Knowing" not only faithfully elevates the original vision but also introduces a fresh perspective through its nuanced and dynamic upgrade in visual quality.

The upgraded Dolby Atmos soundtrack of "Knowing" stands out as a considerable improvement over its predecessor, creating an aurally thrilling experience that immerses viewers right from the get-go. At once muscular and meticulous, the track employs the Atmos channels to their full potential, skillfully embedding midair placements of eerie whispering voices and enveloping the audience in a vast soundscape of ambient environmental effects. Notably, the jet crash sequence and the movie's climactic moments with spacecraft benefit from a palpable overhead rumble and forceful Low Frequency Effects (LFE), crafting an almost tangible sense of dread and anticipation. Complementing these harrowing scenes, Marco Beltrami's score oscillates between mysteriously entrancing and intensely driving, delivered with unwavering fidelity that enhances the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

Accompanying the dynamic range of sound effects are clear, well-prioritized dialogues that remain intelligible amid the chaos, alongside a soundscape that stretches vertically, adding depth to the auditory experience through the effective utilization of height channels. This expanded soundstage showcases exceptional clarity, with sound elements moving seamlessly across the environment, making extensive use of directional cues and subtle ambience to draw viewers deeper into the film's narrative world. The audio mix is described as reference quality, suggesting an immersive experience characterized by smooth panning and an expansive aural environment that complements the film's visual spectacle.

Comparatively, while the Atmos soundtrack provides several technical enhancements — including a cleaner mid-range and superb detailing in high-intensity scenes — its portrayal of earth-shattering events doesn't always achieve demo-worthy heights. The low-end is powerful, contributing to room-energizing moments; however, it seldom reaches the deepest sonic depths. Despite this minor shortfall, this hemispheric mix represents a significant step forward, offering fans a refreshed auditory journey through "Knowing" that retains excellent clarity and distinctness even amidst its most tumultuous sequences.

Lionsgate's release of "Knowing" on 4K UHD Blu-ray exemplifies a commendable effort in transitioning from the original 1080p to 4K, ensuring all the previously available extras are included while introducing a new featurette exclusive to this format. The packaging bundles both the 4K and Blu-ray discs, providing flexibility for viewers. Notably, the audio commentary by Director Alex Proyas stands out for delivering substantial insights into the film's creation, complementing the in-depth explorations in the longer featurettes focused on the making and thematic underpinnings of "Knowing." Whereas most content is carried over from earlier releases, the addition of "Knowing: Five Things Worth Knowing" offers a fresh albeit brief look into intriguing details about the film's production, making it a valuable inclusion for fans and collectors. The overall presentation underscores Lionsgate's dedication to enhancing the home viewing experience without sacrificing the depth and quality of ancillary content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Alex Proyas: In-depth insights from the director.
• Knowing All: The Making of a Futuristic Thriller: A comprehensive look at the making of the film.
• Visions of the Apocalypse: Explores thematic elements within the movie.
• 5 Things Worth Knowing About Knowing: A new featurette exclusive to the 4K release detailing interesting production facts.

Lionsgate's release of "Knowing" on 4K UHD Blu-ray appears to adhere to no discernible pattern, suggesting a random selection process for its 4K UHD catalog titles. This science fiction thriller, despite its mixed initial reception and lack of universal acclaim upon its theatrical and home video releases, benefits from a new Dolby Atmos track, enhancing its appeal to audiophiles with its sophisticated sound mix. However, the film's visuals on 4K UHD, while an improvement, may not consistently impress due to its narrative and directorial choices.

"Knowing" features Nicolas Cage as an astrophysics professor whose deterministic worldview is challenged by a cryptic sequence of numbers, leading to a convoluted blend of fatalism and determinism. Despite the film’s attempt to engage with these philosophical concepts, the execution often simplifies complex ideas into a more accessible but ultimately less satisfying thriller format. Director Alex Proyas maintains a consistently dark and atmospheric tone, supported by strong performances from Cage and co-star Rose Byrne. Yet, the film's reliance on a convoluted plot and heavy-handed religious implications detracts from its more commendable elements.

The film's flashback to 1959 sets an intriguing premise with the introduction of a mysterious time capsule containing a sequence of numbers predicting future disasters. While "Knowing" possesses compelling moments and thought-provoking themes, it also grapples with logical inconsistencies and an overblown climax. The 4K UHD presentation enhances the viewing experience with improved visuals and audio, but these technical merits may not fully compensate for the screenplay’s shortcomings and the film’s polarizing resolution.

"Knowing," a film that may divide opinions about its narrative and thematic impact, undeniably shines through in its 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation, offering a renewed appreciation for this Alex Proyas-directed thriller. While the film’s reception varies, with some considering it a solid entry into the intelligent thriller category, and others deeming it a high-concept B-movie with missed philosophical opportunities, there's consensus on the visual and auditory upgrade brought to the table by the 4K release. Enhanced detail levels, noticeable from an original 2K DI upscaling, and a fascinating alteration in the movie's color palette provide an almost new cinematic experience, intensified by an expansive and visceral Dolby Atmos sound track. This version allows both supporters and skeptics of the film to behold it in a new light, with Nicolas Cage and Rose Byrne's performances receiving particular praise for their contribution to the film’s engrossing mystery and atmosphere.

The added value of the supplementary materials might not stir excitement, remaining similar to what was available in the previous Blu-ray release, perhaps marking the only slight disappointment in an otherwise commendable 4K UHD upgrade. The leap in audiovisual quality makes this edition especially appealing to fans eager for superior 4K content, and despite its divisive narrative, "Knowing" emerges as a more compelling watch in this format. Whether it's for the deepened engagement with the film's unique visual style or the enriched audio experience, this release ensures that even those ambivalent about the film’s premise or execution can find something worth exploring.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Knowing" notably enhances the viewing experience with improved visuals and sound, making it a worthwhile addition for both long-time admirers and newcomers intrigued by its speculative sci-fi elements. Despite varying opinions on the film's storyline and philosophical depth, the technical upgrades present an undeniable argument in favor of revisiting or exploring "Knowing" afresh. With its intriguing blend of mystery and sci-fi thriller elements, bolstered by strong performances and a visually striking presentation, this release underscores the film's potential to enchant and engage audiences, marking it as a commendable piece in the 4K UHD collection.