Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is a true homage to the cinematic experience, delivering an image quality that is as gloriously vibrant as it is meticulously detailed. The native 4K resolution, utilizing a 3840 x 2160p image within the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of widescreen 2.39:1, alongside the utilization of 10-bit video depth, Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, results in an unparalleled visual feast. The presentation benefits greatly from the film being shot on a combination of 35mm, with segments in 16mm and 8mm, and mastered to a 4K digital intermediate, making for a refined and crisp picture that accentuates both the vivid landscapes of 1969 Los Angeles and the intricate details of its characters and their environments. The HDR grade enhances the overall visual experience with richer blacks and brighter whites, although shadow detail occasionally appears murky in darker scenes. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar presentation.

Colors are portrayed with an exceptional fidelity to Quentin Tarantino's vision for the film, faithfully reproducing the sun-drenched hues of California and the stylized aesthetics of the late '60s. Color saturation is spot-on, bringing life to the film's elaborate sets and costumes, from the luminescent neon signs that punctuate the Los Angeles nightlife to the subtle warmth of indoor lighting. The ultra-fine layer of natural grain across the footage adds a pleasing cinematic texture, further enhanced by HDR's treatment of highlights and shadows, making for a compelling balance between sharpness and softness that respects the film's artistic intent.

Moreover, the intricacies of the film's visual narrative are rendered with astounding clarity. Fine details are consistently crisp, enabling viewers to appreciate the nuances of performance and setting that make "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" such a richly layered watch. The transfer showcases an admirable level of definition in textures and patterns, whether it be the lines on actors' faces, the meticulous set design, or the sprawling vistas of Hollywood. Even in sequences where archival footage or creatively distressed snippets are integrated, the presentation's fidelity to source material texture—including film grain and intentional imperfections—enhances the authenticity and immersive quality of Tarantino's storytelling.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track on "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers an audio experience that, while lacking the Atmos, impresses with its potent mix and manages to capture the essence of the late '60s atmosphere brilliantly. Dialogue drives the narrative, rendered with remarkable clarity and precision, ensuring it balances neatly within the expansive front soundstage. The absence of an Atmos track is hardly felt as the 7.1 mix compensates with considerable spaciousness and separation, adeptly reproducing the eclectic soundtrack with fidelity, alongside capturing nuanced environmental sounds – from the bustling city streets to the atmospheric quietude of vacant Hollywood sets. The rear channels complement this by providing ambient and musical extensions that add to the cinematic experience.

Furthermore, this audio presentation excels in utilizing dynamic range and separation to bring out the depth and texture in dialogue, ensuring it remains front and center. Effects like the roar of a flamethrower during climactic scenes demonstrate an enhanced spatiality, extending the soundscape vertically in moments that approach an Atmos-like experience. The LFE channel adds adequate weight without overwhelming, maintaining natural sound levels. The soundtrack’s classics are given new vitality, stretching their dynamics and filling the room with a retro vibe that’s both immersive and engaging.

Despite a heavy reliance on the front channels, mimicking a traditional stereo layout, the sound mix broadens to create a convincingly expansive soundscape. Discrete effects carry across all channels to achieve a wide sense of space while music tracks are treated with meticulous warmth and fidelity, setting a mood that's both authentic and enveloping. Though not as aggressive in rear channel activity, the mix does sprinkle in atmospheric sounds that effectively extend the soundfield, providing an ambient backdrop that complements the on-screen narrative. In essence, this audio mix serves its purpose well; supporting Tarantino’s vision without overshadowing, offering a controlled yet immersive listening experience tailored to this character-driven tale.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is complemented by a rich collection of extras, primarily split across its dual-disc setup, with the most visually compelling content—over twenty minutes of additional scenes—granted a full HDR treatment exclusive to the 4K disc. These scenes extend the cinematic experience with full-dress commercials, extended TV show excerpts, and more in-depth character interactions, showcasing the film's meticulous attention to period detail and its immersive recreation of 1969 Hollywood. Whereas the 4K disc focuses on these enhanced visual extras, the accompanying Blu-ray disc is loaded with approximately half an hour of behind-the-scenes featurettes. These segments delve into various production elements such as the authentic recreation of the time period's aesthetic, costume design, and the iconic vehicles featured in the film, along with personal tributes to Quentin Tarantino's directorial passion and Bob Richardson's cinematographic vision.

Extras included in this disc:

• Over Twenty Minutes of Additional Scenes: Extended and deleted scenes featuring extended mock TV commercials, behind-the-scenes footage, and key character moments.
• Quentin Tarantino’s Love Letter to Hollywood: Insight into Tarantino's deep connection to and reverence for historical Hollywood.
• Bob Richardson – For the Love of Film: Celebrating the acclaimed cinematographer's work and his impact on the film.
• Shop Talk – The Cars of 1969: A spotlight on the carefully selected vehicles that add authenticity to the 1969 setting.
• Restoring Hollywood – The Production Design of Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood: A look at the efforts to accurately recreate the era's buildings and interiors.
• The Fashion of 1969: Exploration of the costume design and fashion that bring the characters and period to life.

Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is presented on 4K UHD Blu-ray as a dazzling tribute to the final moments of Hollywood's golden age, encapsulated through the eyes of an aging Western TV star, Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), and his stunt double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Set against the backdrop of 1969 Los Angeles, a city on the cusp of change, the film meanders through a series of vignettes that capture the essence of a bygone era with painstaking attention to detail. From the sprawling Hollywood Hills down to the psychedelic streets of Sunset Boulevard, every frame is drenched in nostalgia, meticulously reconstructed to immerse viewers in the late 60s atmosphere. The Ultra HD presentation enhances this effect, offering stunning visuals that highlight the vibrant neon signs, sleek muscle cars, and the mod fashion that defined the era. Tarantino's passion for this period is evident in every shot, marrying historical truths with his signature fictional twist, especially in the portrayal of Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and the sinister shadow cast by Charles Manson (Damon Herriman).

The technical prowess of the 4K UHD Blu-ray complements Tarantino's storytelling, delivering a rich tapestry of visuals that brings 1969 Los Angeles to life with exceptional clarity and depth. The HDR10+ transfer offers an expansive color palette, from the sun-soaked hues of California daylights to the deep, inky blacks of the LA night, all while maintaining detailed textures that add a layer of authenticity to the period setting. Audio is equally impressive with its dynamic range, ensuring dialogues, eclectic soundtrack, and even the subtle ambient sounds are crisply rendered, further pulling the viewer into Tarantino's meticulously crafted universe. Moreover, Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt deliver career-defining performances, bringing depth to their characters' friendship amidst an industry—and indeed, a city—undergoing seismic shifts. Their performances, along with Tarantino's deft narrative and technical execution on the 4K UHD Blu-ray, ensure that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood isn't just a film but a hauntingly beautiful voyage to an era at the precipice of radical transformation.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Quentin Tarantino's ninth film, delivers a remarkable 4K UHD Blu-ray experience, melding immersive storytelling with a technically impressive presentation. This Ultra HD Combo Pack, presented by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, is not just a testament to Tarantino's undiminished filmmaking prowess but also a significant upgrade for enthusiasts seeking the utmost visual and auditory fidelity. The native 4K resolution, complemented by HDR10, promises a visually stunning experience that outshines its Blu-ray counterpart, capturing the essence of Hollywood's Golden Age with dazzling clarity and vibrant colors. The audio experience is equally compelling, with a crystal-clear DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack that envelopes viewers in the film's meticulously crafted soundscapes.

Despite its technical merits, the film elicits mixed feelings regarding its historical reinterpretation. Tarantino's revisionist take, particularly concerning the Manson Family murders, may be perceived as contentious. Nonetheless, the film's exceptional production design, attention to period detail, and outstanding performances across the board are undeniable. The supplemental package, albeit modest, adds value, offering insights into Tarantino's creative process and the film's production challenges. It's evident that "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" stands as Tarantino's most personal project, serving as both an homage and a reflective critique of the era's shifting cultural and cinematic landscape.

In conclusion, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is an essential addition for collectors and cinema aficionados alike. Its superior video and audio quality, combined with the film's rich narrative and character depth, make it a must-have. Although the film navigates through sensitive historical events with a unique Tarantino spin, its overall presentation is a triumphant celebration of filmmaking. This release is highly recommended for those wanting to experience the nostalgia of Hollywood's bygone era with the highest fidelity possible and a touch of contemporary reflection.