Upgrade 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Upgrade" presents an incrementally improved viewing experience over its Blu-ray counterpart. Pertaining to the newly included Blu-ray disc within this package, it mirrors the visual quality of the initial Universal release with minor modifications. The image benefits from a slightly warmer color timing and enhanced contrast, with deeper blacks and subtly increased color vibrancy, offering a marginally enhanced image. However, this alone may not justify the upgrade for existing owners of the Blu-ray, despite its slight superiority in visual presentation.

The centerpiece of this release, the UHD disc, aims to elevate the home viewing experience with its 2160p resolution and Dolby Vision color grading. However, the enhancements over the Blu-ray are subtle rather than groundbreaking. The improvement in textural details - such as clothing and facial features - is noticeable, albeit not transformative. The presentation is sharper and clearer, providing what can be described as a refined rather than revamped image quality. This finessing of the already commendable Blu-ray visuals yields the finest version available of the film to date, albeit without the dramatic enhancements some might anticipate.

Dolby Vision's contribution to the UHD release is notably more impactful in terms of color refinement. The presentation is brighter, with tones that are deeper and more sophisticated, enhancing both highlights and shadows without compromising detail through crush. This results in a punchier, more vivid color palette that enhances the viewing experience significantly. The upgrade in color fidelity and depth, provided by the Dolby Vision grading, stands out as a primary reason for enthusiasts of the film to consider transitioning to the UHD version, showcasing a nuanced yet appreciable improvement in the film's visual dynamics.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Upgrade," despite its reliance on the original DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, does not disappoint, closely mirroring the performance of the initial Universal release. There's no marked sonic difference between the Universal DTS track and those on the Blu-ray and UHD versions, affirming the quality maintained across formats. This particular mix leverages its 5.1 channels to the fullest, creating an enveloping auditory experience that doesn't seem to yearn for additional channels. From the robotically delivered titles at the film's outset to the aggressively deep engine roars of Grey's Trans Am, the audio dives deep into its technical prowess, utilizing spatial dynamics to immerse viewers.

Within Eron's house in the second chapter, an impressive reverb signals the careful attention given to depth and placement, making each scene aurally distinctive. A variety of sound elements—from atmospheric nuances like distant dripping water to the hard-edged industrial noises that define much of the film's soundscape—are distributed with precision across channels, showcasing an adept utilization of the track's capabilities. This meticulous distribution allows for a richly layered sound that augments the viewing experience substantially.

Notably, gunfire in chapter 14 demonstrates a remarkable tightness and depth, complemented by dialogue that is consistently clear and well-defined, regardless of whether it's normal human speech or STEM's unique, slightly reverberated utterances. The dynamic range is put to full use, presenting both whisper-quiet moments and explosive action with equal clarity and impact. This handles both the subtle atmospheric sounds and more jarring, aggressive sonic moments with chilling efficiency, ensuring an aural depth that matches the visual upgrade of this 4K release.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Upgrade" offers a commendable array of extra content primarily located on the Blu-ray disc, distinguishing itself markedly from Universal's notably bare-bones Blu-ray version. This package does not provide a digital copy code, nor is it accompanied by a slipcover, but it does feature an audio commentary available on both the Blu-ray and the UHD discs. Noteworthy for its depth, the commentary by Director Leigh Wannell delivers a rich blend of straightforward narrative and insightful exploration into the film's technical and thematic layers. Additionally, the disc includes several engaging interviews that delve into various aspects of the film’s production, from conceptual discussions with the filmmaker to insights on cinematography, editing, fight choreography, and production design. This thorough compendium of extras renders a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at "Upgrade," making it a must-have for fans and cinephiles interested in the intricacies of filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Leigh Wannell provides insights into both technical and thematic aspects of the film.
• Not Action. Not Sci-Fi. More: An in-depth interview with Leigh Wannell discussing the creative process and more.
• Permission Granted: Insights from Producer Kylie du Fresne about various production elements.
• Future Noir: An interview with Cinematographer Stefan Duscio on cinematic influences and shooting techniques.
• Hacking Upgrade: Editor Andy Canny talks about his favorite sequences and editing challenges.
• The Art of Fighting Without Fighting: Fight Choreographer Chris Weir discusses the choreography process.
• Trailer: A preview of the film.

Shout! Factory's 4K UHD release of the 2018 techno-action gem "Upgrade" brings a visually stunning and technically enhanced viewing experience to aficionados of the genre. Notably, this edition features a 2160p presentation complemented by Dolby Vision HDR, ensuring that the grimy technologically infused future presented in the film is depicted with crisp details and enhanced contrasts, engulfing viewers in its meticulously crafted world. While the release retains the 5.1 lossless soundtrack from the initial Universal Blu-ray, it doesn’t detract; rather, it complements the immersive visual experience with its robust audio that captures every nuance of the film’s dynamic soundscape.

Set in a near-future where technology intertwines increasingly with human life, "Upgrade" tells the gripping tale of Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), a man who finds himself caught between his rudimentary understanding and apprehension of technology, and a world moving forward without him. After a tragic incident leaves him paralyzed and his wife dead, Grey is given a second chance by a technologically advanced implant named STEM. This film not only delves into Grey's quest for vengeance but also intriguingly explores themes of human-technology integration and autonomy, visually and narrative-wise. Through its 4K presentation, the textures of this not-too-distant future are brought to life with striking clarity, from the sleek lines of autonomous vehicles to the gritty underside of the city that Grey navigates.

The upgrade to UHD emboldens "Upgrade's" original cinematography, making its already compelling storytelling even more engaging. The details in each frame reveal the elaborate world-building that director Leigh Whannell and his team envisioned, where every technological facet adds depth to the story’s chilling premise. This edition not only offers an enriched visual feast but also includes new supplemental content that fans and newcomers alike will find adds significant value to their viewing experience. Ostensibly, this release breathes new life into "Upgrade", showcasing its blend of action, sci-fi, and thriller elements in an unprecedented quality that magnifies its cinematic achievements.

Upgrade" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a meticulously crafted film that seamlessly transitions from a narrative of personal tragedy to an intense exploration of the intersection between humanity and technology, climaxing in a twist ending that is as thought-provoking as it is unexpected. Director Leigh Whannell, known for his work on "Saw" and "Insidious", elevates his storytelling prowess with "Upgrade", creating a compelling vision of the future that is both enthralling and cautionary. The film's climax not only showcases Whannell's ability to surprise and engage the audience but also cements his status as a filmmaker of exceptional vision. The physical presentation of the movie by Shout! Factory in its new UHD release, while not marking a monumental upgrade over its Blu-ray predecessor in terms of visual quality, nonetheless stands out as the definitive version available, thanks in part to the Dolby Vision color grading that enhances the viewing experience.

The audio quality of the release remains exceptional, ensuring that viewers are fully immersed in the film's audioscape, from nuanced dialogues to the dynamic score that accentuates the film's tension. Additionally, the inclusion of new and substantial extra features adds value to this release, offering insights into the making of the film that will satisfy both new viewers and die-hard fans of Whannell's work.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Upgrade" by Shout! Factory is a remarkable presentation of a film that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually captivating. Despite minimal improvements in picture quality over its Blu-ray counterpart, it remains a must-own for enthusiasts looking to experience the best version of Whannell's visionary tale. The combination of superior audio, beneficial Dolby Vision color enhancements, and compelling new extras make this release highly recommended.