Resident Evil: Retribution 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Resident Evil: Retribution," as part of its leap to 4K UHD Blu-Ray, showcases an impressive upgrade in video quality, keeping with the technical advancements and expectations of the format. Originally shot digitally at a 5K resolution and finished with a 2K Digital Intermediate, the film manages an impressive demonstration of clarity, depth, and color saturation in its 4K rendition. Despite its digital roots and being shot with 3-D expositions in mind—which occasionally results in some visually incongruent scenes when viewed in standard 2-D—this transfer enhances the viewing experience notably. The upgrade to HDR10 ensures that colors are vivid and more pronounced, with flesh tones appearing natural and the gamut of primaries significantly popping. Moreover, the film benefits from enhanced black levels, which provide a richer, more immersive visual feel. Notably, sequences involving darker environments showcase improved depth and detail, while the brilliant whites—be it in the expansive settings, snowscapes, or the nuances of character appearances—manifest with a pristine clarity.

While "Retribution" enjoys the benefits of modern filming techniques and post-production processes, it doesn't completely sidestep issues common in digitally shot films intended for 3-D viewing. Some scenes and CGI effects may occasionally appear somewhat flat or less impactful in 2-D due to the disparity in dynamic depth that 3-D offers. However, these moments don't significantly detract from the overall viewing pleasure, especially given the film's strengthened visual aesthetics through HDR10. The detail in close-ups and textures—ranging from character features to complex backgrounds—is meticulously preserved and enhanced, showcasing a noticeable upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart.

Sony's efforts on the Resident Evil UHD series, particularly with "Resident Evil: Retribution," are commendable, contributing to a vivid, sharp, and engaging home viewing experience. The film’s visual presentation on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is unequivocally superior to previous formats, characterized by its razor-sharp details, improved color depth, and robust black levels. Despite minor hiccups related to its original shooting intentions for 3-D consumption, the film remains a visual treat in 4k UHD. The transition to this higher resolution format marks a significant improvement that fans of the series and newcomers alike will appreciate for its technical merits and enhanced immersion into its post-apocalyptic world.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray releases of the Resident Evil series have undeniably set a new benchmark for audio presentation, particularly with its latest installment, "Resident Evil: Retribution." The transition to Dolby Atmos sound across these films offers a transformative experience that breathes new life into their audio landscapes. The meticulous engineering of the soundtrack delivers an explosive auditory experience, blending extreme precision with dynamic range that catapults viewers right into the heart of the action. Every action-packed scene is a testament to sonic supremacy, characterized by extensive surround usage, significant subwoofer outputs, and exceptional sound imaging. The clarity and detail remain impeccable even amidst chaotic sequences, ensuring an immersive sound environment that is second to none.

Moreover, the Dolby Atmos tracks transcend mere action-heavy scenes; they enrich subtle atmospheric details with an extraordinary sense of spatial awareness. Noteworthy moments, such as the meticulous reproduction of falling rain in the Tokyo sequence or the immersive computer voice at around the 18-minute mark, highlight the track's ability to handle diversity in content with equal finesse. Music, dialogue, and discrete overhead contents are treated with great care, ensuring each dimension of the audio contributes to a cohesive and engaging listening experience. This attention to detail ensures that every element, from an echoing bullet to a distant zombie groan, is placed with precision across the soundscape, offering an absorbing experience for the audience.

The remarkable upgrade from previous audio mixes is palpable; where once dialogue struggled against the backdrop of Marilyn Manson/Marco Beltrami's score and intense action sequences, now each line is crisply heard without sacrificing the series' signature crushing intensity. Deepening this enriching auditory experience are well-calibrated levels and thoughtful mixing that utilizes the full potential of the Atmos format. Spatial sound placement, coupled with clear and level dialogue, ensures a balanced yet thrilling audio presentation that sets "Resident Evil: Retribution" apart. The meticulous crafting of its Atmos mix solidifies its position as a reference-quality track that not only meets but exceeds expectations, offering fans and newcomers alike an unparalleled auditory experience that is as compelling as it is immersive.

The "Resident Evil: Retribution" 4K UHD Blu-ray combines high-quality visuals with an array of insightful extras, ensuring a comprehensive experience for fans and newcomers alike. The UHD disc enriches the viewing experience with exclusive features like "Undead Retribution," offering a deep dive into zombie aesthetics and their role in the franchise, and "Evil Goes Global," showcasing the film’s global scope through a blend of practical and CGI effects. Alongside, two theatrical trailers provide a glimpse into the film's action-packed narrative. The accompanying Blu-ray disc, mirroring its 2012 release, rounds out the extras with directorial and cast commentaries, a rich selection of deleted scenes, outtakes, and numerous featurettes that explore various aspects of the movie's production, from character evolution to set design, complemented by "Project Alice: The Interactive Database," which offers an engaging exploration of the film's universe.

Extras included in this disc:

4K ULTRA HD:

• Undead Retribution: Insights into zombie makeup and utilization.
• Evil Goes Global: Fusion of practical effects and CGI to depict global locations and action sequences.
• Theatrical Trailers: Preview the film's action and thematic elements.

BLU-RAY:

• Director and Cast Commentary: In-depth discussions from the film's key figures.
• Filmmaker Commentary: Behind-the-scenes insights.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Additional content not seen in theaters.
• Outtakes: Light-hearted moments from production.
• Project Alice: The Interactive Database: A comprehensive exploration of the movie's lore.
• Numerous Featurettes: Including "Maestro of Evil," "Evolving Alice," and others detailing various production facets.

Sony's "Resident Evil: Retribution," the fifth installment in the franchise based on Capcom's acclaimed video game series, makes its mark on the 4K UHD format with considerable technical enhancements. The film, written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, stars Milla Jovovich as Alice, continues her relentless battle against the notorious Umbrella Corporation. As humanity succumbs to a global pandemic of zombification, Alice finds herself trapped in a maliciously perfect simulation, battling recreated horrors across the globe to save what remains of the world from the clutches of Umbrella's bio-weapons. This UHD release, part of a comprehensive franchise collection box set, boasts a pristine 2160p/HDR video presentation and enveloping Dolby Atmos audio, alongside two new featurettes and a trailer exclusive to this edition.

The visual and auditory enhancements of the UHD format bring a fresh vitality to "Resident Evil: Retribution," emphasizing its high-octane action sequences and the dystopian world it artfully constructs. The movie seamlessly transitions Alice through various environments, from an idyllic suburbia to a besieged New York and a frigid Moscow, each rendered with astonishing clarity and depth. Such fidelity not only intensifies the immersive experience but elevates the film's dynamic set pieces and meticulously choreographed action. Accompanying this, the Dolby Atmos track meticulously layers every sound, from the subtlest atmospheric detail to the booming echo of gunfire, creating an auditory experience as nuanced as it is compelling.

This release is notably enriched by its supplemental content, offering insights into the creation and enduring impact of this cult classic. Despite the mixed reviews that follow the franchise's narrative trajectory and its deviation from the original games' survival horror essence, "Resident Evil: Retribution" in 4K UHD underscores the franchise's ability to adapt and evolve visually. It stands as a testament to Sony's commitment to enhance and preserve the cinematic experience for diehard fans and newcomers alike, ensuring that Alice's fight against Umbrella Corporation and her quest for redemption are rendered with unprecedented detail and depth, making it an essential addition to any collector's library.

Drawing from the adrenaline-fueled world of Capcom's video game series, the Resident Evil film series, starring Milla Jovovich as the indomitable Alice, fighters her way through a post-apocalyptic hellscape wrought by the malevolent Umbrella Corporation. With its transformation of humanity into ravenous undead, the franchise has captivated audiences across its six-film saga, now available in stunning 4K UHD Blu-ray for the first time. Despite "Retribution" being widely criticized within the franchise, its Ultra HD presentation stands in sharp contrast to its reception. With a splendid 2160p/HDR video quality coupled with reference-quality audio, and enriched with new special features, this installment emerges as an unexpected gem in the collection.

The "Resident Evil: The Complete Collection" offers a fascinating journey through a series that manages to stay both wildly varied yet unmistakably cohesive in its execution. From the game-accurate thrills of the inaugural film to the later, more loosely interpreted entries, each movie offers its own unique flavor. This Blu-ray collection impressively upgrades the visual experience of the first three films, granting them a notable boost in quality that fans will appreciate. Backed by powerfully engaging Atmos audio tracks that invigorate each scene, Sony's 4K UHD Blu-ray release delivers an immersive viewing experience that does justice to the franchise's dynamic nature.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Resident Evil: The Complete Collection," and particularly "Retribution," far exceeds expectations set by the franchise's cinematic critique. With outstanding video and audio enhancements across all films, especially highlighted in the first three installments, this collection is a must-own for fans. It not only pays homage to the series' roots but also enhances its legacy through superior technical quality. Whether you're revisiting or discovering the saga, Sony’s meticulous Ultra HD treatment ensures an exhilarating dive into the apocalyptic world of Resident Evil. Recommended without reservation.