Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a complex and somewhat divided experience. The film, originating from a 5K digital shoot and boasting a 4K Digital Intermediate (DI), should theoretically dazzle on 4K UHD. Yet, the reality is a presentation marred by technical shortcomings that surprisingly position the accompanying 1080p Blu-ray as a potentially preferable viewing option for some. Notably, the film's aggressive use of shaky-cam techniques and fast editing, combined with its overall dark and dingy aesthetic, creates a visual experience that often feels lacking in clarity and definition. Even though the 4K transfer enhances color depth thanks to HDR, making hues like browns and yellows more rich and earthy, it simultaneously accentuates the inherent visual issues. Blacks suffer particularly, with noticeable snowing and macroblocking effects undermining what should be velvet black levels, thus diminishing the depth of the image especially in darker scenes.

Detailing in the 4K UHD version exhibits only minor improvements over its Blu-ray counterpart, offering slightly sharper images but ultimately failing to make a significant impact due to the film’s inherently mucky visual style. Environments, whether devastated landscapes or the interiors of the Umbrella Corporation, rarely benefit from a noticeable uptick in detail that one might expect from a 4K presentation. However, it’s not all bleak; there are instances where the additional resolution pays off, providing clearer and cleaner images where fast-paced action allows. Colors also receive a boost, with HDR contributing to a slightly more vibrant palette, albeit within the constraints of the film's chosen aesthetic. The black levels and shadow details, crucial to many of the film's darker sequences, unfortunately do not consistently reach the expected standard of depth and clarity, often resulting in a diminished viewing experience.

Despite these criticisms, it cannot be denied that there are moments when "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" on 4K UHD shines. Details can be strong and vibrant at times, allowing for better appreciation of facial features, costuming, and creature effects. The color reproduction benefits from HDR, offering moments of brightness and richness in an otherwise intentionally bleak setting. Nevertheless, these positives struggle to fully counterbalance the negatives. The overall impression is of a 4K UHD release that offers a mixed bag; it showcases certain technical improvements but is hindered by fundamental issues with black levels and noise/artifacts. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in picture quality, this may lead to a reconsideration of whether the 4K UHD version significantly surpasses its Blu-ray counterpart.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" thunders onto 4K UHD Blu-ray with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that is simply superb, offering viewers an exceptionally immersive audio experience that stands head and shoulders above its Blu-ray counterpart's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. The Atmos setup enriches the aural landscape, delivering a visceral sense of space and elevating the film's intense action sequences. From the terrifying roars of zombie dragons to the eerie echo of the Red Queen's voice, the sound design showcases meticulous detail and precision. The sound field is expansive, with audio cues moving fluidly across channels, enveloping the viewer in the chaos of the post-apocalyptic world. Even amidst the relentless barrage of sound effects, dialogue remains crystal-clear and well-prioritized, ensuring that every line is audible.

The Atmos track excels in creating a palpable atmosphere, whether it's the haunting emptiness of a devastated Washington Monument or the claustrophobic tension of underground tunnels. The added height channels bring environmental sounds to life, from raindrops to the ominous flapping of undead wings, adding a layer of depth that enhances the film's immersive qualities. The low-frequency effects are equally impressive, lending a tangible weight to every explosion and gunshot, with bass that's both forceful and nuanced. This sonic powerhouse does not just aim to overwhelm; it seeks to draw you deeper into the narrative, accentuating both the horror and adrenaline-fueled action.

In terms of technical prowess, "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" on 4K UHD with Dolby Atmos is a reference-quality audio presentation. It masterfully balances the dynamic range, from the subtlest ambient noise to the most explosive action scenes, without ever compromising on clarity. The soundtrack's ability to maintain dialogue intelligibility against the backdrop of constant sonic mayhem is commendable. With effective use of the surrounds and bass channels, along with the directional precision afforded by Atmos, this audio track not just complements but elevates the visual experience, cementing its status as a must-listen for audiophiles and fans alike.

The extra features of the 'Resident Evil: The Final Chapter' 4K UHD Blu-ray edition offer a treasure trove for enthusiasts, albeit split across the main and additional Blu-ray discs, leading to some frustration among fans. The collection shines with the comprehensive 'Retaliation Mode,' where director Paul W.S. Anderson and lead actress Milla Jovovich provide an immersive video commentary that intercuts the film with behind-the-scenes footage, casting insights, and a detailed exploration of the movie's creation, making it a standout feature. Additionally, the assortment of featurettes covering stunts, weaponry, and key locations—particularly 'Explore the Hive'—alongside discussions on the franchise's strong female characters, and a sneak peek at the animated film 'Resident Evil: Vendetta,' enrich the viewing experience further. However, the absence of these extras from the 4K disc itself, requiring viewers to switch to the included 1080p Blu-ray discs, may dampen overall convenience and accessibility."

Extras included in this disc:

Retaliation Mode with Paul & Milla: A detailed behind-the-scenes look featuring the director and lead actress duo.

Stunts & Weaponry: Insight into the physical aspects that highlight the film's action.

Explore the Hive: A dive into one of the franchise's iconic locations.

The Bad Ass Trinity & The Women of Resident Evil: Discussion on the strong female leads within the series.

Sneak Peek: Resident Evil: Vendetta: Preview of the upcoming animated film.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" aims to culminate the action-packed and sometimes tumultuous journey of the iconic video game adaptation series with a mixture of nostalgia and new narrative twists. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and headlined by the indefatigable Milla Jovovich as Alice, the film embarks on tying up loose ends while introducing the final showdown against the Umbrella Corporation. The movie doesn't stray far from its established formula, combining high-octane action sequences with revelations that seek to wrap up the sprawling saga. Despite Anderson's attempts to elevate the series' conclusion visually, the film suffers from a sense of déjà vu, retreading familiar ground without significantly enhancing the visual storytelling that has been a hallmark of previous entries.

The plot, while straightforward and focused on Alice's race against time to stop a deadly antivirus from unleashing further catastrophe, threads through predictable beats. The return to the desolate and dystopian landscapes, especially Raccoon City and The Hive, is both a homage to the series' origins and a testament to its enduring themes of survival and corporate malfeasance. Nonetheless, the narrative feels crowded by its ambition to serve as a definitive ending, leaving some character arcs and lore aspects underexplored. The inclusion of returning characters like Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) alongside Alice does inject emotional depth and continuity, yet the script's execution lacks the coherence and impact to make these moments resonate fully.

Technically, "The Final Chapter" maintains the series' penchant for gritty aesthetics and kinetic action sequences. However, Anderson's direction this time around faces criticism for its relentless pace and sometimes disorienting editing style, which, while aiming for intensity, occasionally detracts from the clarity and impact of pivotal scenes. Visually, the film leans heavily on its CG effects - a mixed bag that ranges from impressively immersive to notably lackluster in places. While Jovovich delivers a committed performance, rallying her character through each trial with grit and determination, the film struggles to consistently match the narrative and visual fervor of its predecessors. In sum, "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" offers a bittersweet farewell to a beloved franchise, struggling under the weight of its legacy while striving to give fans a concluding chapter that is both familiar and fresh.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a divisive viewing experience. While it concludes the apocalyptic zombie franchise that has, despite its varying degrees of quality, garnered a dedicated following, this installment appears to falter in its home media presentation. The 2160p/HDR video offering is criticized for being lackluster, suffering from washed-out colors and notably problematic blacks, leading some to question the value of the 4K upgrade over the standard Blu-ray version. Despite these video shortcomings, the movie’s Dolby Atmos audio mix receives universal praise for its dynamic range and immersive qualities, making it a highlight and one of the best Atmos tracks available in the market.

The narrative aims to wrap up the sprawling saga with nods towards the inaugural film, attempting to full-circle the story while leaving ajar the door for potential future entries. For long-standing fans of Milla Jovovich's zombie-slaying escapades, this final chapter secures its must-watch status through sheer franchise loyalty and the inclusion of premium audiovisual features, despite the action sequences not breaking any new ground. Supplementing the main feature, the release is bundled with an array of extras likely to appease the series’ enthusiasts, offering behind-the-scenes insights that shine a light on its production and legacy.

In conclusion, "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" in 4K UHD Blu-ray is an essential, albeit flawed, addition for franchise devotees. While the video quality may fall short of expectations, nuanced by a dull color palette and subpar black levels, the exceptional Dolby Atmos audio track compensates, delivering an auditory experience that fans will not want to miss. Coupled with informative bonus content, this release warrants attention from those invested in the series' lore but might leave newcomers and those seeking visual fidelity somewhat wanting.