Hellboy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's release of Hellboy on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases a native 4K video presentation, shot digitally at higher resolutions and finished with a 4K Digital Intermediate, that emphasizes striking clarity and depth across the board. Encoded in HEVC / H.265 with a 3840 x 2160p resolution, the film adheres to its original widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio. It benefits from advanced video technologies including 10-bit depth, Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) through Dolby Vision, enhancing both color vibrancy and contrast. The resulting image, as reviewed on top-tier 4K equipment, reveals an unprecedented level of detail, from the nuanced design of creatures and costumes to the textures of various settings, providing a significant visual upgrade over the 1080p Blu-ray version.

Viewers will immediately notice the superior definition in low-light scenes where blacks are deeper and more nuanced, thanks to the sophisticated use of Dolby Vision HDR, which also brings out brighter highlights and a broader spectrum of colors. This is evident in the film’s darker cinematography that relies heavily on shadow play, where the rich black levels and contrast management contribute to a more immersive viewing experience without sacrificing detail. The color palette is particularly striking, with Hellboy’s red skin, fiery sequences, and vibrant environments popping in a way that enhances the stylistic intentions of the filmmakers. This is complemented by improved textures in makeup, costumes, and CGI elements, although some digital effects may appear slightly more conspicuous due to the enhanced clarity.

Despite minor limitations in shadow detail enhancement in select scenes and occasional softness in CGI visuals, this 4K presentation significantly improves upon its Blu-ray counterpart. Specular highlights and color reproduction are standout features, with explosions and fiery scenes benefiting from increased luminance for a visually arresting experience. Black levels remain consistently rich, accentuating both depth and detail in darker sequences. Overall, Hellboy's 4K UHD Blu-ray video presentation offers a commendable fidelity to its theatrical experience, marked by an intense and meticulously calibrated display of colors and contrasts that will please fans and newcomers alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Hellboy" boasts a Dolby Atmos track that is both bombastic and sophisticated in its delivery, ensuring that the audio experience is as immersive as the visual. From the outset, it engages the listener with a powerful and dynamic soundscape, characterized by a high definition, object-based immersive audio. The track excels in creating a tangible level of immersion that enhances the film's atmospheric environments. Dialogue is crisply rendered and remains a priority, firmly anchored across the frontal array, yet capable of spreading out to envelop the listener when the scene demands. The LFE channel provides a substantial backbone to the entire mix, delivering depth and weight to the action sequences without overwhelming the finer auditory details.

Throughout "Hellboy," the sound design meticulously utilizes the three-dimensional soundscape afforded by the Dolby Atmos format. From the subtle placement of ambient environmental sounds in outdoor sequences to the more aggressive deployment of discrete effects during action-packed moments, the audio constantly surprises and delights with its breadth and layering. The battle with the giants is a highlight, showcasing an impressive use of overhead channels and surround sound to create a captivating auditory experience. Despite occasional criticisms concerning the film's restraint in ambiance and scene-adding audio touches in quieter moments, when it decides to unleash its full might, especially during sequences involving heavy metal tunes or the rambunctious cheers at a wrestling match, it does so with commendable fervor and clarity.

The mix does not shy away from exploiting the full expanse of its soundstage, with well-done panning effects that whisk around and over the audience, adding an appreciable verticality to the audio that complements the onscreen action. The mid-range is notably clear and distinct even amidst the cacophony of Hellboy's battles, allowing Benjamin Wallfisch's score and carefully selected songs to shine with precision and warmth. Although dialogue can occasionally be overshadowed by the intensity of the action, it is, for the most part, intelligible and well-balanced within the broader mix. The low-end is robust, underpinning the many action sequences with authoritative force, particularly evident in scenes like the giant showdown which tests the subwoofer's prowess with its deep, resonating impacts.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Hellboy" impressively supplements its main feature with a solid collection of extras that enhance the overall viewing experience, including a comprehensive, feature-length, three-part documentary titled "Tales of the Wild Hunt: Hellboy Reborn." This 71-minute deep dive into the making of the film showcases not only extensive production details and the philosophy behind the reboot but also features engaging interviews with the cast, crew, and creator Mike Mignola. In addition to this, the disc includes a succinct compilation of deleted scenes totaling nearly 8 minutes, which offers insights into what could have been. The Previsualization segments, though brief, provide a fascinating look at the initial stages of key sequences through basic computer-animated storyboards. These extras do well to port over the complete set from the Blu-ray version to the 4K disc, ensuring a thorough and satisfying supplementary package for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Tales of the Wild Hunt: Hellboy Reborn: A comprehensive three-part documentary exploring the production, philosophy, and team behind the reboot.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes that didn't make it into the final cut.
• Previsualization: Animated storyboards for pivotal sequences in the film.

Hellboy’s 2019 reboot is a contentious foray into the comic book movie landscape that attempts to serve both new audiences and loyal fans of Mike Mignola's original creations. Director Neil Marshall steps into Guillermo del Toro's sizeable shoes, with David Harbour donning the iconic horns in an effort to bring new life to the half-demon superhero. This iteration plunges Hellboy into the English countryside, battling giants before uncovering a plot by the Blood Queen, Nimue (Milla Jovovich), aiming to wreak havoc on humanity. The film ambitiously weaves together Arthurian legend with a dense, mythology-laden plot, yet it struggles under the weight of its own complexity and an overabundance of CGI-laden spectacle.

The production, lauded for its visual flair and adherence to the hard-R sensibilities of the source material, showcases a delightful array of demonic extravaganzas amidst a narrative that's equal parts convoluted and visually striking. The supporting cast, including Ian McShane and Milla Jovovich, bring gravitas and charm to their roles, though the screenplay’s execution often leaves their characters adrift in a sea of exposition and idiosyncratic dialogue. Harbour's portrayal of Hellboy offers a blend of angst and humor, seeking to carve out a distinct identity separate from Ron Perlman’s beloved portrayal, yet it’s evident the film struggles to balance its darker themes with moments of levity.

Notwithstanding its aspirations, the reboot is marred by editorial mishaps and a perceptible dissonance between directorial vision and final cut, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. Reports of on-set conflicts and production turmoil manifest in the film’s erratic pacing and uneven tone, leaving an imprint of what could have been had Marshall's vision been fully realized. While this iteration of Hellboy does not shy away from blood-soaked battles and supernatural intrigue, it ultimately falls short of harnessing its full potential, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in rebooting beloved franchises.

The 2019 reboot of "Hellboy" delivers a mixed bag that may leave fans and newcomers divided. While the film itself hasn't managed to capture the charm or depth of its predecessors, directed by Guillermo del Toro, it does introduce a few noteworthy elements. The presentation of occult themes and a direct connection to the Nazi regime add a layer of intrigue, albeit not quite cohesively executed, against a backdrop of convoluted storytelling and underdeveloped emotional arcs. However, what the movie lacks in narrative strength and character development, it compensates for with its technical virtues. Lionsgate’s UK 4K UHD Blu-ray release shines brightly in this aspect, boasting excellent video quality, including a Dolby Vision HDR presentation that appreciably upgrades from the standard Blu-ray version, and a dynamic, room-filling Dolby Atmos audio mix. Fans might find solace in the surprisingly strong set of extras provided, which is commendable given the film’s box office performance.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, the "Hellboy" reboot manages to offer some moments of excitement and interest, primarily for those with niche interests in occult references peppered throughout the movie. The overall technical merits of the 4K UHD release are undeniably first-rate, serving as a significant redeeming factor for those considering adding this to their collection. While the film itself may not stand tall against its predecessors or ignite much enthusiasm for the franchise's future, the exceptional quality of the audiovisual presentation and the comprehensive inclusion of bonus features suggest Lionsgate's commitment to delivering a worthy package to the fans.

In conclusion, while "Hellboy" (2019) struggles to leave a significant mark in the realm of comic book adaptations, its 4K UHD Blu-ray release stands out as an excellent showcase of home entertainment technology. With outstanding video and audio quality paired with a robust set of special features, this release is tailored for the dedicated followers and collectors who value technical excellence over narrative fulfillment. Although it's unlikely to convert critics of the film, it presents a valuable addition for enthusiasts seeking to experience "Hellboy" in its best possible home format.