Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" graces the 4K UHD Blu-ray market with a formidable HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer that showcases the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. Despite being anchored in a period setting that might suggest a restrained colour palette, this Ultra HD presentation heightens every visual element to a stunning degree. The source material, shot on an Arri Alexa XT at a resolution just shy of true 4K, undergoes a masterful 4K digital intermediate process, resulting in a presentation that not only delivers twice the resolution of its 1080p counterpart but also leverages exquisite detail in textures such as fabrics and facial pores with new precision. Enhanced by a well-utilized High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), this presents a noticeable uptick in detail from its Blu-ray rendition, rendering primaries with increased vibrancy and whites with more punch, while deepening blacks and shadows to add a discernible depth to the image.

From scenes bathed in natural light showcasing incremental highlights to the darker corners where shadows deepen without obscuring detail, the 4K presentation achieves a remarkable balance. The nuanced portrayal of day and nighttime sequences, whether in the lush gardens of Miss Peregrine’s home or the dingy interiors of the local pub, enjoys a lifelike texture that makes every frame pop with realism. Brightness levels are dynamically rich, offering pitch-black shadows alongside brilliant specular highlights, without losing sight of the finer details in darker scenes. CGI elements, even those marginally sharper in this presentation, maintain a consistency that blends seamlessly into the realistic textures of the film’s environments.

Moreover, the judicious application of HDR accentuates the whimsical yet photorealistic visual effects seamlessly integrated into the narrative, making fantastical elements like the glowing eyes in cave scenes appear astoundingly real against the endlessly rich blacks. Colors are emboldened, and the use of soft secondary hues gives skin tones a natural warmth, enhancing realism. Despite minor instances of animated-looking flames and occasional judder during fast pans, the overall effect is a visually arresting experience that significantly outstrips its Blu-ray counterpart. The 4K UHD brings every detail to fore; from the intricate lacing on Miss Peregrine's attire to the individual leaves in the home’s garden, the visual splendor offered is nothing short of mesmerizing, arguably adding an almost three-dimensional quality to many of its scenes.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack of "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release elevates the auditory experience to match its striking visual counterpart, effectively utilizing its Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core for those without full Atmos capabilities. Across both setups, the audio remains largely demo quality, showcasing an impressively coherent dialogue delivery within the front and center channels. The mix shines with an imaginative array of effects, from the eerie Hollows in the forest to the peculiar abilities of the children, all delivered with acute precision across the soundstage. Notably, the sunken ship scenes and the lively Luftwaffe raids stand out, immersively engulfing the viewer in a sea of sounds, from ambient environmental noises to pinpoint effects of debris and wildlife, enhancing the overall soundscape’s authenticity and immersion.

With the full Dolby Atmos experience on a 7.2.4-channel setup, the soundtrack reaches new heights of audio design mastery. Object-based audio and additional overhead layers introduce a new dimension to the mix, creating realistic spatial effects that can convince one of a bird flying through their living space. This unparalleled clarity extends to every scene, whether it be underwater sequences or intense confrontations, each benefiting from the meticulous placement of sound elements to envelop the viewer fully. The score, seamlessly integrated across channels, adds depth without overshadowing pivotal moments, ensuring that every musical note and sound effect enhances the narrative unfolding on screen.

Furthermore, the audio presentation is remarkably consistent in its immersive quality, adeptly complementing the source material with moderate use of attention-grabbing audio object placement without becoming overwhelming. Action sequences are punctuated with deep and well-integrated bass that underscores key moments without detracting from the clarity of dialogue or the whimsy of the film’s score. The result is a listening experience that perfectly complements the visual spectacle, with every whisper of wind and stomp of a Hollowgast adding to a richly layered audio tapestry that complements the peculiar world Tim Burton brings to life. Through subtle ambient noises and rigorously detailed soundscapes, this Atmos mix not only impresses but also profoundly enhances the viewing experience, setting a reference standard for home theater presentations.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" offers a richly loaded standard Blu-ray disc that considerably enhances the viewing experience beyond the main feature. The UHD disc, devoid of any supplements, directs viewers to an accompanying Blu-ray filled with engaging content including an exhaustive 65-minute exploration into the peculiar children and their abilities, titled "The Peculiars." This centerpiece is supplemented by a 13-minute featurette "The Peculiar Story" where Ransom Riggs delves into the novel's origins, complemented by a concise 9-minute look at the film's antagonists in "Hollows & Ex-Hollows." Additionally, the "Map of Days" offers an 18-minute journey through the narrative's time loops. The package is rounded out by Florence + The Machine’s music video, a still gallery with unique sketches and photographs, and the theatrical trailers, ensuring a comprehensive dive into the movie's peculiar world.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Peculiars: Meet the cast in this behind-the-scenes piece, including 15 character pods.
• The Peculiar Story: Ransom Riggs shares the novel's origins and specifics of the series.
• Hollows & Ex-Hollows: Insights into the film's villains.
• Map of Days: Miss Peregrine’s House & Black Pool Tower.
• Wish You Were Here Music Video: Performed by Florence + The Machine.
• Photo Gallery: Never-Before-Seen Sketches by Tim Burton and Photographs.
• Theatrical Trailers: Film previews.
• Digital HD Copy: A digital version of the film.

Tim Burton’s adaptation of "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" presents a visually rich and atmospherically intense film experience, especially when enjoyed in the 4K UHD Blu-ray format. Burton weaves a story that is both dark and whimsically enchanting, set against the backdrop of a 1940s period landscape that adds a unique character to the movie. The movie kicks off with young Jake, played convincingly by Asa Butterfield, who, following his grandfather's mysterious death, embarks on a journey that leads him to a secret world of children with unusual powers. This premise sets the stage for an adventurous narrative that, despite its complex peculiarity and extensive lore, captivates with its detailed setup and imaginative world-building.

The film’s cast brings a mixture of warmth and eccentricity to their roles, with Eva Green’s Miss Peregrine offering a maternal yet formidable presence that anchors the home’s peculiar inhabitants. The young actors deliver performances that marry charm with creepiness, fitting Burton's signature style. However, the narrative sometimes struggles to balance its myriad of characters and fantastical elements within its runtime, leading to moments where the film feels both overcrowded and underexplored. Despite these narrative shortcomings, the movie's production value shines in 4K, highlighting Burton’s visual storytelling prowess and the creative details of the peculiar world.

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" in 4K UHD Blu-ray format does justice to Burton's vision with striking clarity and depth, enhancing the visual feast of oddities and the eerily beautiful Welsh setting. While the storytelling occasionally falters under the weight of its ambition, leaving some of the novel’s intricacies and character developments slightly adrift, the film nonetheless stands as a testament to Burton's ability to craft visually stunning and uniquely imaginative worlds. The 4K presentation accentuates this strength, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and fans of Burton’s work.

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," directed by Tim Burton, presents a fantastical adventure that merges the magical charm of "Harry Potter" with the superhero dynamics of "X-Men." While the 4K UHD Blu-ray release does not fully encapsulate the magic and depth of the original novels, its visual and auditory presentation elevates the home viewing experience significantly. The film, albeit straying from Burton's quintessential touch, introduces audiences to a macabre yet whimsical universe inhabited by peculiar children, rendered in sparkling Ultra High Definition that brings out the rich textures and vibrant settings with striking clarity. Accompanied by an excellent Dolby Atmos mix, the audio quality excels, offering an immersive soundscape that complements the vivid imagery on screen. The set also includes a decent selection of behind-the-scenes extras that delve into the creation of this unique world.

While certain narrative elements and character development might fall short, leaving some of the magical potential of the story untapped and feeling somewhat underdeveloped, the technical prowess displayed in this edition compensates for these shortcomings. Viewers will appreciate the subtle yet noticeable enhancements in both video and audio quality that this 4K UHD version provides over standard releases. This release proves its worth as a collector's item for fans and serves as a compelling entry point for newcomers intrigued by Burton’s visual storytelling style.

In conclusion, "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands out as a testament to the capabilities of modern home entertainment technology, delivering an engaging fantasy adventure with stunning visual and audio quality. Despite its narrative and character development flaws, the overall package is highly recommended for fans of Tim Burton's work or anyone looking to add a visually spectacular and sonically engaging title to their collection. Whether you're revisiting this peculiar world or stepping in for the first time, this release is bound to captivate and charm, making it a worthy addition to any film enthusiast’s library.