Better Man 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Better Man" utilizes a 2160p HEVC/H.265 encode sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, employing Dolby Vision HDR in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The film’s visual style is deliberately crafted to evoke the gritty, textured aesthetics of 1970s and early 80s cinema. Despite being shot on digital Arri Alexa cameras, the presentation incorporates prominent grain and weathered processing, imparting a raw, almost tactile feel throughout. This stylization can sometimes introduce challenges, such as fluctuating black levels and moments where the “fake” grain becomes pronounced, particularly in darker sequences. However, the transfer capably manages these quirks, delivering robust clarity and rendering visual details—skin textures, fabrics, and even VFX—effectively within the grainy aesthetic.

Color grading is a standout feature. The Dolby Vision implementation facilitates a wide and dynamic spectrum, shifting deftly between burnished ambers, intense reds, cool blues, and muted yellows as dictated by the film’s period settings and narrative tone. Black levels are generally excellent, maintaining rock-solid depth in low-light environments like nighttime exteriors, clubs, and performance venues without succumbing to noticeable crush. Contrast remains punchy, and highlights benefit from the nuanced HDR pass without introducing unwanted blooming or artifacts. Skin tones hold naturalism across various lighting scenarios, contributing further to immersion, while aggressive musical set pieces embrace more theatrical color schemes that “pop” impressively without appearing artificial.

Overall, Paramount’s encoding yields a clean, artifact-free image with no observable blocking, compression issues, or banding on the 4K disc. The film’s high-velocity camera movements retain clarity and sharpness—fast pans and complicated focus pulls do not result in blur or detail loss. In sum, “Better Man” on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a top-tier technical video presentation that honors both the filmmakers’ creative intentions and the expectations of home cinema enthusiasts seeking fidelity and vibrancy.

The Dolby Atmos audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Better Man" is nothing short of exceptional, delivering a dynamic and immersive listening experience that elevates the film’s musical core. The mix thrives during its high-octane musical numbers, utilizing every surround channel to broadcast robust, bracing soundscapes that place the viewer at the center of stadium-level performances. Height speakers are employed to convincingly position listeners in the midst of concerts, while the surround channels diligently handle ambient crowd noise and environmental effects. The low-frequency extension is both assertive and nuanced—bass pulses with power during music cues and concert sequences, providing all-important heft without ever overwhelming the rest of the auditory spectrum.

Dialogue reproduction is consistently intelligible, perfectly prioritized even amidst intense musical and ambient moments. The mix excels not just in its loud, energetic segments but also in quieter passages, where subtle directionality and ambient detail add convincing realism to environments ranging from intimate childhood homes to bustling city streets. Panning is seamlessly smooth, supporting choreographed movement through space and heightening excitement during elaborate set pieces.

Overall, Paramount’s Dolby Atmos track offers reference-grade dynamics, clear spatial separation, and tailored bass response, all contributing to an engaging, full-bodied auditory experience. Whether enveloping the listener in raucous arena energy or nuanced close-up atmospherics, the soundtrack ensures "Better Man" truly leverages the capabilities of modern home theater audio.

The extras package for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Better Man" is concise but well produced, offering valuable insight into both the filmmaking process and technical artistry behind the movie. The standout is an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary featuring director Michael Gracey and star Robbie Williams, supported by contributions from key cast and crew, which thoroughly explores the creative vision and challenges of the production. Complementing this is a featurette focusing on Wētā FX’s innovative visual effects work, giving viewers direct access to the sophisticated technology and workflows used to visually realize the film. While information density varies, these extras collectively serve dedicated fans and those curious about film production mechanics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Let Me Entertain You: The Making of Better Man: A comprehensive behind-the-scenes look with insights from the director, lead actor, cast, and crew.
• Monkey Business: The VFX: A focused exploration of the visual effects process with members of Wētā FX.

Better Man is a bold, unconventional entry in the musical biopic genre, blending fantasy elements with honest character study. The film chronicles the rise, fall, and resurgence of British pop icon Robbie Williams, uniquely told from Williams’ perspective both visually and narratively. The most striking creative decision is to portray Williams onscreen as a life-sized CGI chimpanzee—an externalization of the artist's self-perceived alienation and vulnerability, produced by Weta Digital with impressive motion capture reminiscent of their acclaimed work on the Planet of the Apes series. Rather than coming off as a mere gimmick, the visual metaphor effectively underscores Robbie's struggles with self-worth, fame, and the psychological toll of perpetual public performance.

Director Michael Gracey employs a kinetic style reminiscent of his previous work (The Greatest Showman), fusing biopic tropes from classics like Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody with boldly imaginative set pieces. The story starts with Williams’ working-class childhood in 1980s England, follows his explosive ascent as part of Take That, and captures his tumultuous solo career, marked by addiction, self-doubt, family troubles, and eventual redemption. Musical sequences are standout highlights, with dynamic choreography and vibrant special effects interwoven through well-known hits like “Angels,” “She’s the One,” and “Rock DJ.”

Beneath its high-concept veneer, Better Man is grounded by unflinching honesty about Williams’ insecurities, relationships, and psychological distress. While visually fast-paced and sometimes frenetic to the point that multiple viewings may benefit full comprehension, the film eschews traditional sanitization. Instead, it dives deeply into Robbie’s pain and trauma—making the emotional core relatable even for viewers unfamiliar with his musical legacy. Despite commercial underperformance attributed to marketing missteps and divisive creative choices, Better Man offers a distinctive and emotionally charged experience that sets it apart within the genre.

“Better Man” arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray with a presentation that belies its modest box office impact, offering a technically impressive release that puts the film’s understated strengths in sharp focus. Paramount’s handling of the 2.39:1 HEVC video encode delivers a rich and detailed image, allowing the visual nuances of Michael Gracey’s direction to come through crisply. The Dolby Atmos track stands out, providing an immersive audio experience that elevates key musical sequences and dialogue-driven moments alike. Add in language options (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core in English, French, and Spanish tracks; English SDH and additional subtitle support), and this release meets the expectations of enthusiasts who appreciate technical excellence.

Narratively, the film transcends initial impressions—particularly from its marketing—by transforming what could have felt like a superficial hook into a thoughtfully executed storytelling device. The cast, led by Robbie Williams and supported by Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, and Kate Mulvany, brings both emotional nuance and charm, making for an unexpectedly affecting biopic experience. While extras are somewhat limited, the included features add modest value.

In conclusion, “Better Man” demonstrates how home video can give a film a well-deserved second life, especially when presented with high technical standards. Though it never found its stride in theaters, its blend of heartfelt storytelling, robust AV presentation, and solid rewatchability make it a compelling addition to any collection. For those open to discovering overlooked gems or seeking a superior audiovisual experience, “Better Man” is well worth your time.