The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 78
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Catching Fire's 4K UHD release excels in audio, has notable video upgrades, and is a must for fans despite minor flaws.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 72
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 4K UHD review highlights technical challenges, detailed but minimal visual upgrades, and strong HDR enhancement.
Audio: 82
Catching Fire's Dolby Atmos upgrade delivers subtly nuanced, yet impressively immersive audio, with meticulously balanced dynamics and a powerful low-end, enhancing both action-packed and quiet scenes alike.
Extra: 80
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 4K UHD includes all supplements except the Divergent peek, featuring an underwhelming audio commentary, an extensive documentary, and deleted scenes.
Movie: 80
Early 4K UHD Hunger Games releases faced loading issues, reflecting broader inconsistencies, yet Catching Fire shines with improved direction and engaging themes in a successor that deepens the franchise's narrative.
Video: 72
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents a compelling visual experience, albeit with a few technical hitches and observations of interest to true enthusiasts. Employing a 2160p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, this edition intriguingly maintains its frame throughout, including the games sequences, rather than expanding to 1.78:1. Initial setup proved challenging for some, with reports of loading difficulties and the requirement of software updates for compatibility. Despite these early obstacles—including a few trials to bypass a 'no HDMI signal' error—once operational, the disc plays seamlessly. This iteration's detailed rendering, especially in close-ups, benefits from the 4K Digital Intermediary; however, the anticipated leap in detail for darker scenes appears marginal, with HDR adding nuance mainly through improved tonal variation in cooler scenes and vibrant party sequences.
Visual improvements extend to texture and depth, notably in the meticulous recreation of District 12's grim ambiance and the intricate costuming that gains considerably in definition and clarity. The transition to 4K enhances facial details significantly, revealing the subtlest elements of expression and complexion. High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a standout feature, achieving a more dynamic and fuller palette without substantially broadening the color spectrum. Whites are brighter, blacks deeper, contributing to a richer cinematic depth that was less pronounced in previous versions. Some CGI elements, notably fire effects, betray a somewhat artificial quality under the unforgiving precision of 4K presentation.
Incorporating feedback from various viewers regarding specific technical issues like banding was valuable, yet no such problems were noted in our evaluation. The disc’s HEVC H.265 encoding ensures a clean presentation free of noise or artifacts, maintaining consistent skin tones and highlighting subtle makeup and injury details with striking clarity. Depth is markedly improved, offering smoother motion and clearer distinction between foreground and background details across the film. In conclusion, while "Catching Fire" in 4K offers distinguishable enhancements in visual fidelity—particularly in detailing and HDR execution—it carries early format growing pains, particularly in handling darker scenes and certain digital effects.
Audio: 82
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" receives an exceptional audio treatment in its 4K UHD Blu-ray edition, boasting a cutting-edge Dolby Atmos track that slightly edges out the impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix of the 1080p Blu-ray release. Subtleties in the soundscape, such as the crisp snap of a twig or the rustling ambiance of the arena, are now rendered with startling clarity and realism, creating a more immersive auditory experience. The Atmos track particularly shines in its handling of directional sound, with overhead channels adding a new layer of depth to action sequences and environmental sounds. The strong low-frequency output provides a tactile dimension to the on-screen events, enveloping the viewer in the film's intense moments with floorboard-rattling robustness.
Audio dynamics are another highlight, with an excellent balance between dialogue, effects, and score. Voices are consistently clear and well-prioritized, maintaining intelligibility across a variety of scenes. The mid-range is sharply detailed, offering nuanced differentiation without losing cohesion during complex audio sequences. Surround channels are used effectively, creating an expansive soundstage that extends the cinematic environment seamlessly around the viewer. The Atmos design excels in creating a dome of sound for key sequences, utilizing ceiling speakers to spectacular effect. However, despite these strengths, there are observations that the soundtrack's immersive potential isn't fully realized throughout, with some periods of relative silence in the rear channels.
Contributing to an "awesome blast of a time," the use of low-frequency effects is noteworthy, with deep bass instances adding significant impact to the movie's more dynamic moments. Elements like rushing water, thunderous explosions, and even the subtler ambient sounds contribute to a rich and fully engaging soundscape. Surround sound presentation is meticulously crafted, leveraging all available speakers to create a vividly immersive environment where sound moves fluidly across the listening space. Both action-packed sequences and quiet moments benefit from this layered approach, featuring precise sound placement that enhances the overall viewing experience without overshadowing the film’s narrative components.
Extra: 80
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" boasts a comprehensive assortment of supplements, ensuring a deep dive into the film's production for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The carryover from the previous editions ensures continuity, including both the 1080p Blu-ray extras and the exclusive Divergent sneak peek on the supplementary Blu-ray disc. While the audio commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson might leave some wanting due to its sporadic silence and scene-specific focus, it is ameliorated by the exhaustive, nine-chapter documentary, "Surviving the Game," which delves into nearly every facet of production with insightful interviews and abundant behind-the-scenes footage. Together with a handful of deleted scenes and the trailer, this collection enriches the viewing experience, providing a richer understanding of the sequel’s production endeavors.
Extras included in this disc:
Audio Commentary: Features Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson in a scene-specific discussion intermixed with occasional tidbits and anecdotes.
Surviving the Game: Making The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: An in-depth nine-chapter documentary that explores the franchise's continuation, shooting locations, stunt choreography, and offers insights into future installments through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
Deleted Scenes: A compilation of cut content that didn't make the final film.
Trailer: The official trailer for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire".
Movie: 80
In the visually enthralling sequel "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray, the saga advances with intensified fervor, underpinned by a blend of astute direction and a more cohesive approach to action than its predecessor. Early adopters of the format, initially dismayed by technical hiccups with disc compatibility, which Lionsgate has since endeavored to correct, will find themselves captivated by the film's meticulous detailing, where the dystopian grandeur of the Capitol contrasts sharply with the tangible despair of the districts. This stylistic dichotomy is further enriched by the sequel’s enhanced visual palette, courtesy of Francis Lawrence’s directorial oversight, offering a visually richer experience that departs from the disorienting shaky-cam sequences of the first film.
The narrative arc of "Catching Fire" enriches the series' critique on celebrity culture and societal surveillance, upping the ante with a twist on the Hunger Games' formula via a sinister Quarter Quell. It threads an intricate exploration of Katniss and Peeta's precarious alliance and public persona against a backdrop of growing rebellion. New and returning characters deepen the plot, with seasoned actors like Philip Seymour Hoffman adding gravitas to the political machinations within the Capitol. The sequel's capacity to maintain character engagement while expanding its scope is notable; it juxtaposes the expansive CGI-laden visuals of the Capitol against the districts' stifled realities without compromising on character depth or narrative complexity.
Ultimately, "Catching Fire" elevates the franchise through both substance and spectacle. It melds technical enhancements in cinematography with a more profound narrative exploration of its characters and their struggles. Its presentation on 4K UHD illuminates this duality with striking clarity, bringing to life the Panem universe with an unprecedented vividness that complements the film's thematic depth and character dynamics. The sequel stands as a testament to the series' growth, navigating through familiar yet freshly perilous waters with assured direction and a keen eye for emotional and visual storytelling.
Total: 78
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" presents a mixed but ultimately compelling upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart. The release shines in its technical achievements, offering a significant enhancement in video quality that is particularly noticeable in the film's many dark and moodily lit scenes. Despite the challenges posed by the film's aggressive color grading and the still-maturing 4K UHD format, which may lead to occasional playback issues, the overall detail level remains commendable. The Dolby Atmos audio track stands out as a high point, delivering a robust and immersive sonic experience that complements the on-screen action splendidly.
"Catching Fire" elevates the franchise with its combination of engaging action sequences, in-depth character development, and skillful performances from a stellar cast. This release showcases these strengths with clarity and precision, underscoring the film's status as a fan favorite within the series. The inclusion of a comprehensive set of features, notably a detailed documentary on the filmmaking process, adds substantial value for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Despite minor hiccups associated with new technology adoption, this package offers a tangible improvement over previous versions, making it an appealing option for dedicated followers and newcomers drawn to high-quality home cinema experiences.
In conclusion, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a rewarding investment for fans of the franchise and 4K enthusiasts. It combines enhanced video and audio quality with meaningful extras to elevate the viewing experience significantly above standard releases. While acknowledging the occasional technical glitches inherent to emerging formats, this release underscores the potential of 4K UHD to deliver exceptional home entertainment. For those looking to experience "Catching Fire" in the best possible light, this edition comes highly recommended.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 80
It's certainly noticeable in some of the extreme close-ups employed, where even in heavily graded scenes elements like facial pores have a new immediacy, but overall there is less to write home about here...
Audio: 90
The low end on this track is also very impressive, with some huge rushing onslaughts of LFE that easily rattle the floorboards....
Extras: 100
The 1080p Blu-ray included in the package includes them again, along with the Divergent sneak peek....
Movie: 80
Early adopters of the 4K UHD "revolution" may have thought they were stuck in dusty and dingy old District 12, where things don't work all that well and folks have to survive on their wits without the...
Total: 70
Technology's great when it works, but this rollout of Catching Fire may indicate we're still not completely over the growing pains of the still nascent 4K UHD format....
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 80
However, where the 2.40:1 image reveals the most dramatic improvement is the excellent high dynamic range, making for a brighter and tad more dazzling presentation than the Blu-ray....
Audio: 90
On the whole, rear activity is often more silent than not, which is not a bad thing since the fronts and heights do a majority of the heavy lifting with the focus on character interaction and dialogue....
Extras: 70
Surviving the Game (HD, 145 min) — The exhaustive nine-chapter documentary covers pretty much every aspect of the production, largely made of informative interviews and tons of BTS footage....
Movie: 80
Yes, those sequences are the most exciting and visually stunning, but the action that takes place outside of the Capitol's death dome is just as entertaining....
Total: 80
Along with the same collection of supplements, the overall package is recommended for early adopters and the most loyal fans....
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 90
There’s a moment where fog poisons people in the film and the bubbling, redness and blemishing of it all looks very detailed and neat....
Audio: 100
The balance is mixed nicely with vocals always audible (There are some scenes where its not intended to be, so aside from those), the effects perfectly layered and distinct while the score comes in and...
Extras: 80
Catching Fire (HD, 2:24:56) – Another feature length documentary featuring all the players that go completely in depth and cover everything about the production, top to bottom....
Movie: 90
And the new arena, while a bit similar, is still different enough to be fresh for this film....
Total: 90
You also get the important extras and while they don’t look like much when listed…how is a two and a half hour documentary on making the film something to complain about?...
Director: Francis Lawrence
Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
PlotAfter their unprecedented victory in the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark return home to District 12, but their win has made them the targets of the Capitol's ire. President Snow visits Katniss, warning her that she must continue to pretend that her acts in the arena were out of love for Peeta, not defiance against the Capitol. The lie is crucial in order to maintain order and avoid stirring rebellion in the districts. As they embark on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts, Katniss and Peeta witness first-hand the growing unrest and the brutal repression by the regime. Their victory has become a symbol of hope for the oppressed people of Panem, which only intensifies Snow's determination to crush any hope of rebellion.
In a twisted effort to reassert control and demolish the budding insurrection, Snow announces the Third Quarter Quell, a special edition of the Hunger Games marking the 75th anniversary of the Capitol's victory over the districts. In this Quell, former victors will be forced to compete against each other, assuring that Katniss will have to enter the arena again. As the selected tributes train and strategize for the deadly competition, alliances form among some of the tributes. Behind the scenes, there's a deeper current of intrigue at work, one that could change Panem forever. Katniss must decide how far she's willing to go to survive, and what her survival might cost her humanity and the people she loves.
Writers: Simon Beaufoy, Michael Arndt, Suzanne Collins
Release Date: 22 Nov 2013
Runtime: 146 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English