The New Mutants

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The New Mutants" showcases an appreciable leap over its 1080p counterpart, with an increase in solid detailing and an emboldened rendering of both light and shadow that faithfully enhances this primarily dark-themed film. Environments, from the compact yet significant hospital interiors to the larger action sequences, receive a notable boost in clarity and depth, albeit with a slight softening attributed to CGI utilization. This softening, though, does not detract significantly from the overall visual experience. Presented in a 2160p transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film utilizes the capabilities of the Panavision Millennium DXL camera effectively, offering up sharp and well-defined imagery that brings out intricate patterns and textures, such as those on clothing and environmental elements. Despite some shadow details remaining murky—such as in the tornado scene—the HDR enhancement successfully imbues the film with vibrant highlights and nuanced black levels that add a rich dimensionality to the visuals.

The color palette of "The New Mutants" benefits greatly from the HDR application, displaying a richness in primaries against the otherwise muted design elements, which plays well into the film’s atmospheric intent. Scenes filled with special effects, like the use of powers or the demon bear, demonstrate the potency of this 4K HDR presentation in delivering visually striking moments that are bright, colorful, and devoid of noise or artifacts. Flesh tones and textures are rendered with exceptional detail, which is critical for a film that balances between character-driven moments and CGI-heavy sequences. While some CGI elements present less precision, the overall color reproduction, coupled with strong black levels and smooth movement handling, ensures a compelling home viewing experience.

The technical specifications, including HEVC / H.265 encoding on a BD-66 layer with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, underline a meticulous transfer that respects the source material’s visual aesthetics. The black levels exhibit depth without crushing, maintaining fidelity in darker scenes and interior settings. Moreover, color reproduction shines through in limited but impactful instances—such as costume choices and special effects—highlighting a well-contrasted visual palate amidst predominantly drab environments. This presentation maintains consistency in detail clarity across both wide angles and close-ups, showcasing a balanced and meticulously executed upgrade that enriches "The New Mutants'" visual narrative without overwhelming its inherently dark and nuanced tone.

The audio presentation of "The New Mutants" on its 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition showcases the Dolby Atmos mix with a commendably moderate activity level, leveraging the format's capabilities to enhance the cinematic experience without overwhelming the senses. The mix achieves a seamless blend of atmospherics and discrete sound effects, notably during high-stake scenes, where the implementation of near-field objects and multi-dimensional ambiance significantly heightens the sense of immersion. This balanced approach, favoring both atmosphere and precise object placement, admirably complements the source material, crafting an engaging auditory journey that enriches the narrative without descending into over-aggression.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a potent low-frequency extension (LFE) elevates the audio experience, delivering satisfying depth to explosions and monster roars, starting from the film’s onset and continuing robustly throughout major fight sequences. This robust bass performance, coupled with the film’s intelligible dialogue and detailed surround sound presentation, demonstrates an astute attention to audio dynamics essential for pulling viewers into the New Mutants’ world. Despite its quieter moments, attributed to the film's moodiness and character-driven plot, the use of ambient sounds and score details in background channels adds a nuanced layer to the overall sound design.

While Disney's releases have historically had varied success with Atmos mixes, "The New Mutants" stands out with its well-crafted audio execution. It manages to sidestep the common pitfall of requiring volume adjustments to capture low-end nuances, presenting an intricate Atmos mix that showcases exceptional range without necessitating user intervention. The auditory experience is further enhanced by the judicious use of height channels, adding subtlety to an already immersive soundscape. Overall, this audio presentation marries clarity with atmospheric depth, ensuring that dialogue, effects, and music coalesce into a cohesive and captivating auditory experience.

The 4K UHD release of "The New Mutants" presents a rather unique assortment of extras focused largely on the disc's Blu-ray companion, leaving the ultra-high definition disc itself devoid of supplements. Integral features include insightful discussions between director Josh Boone and legendary comics artist Bill Sienkiewicz, exploring the film's origins, influences, and the adaptation process from comic to screen. The extras offer a glimpse into the actors' experiences and the familial bonds formed during filming, akin to their characters' relationships within the narrative. A selection of eleven minutes of deleted scenes adds depth to the viewing experience, although those seeking extensive behind-the-scenes footage or in-depth film commentary may find the offerings somewhat sparse. Nevertheless, the provided content, particularly the feature-length interview with Sienkiewicz, delivers commendable insights into the creative process, supplemented by digital access to the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Origins & Influences: Legendary comics artist Bill Sienkiewicz and filmmakers delve into the origins and influences of "The New Mutants."
• Meet the New Mutants: Cast members discuss their filming experiences and the formation of a familial bond.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes several cut sequences such as "Roberto Suns & Dani Climbs," "She’s a Demon," and more.
• Director Josh Boone Chats with Marvel Comics artist Bill Sienkiewicz: A feature-length interview focused more on the comic book aspect than the filmmaking process.

The New Mutants," billed as a swan song to the sprawling X-Men franchise, introduces an ensemble of teenage mutants confined in a secret facility under the guise of curing them from their alleged afflictions. Among them is Dani Moonstar, a newcomer without a grasp of her powers, representing the catalyst in unfurling the dark secrets and horrors that lie within the institution's walls. Conceptually ambitious, the film aspires to blend comic book superhero tropes with elements of horror, notably through the psychological terror akin to "A Nightmare on Elm Street." However, despite its fresh approach focusing on a teen coming-of-age saga and deviating from the grandiose spectacle common in superhero narratives, the execution falters, leaving much to be desired in terms of character development and storytelling.

Director Josh Boone's attempt to inject a dose of horror into the X-Men universe by leveraging "The Demon Bear" saga—a notable arc from the comics—is commendable but ultimately misses its mark. The film's setting, meant to feel claustrophobic and unsettling, often comes across as bland and uneventful, with fear and suspense feeling manufactured rather than genuine. The characters, despite being portrayed by a promising cast including Maisie Williams and Anya Taylor-Joy, are underdeveloped, rendering their struggles and growth throughout the film less impactful. The dialogue often fails to resonate, further distancing the audience from the intended emotional core of the story.

Despite some intriguing ideas and a notable shift towards a more intimate scale of storytelling within the superhero genre, "The New Mutants" struggles to fulfill its potential. Its efforts to stand out by exploring darker themes and a more grounded perspective on its young protagonists are thwarted by uninspired execution and a script that lacks the depth and clarity needed to truly invigorate its premise. The film's release, marred by delays and a sense of studio indifference, mirrors its content—an experiment in the X-Men franchise that promises much yet delivers little, marking an underwhelming conclusion to a once-celebrated series.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The New Mutants" offers a mixed bag in terms of both content and technical quality. On the audio front, the 7.1 channel surround mix is a highlight, providing an engaging and dynamic auditory experience. From the subtle dialogue to the more intense sequences, the soundtrack maintains clarity and depth, with an excellent dynamic range and detailed music score that enhances the overall sound design. The detail within the mix brings a level of immersion that is commendable, showcasing the technical prowess of this release.

Visually, the 4K transfer impresses with its clarity and detail, standing out as a significant plus in this package. However, the film itself struggles to leave a mark, hindered by a direction that fails to fully engage the audience or explore the potential depth of its characters. Described by some as akin to a television pilot, "The New Mutants" leans towards a more intimate setting yet falls short in execution, lacking the large-scale action or compelling narrative to elevate it beyond mediocrity. While it attempts a daring departure from typical superhero tropes, it ends up feeling like an underwhelming entry into the X-Men universe, with its technical merits being one of the few redeeming qualities for potential purchasers.

In conclusion, while "The New Mutants" 4K UHD Blu-ray shines in its audiovisual presentation, the film itself does not manage to capture the essence or excitement typically associated with the genre. The solid technical aspects may appeal to die-hard fans or completists, but the lackluster direction and missed opportunities in character development leave it as an unremarkable footnote rather than a bold new direction for the franchise.