Resident Evil: Afterlife 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Resident Evil: Afterlife" takes its visual appeal to another dimension with its Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation, delivering a notable enhancement over its 1080p counterpart. Crafted with a deliberate aesthetic that tends towards autumn hues, sepia, and a mixture of blues and reds, the film's transition to UHD leverages the format's wider color gamut to render these tones with a warmth and depth that breathes life into its post-apocalyptic world. Despite being an upscale from a 2K finish rather than a true 4K master, the resolution boost is commendable; close-up shots reveal a significant uptick in detail, showcasing the intricacies of human features and textural nuances of environments and attire with a clarity that's palpable. The enhanced resolution lays bare the limitations of the 1080p version, especially in direct comparisons that highlight the UHD version's superior textural refinement and dimensionality.

Nevertheless, while the upgrade in visual fidelity is undeniable—bringing out the finer details in rusted weapons, fabric textures, and even the pores on characters' skins—the improvements come with their set of caveats. Facial complexions at times appear unnaturally pale, possibly an intentional choice that somehow fits the thematic gloom but might not sit well with all viewers. Certain CGI elements betray a less-than-seamless integration, manifesting a more artificial presence against the live-action backdrop. Additionally, instances of aliasing and contrast issues occasionally detract from an otherwise stellar presentation. Yet, these moments do little to overshadow the overall enhancements in depth, clarity, and color richness that define this UHD release.

The HDR implementation reshapes but does not radically alter the film's visual tone. While not bursting with vibrancy, colors are rendered with a nuanced subtlety that complements the movie's aesthetic, allowing shades like the signature Umbrella corporation red to punch through the bleakness without appearing oversaturated. Black levels are deep and immersive, contributing to the contrast that gives the image its depth, though some shadow details are at times lost in darker scenes. Despite these minor flaws, "Resident Evil: Afterlife's" Ultra HD presentation remains a meaningful upgrade from the standard Blu-ray, enriching the viewing experience with a lifelike texture and clarity that fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate.

The audio presentation of "Resident Evil: Afterlife" in its 4K UHD Blu-ray edition is as much a character of the film as Alice herself, boasting a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that elevates the experience to unparalleled heights. From the get-go, viewers are engulfed in a meticulously crafted soundscape that begins with ethereal, dispersed notes and escalates into a cacophony of electronic pulses, gunfire, and the shattering of glass. The precision with which sound dimensions—width, depth, and height—are wielded is nothing short of spectacular, creating an immersive dome of sound that places viewers smack dab in the middle of the action. Each audio layer, from the echoing declarations of loudspeakers to Alice's descent down a shaft, is rendered with razor-sharp clarity, demonstrating an impeccable use of the Atmos capabilities. The opening 15 minutes alone are a testament to the track's dynamism, showcasing a suite of sonic elements that set a new standard for home cinema.

Beyond the robust array of sound effects, the mix masterfully maintains dialogue clarity amidst the relentless onslaught of action. This ensures that every spoken word is heard—even if one might argue that dialogue takes a backseat in a franchise celebrated for its visual and auditory spectacle. Noteworthy too is the aggressive and responsive low-end, which brings weight to every scene; the growl of zombies and the impactful thud of the executioner's axe feel ominously real. The overhead channels are used to great effect, enveloping the viewer in a continuous stream of auditory excitement that ranges from the subtle patter of rain to the explosive chaos of combat scenes. This object-based format thrives in quieter moments as well, with atmospheric sounds and music extending into the ceiling speakers, creating enveloping half-dome walls of sound that enhance both action sequences and quieter, tenser moments with equal finesse.

What sets this Atmos track apart is not just its technical prowess but its ability to engage and captivate the listener fully. Whether it's debris from explosions, the metallic clang of weapons, or the distinct soundscapes of varied environments—from Tokyo's downfall to the claustrophobic intensity of a prison shower showdown—the sound design is nothing short of demo-worthy. Each audio element is masterfully positioned and prioritized, creating a cohesive whole that is both thrilling and satisfying. Lionsgate's commitment to an exceptional auditory experience is evident, ensuring that even if the visual presentation doesn't astonish, the audio will undoubtedly mesmerize and entertain, making "Resident Evil: Afterlife" a reference-quality release for audiophiles and cinema enthusiasts alike.

The 4K UHD release of "Resident Evil: Afterlife" comes packed with a Blu-ray disc laden with copious extra features that cater to fans and add considerable value beyond the main feature. Notable among these are the Undead Vision: Picture-in-Picture, providing a unique viewing experience with interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and insightful sketches and animatics that enhance the film's narrative depth. The Audio Commentary, although at times meandering, offers glimpses into the dedication and challenges faced by the cast, particularly Jovovich, and crew during production. The 7 Featurettes dive into various filmmaking aspects, albeit with a lack of critical depth, yet they illuminate the technical challenges and creative decisions behind the film's 3D effects, action sequences, and design. Additionally, the Deleted & Extended Scenes and Outtakes present amusing and intriguing content that didn't make the final cut. All bonus content is in HD, retaining the high-quality visual experience even in supplementary material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Undead Vision: Picture-in-Picture: Engaging commentary integrated with unique footage.
• Audio Commentary: Insights and anecdotes from the filmmakers.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Additional content that provides more context.
• Outtakes: A lighter look at the film's production.
• 7 Featurettes: Diverse discussions on filmmaking facets such as direction, casting, 3D integration, action choreography, design vision, new creature introductions, and gamer culture influences.
• Digital HD Copy: Convenient digital version for on-the-go viewing.

Resident Evil: Afterlife," the fourth installment of the "Resident Evil" film series, now unveiled in a 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, escalates the saga of Alice and her relentless battle against the Umbrella Corporation. Following a devastating assault on Umbrella's fortress, Alice, portrayed by Milla Jovovich, finds her superhuman abilities neutralized. In a desperate search for sanctuary called Arcadia, Alice teams up with Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) and Chris Redfield (Wentworth Miller), confronting not just hordes of the Undead but also the treacherous Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts). This chapter takes viewers on a visually stunning journey, albeit demanding viewers to suspend disbelief for the duration.

With the release timed around the hype of the series' final chapter, "Afterlife" stands out for its choice to leap into 4K UHD format with HDR and an Atmos soundtrack, despite being the fourth film in the series. The visuals undeniably benefit from the upgrade, offering crisp, immersive post-apocalyptic landscapes and darker, more intense action sequences that showcase sophisticated special effects and an elevated horror aura. The Atmos soundtrack enriches the atmosphere, pulling the audience deeper into the high-stakes conflict between humanity and the undead forces.

The film's narrative, while maintaining a fast-paced action framework characteristic of the series, struggles under the weight of its ambition. It delivers an array of visually arresting set pieces reminiscent of video game boss battles but falters in cohesive storytelling and character development. Yet, Alice remains a compelling central figure, her battle against both zombies and corporate megalomania anchored by Jovovich's performance. Despite criticisms concerning its plot and reliance on 3D gimmicks designed for theatrical viewing, "Afterlife" serves as a visually captivating entry in the franchise that, for better or worse, prepares the ground for its successors, attempting to attract both die-hard series fans and newcomers intrigued by its visual spectacle in the 4K UHD format.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Resident Evil: Afterlife" lands as a somewhat mixed blessing for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. While the film itself might not mark a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of narrative depth or critical reception, the upgrade to 4K does offer an earnest improvement in visual and audio presentation. Indeed, the video quality is acknowledged as satisfying, although it might not exhibit a monumental enhancement over the Blu-ray edition. Conversely, the audio experience leaps forward with a reference-quality Dolby Atmos soundtrack that undeniably surpasses its DTS-HD Master Audio predecessor. This sonic uplift adds a new dimension to the film’s enjoyment, particularly in sequences bustling with eerie ambiances and chaotic action.

The package's supplemental features, despite remaining unchanged from previous editions, include cast and crew stills along with grouped moments which might only cater to the most ardent followers. Noticeably absent are new or compelling extras that could have offered deeper insights into the film's production or the lore of the "Resident Evil" universe. This shortfall might leave enthusiasts craving more beyond the main feature. Yet, the allure of leading duo Milla Jovovich and Ali Larter, reprising their roles to combat hordes of the undead, remains a strong selling point. Their on-screen charisma and action-packed sequences continue to be a highlight, exalted further by the enhanced audio-visual quality.

In conclusion, "Resident Evil: Afterlife" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a worthwhile, albeit not groundbreaking, upgrade for existing fans or those with a penchant for high-quality home cinema experiences. The significant improvements in audio fidelity, along with decent video enhancement, make it a compelling consideration for enthusiasts equipped with the appropriate home theater setup. Nevertheless, the limited scope of new extras and the film’s inherent narrative and thematic limitations suggest it is best appreciated by loyalists of the series and those specifically seeking out its audacious action and visual spectacle.