Despicable Me 4 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 86
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
Despicable Me 4's 4K UHD release delivers stunning visuals, immersive Dolby Atmos audio, and abundant extras, making it a family-friendly must-have.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 99
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Despicable Me 4," sourced from a 2K digital intermediate and upconverted, impresses with its striking difference from the 1080p version. Enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR, the film boasts vibrant color saturation, impressive clarity, and exceptional detail, maintaining smooth animation and deep, inky blacks without any visual artifacts.
Audio: 89
The Dolby Atmos track for Despicable Me 4 delivers a vibrant and engaging experience, with robust surround involvement, accurate directionality, and substantial bass presence. It effectively balances atmospherics, music, and sound effects, ensuring dialogue remains crisp and clear amidst the immersive soundscape.
Extra: 68
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Despicable Me 4" offers a comprehensive suite of extras, including two light-hearted mini-movies "Game Over and Over" and "Benny's Birthday," various deleted scenes, and engaging cast interviews. Highlights include an insightful 'Making Of' featurette and fun drawing tutorials for kids, though the content is generally suited for younger audiences.
Movie: 66
Despicable Me 4 maintains its status as an entertaining, albeit predictable addition to the beloved franchise, still leveraging its iconic characters with vibrant animation and engaging humor; while the 4K UHD release, despite using a 2K digital intermediate upconverted to 4K, impressively delivers striking visuals with stunning color enhancement and smooth fluidity.
Video: 99
The 4K UHD presentation of "Despicable Me 4" delivers an engaging visual experience, despite being sourced from a 2K digital intermediate and upconverted to 4K. Offering a distinct improvement over the 1080p Blu-ray variant included in the combo pack, this version employs Dolby Vision to enhance the richness and vibrancy of colors. Primary colors, particularly the iconic yellows of the Minions, stand out with exceptional saturation across both bright and dim scenes. This is complemented by a smooth, fluid animation that avoids common pitfalls such as color banding. Moreover, details are intricately captured, with textures such as Gru's scarf and various fabric elements depicted with tactile realism.
The HEVC / H.265 encoded 4K disc, presented in its native 1.85:1 aspect ratio, brings out the film's extensive color palette with commendable clarity and depth. The enhanced resolution markedly accentuates fine details and depth perception, making the animated features appear lifelike. Visually, every scene offers remarkable dimensionality and sharpness, as the transfer remains free from any defects or imperfections such as aliasing or shimmering. The dynamic range impresses with its capability to maintain inky black levels without signs of crushing, guaranteeing an overall flawless depiction of image depth.
In essence, this 4K UHD Blu-ray is a reference-quality release. It stands out for its vivid colors and sharp details, providing viewers with an immersive experience that's both aesthetically pleasing and technically sound. From wooden props to nuanced facial expressions, every element is rendered meticulously, confirming "Despicable Me 4" as a delightful visual journey in the high-definition format.
Audio: 89
The audio presentation of the "Despicable Me 4" 4K UHD Blu-Ray is marked by a robust and lively Dolby Atmos mix. From the outset, viewers are enveloped in a dynamic soundscape, with Pharrell Williams' track setting a vibrant tone that is maintained throughout. The track excels in utilizing surround channels, creating an immersive atmosphere with clear directionality for the audience. The ambient sounds and distinct musical interludes by Heitor Pereira further enhance the audio experience. Despite the action scenes occasionally lacking deep bass impact, the overall sound field remains room-filling and engaging.
This Dolby Atmos track is adept at maintaining a balance between excitement and clarity. Dialogue remains crisp and well-prioritized over effects, ensuring clear communication without overshadowing the energetic musical score or sound effects. Height channels primarily extend the surrounds but offer discrete effects that heighten the dynamic experience during key moments, such as chaotic Minion sequences or action-driven scenes. While not aggressively immersive, the mix delivers a tangible level of engagement suitable for the film's thematic craziness.
Despite minor drawbacks, such as insufficient bass during certain actions, the mix provides satisfying aural characteristics. The use of additional audio formats including Dolby Digital Plus in French and Spanish offers versatility for viewers preferring alternate languages. Throughout varied audio sequences—from the bombastic to the subtle—the track consistently chooses its moments to awe and entertain, making for an engaging audio experience that complements "Despicable Me 4's" playful and adventurous spirit.
Extra: 68
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Despicable Me 4" offers a substantial collection of extras largely skewed towards a younger audience. The supplementals provide a broad range of content, including humorous mini-movies like "Game Over and Over" and "Benny's Birthday," which effectively showcase the whimsical antics of the Minions. A selection of deleted, extended, and alternate scenes offers further insights, though not all feature completed animations. Featurettes such as "Despicable Dialogue" and "Meet the Cast" present engaging behind-the-scenes glimpses, allowing fans to connect with the characters and their voice actors. However, some content may feel lightweight, acting primarily as entertainment rather than deep dives into the production. The "How to Draw" feature aligns with a trend in family-friendly releases, encouraging creative engagement with the film's characters.
Extras included in this disc:
- Game Over and Over: Mini-movie with Minions discovering a game controller.
- Benny's Birthday: Mini-movie featuring a time-loop birthday party.
- Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes: Collection from various scenes.
- Despicable Dialogue: Recording booth moments with voice cast.
- Meet the Cast: Introductions to actors behind the characters.
- Making Of: Behind-the-scenes of "Despicable Me 4."
- Mega Minion Mayhem: Development of new Mega Minions.
- Rogues Gallery: Featurette on villains from past films.
- How to Draw: Tutorial on drawing Mega Minions.
Movie: 66
"Despicable Me 4" continues the franchise tradition of blending humor, family themes, and adventurous plots in a vibrant animated package. The storyline centers around Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, now adapting to family life with Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and their new addition, Gru Jr. The film offers familiar comedic beats, leveraging Gru's transformation from villain to family man against the backdrop of a high-stakes adventure. Gru is thrust back into action when his nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), a hilariously conceived half-human, half-cockroach villain, returns seeking vengeance. As expected, the Minions play a significant role, offering moments of slapstick humor amplified by the introduction of "Mega Minions."
Technically, the 4K UHD release impresses with its visual fidelity. While sourced from a 2K digital intermediate, the upconverted image is noteworthy, enhanced by Dolby Vision which enriches colors and detail. The smoothness and fluidity of animation ensure a quality viewing experience devoid of color banding, typical in animated features. This visual clarity complements the humor and action-packed sequences that keep audiences engaged. The sound design and soundtrack further elevate the film, bringing an energetic vibe that aligns with the film's lively tone.
While "Despicable Me 4" doesn't deviate from its established formula—offering predictable gags and themes—it remains an entertaining entry in the series. The dynamics among characters continue to provide endearing moments, especially with Gru's endearingly awkward attempts at blending into domesticity, balanced by Lucy's assertive style. The film's heart lies in these nuanced familial interactions and its ability to retain the charm that has characterized the series over the years. Whether for loyal fans or newcomers, "Despicable Me 4" delivers consistent, family-friendly entertainment that aligns with the franchise's longstanding appeal.
Total: 86
Despicable Me 4, directed by Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage, seamlessly continues the whimsical journey of Gru and his loyal Minions. Though it treads familiar ground, the film retains its charm and humor, offering family-friendly entertainment. Enhanced by notable performances from Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, and a sprightly Joey King, the movie delivers both nostalgia and laughter. Universal’s 4K UHD release stands out with a pristine 1.85:1 HEVC video transfer and a dynamic Dolby Atmos audio track, making for an engaging audiophile experience.
The 4K UHD package is complemented by a substantial amount of bonus content, uncommon outside boutique studio releases. While some might argue the series has become predictable, the stunning visuals and soundscape elevate this entry above mere redundancy. Universal ensures fans receive a complete package, suitable for both collectors and casual viewers. The technical specifications underscore its position as a home theater essential, offering English, French, and Spanish audio tracks alongside SDH subtitles.
Despicable Me 4 artfully capitalizes on the franchise's enduring appeal. Despite the repetitive formula, its captivating presentation in 4K UHD format strikes a chord with longstanding fans and newcomers alike. The film reaffirms the blend of light-hearted storytelling synonymous with the series. Ultimately, this entry revives what audiences love about Gru’s adventures while delivering an exemplary home-viewing experience, making it highly recommended for franchise enthusiasts and audiophiles.
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 100
But either way, the differences between the 1080p Blu-ray included in the combo pack and the 4K UHD disc are rather striking....
Audio: 90
• Rogues Gallery – Using the AVL's state-of-the-art facial recognition software, we look back at the most nefarious villains from past DESPICABLE and MINIONS films....
Extras: 80
Movie: 70
the franchise has continued to put out content that is head and shoulders over films like the Hotel Transylvania series, or a host of other animated franchises....
Total: 80
Universal’s 4K UHD release looks and sounds stunning as expected, and even gives us a rather hefty amount of extras (which isn’t common these days unless it’s a boutique studio making a collector’s edition)....
Blu-ray.com review by Justin DekkerRead review here
Video: 100
Colors across the spectrum are wonderfully rich and saturated in bright and low light environments alike making this film eye-candy of the highest order....
Audio: 90
The surrounds are leveraged to great effect during certain bombastic moments of music (the classic Van Halen-scored interludes of the Minion baby pit crew are particular sonic highlights) or calamity and...
Extras: 60
Mega Minion Mayhem (4.22) - Ken Daurio (Co-writer), Chris Renaud and others discuss this new superpowered cast of characters in the world of Despicable Me, the idea for which has been germinating for some...
Movie: 60
Loaded with questionable science, a villain who wasn't really as evil as he seemed, and some instantly entertaining, adorable, and mayhem-inducing henchmen, the film also possessed a great deal of heart...
Total: 80
Graced with an excellent 2160p transfer, a very sold Dolby Atmos audio track, and a healthy amount of lighter supplemental features, fans of the film and the franchise shouldn't hesitate to add Despicable...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 100
The results should please just about everyone as there’s always something eye catching happening....
Audio: 90
...
Extras: 60
Rogues Gallery – Using the AVL’s state-of-the-art facial recognition software, we look back at the most nefarious villains....
Movie: 0
And if you’re a fan of this particular universe, there’s an oddly calming feeling in that you know what you’re going to get when you see this at the theater – or in this case, pop the disc in....
Total: 70
The films do have an audience and Universal’s 4K disc offers tons of supplements along with reference-quality audio and video....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
Hair appears perfectly defined, Gru’s scarf shows every stitch, and wide shots define the middle class neighborhood existence of Despicable Me 4 effortlessly....
Audio: 80
Action bounces between speakers accurately, with a satisfying, clear sense of directionality....
Extras: 40
The generic EPK material on the cast, characters, and other general topics are wholly skippable....
Movie: 60
It’s beyond familiar at this stage, and Despicable Me 4 pulls the ol’ desperate TV sitcom swerve of introducing a baby to the mix (the kid’s fine, marginally funny, and adorable, to be fair)....
Total: 70
Despicable Me 4 is more Despicable Me in the same form as the prior three movies, familiar, safe, and a little comfortable by this stage....
Home Theater Forum review by Timothy ERead review here
Video: 100
The main menu, just by itself, demonstrates an unusually vibrant color scheme which is also evident in the main feature itself....
Audio: 100
Dialogue is mixed well to be audible over the sound effects and the music score by Heitor Pereira(Despicable Me 1-3) and original songs by Pharell Williams(Despicable Me 1-3, The Grinch)....
Extras: 90
Mega Minion Mayhem(4:22): The development of the new Mega Minion characters in Despicable Me 4 is discussed by the cast and crew....
Movie: 70
Despicable Me 4 may not say profound things about the nature of existence and the human condition, but it is an entertaining confection that you can enjoy with all of the other members of your family....
Total: 80
The 4K disc (and blu-ray) includes a wealth of special features that may appeal to both adults and children....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 100
This Ultra HD presentation is rendered from a 2K DI and up-converted to 4K. In terms of resolution the differences between this and the 1080p version are appreciable as there is a noticeably finer texture...
Audio: 88
When called for the mix effectively places effects/sounds within the soundstage which place you within the scene, heightening the feeling of immersion (the sequence in the arena when Mario face off against...
Extras: 80
Defibrillator o Mega Minions Mega Mix o Mega Minions in Lockdown • Despicable Dialogue – Watch Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, and the rest of the cast perform some of their silliest lines in this hilarious...
Movie: 70
This latest chapter in the biggest global animated franchise in history is packed with nonstop action, filled with Illumination’s signature subversive humor, and new dynamics with the introduction of a...
Total: 85
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
Animation always looks distinguished in the 4K format, and this film is no different, depth wise....
Audio: 90
English, French Canadian, and Latin American SpanishDynamics: Not to be outdone in the audio department, Gru and crew’s exploits come home for the 4th time with a busy and booming Dolby Atmos track....
Extras: 70
Mega MixMega Minions in LockdownFeaturettes:Despicable Dialogue – Watch Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, and the rest of the cast perform some of their silliest lines in this hilarious montage of recording...
Movie: 70
While some jokes and plot points may feel a bit predictable, Despicable Me 4 manages to keep things fresh by exploring new layers in Gru’s relationships with his family and friends....
Total: 70
While it’s mostly an unnecessary entry into a full series of films, there’s no denying the staying power of Minions, Gru, and his blended family....
Director: Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage
Actors: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin
PlotGru, now comfortably balancing his life as a family man and reformed supervillain, finds himself called back into action when a mysterious new threat emerges. This time, it's a high-tech thief known only as "The Ghost," who has been stealing advanced gadgets from various global agencies. The Anti-Villain League (AVL), led by Lucy, designates Gru to track down and capture this elusive foe. Reluctant at first but recognizing the danger and the need for his particular set of skills, Gru assembles his loyal Minions and sets off on an international chase.
Alongside Gru's mission, his daughters Margo, Edith, and Agnes face their own set of adventures and challenges. Margo navigates the complexities of teenage life, Edith delves into uncovering her unique talents, and young Agnes remains ever-enthusiastic about her beloved unicorns. As the family hurdles through comedic and heartfelt experiences, they discover that teamwork and love are the ultimate keys to overcoming their difficulties. Amid the chaos and excitement, a series of unexpected twists and turns keeps everyone on their toes, leading up to a climactic showdown that tests Gru’s ingenuity and resolve in ways he never anticipated.
Writers: Mike White, Ken Daurio
Release Date: 03 Jul 2024
Runtime: 94 min
Rating: PG
Country: United States
Language: English