Despicable Me 4 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 86
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
Despicable Me 4 offers stunning 4K visuals and audio, abundant extras, and a familiar yet enjoyable storyline for fans and families alike.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 99
Despicable Me 4's 4K UHD disc, upconverted from a 2K DI, delivers a visually stunning experience with vibrant Dolby Vision-enhanced colors, impressive detail, and flawless black levels. The 1.85:1 HEVC presentation exudes rich textures and impeccable clarity, showcasing the animation's depth and immersive quality.
Audio: 89
The Dolby Atmos mix on the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Despicable Me 4 delivers an engaging audio experience with balanced atmospherics and discrete effects, ensuring vibrant and crisp vocals, dynamic surround activity, and satisfying directionality, though it's not an aggressive low-end powerhouse.
Extra: 68
The "Despicable Me 4" 4K UHD Blu-ray extras deliver varied content including two engaging mini-movies with minion mayhem, a comprehensive cast introduction, and a 'Making Of' segment that enriches the animation experience, though some say these features are mostly fluff and skippable.
Movie: 66
Despicable Me 4 blends familiar humor with vibrant animation, offering a fun, albeit predictable, entry to the franchise; despite its upconverted 4K visuals, it delivers rich colors and fluidity, maintaining the quirky charm that fans love while exploring new family dynamics.
Video: 99
"Despicable Me 4" on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers an impressive visual experience despite being sourced from a 2K digital intermediate and upconverted to 4K. The presentation benefits greatly from Dolby Vision's dynamic range, which enhances the richness and vibrancy of colors, offering an unmistakable visual pop. The sharpness and resolution are commendable as the detailed animation comes alive on screen; there's an exceptional clarity in textures, particularly evident in elements like Gru's intricately detailed scarf and the consistent definition in large animated scenes. This refined detail adds a noticeable edge to the 4K format, surpassing its 1080p counterpart significantly.
The technical merits of the 4K disc extend further into the flawless encoding via HEVC/H.265, maintaining a pristine image free from noise or artifacts. The Blu-ray preserves the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, ensuring a true-to-theatrical experience. Black levels remain deep and pure, without signs of crush, while the expanded color gamut generously covers the entire spectrum, delivering breathtaking primaries exemplified in the vibrant, luminescent yellows of the Minions and other lively hues throughout. There is a gratifying absence of any visual imperfections such as aliasing or shimmering, solidifying the digital smoothness of the animation.
Overall, the depth and dimensionality, characteristic of top-tier 4K animations, are superb. With each scene benefiting from the enhanced focus, both foreground and background remain equally impressive. "Despicable Me 4" on 4K UHD manifests as an exemplary showcase of animated digital video quality, making full use of the format's capabilities to provide a seamless, eye-catching viewing experience that captivates every frame with its impeccable rendition.
Audio: 89
The audio presentation of "Despicable Me 4" on its 4K UHD Blu-Ray release is delivered through an engaging and vibrant Dolby Atmos track, which is particularly effective in its dynamic use of height channels. This audio mix brings a satisfying level of immersion that aligns well with the film's energetic and playful tone. While not an overly aggressive Atmos mix, it balances atmospheric elements and discrete sound placements effectively. The mix ensures that both action-packed sequences and quieter scenes are supported equally by a well-constructed soundstage.
Despite a lack of overwhelming low-end power, the soundtrack offers a suitable range that reinforces the on-screen chaos typically associated with the Minions. In action sequences, the audio bounces seamlessly between speakers, providing a clear sense of directionality and an enveloping surround sound experience. Though bass impacts might not be the strongest in the genre, they still complement the film's comedic and animated moments sufficiently. Vocals are rendered with a crisp clarity, ensuring that dialogue remains clear over the varied sound effects and engaging score by Heitor Pereira and original songs by Pharrell Williams.
The Dolby Atmos mix, featured as the default audio track on the disc, showcases ambient sounds and directional audio effectively from the start, enhancing the film's immersive quality. Additionally, options for Spanish and French audio tracks are available in Dolby Digital 7.1 configurations. While height speakers act primarily as an extension to the surrounds, they are aptly used for additional effects and musical cues. Overall, "Despicable Me 4" brings a room-filling sound experience worth noting for its bold and fun approach to audio design.
Extra: 68
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Despicable Me 4" offers an engaging array of extras that both entertain and provide insight into the animation process. The mini-movies, such as "Game Over and Over" and "Benny's Birthday," provide laughter-filled escapades typical of Minion chaos. Meanwhile, the extensive deleted and alternate scenes add substantial context to the storyline. Featurettes like "Despicable Dialogue" and "Meet the Cast" deliver humorous and insightful behind-the-scenes glimpses, while the "Making Of" featurette sheds light on the creative journey of this fourth installment. The inclusion of "Mega Minion Mayhem" and "Rogues Gallery" highlights the franchise's evolution, focusing on its unique characters and villains. Lastly, the "How to Draw" tutorial with Head of Story Habib Louati is an interactive delight for fans aspiring to capture the whimsical essence of the Mega Minions.
Extras included in this disc:
- Game Over and Over: Minions wreak havoc with a game controller.
- Benny's Birthday: Benny gets caught in a birthday time loop.
- Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes: Includes various scenes with varying levels of completion.
- Despicable Dialogue: Voice cast recording booth montage.
- Meet the Cast: Features insights from voice actors.
- Making Of: Behind-the-scenes look at the film's creation.
- Mega Minion Mayhem: Development of unique Mega Minions.
- Rogues Gallery: Overview of franchise villains.
- How to Draw: Learn drawing Mega Minions from Head of Story, Habib Louati.
Movie: 66
"Despicable Me 4" carries forward the beloved franchise with its signature blend of humor and heart, welcoming newcomers and satisfying longtime fans. This installment offers a vibrant narrative that interweaves Gru's (Steve Carell) familial evolution with his duties at the AVL (Anti-Villain League). The plot introduces a new challenge with the return of Gru's high school rival, Maxíme Le Mal (Will Ferrell), now a bizarrely empowered villain. The storyline threads humor through its depiction of suburban life as Gru and family adapt to their protective relocation, managing neighborly suspicions and a surprise heist orchestrated by a precocious teen.
The film maintains its tradition of delivering visually rich animation, seamlessly blending vivid colors and impressive details—courtesy of the upscaled 2K to 4K UHD implementation enhanced by Dolby Vision technology. The animation captures the minions' antics in bright detail while evading typical pitfalls like color banding, ensuring an engaging visual experience. Although the family and their minion helpers become embroiled in yet another uproarious adventure, the core of "Despicable Me 4" rests on Gru's interpersonal dynamics and the endearing chaos that follows his unconventional family.
Despite predictability in its comedic beats, "Despicable Me 4" remains lively due to its layers of character interaction and fresh takes on familiar themes. Performances from the voice cast, including Kristen Wiig and Miranda Cosgrove, add depth, enriching the storyline's comedic timing and emotional resonance. While not groundbreaking, this installment succeeds in blending action and familial themes, making it an all-ages comedy highlight. Its message and humor are appealingly accessible, resulting in a film that upholds the franchise's reputation for accessible, wholesome family entertainment.
Total: 86
"Despicable Me 4" continues Universal's blockbuster series with an entry that captures the essence of its predecessors while maintaining a fresh and engaging charm. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release provides a stunning audiovisual experience. Presented in a pristine 1.85:1 HEVC aspect ratio, the film utilizes Dolby Atmos audio for a rich aural landscape that immerses viewers in every minion mischief and Gru antic. The disc features an extensive array of extras, a commendable offering, further enriching the viewing experience and appealing to both adults and younger audiences.
While the narrative follows familiar territory, relying on established formulaic elements, it offers a comforting familiarity that fans have come to expect and enjoy. Featuring the returning vocal talents of Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig, alongside newcomers like Will Ferrell, it leverages its ensemble to maintain interest with witty scripts and engaging character dynamics. The addition of comedic pokes at superhero tropes, courtesy of the minions, adds a layer of humor expected from this beloved franchise. The animated quality is nothing short of flawless, providing a vivid and colorful spectacle.
In conclusion, "Despicable Me 4" stands as a solid installment for both existing fans and newcomers to enjoy. Although it may not break new ground narratively, its high-quality technical presentation and delightful characters make it an enjoyable watch. For collectors and families looking for light-hearted entertainment, this 4K UHD edition is a worthy addition to any home theater collection.
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