Jumanji: The Next Level 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Jumanji: The Next Level" makes a vivid leap to 4K UHD, presenting a visual feast that dazzles and immerses viewers deeper into its fantastical world. Shot digitally with a resolution up to 3.4K and then finished with a 2K Digital Intermediate, the film benefits from an upscale to 3840 x 2160p that belies its technical specifications, offering an image quality on par with native 4K releases. The clarity and depth of the video are immediately striking, with HDR playing a critical role in enhancing the visual experience. Colors pop with a new intensity thanks to the Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) and HDR10, displaying deeper and more vibrant tones across the spectrum — from the rich blacks of the title screen to the lush greens of the jungle and the crisp whites of snowy peaks. This presentation breaths new life into digital and practical effects alike, making characters, costumes, and environments stand out with remarkable detail.

Facial textures, clothing, and natural landscapes show noticeable improvements in sharpness and clarity over the Blu-ray version, although these enhancements are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The HDR implementation doesn't just improve brightness and contrast; it adds layers of depth and nuance to the picture, making it appear more lifelike. The dynamic range is broadened considerably, from peak whites to deep blacks, allowing for an image that is both more detailed in shadows and striking in highlights. Scenes lit with Christmas lights or torches demonstrate the prowess of HDR, showcasing spectacular brightness levels that add to the magic of the movie's many environments.

Noise management on this UHD release is superior, devoid of encoding flaws or source material issues, ensuring a clean and immersive viewing experience. Despite originating from a 2K DI, "Jumanji: The Next Level" on 4K UHD Blu-ray surpasses expectations, delivering a consistently high-quality video presentation that will please fans and newcomers alike. The disc’s use of HDR not only elevates its visual spectacle by enhancing colors and improving contrast but also by contributing to a more pronounced depth in every frame, making this among the year’s most stunning video releases.

The audio experience afforded by the DTS:X track of "Jumanji: The Next Level" on 4K UHD Blu-ray elevates the immersive quality of this game-style action-adventure blockbuster to new heights. From the intricate detailing of various impersonations with clear dialogues at the front, to the grandstanding set pieces enhancing the dynamic and immersive environment, every aspect is meticulously presented. The advancements over the initially solid 5.1 channel surround mix are notable, with the use of audio objects—from atmospherics to discrete effects—enriching the aural landscape profoundly. The integration of LFE adds substantial depth bringing scenes, like the ostrich stampede and encounters in the desert, to life with staggering clarity and palpable intensity.

The sonic expansion due to DTS:X presents uniquely engaging signatures that notably improve upon dimension and depth, along with precise effects like overhead characteristics during high-intensity sequences (i.e., characters falling from the sky or planes passing overhead). The action scenes are further pronounced with robust growls, explosions, and sonic chaos, showcasing the system's capabilities to create a frenzied yet distinctly clear aural chaos. Moreover, the meticulous spread and immersion of music, combined with faultless dialogue delivery, ensure a balanced and clear auditory experience throughout.

Subtle nuances, such as ambient shopping music emanating from overhead channels, demonstrate the careful consideration given to every sound element, enhancing even the quieter moments for an enveloping experience. Despite occasional blending of sounds in busier sections, each channel is purposefully utilized to contribute to an overall effect that is as enriching as it is engaging. From visceral LFE-supported encounters with the wildlife to intricately positioned aural cues during calmer scenes, the audio presentation manages to maintain a consistent level of immersive quality and clarity, setting a benchmark for home entertainment experiences.

The "Jumanji: The Next Level" 4K UHD Blu-ray edition primarily flaunts its extras on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, absenting itself from the 4K disc. This collection of extras offers a satisfying delve into the movie's creation, featuring a blend of behind-the-scenes featurettes that spotlight the cast's dynamism, the sequel's ambition, and the intricate visual effects that bolster the film's adventurous spirit. Standouts include a comprehensive making-of documentary, insightful scene breakdowns, and a creatively engaging AR game that expands the movie's universe. While the gag reel delivers laughs with its candid outtakes, other components such as character confessions and a look into scene pre-visualizations provide both humor and a deeper appreciation for the film's technical complexities. The Blu-ray's additional content effectively complements the viewing experience, enriching the already vibrant world of "Jumanji: The Next Level".

Extras included in this disc:

• Gag Reel: Humorous moments from the shoot.
• Rhys Darby Wants To Jingle: Darby's attempt to create a new theme song.
• Body Swapping: Snapping Into Character: Explores the role reversals in this sequel.
• Back Together: Reuniting the Cast: Cast members share their excitement about reuniting.
• Level Up: Making Jumanji: The Next Level: A deep dive into the making of this film.
• Scene Breakdown: Ostrich Chase: A detailed look at creating the ostrich chase scene.
• Scene Breakdown: Mandrill Bridges: Insights into the making of the mandrill attack scene.
• Awkwafina Cat Burglar: Behind-the-scenes with Awkwafina.
• NPC Confessions: Jurgen The Brutal: A humorous confession from the film's antagonist.
• Grow Up: Danny DeVito and Danny Glover training their younger counterparts.
• Telenovela: A melodramatic promo featuring Kevin Hart.
• VFX Pre-Vis: Zeppelin Battle & Ostrich Chase: Pre-visualization reels compared with final scenes.
• AR GAME: An interactive game that brings Jumanji to life through Augmented Reality.

Jumanji: The Next Level," the sequel to 2017's "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," reintroduces audiences to the body-swapping, avatar-playing dynamics with an added twist. Echoing its predecessor's humor and adventure, this sequel takes a leap by incorporating new characters, portrayed by Danny DeVito and Danny Glover, into the mix, thereby enriching the narrative with themes of friendship, aging, and self-discovery. Despite these enhancements, the movie navigates through a familiar terrain of visual spectacles and comedic sequences, which, while entertaining, often overlook deeper story development. The film oscillates between a commendable attempt at refreshing its cast dynamics through clever character swaps and grappling with a storyline that seems to prioritize action over substance.

The film's technical prowess in visual effects and its successful casting choices stand out. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black deliver performances that showcase their versatility, adapting to new roles with evident glee and dedication. However, despite these strengths, "The Next Level" occasionally succumbs to the pitfalls of sequelitis—struggling to balance between offering new content and retreading familiar ground. The integration of DeVito and Glover adds a veneer of novelty, yet the narrative's reliance on spectacular set pieces and sporadic humor sometimes sidelines its more heartfelt messages. The result is a mixed bag where the spectacle occasionally overshadows character development and storytelling coherence.

Furthermore, the film's rapid production timeline, completed in a span of nine to ten months, suggests a hastiness that might have curtailed creative refinement. The script, seemingly constructed around major action scenes, misses opportunities to weave these moments into a more engaging and cohesive plot. While "Jumanji: The Next Level" succeeds in delivering entertainment and laughter, powered by its star-studded ensemble and high-production values, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to transcend its predecessor deeply. The movie thus serves as both a testament to the potential of its unique premise and a reminder of the challenges sequels face in capturing the original's magic.

Jumanji: The Next Level," while not managing to fully recapture the novel charm of its predecessor, admirably attempts and mostly succeeds in infusing freshness into its narrative, primarily through the strategic addition of new characters to its original ensemble. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents this sequel on a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack that showcases the film's stunning visuals with sparkling Ultra HD video quality and complements it with an outstanding auditory experience, featuring a DTS:X IMAX-enhanced audio and a Dolby Atmos immersive mix. The package is rounded out with a fan-friendly assortment of extras on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, including a fully interactive augmented reality game for an enhanced user experience.

However, the film's ambitious visual and technical achievements cannot entirely mask its deficiencies in storytelling and character development. "The Next Level" manages to entertain but falls short of providing a compelling reason for a subsequent viewing. Its narrative meanders through visually stunning but ultimately empty setpieces, struggling to significantly advance its characters or their world. Although the movie benefits from moments of charm and humor, particularly noticeable in the real-world segments bookending the story, these highlights are insufficient to sustain a narrative that feels both underdeveloped and lacking in meaningful messages.

In conclusion, despite the technical prowess and visual spectacle offered by Sony’s 4K UHD release of "Jumanji: The Next Level," the film ultimately delivers a mixed experience. While it constitutes a recommended purchase for die-hard fans of the franchise, appreciative of the high-quality video and audio presentation, and those attracted to its family-friendly fun, it serves as a reminder of the challenges in a sequel living up to the fresh charm of an unexpected hit. The sequel brings laughter and visual delights but leaves audiences yearning for the heart and innovation that made its predecessor a beloved surprise.