Rise of the Planet of the Apes 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," shot using Arricam LT and Arriflex 435 cameras on 35mm film and finished with a 2K DI, offers an interesting case study in the transition to higher resolution formats. Despite being an upscale from the original 2K digital intermediate, this version delivers a discernible improvement in image quality on a 3840 x 2160p resolution. The disc, encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, embraces 10-bit video depth, a Wider Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR), presenting the film in a widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio. These enhancements manifest in more defined details, richer colors, and deeper blacks, although with a slight lean towards grey in shadows and a mild green tint affecting overall coloring, most noticeable in skin tones compared to its 1080p counterpart.

Not all aspects of the upgrade equally benefit the presentation, notably affecting the CGI elements. Some of the digital effects and particularly the rendering of young Caesar tend to appear more artificial and slightly cartoonish when exposed to the increased clarity and detail that 4K affords. Fine details in human close-ups, however, such as facial textures and environmental nuances, are commendably sharper. Enhanced shadow detail and dynamic range do benefit certain sequences, offering marginal improvements in depth and texture, albeit not uniformly across the entire film. Viewers will note a subtle yellowish cast in some scenes and occasional mild ringing, which, while not pervasive, can detract from the overall viewing experience.

The transition to 4K UHD elevates "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" with a brighter contrast and improvements in both shadow delineation and black levels, resulting in a cinematic quality that adds appreciable depth to the image. However, these enhancements come with minor drawbacks, such as potential detail crush in extremely bright areas and an overall color palette that doesn't significantly outshine the HD version. Flesh tones swing between flushed and natural across different scenes, reinforcing the nuanced but not transformative step up from the Blu-ray release. This 4K presentation marks a nice upgrade, emphasizing that while the leap in visual fidelity is noticeable, it is not as dramatic as seen in other titles making the jump to the Ultra HD format.

The 4K UHD release of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" carries over the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track from its Blu-ray counterpart, much to the chagrin of some hoping for an Atmos or DTS:X upgrade. Despite the absence of these immersive audio formats, the existing 5.1 setup admirably envelops the viewer in its soundstage. From the subtlety of sanctuary ambiances to the dynamic uproar of the Golden Gate bridge confrontation, the soundtrack meticulously places viewers at the epicenter of action. Patrick Doyle's stirring score, alongside crisply rendered dialogues and a robust LFE channel that punctuates gunshots and ape vocalizations, elevates the auditory experience. The mix's capability to seamlessly distribute sound effects across channels, creating a convincingly immersive environment, earns it accolades, notwithstanding a desire for deeper bass in select scenarios.

Critics and enthusiasts alike have noted that while this soundtrack stands as a reference in surround sound execution, it marginally misses transcending to what could have been attained with a 7.1 mix or by leveraging newer object-based formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. This sentiment underscores a growing expectation for audio presentations that thoroughly exploit home theater advancements. However, utilizing downmix options such as Dolby ProLogic IIx/z or receiver's DSU can partially satiate the appetite for added dimensionality, especially during sequences rich in atmospheric sounds. The ability of the 5.1 mix to facilitate an expansive and dynamic sound field, vividly recreating the film's various locales and intensifying its action-driven moments, remains commendable.

In essence, while the audio track on the 4K UHD edition of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" may not break new ground with next-gen immersive audio codecs, it nevertheless delivers a powerfully engaging sonic experience. Its well-balanced integration of effects, music, and dialogue continues to stand as a testament to high-caliber sound design. Enthusiasts who value precision and depth in their audio experience will find plenty to appreciate here, even as some yearn for what might have been with additional channels or formats.

The "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" 4K UHD Blu-ray extras offer a comprehensive journey behind the scenes, led by a duo of engaging audio commentaries. Director Rupert Wyatt delves into the filmmaking process, sharing insights on casting, CGI, and scoring, while writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver explore their thematic intentions and the influence of the original series. The package is bolstered by a trove of deleted scenes, providing fans with 11 minutes of additional content. WETA's groundbreaking work is spotlighted in "A New Generation of Apes", revealing the technical marvels behind the simian stars. Andy Serkis's pivotal role is celebrated in a dedicated featurette, alongside explorations into character motivations, the script's evolution, and Patrick Doyle's musical composition. The disc not only educates on the sophisticated motion capture technology but also offers a mesmerizing 23-minute documentary on real apes, marrying educational content with entertainment. Extras are completed by a thoughtful look at the mythology of the series, conceptual art galleries, and trailers, ensuring a rich viewing experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Rupert Wyatt: Insight into the filmmaking process, CGI, and scoring.
• Audio Commentary by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver: Explorations on script themes and influences.
• Deleted Scenes: Eleven scenes adding up to 11 minutes of extra footage.
• The Genius of Andy Serkis: A tribute to Serkis’s contribution to motion-capture acting.
• Scene Breakdown: Compare final scenes with motion capture and early animatics.
• A New Generation of Apes: WETA’s innovative techniques unveiled in a 10-minute featurette.
• Breaking Motion Capture Boundaries: Focus on the climactic Golden Gate sequence.
• The Great Apes: Three-part documentary on ape species with a blend of 3D models and facts.
• Mythology of the Apes: A 7-minute delve into the series' legacy and its inspiration.
• Composing the Score with Patrick Doyle: The composer shares his creative process behind the film’s score.
• Character Concept Art Gallery: A gallery showcasing the apes featured in the film.
• Theatrical Trailers: Preview the film’s cinematic teasers.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes," reinvigorated by the dynamic team of director Rupert Wyatt and writers Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, presents a gripping origin story that not only erases the memory of less successful iterations but also breathes new life into a franchise deeply rooted in science fiction lore. The film cleverly intertwines science fiction staples with a strong narrative and significant set pieces, crafting a tale of intellectual and entertaining merit. It’s this harmonization of elements that bolsters the story's credibility, immersing viewers in a thought-provoking narrative that ponders the ascendancy of apes over humans. Central to this story is scientist Will Rodman (portrayed by James Franco), whose pursuit of an Alzheimer’s cure inadvertently sets the stage for an interspecies power shift, with Caesar, a chimp of superior intelligence due to Rodman's experiments, at the forefront. The film is as much an allegorical discourse as it is a showcase of action, enriched with self-references and a palpable pathos that effortlessly garners empathy for the ape protagonist, Caesar, marvelously brought to life through Andy Serkis' unparalleled motion-capture performance.

The technical prowess of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" merits equal acclaim, demonstrated through its seamless blend of character drama and action sequences, culminating in a climactic rebellion that is both visceral and exhilarating. Patrick Doyle's score, alongside Wyatt’s penchant for longer than typical shots, notably enhances the cinematic experience, allowing audiences to truly inhabit Caesar’s world. The distinction between digital creations and reality blurs, as Weta Digital's apes assume a photorealistic quality that challenges the necessity of live-action animals. This blend of storytelling finesse and technological innovation elevates the film beyond its genre confines, marking it as a turning point in cinematic storytelling.

Foregrounding this narrative is a poignant character journey marked by fear, desire, and aspiration. The evolution of Caesar from pet to revolutionary leader unfolds in a meticulously crafted journey that deeply humanizes his character without detracting from its animal essence. Critical to this journey is James Franco's grounded portrayal of Rodman, providing a compelling human counterpoint to Caesar’s arc. The villains, brought to life by Brian Cox and Tom Felton, embed the narrative within a layer of bureaucratic realism while maintaining the genre's traditional themes. This sophisticated melding of character-focused storytelling with high-octane action notably distinguishes this chapter of the franchise, setting a high benchmark for its successors and underscored by a script that maintains its coherence and vision from inception to screen.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" offers a modest yet noticeable improvement over its Blu-ray counterpart, delivering a visual treat that albeit originates from a 2K digital intermediate (DI), presents an upscale that enhances detail, color fidelity, and depth. Despite these improvements, the decision by 20th Century Fox to retain the same DTS-HD 5.1 audio track, without an upgrade to more immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, may leave some audiophiles wanting. Additionally, the extras included mirror those found on the previously available Blu-ray, with only the commentaries making the jump to 4K, raising questions about the release's value as more than a strategic move preceding the next installment in the franchise.

As a revival to the "Planet of the Apes" series, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" stands out not only as a remarkable cinematic achievement but also as a narrative that rekindles interest in the saga with its intelligent storytelling and engaging character development—led by Andy Serkis' memorable performance. While the 4K release's visual upgrade offers fans a new way to experience the movie’s blend of pathos and action, the lack of audio enhancement and substantial new extras might not justify an upgrade for those seeking a significant leap in home theater technology.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" represents a mixed opportunity. It successfully brings a better visual presentation to audiences, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts eager to expand their 4K library. However, its shortcomings in audio upgrades and additional content highlight a missed chance to redefine the home viewing experience fully. For fans of the franchise and 4K adopters, this release is worth considering, though with measured expectations regarding its overall enhancement to both audio and supplemental materials.