Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" on Blu-Ray is a technical marvel, meticulously executed to deliver a visually arresting experience. The 1080p AVC encoded video offers stunning clarity and intricate textures. Shot digitally using the Arri Alexa 65, the transfer is razor-sharp, capturing every detail from the actors' pores to the bark on trees. The vibrant color palette of Isla Nublar, exhibiting lush greens and fiery lava hues, contrasts beautifully with the muted tones of Lockwood’s dimly lit estate. The film boasts spot-on contrast with deep, inky blacks and brilliant whites, ensuring an exceptionally dynamic visual presentation even in dimly lit scenes. Banding artifacts are minor and only noticeable during specific sequences.

Additionally, "Fallen Kingdom" excels in depth and dimensionality, providing a cinematic experience with its 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The visual effects, a blend of CGI and animatronics, are seamlessly integrated and demonstrate the highest caliber of craftsmanship. This is particularly evident in fast-paced action scenes and frames filled with debris. Overall, the Blu-Ray's clean rendering captures the detailed environments—from destroyed theme park attractions to dense foliage—with remarkable precision, making it a demo-worthy disc in any collection.

The DTS:X audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" is simply extraordinary, delivering a dynamic sonic experience that brings the film’s intense action to life. From the opening underwater sequence, the DTS:X mix fills the soundstage with a deep, oppressive low-end pulse that sets the tone for the rest of the film. Bass is omnipresent, taking full advantage of Michael Giacchino's score and adding substantial weight to the dinosaurs' stomps and the volcanic eruptions. The overhead channels are utilized effectively, enhancing immersion with helicopter rotor sounds and roaring dinosaurs traversing above the listening environment. Dialogue remains crisp and clear, cutting through the impactful sound effects and chaotic scenes with ease, ensuring intelligibility throughout.

The use of surround sound is both judicious and exhilarating, crafting a highly kinetic and immersive audio landscape. Moments such as large doors opening or volcanic ash spewing envelop the listener with impeccable sonic depth and precision. Ambient effects, whether it's bustling office din or rustling leaves in the jungle, are seamlessly integrated with perfect positioning and clarity. In more dialogue-driven scenes, the subtler atmospheric details maintain an engaging hemispheric soundfield, making the quieter parts just as captivating.

Dinosaur vocalizations range from earth-shattering roars to subtle rustlings that flow perfectly through the surround and overhead speakers. The climactic scenes are especially noteworthy, where effects travel discreetly across channels and envelop the viewer in a bone-crushing auditory spectacle. Giacchino’s score is richly detailed with excellent separation, providing warmth and fidelity across the soundtrack. The low-frequency extension is notable, achieving remarkably low tones, especially during intense action segments, without any distortion. Overall, this DTS:X track is a compelling demo-worthy reference that provides an exceptionally engaging audio experience.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom offers an extensive array of extras on its Blu-ray release, providing a comprehensive look at various facets of production. These featurettes delve into behind-the-scenes action, character studies, special effects, and unique perspectives from key cast and crew members. Notably, segments such as "VFX Evolved" highlight the state-of-the-art CGI technology employed alongside practical effects, while "The Kingdom Evolves" discusses the film's thematic and narrative progression within the franchise. Director J.A. Bayona’s distinctive approach is explored in multiple features, notably in "Monster in a Mansion." The inclusion of Chris Pratt's impromptu interviews with various crew members offers a personal touch. The disc's contents are significantly augmented by detailed explorations of specific scenes and character dynamics, reflecting both technical prowess and creative vision.

Extras included in this disc:

• On Set with Chris & Bryce: Behind the scenes with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
• Birth of the Indoraptor: Inside look at creating the Indoraptor.
• Death by Dino: Behind the scenes of a key character's demise.
• Monster in a Mansion: Director J.A. Bayona on influences for a key scene.
• Rooftop Showdown: Crafting the film’s climactic confrontation.
• Malcolm's Return: Jeff Goldblum’s behind-the-scenes appearance.
• VFX Evolved: ILM’s innovative approach to creating dinosaurs.
• FALLEN KINGDOM: The Conversation: Filmmakers' and cast's casual conversation.
• A Song for the KINGDOM: Justice Smith’s on-set performance.
• Chris Pratt's Jurassic Journals:
  • Vivian Baker, Makeup Artist
  • Mary Mastro, Hair Stylist
  • Chris Murphy, 1st Assistant Sound
  • Dean Bailey, Stunt Edge Car Driver
  • Peter Harcourt, Diver
  • Daniella Pineda and Justice Smith, Actors
  • Jody Wiltshire, Set PA
  • Kelly Krieg, Assistant Script Supervisor
  • J.A. Bayona, Director
  • James Cox, Stunt Performer
  • Rachelle Beinart, Stunt Double
  • Bryce Dallas Howard interviews Chris Pratt, Actor
• JURASSIC Then and Now - Presented by Barbasol®: Segments from the Jurassic saga relating to Fallen Kingdom.
• The KINGDOM Evolves: How the sequel progresses the franchise.
• Return to Hawaii: Shooting insights in Hawaii.
• Island Action: Behind-the-scenes look at key action scenes.
• Aboard the Arcadia: Filming onboard with animatronics.
• Start the Bidding!: Crafting the auction scene.

"Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" attempts to reignite the franchise with explosive action and a darker tone but often treads familiar territory. Picking up after "Jurassic World," the film delves into Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) and Owen (Chris Pratt) returning to Isla Nublar, driven by Claire's mission to save the remaining dinosaurs from an impending volcanic eruption. However, the plot thickens as their rescue mission evolves into a cautionary tale on corporate greed, genetic experimentation, and ethical dilemma. The introduction of new characters like the manipulative Sir Benjamin Lockwood (James Cromwell) and the devious Eli Mills (Rafe Spall) adds some intrigue, but their development remains superficial.

The film’s visual and auditory aspects are undeniably impressive, offering precisely the kind of seamless blend of live-action and CGI that has become synonymous with the franchise. However, critics have noted the film’s reliance on rehashed scenarios: rogue dinosaur traffickers, escaped creatures causing chaos, and another genetically modified super-raptor sparking climactic tension. Despite these recycled elements, director J.A. Bayona brings his own flair, particularly in the final act where the tone shifts towards horror, reminiscent of Spielberg’s original terror beats. Cinematographer Óscar Faura's work complements Bayona's vision with stunning imagery that captures both the grandeur and menace of these prehistoric beasts.

Although "Fallen Kingdom" tries to infuse fresh elements by adding ethically charged debates and a gothic horror twist in its latter half, it struggles with predictability and a somewhat uninspired narrative. The returning chemistry between Howard and Pratt is enjoyable but feels contrived at times. New characters such as Maisie (Isabella Sermon) bring some emotional depth; however, the film leans heavily on spectacle over substance. Bayona’s effort results in a visually arresting but thematically hollow continuation of the Jurassic saga, setting up yet another showdown in the forthcoming trilogy’s conclusion.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Blu-ray Review

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom represents a precarious balancing act between familiar franchise thrills and new thematic explorations. While the film occasionally falters under the weight of its rehashed narrative elements, it navigates enough fresh terrain to keep audiences engaged. The initial segments deliver the classic dinosaur escapades fans expect, transitioning into a more contemplative second half filled with darker themes, ethical quandaries, and requisite action sequences. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard anchor the cast with their established chemistry, while newcomers add to the mix.

The technical merits of Universal's Blu-ray release are where Fallen Kingdom truly shines. The 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio is presented flawlessly, delivering pristine video quality that enhances every vividly rendered, chaotic dinosaur encounter. The DTS:X audio track is nothing short of reference-quality, underpinning the onscreen action with robust, immersive soundscapes that bring the prehistoric world to life. Additional language options and subtitles round out the package. Complementing the main feature is a selection of supplementary materials ranging from making-of featurettes to behind-the-scenes footage that will satisfy fans eager for deeper insights into the production process.

With all the criticism I’ve levied on the movie you might think I actually hate Fallen Kingdom. In reality, that’s pretty far from the truth. The movie is a moderately entertaining blockbuster film with good CGI, some fun action sequences, and an interesting premise going into the third film. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are as good as ever together, and James Cromwell (as limited as he is) provides a nostalgic throwback to John Hammond. Universal's Blu-ray is pure demo material, with perfect video and sound, making it the best part of the whole film. While Fallen Kingdom isn't a slam dunk success, it still makes for a decently fun watch.

Technical Specifications:

Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rafe Spall
Directed by: J.A. Bayona
Written by: Derek Connolly, Colin Trevorrow, Michael Crichton (Novels)
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 AVC
Audio: English: DTS:X (DTS-HD MA 7.1 Core), French, Spanish DTS-HD HR 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Studio: Universal
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 128 Minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: September 18th, 2018