The Lost City of Z

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Lost City of Z" by Shout! Studios is an intriguing case for both cinephiles and tech enthusiasts. Despite originating from a 2K digital intermediate, similar to the source used for the previous 1080p transfer by Broad Green Pictures, this edition distinguishes itself through the implementation of Dolby Vision and its compatibility with HDR10. The application of Dolby Vision enhances the visual fidelity of the 2.39:1 picture, particularly noticeable in an increased level of detail, such as skin textures in medium close-ups, and a more consistent grain management over its predecessors. Moreover, the brightness and color accuracy have seen adjustments, with over-saturated yellows significantly toned down, contributing to a more natural and pleasing visual experience.

On the technical side of the presentation, Shout! Studios has outfitted the 4K release with an HEVC-encoded BD-100 disc, boasting a feature size of 87.8 GB and mean video bitrate of 80.0 Mbps, along with an overall bitrate of 89.0 Mbps. This is a considerable step up from both Shout!'s own MPEG-4 AVC-encoded Blu-ray and Broad Green's Blu-ray, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality home entertainment. In comparison, Shout!’s Blu-ray disc demonstrates an average video bitrate of 34999 kbps, while Broad Green’s version shows a slight decrease at 34328 kbps. These specifications illustrate a significant effort in Shout! Studios' mastering process, showcasing a commitment to maximizing the potential of their 4K UHD presentations.

Despite the upgrade being an upscale from a 2K DI, as opposed to a native 4K transfer that some cinemas might have used (based on reports of a 4K DI prepared in 2016), the enhanced detail and color improvement facilitated by advanced encoding and HDR technologies ensure a superior viewing experience. This release underscores Shout! Studios’ dedication to quality, setting a high bar for home media releases and offering tangible benefits even when working within the limitations of original digital intermediates.

Shout! has endowed "The Lost City of Z" 4K UHD Blu Ray with a robust audio offering, primarily through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track (3717 kbps, 24-bit), alongside a secondary DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo downmix (2009 kbps, 24-bit). The 5.1 mix is near identical to the predecessor's version by Broad Green, save for the elimination of Broad Green's lossy DTS Spanish dub. This setup enriches the viewer's auditory experience with an array of languages— predominantly English, with splashes of Spanish, Portuguese, and untranslated Tupi— accentuated by the powerful depth of Charlie Hunnam's voice which adds a basso profundo effect that enhances the film's immersive audio landscape. This attention to detail extends to the background with the satellite speakers finely capturing environmental sounds like horses' hooves, insects, rain, and gunshots that are crucial for the Amazonian jungle ambiance.

The sound design complements the film's musical score adeptly handled by Christopher Spelman, whose compositions range from evocative pieces reminiscent of Wojciech Kilar’s work to those that bear semblance to Hans Zimmer's, adding to the film’s emotional landscape. Additionally, the strategic use of Maurice Ravel's "Daphnis et Chloé" is noteworthy for its magical augmentation of the film’s score through the lossless mix. The soundtrack’s execution dovetails perfectly with the visual odyssey on screen, marrying sound and picture in a manner that enhances narrative immersion.

Subtitles are offered in a user-friendly format, with optional English SDH featuring a relatively large font for clarity and an accurate transcription of the dialogue. This accessibility feature further aids in navigating the movie's multi-lingual dialogue, ensuring an inclusive experience for viewers reliant on subtitles. Despite a minor mistranslation, the overall accuracy and detailed speaker identification (e.g., brackets around names) help maintain the film's integrity and viewing pleasure. The audio presentation meticulously crafted for "The Lost City of Z" not only honors its diverse linguistic elements but also significantly amplifies the cinematic experience through its detailed and atmospheric audio design.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Lost City of Z" comes with a suite of special features that painstakingly delve into the making of this fascinating film. Shout! Factory successfully retains all the original Broad Green's extras, proffering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes glimpse. Noteworthy is the audio commentary by Director James Gray, who offers an enthralling, highly articulate narrative concerning the myriad challenges the production faced, maintaining engagement throughout. This commentary is a gem on both the Blu-ray and 4K discs. On the Blu-ray exclusive front, viewers are treated to brief but enriching featurettes and an expedition journal that visually echoes Percy Fawcett’s own scrapbooks. These extras, especially the short featurettes and the meticulously assembled expedition journal, rich in stills from the film and behind-the-scenes photos, add considerable value, making this edition a must-have for fans and cineastes alike who yearn to dive deeper into the movie’s creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director James Gray: An extensive commentary that covers nearly every aspect of the production, shedding light on the logistic challenges encountered.
• Adventure in the Jungle: A short segment featuring insights from the cast and crew, accompanied by on-location footage.
• From Novel to Screen: Offers a glimpse into how the book transitioned into a screenplay and ultimately onto the screen, enriched with cast interviews.
• Expedition Journal: A photo gallery split into two sections, 'Exploring the Journey' and 'Creating the Journey', consisting of detailed stills from both the film and behind-the-scenes.

Upon revisiting James Gray's "The Lost City of Z" six years after its initial Blu-ray release by Broad Green Pictures, it remains an enthralling portrayal of Percy Fawcett's compelling story, further enhanced by the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation. This analysis focuses on the movie's segment of the 4K UHD disc, examining both its cinematic quality and the transfer's technical execution. For a comprehensive evaluation of the film's narrative and a detailed breakdown of the Blu-ray release's technical specifications, refer to my previous review.

In the film, Charlie Hunnam delivers a riveting performance as Percy Fawcett, a British explorer obsessively seeking a lost city in the Amazon. The storyline adeptly navigates through Fawcett's life, encapsulating his impassioned speeches before the Royal Geographical Society, his arduous expeditions, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of his dream. The 4K UHD presentation significantly elevates this experience, delivering an impeccable visual quality that accentuates the lush landscapes of the Amazon and the intricacies of early 20th-century England.

The technical aspects of the 4K UHD Blu-ray merit specific mention. The resolution upgrade showcases an enhanced color palette, bringing vibrancy to the Amazonian greens and a stark contrast to the more subdued tones of the European scenes. The HDR encoding improves the dynamic range, offering deeper blacks and brighter whites, which is particularly noticeable in scenes featuring flickering candlelights or the harsh sunlight of the jungle. These technical improvements ensure that "The Lost City of Z" is presented in a manner that not only respects Gray's directorial intentions but also offers viewers an immersive cinematic experience.

The Lost City of Z," presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray, is a showcase of visual and auditory excellence that has, surprisingly, improved over time. This film’s revival on 4K UHD blurs the line between past and present cinematic achievements, drawing parallels to Hector Babenco's masterpiece "At Play in the Fields of the Lord." The anticipation for similar classics to receive their Blu-ray honors grows stronger, underlining an evolving appreciation for high-definition restorations. Shout! Factory's rendition of the movie on 4K UHD stands out for its qualitative enhancements, particularly noteworthy for being an upscale. The color grading exhibits a refined touch, boasting moderate saturation levels that are appealing without overwhelming the visual narrative. The grain distribution is meticulously balanced, providing a natural filmic texture that complements rather than compromises the movie's visually stunning sequences. With these technical finesses, Shout! ensures that the visuals meet contemporary expectations while honoring the film’s original aesthetic.

Furthermore, the audio experience is equally commendable. The preexisting DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix is retained, delivering an auditory experience that immerses viewers deep into the heart of the jungle with clarity and depth. This audiovisual synergy enhances the viewing experience, solidifying "The Lost City of Z" as a film that pays homage to its roots while embracing modern technological advancements.

In conclusion, "The Lost City of Z" in 4K UHD by Shout! Factory is an exceptional release that deserves a place in the collection of cinephiles and historians alike. Its technical treatment—both visual and auditory—elevates the storytelling, making it a compelling argument for the merits of upgrading, especially for those who already own previous releases. The transfer's balance between authenticity and contemporary polish makes it not just recommended but strongly recommended for anyone looking to experience this cinematic journey as vividly as possible.