Creed III 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu Ray presentation of Creed III offers an immersive visual experience, though the film's distinct cinematographic choices may not capitalize entirely on the format's capabilities. The 2160p resolution ensures sharp and vivid detail, with close-ups highlighting facial pores, stubble, and even beads of sweat and blood during fight scenes. While the increased resolution and HDR benefits such as Dolby Vision should ideally amplify the visual splendor, the stylistic decision to employ a palette dominated by sickly blue-green and amber tones gives many scenes a hazy, muted appearance. The black levels, while deep, can often appear milky, impacting shadow detail—especially in nighttime and indoor scenes. These choices, though effective for the film's aesthetic, make Creed III less than ideal for demonstrating "perfect" HDR.

The HDR10 and Dolby Vision implementations add a level of depth and luminosity to certain elements but do not produce the vibrant contrast typically expected. Bright scenes fare better, with colors remaining true to their source material, and highlights like costume accents and neon signage stand out admirably against the generally muted backdrop. Interior scenes, especially within the boxing ring, show appreciable depth and an enriching aesthetic that brings a nuanced realism to the action sequences. However, instances of flat black levels and a persistent yellowish tint in bright light sources detract from the overall sharpness.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu Ray of Creed III presents an above-average visual performance marked by intricate detail and solid resolution. While its unique visual style might not harness the full potential of HDR or Dolby Vision, it faithfully captures the cinematic intent with a clean presentation devoid of major compression artifacts such as banding or macro-blocking. This makes it a technically proficient but stylistically restrained example of what Ultra HD can offer.

The Dolby Atmos track of the "Creed III" 4K UHD Blu Ray is an auditory powerhouse that ensures a thoroughly immersive experience. Unlike some recent action movies with low-volume issues, the soundtrack here delivers raw, powerful sports action. Dialog-heavy sequences maintain an excellent balance but come alive during training sessions and chaotic city scenes, driven by a dynamic hip-hop score that leverages the surround sound capabilities. The fights are a particular highlight, transporting listeners directly into the heart of the arena with earth-shaking bass and extensive use of surrounds and overheads for added immersion. You can almost feel every punch, bolstered by a pulsating score and bone-crunching depths.

This presentation makes effective use of audio objects in creating an immersive soundfield. During climactic fight scenes such as the match between Dame and Adonis, the mix excels in creating a tangible sense of dimension and depth. Audio object placement from both above and at ear level delivers a realistic acoustic environment. The background effects and instrumental music, featuring artists like Dr. Dre, Ari Lennox, and Big Sean, are integrated throughout the soundscape for an enriched audio experience. The height speakers notably deliver crowd chants and weather elements, further enhancing immersiveness.

The Dolby Atmos track ensures heavy and atmospheric use of rear and side channels, notably during intense bouts and in training environments. Crisp dialogue, impactful music stings, and well-balanced low-frequency extensions make for a consistent high-performance soundtrack. The roar of the crowd, the natural reverbs within training rooms, and the bold fluidity of every punch contribute to an impressive auditory experience. This dynamic mix essentially elevates the sensory experience to that likely found in theaters, making it a must-listen for audiophiles and fans alike. The soundtrack is available in various formats, ensuring versatility for different linguistic preferences.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Creed III" includes a concise selection of extras exclusively available on the Blu-ray disc. Offering around 25 minutes of supplementary content, these features delve into Michael B. Jordan's dual roles as lead actor and director, providing insightful behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. The extras shed light on his transition to directing and the intricate dynamics between the characters, given the film's unique position as both a sequel and an origin story. Key figures such as Ryan Coogler, Tessa Thompson, and Jonathan Majors offer their perspectives on the production process, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the creative collaboration. Although brief, these extras furnish a rich glimpse into the filmmaking endeavor behind "Creed III".

Extras included in this disc:

• Michael B. Jordan: In the Ring/Behind the Camera: Insightful featurette capturing Jordan's balancing act of directing and acting.
• There’s No Enemy Like the Past: Donnie and Dame: A character-focused exploration of Creed III’s central rivalry.
• Deleted Scenes: Three short scenes omitted for pacing reasons.

Creed III continues the saga of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) with a tense narrative that revisits the fighter's past, bringing a darker, more introspective tone to the series. The plot unfolds as Adonis encounters his estranged childhood friend, Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors), newly released from prison and hungry for a shot at redemption and glory in the boxing world. Jordan’s directorial debut heavily emphasizes character development, contrasting Adonis’s current success with Damian’s relentless struggle. This sequel delivers a gripping storyline around brooding themes, albeit sometimes relying too much on predictable plot points reminiscent of older Rocky films.

Jordan's directorial choices are ambitious and innovative, particularly his use of IMAX for the boxing scenes, which heightens the intensity and immerses viewers directly into the ring. The fight choreography incorporates elements of anime-inspired stylization that effectively communicate the physical and emotional stakes of each punch. Jonathan Majors shines as Damian, creating a formidable opponent who is complex and menacing yet relatable. Despite some narrative missteps and occasional pacing issues that rush significant plot developments, Creed III succeeds in exploring the personal turmoils and transformations of its characters, elevating the franchise’s traditional themes with a fresh perspective.

Ultimately, while Creed III might miss some of the heartfelt charm that Stallone brought to earlier entries, it boldly carves its own path. The film’s exploration of masculine identity and legacy through Adonis's struggle against both his haunted past and Damian’s visceral ambitions stands out as a triumph. The movie upholds the series' legacy, delivering an emotionally charged tale punctuated by electrifying boxing sequences, proving that Michael B. Jordan has potential both in front of and behind the camera. This installment is a must-watch for fans invested in Adonis Creed's journey and those interested in seeing where the lineage of the beloved Rocky franchise heads next.

"Creed III" continues the legacy of its predecessors by delivering a watchable, albeit somewhat flawed, addition to the franchise. While Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut shows promise, the film occasionally struggles with scattershot pacing and a less compelling narrative compared to the explosive dynamism of the first two films. Nevertheless, the visuals, enhanced with Dolby Vision, are stunning, and the Atmos audio track provides an immersive auditory experience. The absence of Sylvester Stallone, a fundamental figure in Rocky lore, is palpably felt, contributing to a sense of incompleteness that may disappoint diehard fans.

Warner Bros. delivers a technically solid 4K UHD Blu-ray package for "Creed III." The 2.39:1 HEVC aspect ratio ensures crisp and detailed visuals, while the English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core) audio track delivers a robust soundscape. Subtitles are available in English SDH, French (Canadian), French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Despite the film’s engaging visuals and sound design, the disc’s supplemental offerings are underwhelming, consisting of brief but candid extras that lack depth compared to the engaging drama of the main feature.

Is "Creed III" bad? No, it’s a decent action/sports movie with plenty of fighting and the trademark underdog Rocky Balboa training sequences. However, the film feels a bit empty and hollow, representing a moderate step down from "Creed" and "Creed II." The 4K UHD disc looks and sounds great though, but the mediocre extras and middle-of-the-road story keeps me from giving it a full two thumbs up. Solid watch for boxing fans—just don't go in expecting to see the next "Top Gun: Maverick."

Technical Specifications:

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, Phylicia Rashad, Florian Munteanu
Directed by: Michael B. Jordan
Written by: Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 HEVC
Audio: English: Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core), English, French, Spanish DD 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French (Canadian), French, Spanish, German, Italian
Studio: Warner Brothers
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 116 minutes
Blu-Ray Release Date: May 23rd, 2023

Recommendation: Decent Watch