Creed III

Creed III" leaps into the 4K UHD Blu-ray arena with a presentation that is a complex tapestry of artistic stylization and remarkable clarity, despite its divisive visual palette. At its core, this film is delivered in 2160p resolution, encapsulated in HEVC / H.265 encoding with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1, occupying a BD-66 layer disc that ensures a sleek and uncompressed visual feast. While it eschews the IMAX-sized footage, it compensates with an impeccable depth of field and a cinematic fluidity that keeps both the rapid movements of the boxing matches and the quieter character moments crisp and engaging. The shadow realms of the film are intensely deep and textured, illuminating details within the murk, avoiding crush but embracing a visual style that some may find leans too heavily towards the darker spectrum of storytelling.

Diving deeper into the color reproduction and HDR execution, "Creed III" paints with a broad brush of warm ambers, cold blues, and greens, ensuring that each hue pops with intensity against the gloomier backdrops typical of the film's thematic explorations. This is further amplified by HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, which brings out the nuances in the film’s distinct visual aesthetic - while true whites and vivid blacks are scarce, replaced by stylistic choices that favor murky over clarity in certain sequences. However, every frame brims with detail, from the fine textures of clothing and environments to the visceral realism of sweat, blood, and tears captured in close-ups. The portrayal of skin tones remains faithful throughout, contributing to an overall presentation that is as sharp as it is detailed, making "Creed III" a visually aggressive yet detailed experience on UHD Blu-ray.

Despite some inherent challenges in translating the film’s moody aesthetics to a medium that thrives on dynamic range and luminance, "Creed III" emerges as a compelling visual experience on 4K UHD Blu-ray. The disc's meticulous authoring eliminates concerns over banding or compression artifacts, ensuring a smooth presentation. The balance between the vividness of sport costumes and the somberness of interior sets or night scenes reflects a deliberate artistic vision - one where colors are not just seen but felt. As such, while the film’s look may diverge from natural tones favoring stylistic saturations, it remains an illustrative example of how well 4K UHD can adapt to and enhance a director’s unique visual narrative.

The Dolby Atmos audio mix of "Creed III" is an exemplary showcase of auditory prowess, ensuring that each punch thrown and background score resounds with clarity and depth. This mix maintains a perfect balance between the dynamic intensity of in-ring battles and the nuanced soundscapes of quieter, more introspective moments. It employs a moderately active surround mix that leverages both atmospheric and discrete effects across the sound field, including the effective utilization of height speakers for added immersion. The placement of audio objects, whether above or at ear level, aligns perfectly with onscreen events, enhancing the realism of both small and large spaces encountered throughout the film. This is complemented by an outstanding score that seamlessly integrates into the sound field, elevating the presence of each scene.

The audio presentation excels in delivering a heightened sense of reality, whether in the roar of the crowd in large arenas, the natural reverb in training rooms, or the intricately layered sounds in more personal scenes. Boomy music cues and crisp dialogue further enrich this acoustic experience. The bass-heavy selections from artists like Dr. Dre and Ari Lennox, alongside the film's score, enjoy a rich, dynamic presence that never overpowers but rather harmonizes with the film's varied emotional tones. The Atmos track's integration of crowd chants, environmental sounds, and additional musical elements from the height channels ensures an immersive experience that could easily serve as a reference quality demo.

Technical aspects aside, "Creed III’s" Atmos mix does not merely aim to impress with its clarity and balance but also contributes significantly to the storytelling by accentuating the drama and tension inherent in the narrative. From boomy low ends adding oomph to every punch to subtle background effects driving the film’s more melodramatic moments, the audio mix plays a pivotal role in bringing the cinematic experience of "Creed III" to life. The inclusion of a wide range of audio formats and subtitles ensures accessibility for a diverse audience, making this audio presentation not only a technical achievement but also an inclusive one.

The "Creed III" 4K UHD Blu-ray edition offers fans a dual-disc set that includes a plethora of special features focused on both the technical and narrative depth of the film, exclusively available on the Blu-ray disc. The collection begins with "Michael B. Jordan: In the Ring/Behind the Camera," a detailed featurette that showcases Jordan’s dual role as lead actor and first-time director, highlighting his vision, dedication to authenticity, and the guidance he received from industry veterans like Ryan Coogler and Denzel Washington. Following this, "There’s No Enemy Like the Past: Donnie and Dame" delves into the complex rivalry at the heart of "Creed III," offering insights into the characters’ motivations and the actors’ preparation, underscoring the nuanced storytelling that allows audiences to root for both protagonists. The inclusion of deleted scenes adds a layer of intrigue, providing a glimpse into what might have been. The limited extras, lasting around 25 minutes, pack significant value, rounding out the Blu-ray disc’s content alongside the film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Michael B. Jordan: In the Ring/Behind the Camera: A candid featurette that explores Jordan's transition into directing while leading on-screen.
• There’s No Enemy Like the Past: Donnie and Dame: Focuses on the central rivalry and character dynamics between Donnie and Dame.
• Deleted Scenes: Offers three scenes cut from the final film, providing additional context and character moments.

Creed III," directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan, marks a pivotal installment in the Creed franchise, offering a story that delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Adonis Creed. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (played by Jonathan Majors), re-enters Adonis's life after serving a long sentence in prison, the narrative evolves into more than just a boxing movie. It becomes a gritty exploration of legacy, redemption, and the price of fame. The absence of Sylvester Stallone's Rocky character is felt, yet this allows the film to venture into new territory, focusing on personal turmoil and the complexities of human relationships rather than relying solely on nostalgia.

Jordan’s directorial debut is commendable, displaying a raw and authentic approach to storytelling. His choice to shoot the fight scenes in IMAX offers an immersive experience, reflecting his attempt to elevate the visual storytelling of boxing films. The inclusion of Jonathan Majors as Damian introduces a nuanced antagonist with depth, challenging Adonis both physically and emotionally. Their confrontation goes beyond a mere clash in the ring; it's a battle over unresolved pasts and the quest for identity beyond the shadow of legacy. The film takes bold narrative and stylistic risks, including allegorical elements during its climactic fight scene, portraying the internal struggles of its characters in a visually striking manner.

Despite facing some pacing issues and navigational bumps common with directorial debuts, "Creed III" succeeds in adding a fresh layer to the franchise. It weaves a compelling narrative around its central characters, driven by strong performances and a keen eye for emotional depth. The film's focus on character development and the intricacies of the boxing world resonates well, making it a standout addition to the Creed saga and an important chapter in Adonis’s journey.

Creed III," the latest addition to the iconic Rocky franchise, albeit without Sylvester Stallone's on-screen presence, manages to deliver a mixed bag of punches. While the film stirs the pot with drama-rich sequences and attempts to chart into uncharted territories, it does so with a certain inconsistency in its dramatic effectiveness and storytelling pacing. It flirts with greatness, yet often retreats to a formulaic portrayal reminiscent of its predecessors, making it a somewhat forgettable installment that leaves loyal fans of the series yearning for more. Nonetheless, it secures its stance as a watchable sequel, enriched by fantastic visuals and compelling themes that signify a commendable step in a new direction.

From a technical standpoint, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "Creed III" showcases remarkable audio and visual qualities that enhance the overall viewing experience. The disc boasts a solid Ultra HD video clarity along with crystal clear high-definition audio, including an impressive Dolby Atmos sound mix that brings the cinematic experience to life. The enhancement through Dolby Vision elevates the film's aesthetic appeal, cementing its technical prowess. However, the supplemental offerings leave much to be desired, providing a lackluster array of extras that fails to delve deep into the film's production nuances or offer significant value to enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Creed III" on 4K UHD Blu-ray triumphs in delivering a visually stunning and audibly immersive experience that fans of the series will appreciate. Despite its narrative and directional flaws, the film remains a worthwhile addition to a franchise legacy, backed by an outstanding A/V performance on this home video release. Though it may not reign as the most compelling chapter within the saga, for established followers and collectors alike, it's still a recommended pickup that promises moments of greatness amidst its shortcomings.