Predators 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Predators" elevates the visual experience of the film, remarkably improving upon its original digital capture with Panavision Genesis HD Cameras and a 2K DI finish. While the movie itself was not shot in 4K, the upscale to a 3840 x 2160p resolution in the widescreen 2.39:1 aspect ratio does justice to the visual spectacle that fans expect. The image benefits significantly from 10-bit video depth, a Wider Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and is encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10. Although the increase in resolution doesn't significantly enhance detail levels, which requires an almost forensic viewing proximity to discern, the application of WCG and HDR notably boosts the vibrancy and depth of the film's color palette and contrast, transforming its appearance with stronger primaries and a more nuanced treatment of light and shadow.

The most striking improvements are seen in the rendering of jungle environments and skin tones under various lighting conditions, where sunlight filtering through foliage and fiery nighttime scenes receive a dramatic boost in realism and visual appeal. The lush greens of the jungle and the vivid flashes of explosions are rendered with enhanced depth and clarity, bringing a new level of immersion to the viewing experience. Additionally, black levels and shadow detail are excellently managed, adding dimensionality and revealing previously obscured details in darker scenes, although some instances of banding were noted in dimly lit sequences.

Digital noise reduction has also contributed to a cleaner image, reducing graininess in backgrounds and improving the definition of jungle flora, mist, and other elements. Despite being an upscale from a 2K digital intermediate, "Predators" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases commendable enhancements in detail on close-ups, such as facial textures, and maintains natural flesh tones amidst its generally steely, muted color scheme. The HDR treatment further enriches the viewing experience, refining light penetration through forest canopies and intensifying contrast levels without sacrificing detail in the film's darker sequences. This release underlines how adept encoding can substantially uplift a film's visual impact, making "Predators" a significantly more striking visual feast on 4K UHD Blu-ray.

The audio presentation of "Predators" on 4K UHD Blu-ray maintains the previously available DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, offering a comprehensive soundscape that thrives in creating an engaging atmosphere. The track adeptly utilizes the surround sound capacity to envelop the viewer in the dense jungle environment, with every rustle, explosion, and roar captured with remarkable clarity and directionality. The dynamic range, while not pushing the limits of depth, provides a tight bass that enhances the action without overwhelming. Gunfires, creature sounds, and the haunting score are well layered, ensuring a balanced mix where the dialogue remains clear and naturally emanated from the frontal channels, occasionally showing off a clever use of directionality to mirror on-screen action.

Despite inheriting its audio DNA from the standard Blu-ray's DTS-HD track, "Predators" on 4K UHD doesn’t falter in delivering an immersive auditory experience. Scenes are brought to life with detailed sound staging; for instance, the panic-stricken winds whirling across all channels as Adrien Brody's character freefalls, or the subtle yet effective ambient noises in the jungle that believably depict an alien wilderness, despite a visual absence of wildlife. Special attention is given to action sequences, where the sound of gunfire, bullets zipping through the air, and explosions are rendered with satisfying weight, supported adequately by LFE channels to provide a meaty impact.

However, even with its strengths, the track shows restraint in fully exploring the sonic depths that newer audio formats offer. Details like the seamless transition of a burning flare from center to left channels demonstrate intricate sound design that merits appreciation but also highlight potential areas for improvement in range and force. This consistency in maintaining an existing audio format might seem like a missed opportunity for an upgrade yet ensures that "Predators" remains an exemplar of utilizing what's available to craft an engaging and thrilling soundscape, even if it doesn’t venture into unexplored acoustic territories.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Predators" offers no new extras beyond what was previously available, relegating the majority of additional content to a bundled standard Blu-ray. All extras, including the comprehensive director and producer commentary, are carried over from earlier editions. The commentary by director Nimród Antal and producer Robert Rodriguez is notably engaging, despite Rodriguez's dominance in the conversation. The standout extra, "Evolution of the Species: Predators Reborn," delivers a deep dive into the movie's creation in six informative segments. Alongside, viewers can enjoy motion comics that serve as prequels, a brief exploration of the human characters in "The Chosen," and a set of deleted scenes, offering a more rounded understanding of the film's production and lore.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Nimród Antal and producer Robert Rodriguez discuss the film's production and franchise affinity.

• Robert Rodriguez Presents Motion Comics: Prequel vignettes including "Moments of Extraction" and "Crucified."

• Evolution of the Species: Predators Reborn: A segmented 40-minute making-of feature that covers scripting, casting, locations, designs, and filming.

• The Chosen: A brief overview of the film's human characters.

• Fox Movie Channel Presents: Making a Scene: Promotional content focusing on the creation of specific scenes.

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: A compilation of nine scenes not included in the film's final cut.

In the movie presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Predators," director Nimród Antal and producer Robert Rodriguez rejuvenate the Predator franchise with a gripping addition that, despite its familiar premise, introduces novel elements that both honor and expand upon the original films. Situated on an alien planet serving as a game preserve, a disparate group of human warriors finds themselves unwilling participants in a deadly hunt orchestrated by a trio of 'super' Predators. This fresh scenario amplifies the stakes with intensified threats and challenges. While the film draws heavily on its predecessors, especially the iconic jungle setting and the concept of the hunted becoming hunters, it skillfully navigates the fine line between homage and redundancy, offering a narrative that is rich with action, suspense, and a darker exploration of human nature.

The technical execution of "Predators" in 4K UHD is noteworthy, boasting impeccable clarity and richness in detail that brings the alien jungle and its terrifying inhabitants to life with startling realism. The digital cinematography, however, is a double-edged sword; while it offers visual crispness, it somewhat detracts from the gritty ambiance that could have lent more atmospheric weight to the perilous environment. The film's pacing and character development are subject to critique – the slow unveiling of the Predators themselves and the mixed reception towards the cast's performance, particularly Adrien Brody's unconventional leadership role, reflect a balancing act between building suspense and delivering on the expected action-packed confrontations.

Despite these criticisms, "Predators" achieves a compelling synthesis of character-driven storytelling and spectacle. The movie explores themes of survival, morality, and the essence of human cruelty through its visually stimulating encounters and strategic callbacks to the franchise's roots. The inclusion of various Predator species and the depiction of their culture adds a layer of intrigue that, while leaving some questions unanswered, enriches the lore. Ultimately, while "Predators" may not surpass the seminal status of the original film, it succeeds in delivering a visually stunning and thematically rich experience that stands out within the franchise's legacy.

"PREDATORS" returns to the cinematic universe of our revered extraterrestrial hunter after a 20-year hiatus, presenting a narrative that expands the lore by transporting the human prey to an alien world. Borrowing the essence of the original—humans being hunted in a jungle—yet relocating it to an extraterrestrial setting, provides a fresh yet familiar experience. While this sequel manages to somewhat recapture the thrill of the hunt, it unavoidably falls between the original's novelty and the sequel's ambition in terms of overall enjoyment. The casting choices and the somewhat uneven mix of repetition and new elements contribute to its middle-of-the-road reception despite its commendable effort to innovate within the established parameters.

From a technical standpoint, Fox’s 4K UHD release stands as a testament to visual and auditory enhancement, albeit with marginal improvements in detail when compared to its Blu-ray counterpart. Where this release truly shines is in its color reproduction, brightness, and black levels, which significantly outperform previous versions. Despite the presence of the same DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track, its encompassing effects coupled with visually stunning content lean into the film's strengths. Notably, the absence of any new or upgraded audio features may leave some audiophiles wanting more. Yet, the 4K rendition, along with committed performances, elevates certain aspects of the film, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize technical prowess over narrative depth.

In conclusion, "Predators" on 4K UHD Blu-ray emerges as a compelling yet imperfect continuation of a beloved franchise. While it navigates through familiar territory with a mixture of success and missed opportunities in storytelling and character development, its technical presentation—bolstered by enhanced visual and auditory elements—marks a standout achievement. For enthusiasts of the franchise and collectors prioritizing audiovisual quality, this release comes recommended despite its shortcomings. It embodies a significant stride in home cinema, ensuring that even the film's less remarkable moments are experienced with unprecedented clarity and immersion.