Kong: Skull Island Blu-ray Review
Score: 75
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Although Kong: Skull Island's human elements sometimes overshadow Kong, the Blu-ray offers jaw-dropping audio-visuals and is an energetic, fun watch with excellent cast performances.
Disc Release Date
Dolby Atmos
DTS-HD MA
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 86
Kong: Skull Island boasts a pristine 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode with rich, vibrant colors and exceptional sharpness, showcasing detailed CG and realistic sequences. Despite its 2K digital intermediary, it features near impeccable blacks, meticulous detailing in hair and foliage, and expertly rendered period-specific color gradings.
Audio: 82
Kong: Skull Island’s Blu-ray offers an exhilarating audio experience, particularly with its Dolby Atmos track, featuring pinpoint-precise directional cues, thunderous low-end effects, and a dynamic range that showcases roaring engines, jungle sounds, and gripping action sequences. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix is good but clearly inferior to the Atmos option.
Extra: 50
The Blu-ray extras for 'Kong: Skull Island' offer an engaging mix of informative and promotional content, highlighted by a spirited director's commentary, insightful featurettes on Kong's design and effects technology, authentic on-location experiences, and Brie Larson's behind-the-scenes photography.
Movie: 63
Kong: Skull Island excels with cutting-edge CGI and dynamic action sequences, offering a thrilling yet flawed installment in the MonsterVerse. The narrative, set against a 1970s backdrop, combines elements of classic monster films with a nod to Vietnam-era cinema, bolstered by an ensemble cast and immersive visual effects. Though the human characters are secondary to the spectacle, standout performances, particularly from John C. Reilly and Samuel L. Jackson, add depth to this exhilarating cinematic experience.
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Video: 86
The Blu-ray release of "Kong: Skull Island" boasts an impressive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that showcases the exemplary work of digital cinematography helmed by Larry Fong. Shot using Arri Alexa cameras with a 3.4K resolution and mastered with a 2K digital intermediary, the film meticulously captures the lush and diverse visuals of both realistic and CG-dominated sequences. It features a highly stylized approach to emulate the 1970s film stock, notably in the opening scenes that employ a heavy yellow and green filter to effectively simulate the worn look of the Vietnam War era. As the narrative shifts to Skull Island, the color grading becomes more natural, presenting extravagant arrays of vibrant colors that enhance the visual experience, from the deep blues of the waterfalls to the verdant greens of the jungle.
The film's transfer is remarkably pristine, with razor-sharp detail evident in every frame. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio ensures that even the minutest particulars such as leaves' veins, tiny pebbles, and tree bark textures are distinguishable, giving an almost tactile sensation to the scenery. Kong himself is presented with striking detail; every strand of hair, scar, and pore is vividly clear, providing an intimate glimpse into the colossal creature. The integration of live-action footage with digital effects is seamless, demonstrated flawlessly without any noticeable flaws or artifacts. Warner’s mastering at an average bitrate of 24.09 Mbps ensures that the film maintains its high visual fidelity throughout, despite the studio's practice of not using all available disc space.
One of the most commendable aspects is the film's handling of lighting and shadows. The presentation excels in darker scenes, where blacks are rich and shadow details are well-preserved, adding depth to nighttime and fog-covered sequences. While occasional digital noise and slight banding appear in select instances—such as when the Colonel lights his fire—they are minor and don't detract from the viewing experience. The film strikes a fine balance between vibrant coloration and intentional use of earthy tones to maintain visual and narrative cohesion, making this Blu-ray edition a visual feast for viewers.
Audio: 82
The audio presentation of "Kong: Skull Island" on the Blu-ray is exemplary, offering a choice between an English Dolby Atmos track and a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. For those equipped with compatible receivers, the Atmos track is distinctly superior, providing a 7.1 Dolby TrueHD core for a rich and immersive experience. The dynamic range is impressive, with dialogue well-centered and crystal clear. Surrounds and overheads are employed with precise accuracy; bullets whiz past and helicopter blades thump overhead with remarkable fidelity. Ambient jungle sounds are eerily precise, creating a palpable sense of environment, while the LFE is thunderously powerful without the overcooked bass seen in other Warner productions like "Godzilla" or "Pacific Rim."
The Dolby Atmos track delivers from the very first moments, plunging audiences into the action with an off-screen dogfight that dynamically fills the listening space. Helicopter squadrons navigating storms are depicted with roaring winds, struggling engines, and cracking thunder that enshroud the listener in a cacophony of sound. On Skull Island itself, the soundscape is rich with jungle rustles, buzzing insects, and the menacing roars of Kong and other beasts. The precision of sound object placement within the Atmos track is noteworthy, with a substantial bass extension that will challenge even high-end subwoofers.
At quieter moments, the track maintains an engaging soundstage filled with subtle ambient noise. Henry Jackman’s adventure score complements the action sequences beautifully and is rendered with superb clarity in the mid-range frequencies. Iconic period-specific music further enhances the auditory experience. While there are some sporadic pockets of silence in calmer scenes, they are occasionally punctuated by sudden creature noises that take full advantage of the ceiling speakers. The overall result is an immersive, room-shaking audio experience that remains meticulously clear, even during the film’s most chaotic moments.
Extras: 50
The extras on the Blu-ray of "Kong: Skull Island" provide an engrossing and comprehensive look into the film's production. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts' commentary delivers a passionate account of filmmaking, covering script development, casting, and visual inspirations, while energizing listeners with behind-the-scenes challenges faced by the effects team. The featurettes delve into diverse aspects such as the historical context and mythology of Kong, the advanced technology used for its super-sized depiction, and the adventurous filming locations in Vietnam, Hawaii, and Australia. Notably, Brie Larson's involvement includes genuine photography contributions captured on set with a real Leica camera. Additionally, the fictional Monarch Files 2.0 offers an intriguing view from the in-film perspective, enriching the overall narrative.
Extras included in this disc:
- Director's Commentary: Insightful production journey by Jordan Vogt-Roberts.
- Creating a King: Realizing an Icon: History and mythology of Kong.
- Creating a King: Summoning a God: Effects technology for the larger-than-life Kong.
- Monarch Files 2.0: Fictional reports from the Monarch organization.
- Tom Hiddleston: The Intrepid Traveler: Actor recounts filming across three locations.
- Through the Lens: Brie Larson's Photography: Larson’s authentic photography from set.
- On Location: Vietnam: Experiences of filming in an unexplored region.
- Deleted Scenes: Additional footage focusing on Col. Packard.
Movie: 63
"Kong: Skull Island" marks a strategic leap in the MonsterVerse saga, offering a unique narrative divergent from its predecessor, 2014's "Godzilla". Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the film opens during the tail end of both World War II and the Vietnam War, grounding its monstrous tale in a richly atmospheric 1970s setting. The movie follows an eclectic team led by Bill Randa (John Goodman), who ventures to the mysterious and storm-bound Skull Island under the pretext of exploration. What unfolds is a high-octane survival saga where creatures of colossal scale roam freely, establishing Kong not as the antagonist but as the protector against more sinister subterranean threats known as Skullcrawlers.
The narrative structure is profoundly influenced by classics like "Apocalypse Now" and "Heart of Darkness," filling its expeditionary plot with characters designed to embody various archetypes of 1970s war and adventure films. Samuel L. Jackson's Lt. Col. Packard becomes a modern-day Ahab, obsessed with exacting vengeance on Kong for perceived wartime losses. Contrastingly, Tom Hiddleston's former SAS expert James Conrad and Brie Larson’s photojournalist Mason Weaver bring nuanced roles that steer clear of stereotypical love interests, adding depth to the human struggle amidst the monster battles. John C. Reilly injects much-needed humor and emotional weight as an unhinged WWII pilot, enriching the character ensemble with his tragicomic persona.
Visually, "Kong: Skull Island" excels with groundbreaking CGI, delivering immersive action sequences that highlight Kong’s primal fury and protective instincts. From helicopter skirmishes reminiscent of vintage war dramas to Kong’s climactic battle against the Skullcrawler, the film sets a new bar for realistic digital effects. Vogt-Roberts skillfully blends visceral set pieces with quieter moments, imparting emotional gravity even in interactions involving CGI creations. The meticulous integration of these elements results in a visceral, kinetic viewing experience that caters to both fans of traditional adventure tales and modern monster flicks.
Total: 75
"Kong: Skull Island" manages to breathe new life into the King Kong franchise with an enthusiastic approach that marries contemporary effects with classic monster movie charm. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the film successfully cultivates a mix of danger, surprise, and wonderment akin to the original 1933 landmark. It's a straightforward and fun monster movie filled with humor, excitement, and stellar performances from a large ensemble cast including Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John C. Reilly, and Samuel L. Jackson. Despite leaning heavily on human conflict at times, it offers sufficient spectacle for fans of the genre.
Visually, the Blu-ray release is impeccable, with a pristine 2.39:1 AVC presentation that truly showcases the island's menacing beauty. The audio quality is equally impressive, featuring an English Dolby Atmos track that provides a deeply immersive sound experience. While the supplemental features may not be extensive, they are competent enough to satisfy most viewers' curiosities about the film's production processes.
In conclusion, "Kong: Skull Island" may not reach the same heights as 2013's "Godzilla," but it stands as an enjoyable romp that is worth watching. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply looking for a mindless but thrilling adventure, this Blu-ray offers both excellent technical specifications and engaging content. Highly recommended for monster movie enthusiasts and collectors alike.
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 90
There are actually several different gradings during the film, with the opening 30 minutes showing a heavy yellow and green filter, with slightly washed out blacks that are meant to simulate the worn look...
Audio: 100
Directional cues for the ambient jungle noises are eerily precise, and the LFE is nothing short of destructive....
Extras: 60
• Director's Commentary • Creating a King: Realizing an Icon • Creating a King: Summoning a God • Monarch Files 2.0 • Tom Hiddleston: The Intrepid Traveler • Through the Lens: Brie Larson's Photography...
Movie: 70
Skull Island happens to fix a few of the flaws that we experienced in Godzilla, but introduces several of its own, making it ever so slightly less enjoyable than the afore mentioned film....
Total: 80
The audio and video for the release are nothing short of jaw dropping, and the special feature are more than capable....
Blu-ray.com review by Michael ReubenRead review here
Video: 100
Fong and the digital colorists have aptly re-created the dull look of early Seventies film for the opening scenes in Washington, D.C., but the colors perk up as soon as the action shifts to Southeast Asia,...
Audio: 100
The precision of the Atmos placement of sound "objects" is matched by the track's broad dynamic range, with deep bass extension that will challenge your subwoofer....
Extras: 60
Summoning a God (12:47): The second featurette deals with the effects technology required to create K:SI's super-sized version of Kong....
Movie: 70
Standout sequences like Kong's early battle with an entire fleet of helicopters and his final showdown with the Skullcrawler "queen" achieve a convincing and immersive excitement that sets a new standard...
Total: 80
Ryan Coogler's Creed resuscitated the Rocky saga by imagining a modern-day version of Sylvester Stallone's original underdog, and now Vogt-Roberts has revitalized King Kong�by successfully re-creating...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
However, the freshly-minted transfer still displays crisp, bright white throughout, allowing for superb visibility into the distance....
Audio: 80
Later, when a helicopter squadron tears through the otherwise calm skies of the island, the chopper's rotors are clearly heard above, and many of the flying creatures living there also traveling from one...
Extras: 40
The Intrepid Traveler (HD, 7 min): Star Tom Hiddleston takes viewers on a tour of the shooting locations....
Movie: 60
Only, Vogt-Roberts film is more of a prequel to Gareth Edwards's remake, putting into motion an eventually meeting where the two classic monsters will duke it out with other familiar creatures of the Toho...
Total: 80
With a great deal of humor, excitement and excellent performances by an large ensemble cast, the big-budgeted production also comes with an offbeat B-movie quality that's energetic and well-paced, adding...
Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Actors: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson
PlotIn the late 1970s, as the Vietnam War winds down, a motley group of scientists, soldiers, and adventurers come together to explore an uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean, shrouded in myth and surrounded by a perpetual storm system. Led by Bill Randa, a senior official in a secretive government organization, the team seeks to map and uncover the secrets of the island before the Soviets can. They are joined by James Conrad, a skilled tracker, and Mason Weaver, a war photojournalist who suspects the expedition is more than just a scientific mission.
Upon arrival, the team's helicopters are attacked by a colossal ape, and the survivors are scattered across the island. The unrelenting Kong reigns as a majestic, yet fearsome protector of his domain, which is host to a myriad of other monstrous creatures and a native tribe that worships him as a deity. Amidst the chaos, the divided team members must navigate the perilous terrain and face the dangers of the island to reunite and escape. However, Lt. Colonel Packard, the military escort leader, driven by a personal vendetta, focuses on hunting down Kong, amplifying the clash between nature and man.
Writers: Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, Derek Connolly
Release Date: 10 Mar 2017
Runtime: 118 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States, China
Language: English, Vietnamese