Prometheus 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Prometheus" offers a paragon of visual fidelity, albeit with some limitations owing to its 2K Digital Intermediate (DI). This does not prevent the 2160p display from showcasing an appreciable uptick in detail compared to its 1080p counterpart. The presentation is framed in the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 to 2.40:1 widescreen, encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, and benefits from 10-bit video depth, a Wider Colour Gamut (WCG), and High Dynamic Range (HDR), enriching the already spectacular vistas of alien landscapes and the intricacies of futuristic technologies. Despite the upscale, the image attains remarkable sharpness and color enhancement, making the most of the digital source material captured using ARRI Alexa and Red Epic cameras. Although some critics point out the appearance of slight edge haloing and noise in specific visual effects and darker scenes, these do not significantly detract from an otherwise stellar visual experience.

The HDR implementation is where "Prometheus" truly distinguishes itself, adding depth to the contrast with richer blacks and radiant highlights that breathe life into the film's intricate holographic designs and eerie alien environments. Colors are more vivid and nuanced, with isolated bursts of hues providing a dramatic impact against the predominantly grey palette. Notably, the dynamic range gives a tangible sense of dimensionality to the visuals, enhancing reflective surfaces and textures within the film's meticulously crafted universe. Specular highlights are managed with finesse, giving objects and characters within the Prometheus ship and alien terrains a more pronounced presence.

While not every scene achieves reference-grade clarity due to the inherent limitations of upscaling from a 2K DI, "Prometheus" on 4K UHD is an undeniable improvement over its Blu-ray counterpart. The flesh tones are natural and consistent, revealing minute details in close-ups that were previously less discernible. Dark scenes maintain their intrigue with improved shadow detail, although there's occasional crush in the deepest blacks. Despite these minor quibbles, the film's visual splendor is undiminished, with specific scenes showcasing a leap in depth and clarity that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate. This release demonstrates a commendable balance between staying true to Ridley Scott's atmospheric vision and leveraging modern home cinema technology to enhance viewer immersion.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Prometheus" maintains its original DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, showcasing an undeniably professional sonic experience that, while lacking a Dolby Atmos upgrade, does not detract from its immersive audio landscape. This choice may initially come as a surprise, especially considering the technological advancements and expectations for ultra-high-definition releases, yet the fidelity and depth of the 7.1 mix still deliver a comprehensive auditory journey. With crystal-clear dialogue prioritization, the film’s narrative clarity remains uncompromised, seamlessly blending with a soundscape rich in atmospheric and thematic elements. The mix excels in drawing the listener into the expansive environments of the film — from the eerie silence of space to the mechanical hums aboard the ship, down to the sculpted echoes within alien caverns — creating a consistently engaging and enveloping auditory experience.

Despite recycling the same audio format found in its previous Blu-ray issues, "Prometheus" on 4K UHD reveals an expertise in sound engineering that remains commendable. The auditory details, such as the subtle beeping of sensors, switches being toggled, or the menacing growls of alien entities, are masterfully positioned across channels to emulate a tangible environment around the viewer. Action sequences and environmental effects stand out for their dynamic range and precision, furnishing an array of sonic textures that superbly complement visual cues. The LFE channel, though noted for holding back slightly compared to its peak in prior renditions, still provides a substantial low-end presence that enriches scenes with necessary weight and tension.

This release further confirms its legacy with a well-calibrated mix that captures every nuance from whisper-quiet moments to the overwhelming onslaughts of sound during high-intensity scenes. Surround channels are adeptly utilized to foster a greater sense of immersion, meticulously placing sounds in a way that mirrors on-screen action with exceptional accuracy. Optional subtitles in various languages ensure accessibility for a wider audience, making this audio presentation not only a testament to technical prowess but also to inclusive entertainment experiences. While some may lament the absence of an Atmos track, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track stands as a paragon of how adept mixing can evoke as much depth and dimensionality as newer audio formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Prometheus" offers a somewhat underwhelming array of extras, particularly when compared with the more comprehensive four-disc Collector's Edition. However, it does include a few notable features such as two engaging audio commentaries - one by director Ridley Scott and another by writers Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof - which provide valuable insights into the film's production and storytelling aspects. Additionally, the package incorporates a Blu-ray disc housing fourteen deleted scenes accompanied by commentary, offering a deeper dive into the narrative and characters. The inclusion of The Peter Weyland Files, a series of four viral marketing videos, rounds off the extra content, adding a unique background layer to the film's universe. Despite these offerings, the absence of the extensive documentary "The Furious Gods: Making Prometheus" and other behind-the-scenes material represents a missed opportunity to fully explore the rich creative process behind this visually stunning and thematically ambitious film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Ridley Scott, Jon Spaihts, and Damon Lindelof provide two separate tracks full of insights and anecdotes.
• Deleted Scenes: Fourteen deleted scenes with optional commentary, enriching the story and characters further.
• The Peter Weyland Files: Four viral marketing videos that expand the film’s universe through promotional content.

Ridley Scott's "Prometheus," a prequel of sorts to the iconic "Alien" series, embarks viewers on a visually stunning, philosophically ambitious journey that both captivates and frustrates. At its core, "Prometheus" explores profound questions about humanity's origins and existence, led by an ensemble cast featuring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, and Charlize Theron. The performances, particularly Fassbender's nuanced portrayal of the android David, anchor the film amidst its sometimes confounding narrative. Marc Streitenfeld’s score complements the film's grandeur, evoking a sense of awe and mystery that aligns perfectly with the film's visual spectacle. Despite its ambitious scope, "Prometheus" is mired by a script that eschews clear answers for ambiguity, leaving as many questions as it seeks to answer.

Viewers revisiting "Prometheus" after "Alien: Covenant" may find themselves appreciating the former’s enigmatic plot and visual virtuosity with adjusted expectations. The film's grand scale set pieces, such as the tension-filled autosurgery scene, showcase Ridley Scott's ability to merge horror with science fiction effectively. The philosophical undertones—pondering creation, belief, and the quest for knowledge—present an intriguing juxtaposition against the backdrop of a mega-budget studio production. However, these ambitions often lead to an overshadowing of coherent narrative progression and character development, resulting in a polarizing reception among audiences. Despite this, "Prometheus" stands as a visually compelling piece of cinema that enriches the Alien franchise mythology, albeit with missed opportunities for deeper intellectual engagement.

The dichotomy between science and belief, embodied by the characters of Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway, forms the thematic heart of "Prometheus." Their quest, underpinned by a trillionaire's ambition and an android's hidden agenda, navigates the perils of seeking answers to humanity's most profound questions. This voyage into the unknown is both a strength and weakness—while it crafts moments of genuine tension and spectacular sci-fi horror, it also veers into narrative convolutions that challenge viewer immersion. Despite its flaws, "Prometheus" offers a unique cinematic experience that reflects Ridley Scott's ambitious vision, marked by its technical excellence and profound, if not entirely satisfying, meditations on existence.

Prometheus, Ridley Scott's contentious foray back into the universe that arguably defined his career, continues to polarize audiences and critics alike. Nevertheless, its 4K UHD Blu-ray release emerges as an essential experience for both advocates and skeptics of the film. While some may find fault with the sequel's narrative decisions, this only serves to elevate the stature of Prometheus itself. The 4K restoration presents a marked improvement over its Blu-ray predecessor, boasting a video quality that magnifies Scott's visual prowess. The High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhancement notably intensifies the visual depth, creating a more immersive viewing experience. However, the release is not without its drawbacks; notably, the absence of a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio track is a point of contention. Despite this, the included DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track delivers an enveloping surround sound experience that, though not cutting-edge, satisfactorily complements the visual spectacle.

The supplementary content—or lack thereof—mirrors a trend in the industry that has been met with criticism, underscoring a missed opportunity to enrich the viewing experience with additional insights into the film's creation and thematic underpinnings. The philosophical aspirations of Prometheus are ambitious, and while the film may not provide all the answers it seeks, it undeniably sparks conversation and contemplation, qualities that are further enhanced by this high-quality presentation. Admirers of Scott’s work will find the visual upgrade alone a compelling reason to add this release to their collection despite its high initial price point.

In conclusion, while the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Prometheus is not without its faults—most notably in its audio presentation and lack of new extras—it stands as a testament to the film's enduring allure and Ridley Scott's unparalleled vision. The enhanced video quality offers the definitive way to experience the movie's speculative narrative and breathtaking visuals, solidifying its status as a contemporary science fiction piece worth revisiting. For enthusiasts of the Alien franchise and collectors alike, patience till a price drop or seeking out the premium visual upgrade now makes this edition an appealing proposition, underscoring Prometheus's complicated legacy within modern sci-fi cinema.