Criminal 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criminal's journey into 4K UHD Blu-ray orbit is a fascinating display of technical filmmaking and digital presentation prowess, albeit with some nuanced caveats that prevent it from reaching unassailable heights. The film is ushered onto 4K UHD with an HEVC / H.265 2160p transfer, retaining its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Despite the source material being digitally captured in a mix of resolutions but ultimately finished in a modest 2K Digital Intermediate (DI), the upscaling to 4K yields an unexpectedly refined visual feast. Enhanced details are prevalent throughout, from the intricate facial textures and environmental structures to the subtle gradations of color and light. This is complemented by a nuanced HDR application which breathes life into the somewhat subdued yet full-bodied color palette, accentuating aspects like skin tones and fabrics with greater warmth and depth compared to its 1080p counterpart.

However, the film's deliberate stylization and particular use of digital photography introduce challenges in maintaining consistent clarity and brightness levels. Certain scenes benefit from this approach, showcasing impressive clarity and three-dimensionality in urban landscapes and close-ups. Yet, the shadow details and black levels occasionally detract from the overall depth, with some scenes suffering from murky blacks and compromised visibility in darker areas. Despite these inconsistencies, details such as explosions, cityscapes, and even subtle environmental textures remain crisply defined, offering a commendable level of immersion into the film's gritty reality.

The presentation's handling of color reproduction stands out as both a technical achievement and a point of contention. While the HDR bolstering offers a wider gamut for a more nuanced color range, the overall effect remains somewhat restrained by the source material's original color grading. The result is an image that, while accurate and reflective of the filmmakers' intent, may not fully capitalize on the vibrancy potential of 4K UHD. Nonetheless, flesh tones are rendered with lifelike authenticity, ensuring that characters remain grounded in their environment. In summary, Criminal's 4K UHD Blu-ray video presentation showcases substantial improvements in detail and depth over its Blu-ray sibling but is intermittently hampered by its adherence to a stylistically somber visual tone.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provided on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Criminal" delivers an unchanging yet remarkable audio experience, akin to the praised presentation on the Blu-ray version. From the onset, viewers are engulfed in a meticulously crafted soundscape that adeptly utilizes the dynamic range from the quietest whispers to the booming chaos of action sequences, ensuring a rich and encompassing auditory journey. The bustling sounds of city life, alongside the piercing gunfire, are distributed with stunning clarity around the listener, creating an immersive envelope of sound that extends well into the room. However, it's noted that during more subdued conversations, the vibrancy in the surround channels noticeably recedes, possibly detracting from the otherwise consistent atmospheric immersion.

The front channels stand out for their expansive soundstage and exceptional balance, where sound effects and music traverse with an effortless fluidity that contributes to a compelling auditory wall, rich in detail and devoid of distortion even at peak moments. Brian Tyler and Keith Power's score is given breathing room with distinct separation that enriches the action and extends participation to the rears, enhancing moments of involvement. Dialogue clarity is superior, offering crisp and distinctive vocal nuances without competition from the background, underpinned by a robust low-end that adds a tangible weight to every scene, from intense shootouts to the pulsating electronic score.

Despite its absence of a DTS:X track, the audio presentation impresses with its well-rounded dynamics that maintain a steady volume level throughout and never fail to engage. The LFE channel delivers with authority, anchoring the electrifying and suspenseful moments with depth. Surround channels are effectively employed, not just in loud scenes but also in subtler moments, like ambient sounds in an airport, contributing to an authentic and detailed sound field. The dialogue remains intelligibly anchored in the center channel, ensuring that every word is clearly understood, rounding off a thoroughly engaging and technically proficient auditory experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Criminal" notably lacks special features on the UHD disc itself, redirecting viewers to the accompanying 1080p Blu-ray for its extras. Despite this, the supplementary material available is commendably detailed and offers an immersive deep dive into the film's production. The standout feature, "Criminal Intent", is a comprehensive two-part documentary totaling 40 minutes, which enlightens viewers with cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and discussions ranging from stunt choreography to musical scoring. Additionally, "Director's Notes" substitutes for a traditional audio commentary, delivering 40 minutes of director Ariel Vromen's insights alongside scene-specific anecdotes and technical discussions. Also included are four succinct deleted scenes and an engaging music video for Madsonik's "Drift and Fall Again", blending clips from the movie with performances. These extras, particularly the extensive featurettes, enrich the viewing experience substantially, providing both entertainment and informative value that fans of "Criminal" will find indispensable.

Extras included in this disc:

• CRIMINAL INTENT: A two-part documentary featuring cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and a detailed look at the film's production.
• DIRECTOR'S NOTES: Director Ariel Vromen shares scene-specific insights and technical details of the film's making.
• DELETED SCENES: A collection of four scenes not included in the final cut of the movie.
• MUSIC VIDEO: Madsonik’s “Drift and Fall Again” music video, incorporating clips from the film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Criminal" brings to fruition a science fiction action crime thriller that, while may not dazzle with its premise or innovative visuals, still manages to secure a spot in the slowly expanding library of 4K releases. Helmed by Ariel Vromen, known for his work on "The Iceman," this film features a noteworthy ensemble including Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, and Tommy Lee Jones, marking their second collaboration since the iconic "JFK." Despite its lukewarm reception from critics and a plot criticized for its implausibility, "Criminal" leans heavily into its action-packed sequences and a high-stakes narrative revolving around the implantation of a deceased CIA operative's memories into a death-row inmate tasked with completing a crucial mission.

Technically, the 4K presentation does little to elevate the film beyond its existing 1080p Blu-ray counterpart, offering the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix without harnessing any additional auditory enhancements that the format might allow. This choice leaves something to be desired for an early adopter audience keen on experiencing the utmost in audio-visual fidelity. Nevertheless, the narrative attempts a bold, albeit somewhat convoluted, journey through espionage drama and action thriller genres, propelled by the performances of its leading cast. Costner's portrayal of Jericho Stewart, the inmate carrying the operative's memories, is commendable despite the film's failure to fully reconcile the character's violent tendencies with his eventual emotional evolution.

The film’s allure partly arises from its casting and setting in London's evocative landscapes, yet it wrestles with a narrative that toggles between laughable sci-fi tropes and moments of genuine emotion. Its homage to Hitchcockian elements through MacGuffins and plot twists does inject a level of intrigue, yet "Criminal" ultimately unfolds as a tale with more ambition than execution. Its exploration of memory transfer and identity, combined with sporadic bursts of action and emotional depth, offers a mixed bag that might appeal to fans of the genre looking past its predictability and towards its moments of clarity amidst chaos.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Criminal" emerges as a paradoxical viewing experience, encapsulating a blend of strengths and weaknesses that subtly captivates the attention of its audience. The movie itself, directed by Ariel Vromen, treads on a fine line between engaging and preposterous, leveraging an outlandish premise that surprisingly finds its footing through a solid dramatic core and commendable performances from its cast. Despite the film's narrative teetering on the edge of absurdity, it manages to salvage itself with its earnest execution and character dynamics. The 4K video presentation is approached with a heavily stylized aesthetic that, while distinctive, somewhat mires its potential to fully showcase the capabilities of the ultra-high-definition format. Coupled with a robust audio experience, the technical delivery of this Blu-ray does justice to the kinetic action and thematic intentions of the film, accompanied by an assortment of supplementary material mirroring that of its Blu-ray predecessor.

Viewers with a palate for the eclectic will find "Criminal" akin to sifting through a can of mixed nuts - a varied taste experience where not every element may resonate, but the overall flavor is uniquely satisfying. The film, bolstered by its A/V package, presents a peculiar charm underscored by the thrill of seeing well-known actors in unexpected roles and scenarios. This juxtaposition of critical reception and viewer enjoyment underpins "Criminal" as an interesting, albeit niche, addition to one’s 4K UHD collection. It's recommended for enthusiasts and fans for a purchase, whereas newcomers might approach with a rental first to gauge their affinity towards its unusual concoction of science fiction and action thriller elements.

In conclusion, "Criminal" in 4K UHD Blu-ray format solidifies itself as an acquisition with caveats; it stands firmly on the second tier of 4K releases, offering a competent yet unexceptional home cinema experience. This release is tailored for early adopters and genre aficionados - a testament to a movie that straddles the boundary of mediocrity with an authentic attempt at something greater. While it may not redefine expectations, it serves as a peculiar testament to the diversity within the 4K UHD catalog, making it worth considering for those open to its blend of flaws and merits.