Higher Power 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Higher Power" underlines a peculiar decision in home entertainment: the elevation of a film already strangled by its post-production choices to the supposedly superior 4K format. As evidenced by both scrutiny and technical analysis, this cinematic piece suffers from an array of digital alterations, from color manipulation to CG enhancements, which unfortunately do not benefit from the upconversion. This is primarily due to the inherent resolution restrictions and a deliberate introduction of visual noise in the original material. Consequently, the transition to 4K UHD seems hardly justifiable, as the gains in visual fidelity are negligible. Viewers might struggle to discern any substantial enhancement over its 1080p counterpart, rendering the 4K UHD version somewhat redundant. The fidelity of colors, depth of blacks, and overall resolution show minimal improvement, thereby questioning the merit of this release in a superior format.

Upon closer examination with professional calibration equipment, including a Klein K-10A Colorimeter and SpectraCal CalMAN Software, the limitations of "Higher Power"'s 4K rendition become stark. Despite the inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR, which usually enriches visual dynamics, the movie's heavily processed shots display minimal refinement. The promise of boosted black levels offering greater depth materializes but faintly, with most scenes showcasing restricted shadow detail and color vibrancy akin to the SDR Blu-ray. It's only in the concluding segments where visual effects associated with a character's transformation render a marginally enhanced clarity and color intensity. Nevertheless, this brief spectacle fails to justify the overall presentation or investment in the 4K UHD format, highlighting a missed opportunity to dramatically elevate the viewer's experience beyond a fractional improvement observed in isolated instances.

The audio presentation of "Higher Power" on 4K UHD Blu-ray retains the Dolby Atmos track that has been previously assessed, offering a sonic experience that leans heavily into its volume capabilities. It's furnished with a Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 default) mix, which, despite its robust loudness, tends to lack depth in its sound design nuances. While the scoring, sound effects, and dialogue maintain clarity—with Colm Feore's character receiving an audibly dominant presence thanks to a narrative-driven implant—the overall mix is somewhat wanting in complexity. The immersive potential of directional audio or specific object-focused sound placement appears underexploited, resulting in an auditory offering that, while loud, may not fully satisfy audiophiles seeking a dimensional soundscape.

In the realm of sound layering and separation, the mix does exhibit competencies that prevent it from descending into mere cacophony. Elements are discernible amidst the high decibels, preserving enough distinction to avoid the pitfall of sounding like an indiscriminate blast through one’s sound system. However, the promised Atmos depth seems nominal at best; with everything vying for auditory attention, any intended vertical spatial dynamics get lost in the fray. The end result is a functional, yet unremarkable mix. It achieves basic clarity and maintains enough structural integrity to not be overwhelming, but it doesn't leverage the full potential of its Dolby Atmos pedigree.

In summary, while "Higher Power's" audio component delivers on loudness and maintains elemental separation despite its volume-focused mix, it falls short of delivering a truly immersive or intricate auditory experience expected of Dolby Atmos-enabled content. The mix serves its purpose but fails to stand out as exceptional demonstration material for either the technology or the art of sound design. This renders it adequate for general listening but less so for those seeking a showcase of advanced audio capabilities.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Higher Power" offers a sparse supplemental package, retaining the limited extras of its Blu-ray counterpart minus the BD-Live feature. This edition primarily includes the film’s theatrical trailer, alongside promotional content for other Magnolia Entertainment releases. The absence of commentary tracks or behind-the-scenes featurettes reflects a missed opportunity to enhance viewer engagement with the film's production nuances. While the trailers provided offer a glimpse into the movie and other Magnolia Entertainment offerings, the overall extras package leaves much to be desired for those seeking a deeper dive into the filmmaking process or additional content related to "Higher Power."

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer for "Higher Power."
• Also from Magnolia Entertainment: Trailers for "Marrowbone," accompanied by promos for The Charity Network and AXS TV.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Higher Power," a feature length debut from visual effects veteran Matthew Charles Santoro, neither capitalizes on the format's potential nor does it elevate the inherently flawed source material. Despite the technical advancements in independent filmmaking that have democratized high-quality production tools, this superhero flick, ambitiously crafted on a limited budget, fails to coalesce its visual spectacle with a cogent narrative. The film’s overreliance on CGI, amounting to almost 90% of its visual composition, serves more as a distraction than an enhancement, obfuscating the emotional core of its characters and muddying the waters of its exposition-rich storyline.

At the heart of "Higher Power" is a concept with undeniable intrigue: a scientist's attempt to transform an average Joe (portrayed by Ron Eldard) into a god-like being following a cosmic calamity threatening Earth. This narrative thread promises an engaging superhero-origin story, buoyed by performances from Eldard and Colm Feore. However, the film's execution is marred by convoluted visuals and a narrative that struggles to find its footing. Key moments intended to establish character motivations and backstory are lost in a barrage of unnecessary digital effects, rendering the plot's development confusing and emotionally inaccessible.

"Higher Power" aims to showcase that stellar visual effects can be achieved without blockbuster budgets, a commendable endeavor indeed. Yet, it underscores that without meaningful integration into the story, such effects are rendered moot. The film glimpses potential in its unique take on superhero mythology and Eldard’s lead performance, but ultimately, it succumbs to the pitfalls of prioritizing style over substance. The 4K UHD presentation, while technically sound, does little to amend these foundational issues, presenting a missed opportunity for Magnolia Home Entertainment’s UHD catalog. The ambition behind "Higher Power" is clear, but its realization leaves much to be desired, culminating in a viewing experience that's as perplexing as it is visually cluttered.

Higher Power" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents itself as a tantalizing possibility for fans eager to explore the domain of independently produced superhero cinema, but it falls short of delivering a compelling narrative experience. The film's premise hints at unexplored depths and potential within the genre, yet its realization is marred by a lackluster execution that fails to captivate. The initial minutes of the movie prove to be a formidable hurdle, presenting a disjointed and abrasive introduction that might deter viewers. However, for those willing to endure, the storyline does find its footing, albeit demanding a considerable suspension of disbelief from its audience. The prowess of 4K technology, often celebrated for its ability to enhance visual storytelling, does little to elevate "Higher Power" beyond its inherent shortcomings. Despite the leap to UHD, the visual transfer only showcases a minimal improvement over the standard Blu-ray version, struggling to justify the upgrade.

The audio aspect of "Higher Power," delivered via an Atmos mix, is assertive yet lacks the finesse and intricacy that can transform a good auditory experience into a great one. This aspect highlights a missed opportunity for the film to at least shine on a technical level, considering the limitations faced in other areas. Magnolia Pictures' effort to present "Higher Power" in 4K UHD Blu-ray aims to offer viewers the best possible version of the film. Still, it ultimately serves as a reminder that enhanced resolution alone cannot compensate for foundational narrative and production deficiencies.

In conclusion, "Higher Power" on 4K UHD Blu-ray struggles to justify its existence in a highly competitive market brimming with superior offerings. While the film ambitiously seeks to carve a niche within the independent superhero genre, it is hindered by its execution and the marginal enhancements provided by the 4K format. Potential viewers intrigued by the concept might find it worth exploring out of curiosity, but they should temper their expectations regarding both its storytelling and technical presentation. In essence, this release may not be compelling enough to warrant addition to most collections, suggesting that most may opt to skip it.