Sicario: Day of the Soldado 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"Sicario: Day of the Soldado" makes its mark on 4K UHD Blu-ray, delivering an upscaled but visually arresting presentation that utilizes a 3840 x 2160p resolution in its original widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio. Despite the upscale from a 2K digital intermediate, the transition to 4K is accomplished with grace, bringing forward a clarity and texture that rivals the stunning visuals of its predecessor. The incorporation of 10-bit video depth, a wide color gamut (WCG), and high dynamic range (HDR) using the HEVC (H.265) codec ensures that colors are vibrant and nuanced, enhancing the film's dramatic desert landscapes and intense action sequences. Fine details, from the rough textures of urban environments to the intricate patterns of clothing and equipment, are significantly more discernible, giving the image a lifelike quality that is impressively immersive.

The HDR and WCG play pivot roles in elevating the overall visual experience, offering a broader spectrum of colors that make sunsets more stunning, skin tones more natural, and shadows deeper without losing detail. This improvement in shadow detail is particularly noteworthy in darker scenes and night shots, where the deeper blacks and improved clarity add to the film's gritty realism. Sections of high contrast and brightness achieve a new level of dynamism, although occasional halos were noted. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise remarkable presentation. Scenes shot in lower resolution or with night vision add a layer of authenticity to the film's verité style, reinforcing the tension and realism without sacrificing overall visual quality.

While primarily upscaled from a 2K DI to 4K UHD, the meticulous transfer process reveals a profound enhancement in textural detail and color depth, transforming every frame into a captivating visual experience. From the dense black levels in the film's opening scenes to the vivid desert landscapes that follow, "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" benefits enormously from HDR's ability to push visual boundaries. Whether comparing to its 1080p counterpart or assessing it on its own merits, this 4K UHD presentation stands out as an exemplar of how technology can augment storytelling, bringing out the stark beauty and raw intensity of this action-packed sequel.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" significantly enhances the auditory experience with its full object-based Dolby Atmos mix, soaring beyond its Blu-ray counterpart that utilizes a DTS-HD MA 7.1 track. This Dolby Atmos upgrade is carefully built on a robust Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core, providing an auditory canvas that is as immersive as it is precise. The thumping, LFE-driven score by Hildur Guðnadóttir dominates, encapsulating the viewer with ominous moods and atmospheric tension. Dialogue slices through the mix with laser-focused clarity across the frontal array, ensuring every word is understood amidst the cacophony of battle.

The Atmos mix excels in delivering a palpably active soundscape, with audio objects not just filling the space but moving through it with purpose. Helicopter blades slice through the air overhead, gunshots punch with thunderous clarity, and vehicles roar with such intensity that they seem to traverse the living room. Engagements of the Atmos channels are immediately apparent, from the reverberating production mastheads to the ambient aftermath of explosions. The vertical dimension is subtly yet effectively used, adding a layer of immersion during scenes of aerial activity, such as the nighttime halo jump, where the silent descent is punctuated by the gradual involvement of vertical channels as Special Ops teams emerge into view.

Through meticulous mixing of dialogue, effects, and score, the presentation offers an exceptionally well-modulated track that maintains engagement without sacrificing balance. Effects from gunfire and explosions resonate with a richness in the low-end, while directional audio exploits the soundscape's full width, seamlessly integrating rear channels for a cohesive and enveloping experience. The presence of vehicles and urban ambiances are articulated with such finesse that it locks listeners into the unfolding narratives, making "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" not just a visual spectacle but an auditory tour de force.

The 4K UHD edition of "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" may disappoint enthusiasts expecting an abundance of special features on the ultra-high-definition disc itself, as all supplementary materials are relegated to the accompanying 1080p Blu-ray disc. This secondary disc holds approximately 40 minutes of bonus content, primarily consisting of three featurettes that delve into the making of the movie, its aspirations to bloom into a franchise, and insights into the cast and characters. Although these inclusions provide some interesting behind-the-scenes perspectives, they might feel somewhat generic and repetitive, as noted by some reviewers. In essence, while there are some tidbits that fans of the franchise might find worthwhile, those seeking an in-depth exploration of the film's production might find the offerings a tad underwhelming. The extras lean heavily towards standard electronic press kit (EPK) material, with limited must-see content for the average viewer.

Extras included in this disc:

• From Film to Franchise: Continuing the Story: Brief exploration of the movie's ambitions to further develop its cinematic universe.
• An Act of War: Making Sicario: Day of the Soldado: Detailed dive into the filmmaking process behind the sequel.
• The Assassin and the Soldier: The Cast & Characters: Insights into the film's leading characters and their portrayals.

"Sicario: Day of the Soldado" embarks on a relentlessly tense journey into the murky waters of cartel wars and terrorism, marking a bold but polarizing continuation from its predecessor. Under the seasoned direction of Stefano Sollima, stepping into Denis Villeneuve's formidable shoes, the film manages to both replicate and expand upon the stylistic and thematic hallmarks of the original. The return of screenwriter Taylor Sheridan ensures a narrative consistency, weaving intricate new threads into the existing tapestry, while Hildur Guðnadóttir admirably fills Jóhann Jóhannsson's shoes, providing a score that both haunts and elevates the unfolding drama. However, despite these elements of continuity and brilliance, "Soldado" ventures into a tangled narrative web that stretches believability and leaves audiences pining for the clarity and focus of its forerunner.

Central to this sequel is the deepening exploration of characters Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro) and Matt Graver (Josh Brolin), whose morally ambiguous actions drive the complex plot. Without Emily Blunt’s character to anchor the perspective, the film boldly navigates through a landscape of ethical murkiness, making no concessions to the faint-hearted. The absence of Villeneuve and cinematographer Roger Deakins is felt, yet Sollima and Dariusz Wolski commendably emulate their predecessors' vision, crafting a visually striking and atmospheric follow-up that retains the series' bleak outlook on geopolitical machinations. The film, regrettably, wrestles with its identity, straddling the line between a tactical action thriller and a sociopolitical commentary, at times veering towards an unconvincing amalgamation of both.

While "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" showcases thrilling set pieces, potent characterizations, and a narrative ambitious in scope, it also muddles through convoluted plotlines and questionable decisions that detract from its predecessor's lean efficiency. The addition of subplots involving new characters like Isabel Reyes and Miguel Hernandez introduces fresh perspectives but crowds the overarching narrative, leading to an intricate yet uneven pace. As the movie wrestles with its expansive ambitions, it occasionally succumbs to generic action sequences that shade its once-distinctive edge. Despite these missteps, "Soldado" sets a fraught stage for a potential third installment, leaving unresolved tensions and character arcs that intrigue as much as they frustrate.

"Sicario: Day of the Soldado" marches onto the 4K UHD Blu-ray scene with an offering that, while not eclipsing its groundbreaking predecessor, manages to carve out its place as a formidable and engaging sequel. Released courtesy of Lionsgate and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, the film shines in its 4K Ultra HD presentation, boasting exemplary video quality and an Atmos-enhanced audio experience that collectively ensure an immersive viewing. The upscaled 4K transfer gleams with detail and vibrant color, complemented by HDR10 that accentuates the visual depth. Audio, too, is a standout feature, with a Dolby Atmos mix that extends beyond the standard Blu-ray’s capabilities, filling the room with an enveloping sound that places you in the heart of the action.

Despite its strengths, "Day of the Soldado" stumbles slightly in its delivery of a compelling narrative throughout, revealing a split where the first half of the film dazzles with pristine action sequences, while the latter half succumbs to a degree of confusion before rallying for a potent conclusion. This narrative hiccup aside, the sequel solidifies its reason for existence, expanding its universe in ways that hint at more to come, assuming another chapter is green-lit. Extras are somewhat scant across both the 4K UHD and standard Blu-ray editions, primarily informative yet lacking in depth, which may leave enthusiasts yearning for more insight into the film’s creation and underlying themes.

In conclusion, "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands as a commendable follow-up to its illustrious predecessor. While it navigates through some narrative turbulence, its technical prowess is undeniable, making it a must-own for fans of the franchise and a testament to what can be achieved with the 4K UHD format. Though not without its imperfections, particularly in the supplementary material and parts of its storyline, this release underscores a promising potential for future installments. Treading a fine line between continuation and innovation, "Day of the Soldado" secures its position as an essential addition to any aficionado's collection.