65 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "65" showcases an impeccably sharp and detailed visual presentation, leveraging the full potential of its native 4K digital intermediate, sourced from 6K shots using Sony Venice cameras. Displayed in a 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio, the image quality benefits from HDR (High Dynamic Range), including Dolby Vision and HDR10, enhancing both the detail and color richness across diverse environments. The resolution unfolds at a native 3840 x 2160p, encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. This transfer excels in portraying intricate textures and nuances, from the rugged terrain of alien landscapes to the subtleties of skin textures and the vibrant, dynamic range of colors in various settings. The HEVC encoding meticulously preserves every bit of detail, maintaining a crisp, filmic quality devoid of any noticeable compression flaws.

In terms of color grading and dynamic range, "65" thrives with Dolby Vision HDR elevating the visual experience. Colors are deeper and more nuanced, with a particularly remarkable handling of greens in jungle scenes and the fiery intensity of explosions offering a vivid contrast. Black levels are profoundly deep, contributing to a significant sense of depth and realism in darker scenes, without sacrificing detail in the shadows. The portrayal of night landscapes and shadowy interiors is both immersive and foreboding. Meanwhile, the white balance is expertly managed, ensuring highlights from various light sources are strikingly bright yet never overdone.

Overall, the presentation on this 4K UHD Blu-ray underscores the technological prowess behind "65's" cinematography and post-production. Despite some scenes revealing the limitations of CGI when scrutinized at this high resolution, these moments are brief and do not detract from the otherwise stellar quality of the video. Natural skin tones, alongside a well-balanced color palette that stays true to the film’s aesthetic, make for an engaging viewing experience. The attention to detail in texture and clarity, from the distinct patterns of clothing and environmental elements to the depth of field that brings a lifelike dimension to each scene, speaks volumes about the meticulous effort put into this release.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray audio presentation of "65" boasts a breathtaking Dolby Atmos track that fully immerses the viewer in every scene, combining crystal-clear dialogue with a rich tapestry of sound effects and musical score. The opening beach sequence, with its subtle whistles and waves, showcases the track's ability to envelop the listener, while the subsequent crash-landing scene bombards them with room-shaking bass and a detailed sonic landscape, from the dense forest life to the overwhelming meteor strike. Every environment, whether it's rain falling from above or the menacing roar of dinosaurs, is rendered with a striking sense of realism and spatial depth, enhancing the viewing experience through well-balanced use and delicate positioning of the overhead channels.

Notably, the Dolby Atmos mix differs significantly from its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Blu-ray counterpart by providing an added dimension of spatial engagement. The intricate sound design includes numerous LF effects that add power without muddiness, and the dynamic range is reference-quality, particularly evident in action sequences where the sounds of guns, grenades, and dinosaur roars are not just heard but felt. The seamless integration of environmental sounds such as wind, ocean roars, and atmospheric dinos creates a lush soundscape, pushing the boundaries of home theater systems.

Reviewed on a system comprising Denon AVR-X4300H, MK Sound LCR750, SUR55T, XTZ S2 Atmos ceiling-mounted speakers, and an SVS PB-12 Ultra subwoofer, "65"'s audio is engaging and powerful. Composer Chris Bacon's score, along with contributions from Danny Elfman, provides a strong backbone to the film's sonic world. The soundtrack's breadth is further expanded by the exceptional use of height channels that not only enhance action scenes but also subtly enrich quieter moments, making for a layered and dynamic auditory experience. Vocal clarity is never compromised, ensuring dialogue always remains precise amidst the complex audio mix.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "65" presents a rather meager assembly of extras, all housed on the accompanying Blu-ray disc. Although the deleted scenes provide some level of intrigue, firmly underlining their irrelevance to the core narrative, the supplementary featurettes fail to delve deeply into the filmmaking process, offering only a surface-level exploration. The highlights include a brief documentary-style glimpse into the ancient Earth with "Primordial Planet" and a more engaging, storyboard-based comparison in "Final Showdown: Concepts to Screen." Despite these moments, the overall package leaves a sense of unfulfilled potential, echoing sentiments that much of what is presented feels like obligatory filler rather than insightful exploration into the film's production. Additionally, the release includes a Movies Anywhere digital copy and previews for other Sony titles, packaged with a standard, non-embossed slipcover.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Five clips showcasing scenes removed from the final cut.
• Set in Stone: Filmmakers: A brief discussion with the filmmakers about their passion and approach to making "65."
• Future of Yesterday: Creating the World of 65: Insider look at the design process behind the movie's props, sets, and sound.
• Primordial Planet: Documentary-style feature offering a glimpse into Earth's distant past as depicted in the film.
• Final Showdown: Concepts to Screen: A comparison between storyboards and the finished scenes.

65," as reviewed by various cinematic observers, presents a peculiar yet engaging survival story set against the backdrop of Earth, 65 million years ago, following a catastrophic spaceship crash. This sci-fi action flick, championed by Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt, encapsulates a journey filled with peril and predation by scientifically dubious dinosaurs. Much discussion revolves around the film's paleontological inaccuracies and the speculative nature of its portrayed creatures, indicating a willing suspension of disbelief is requisite for audience immersion. The diverse and geologically implausible terrains traversed by Mills and Koa—from dense forests to geysers—add layers to their survival saga but strain credulity regarding Earth's ancient landscapes.

The directional duo, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, best known for their work on "A Quiet Place," delve into a narrative that prioritizes the essence of survival and humanity's instinctual drive over a thorough exploitation of its prehistoric setting. Despite its brisk pacing, the film endeavors to ground itself in the emotional stakes of its characters, though it arguably rushes through potential moments of character development. The rushed delivery, coupled with the film’s tight runtime, somewhat undermines the emotional arc between Mills and Koa, relegating Adam Driver's strong performance to a backdrop of constant jeopardy without sufficient narrative breathing room to explore deeper relational dynamics.

Critically speaking, "65" maneuvers through its premise with a mixed execution—successfully generating tension through its "man versus nature" motif, yet faltering in providing a denser, more emotionally resonant storyline. Its lean approach to storytelling, while commendable for maintaining cinematic pace, ultimately leaves the viewer craving for more substantial character interaction amidst the survivalist action. Thus, while "65" accomplishes its aim of delivering straightforward popcorn escapism with its unique blend of sci-fi and prehistoric adventure, it arguably misses opportunities to elevate its narrative through deeper thematic exploration and character connectivity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "65" showcases a stunning visual and auditory experience, a sentiment echoed unanimously across several reviews. While the film itself may struggle with pacing and character development - often opting for relentless action over emotional depth - it's undeniable that the technical aspects of this release are praiseworthy. The native 4K image shines with exceptional clarity, detail, and vibrant color reproduction, enhanced by the deep blacks that add a layer of immersion to the viewing experience. The Dolby Atmos track is equally impressive, offering a rich surround sound environment that places viewers right in the middle of the action with precise effect placement and robust bass.

Despite these high points, the film "65" has been critiqued for its lack of originality and excessive reliance on dinosaur-driven spectacle, which seems to overshadow potential narrative depth. The supplementary content on the Blu-ray release, while present, does not significantly elevate the overall package, being described as tame and underwhelming. This aspect may deter enthusiasts looking for an exhaustive behind-the-scenes exploration of the film's production. Nonetheless, for fans of the sci-fi/action genre, the movie might still hold modest appeal mainly due to Adam Driver's earnest performance and the sheer quality of the 4K presentation, even if better alternatives exist within the genre.

In conclusion, while "65" might not break new ground in storytelling, its 4K UHD Blu-ray release stands as a testament to the capabilities of home cinema technology, offering an audio-visual feast that impresses on a technical level. Those interested in the film for its spectacle and are less concerned with narrative intricacies will find value in this release, especially if purchased at a discount. However, for a more fulfilling cinematic experience, exploring alternatives within the genre could prove more rewarding.