Everything Everywhere All at Once 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" offers a noticeable, albeit not transformative, upgrade over its 1080p counterpart. The film, shot digitally using ARRI ALEXA Mini cameras and mastered with a 4K digital intermediate, boasts a variety of aspect ratios that cater to its ambitious visual storytelling. Despite the source resolutions of 2.8K and 3.4K, which inherently limit a quantum leap in detail when upscaled to 4K, there's an undeniable refinement in texture, particularly in close-ups where facial pores and fabric details gain prominence. The video's dynamic range, enhanced by Dolby Vision and HDR10, mildly elevates the vibrancy of the color palette, especially in sequences with distinctive chromatic themes, but maintains a restrained approach that aligns with cinematographer Larkin Seiple's vision. This careful balance between enhancement and artistic integrity lends the imagery a natural yet subtly enriched visual pop.

The encoding of the film adeptly handles the added layer of artificial grain, varying in intensity across the multiverses depicted, without compromise to clarity. This simulated texture contributes to the film’s distinct aesthetic feel, ensuring that the visual experience remains engaging across its varied settings. Shadow detail sees a marginal improvement, aiding in the definition of scenes bathed in darker tones or stylized lighting conditions. However, it's worth noting that the black levels, while improved, do not reach the deepest possible depths, likely a deliberate choice made during filming.

The application of Dolby Vision HDR brings nuanced enhancements to the film's wide color gamut, from the deep teals of alternative realities to the warm yellows of key narrative moments. While these improvements might seem minimal at a glance, they contribute to a more immersive viewing experience by closely matching the filmmakers' intent. Moreover, the primarily analog color balance varies significantly across multiverses, reflecting a broad spectrum from drab to vivid without veering into oversaturation. Overall, while the leap from 1080p to 4K UHD may not be groundbreaking in every scene, it undeniably enriches the viewing experience with better texture, color fidelity, and shadow detail, bringing viewers closer to the multifaceted visual tapestry intended by its creators.

The Dolby Atmos surround mix of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a decidedly moderate yet effective use of the platform, especially notable in its handling of audio objects both above and at ear level. The mix masterfully blends atmospherics and discrete effects, creating a discernible level of immersion that ties directly into the onscreen events. Particularly impressive are the set pieces that showcase the track's mixture of music with supporting object sounds, which not only widen the soundstage but also enrich the listening experience, ensuring an engaging balance between atmospheric nuances and clear, discrete object placement. This technical prowess complements the film's material splendidly, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative at crucial moments.

The audio experience is further elevated by what can only be described as a reference-quality Dolby Atmos track. From the first overpowering whoosh of LFE signalling the Everything intertitle, to the explosive surround activity accompanying Evelyn's martial arts maneuvers, the soundtrack is both boisterous and meticulously constructed. The vertical and horizontal architecture of the sound design, combined with immersive panning effects as Evelyn navigates through various realities, ensures an explosive audio experience. The mix also does justice to dialogue clarity across different languages, supported by English SDH, Spanish, and Chinese (traditional) subtitles, with some of the Chinese dialogue (both Cantonese and Mandarin) creatively integrated within the film itself.

Despite its largely energetic mix, there are instances where the immersion isn't as comprehensive, especially during less action-intensive scenes. However, when the action peaks, so does the audio landscape—with the surrounds and overheads springing to life to deliver dynamic impact and deep bass, courtesy of Son Lux’s score. The soundtrack's robust low-end complements every action sequence, with notable physicality that extends the room's acoustic range considerably. However, a slight critique lies in the soundstage’s conservative adventure into precise separation in rear channels during quieter scenes. Nevertheless, small auditory details still manage to add depth to the overall soundscape, ensuring that "Everything Everywhere All at Once" delivers a sonically rich and immersive home theater experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" offers an exhaustive and engaging array of extras that delve deep into the film's creation, bridging its ambitious storytelling with the practicalities of cinematic magic. The commentary track by directors/writers Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, both over the film and the deleted scenes, stands out for its insightful, if at times frenetic, exploration into their filmmaking process and the unexpected success of the movie. The featurette "Almost Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Everything Everywhere All At Once" is a compelling 40-minute journey through interviews and production insights, while "Putting Everything on a Bagel: Cooking up the Multiverse" offers a unique glimpse into the creative minds behind the project. The inclusion of "Alpha Bits," showcasing VFX breakdowns, enhances understanding of the film's technical achievements, with outtakes and a music visual adding levity. Accompanied by a digital copy and sporting a slipcover, this collection provides a comprehensive enhancement for fans keen on unpacking the multiverse.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writers-Directors Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert: Insightful commentary that dives into the nuances and easter eggs of the film.
• Almost Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Everything Everywhere All At Once: A 40-minute featurette filled with interviews and production insights.
• Putting Everything on a Bagel: Cooking up the Multiverse: A discussion on the creative process with the directors and principal cast.
• Alpha Bits: VFX breakdowns, stunt choreography, and special effects wizardry.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary: Background and contexts provided by the Daniels.
• Outtakes: Light-hearted bloopers from filming.
• Music Visual: A unique visual interpretation featuring a flying bagel.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original cinematic teaser for the film.

Everything Everywhere All at Once" is a cinematic journey that redefines the bounds of narrative and visual storytelling, led by the indomitable Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang. This film, a dazzling collaboration between Lionsgate and A24, punctuates its story of a beleaguered immigrant mother with an audacious blend of genres. Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known collectively as The Daniels, have crafted a tale that is as much about the multiverse’s infinite possibilities as it is about the very intimate struggles of a family on the brink of disintegration. The incorporation of elements from science fiction and fantasy with martial arts, comedy, and a potent dose of family drama ensures a viewing experience that is both internally consistent and wildly unpredictable.

At its core, the movie explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and existential angst through the lens of Evelyn, who finds herself embroiled in a fantastical quest across multiple universes. Each frame serves as a canvas for The Daniels’ unbridled imagination, weaving together a story that challenges Evelyn to confront not just the villainous Jobu Tupaki but also her own faltering connection with her daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu) and husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan). Despite its sprawling multiverse setting, the narrative maintains a coherent structure, propelled by stellar performances, particularly from Yeoh and a scene-stealing Jamie Lee Curtis as IRS agent Deirdre Beaubeirdre. The technical prowess of the film is undeniable, with meticulously designed sequences that blend surreal humor with jaw-dropping action, presenting a visually stimulating melee that demands viewers’ attention.

"Everything Everywhere All at Once" excels in its ability to balance the extraordinary with the mundane. Amidst its high-octane action and convoluted multiversal escapade lies a poignant examination of a woman grappling with her own sense of self and duty. This mind-bending trip through various universes does more than entertain; it offers a fresh perspective on familiar dilemmas — from familial acceptance to personal fulfillment amidst chaos. With every universe visited, Evelyn, and by extension the audience, is invited to reflect on life’s myriad possibilities and the import of choices made. This is not just another entry into the sci-fi or fantasy genre; it is a heartfelt exploration of human connections in an increasingly disjointed world, making it a defining oeuvre of contemporary American cinema that’s cleverly disguised as an absurdist comedy-drama.

Everything Everywhere All at Once," distributed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment, emerges as a critically acclaimed sci-fi action comedy that combines a mind-bending narrative with first-rate technical execution. This Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital Combo Pack delivers an exceptional viewing experience thanks to its dazzling Dolby Vision HDR visuals and immersive Dolby Atmos audio track. Echoing sentiments from various angles, it's apparent the film's multifaceted approach is not only engrossing but also a testament to its directors, Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan. Their skillful balance of intricate storytelling, inventive visuals, and emotional depth creates a unique portrait of existential crisis that resonates profoundly. Amid its excellence, the package's supplemented materials, while enjoyable, leave room for further exploration, an aspect some might find lacking considering the film's complex nature.

The thematic core of the movie invites viewers into an intensely surreal journey across multiple realities, led by stellar performances from Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, and James Hong. Its capacity to juggle humor, whimsy, and metaphysical speculation against a backdrop of outstanding visual and audio merits sets a new benchmark for sci-fi adventures. Nonetheless, this experience might be an acquired taste; its depth and layered improbabilities may overwhelm but reward those willing to dive into its chaos.

In conclusion, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" is a cinematic tour de force that excels in technical and narrative dimensions, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of the genre. While the extras provided spark curiosity, they subtly invite audiences to delve deeper into their interpretations and appreciations of the film's intricate universe. Despite minor reservations about the bonus content, the overall UHD package stands out as an essential addition to any 4K library, epitomizing the infinite possibilities that filmmaking can explore.