Doom 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Doom" in 4K UHD is an impressive leap over its predecessor, delivering a much-needed enhancement to its visual fidelity. Universal's transition from a VC-1 encoded transfer to this 2160p/HDR upgrade showcases a substantial improvement in image quality. The new release eradicates the murky, processed appearance of the original, ushering in a sharper, more naturally occurring image that significantly elevates the viewing experience. With skin details appearing more realistic, clothing and military uniforms demonstrating enhanced crispness, and the gory creature effects fully on display, this transfer does an admirable job in revitalizing the film's visual aspects. The HDR color grading further complements this presentation by solidifying black levels with remarkable precision, presenting colors with newfound brilliance, and notably improving on shadow details and light contrasts.

The film's reliance on dark settings and CGI-heavy elements presents a unique challenge for the 4K UHD format, a challenge that this release meets with considerable success. Shadows and black levels are rendered with exceptional depth and consistency, contributing to an image that's both stable and rich in detail. Light sources within the film’s environment are handled adeptly, contrasting sharply against the pervasive darkness to create a visually striking effect. The grain structure is well-managed throughout, maintaining the film’s texture without becoming obtrusive, save for minor ringing that seems inherent to the source material rather than a transfer flaw.

Color representation benefits significantly from the HDR treatment. The cold, bleak atmosphere of Doom is meticulously crafted through chilly color grading and occasional bursts of intense reds and brilliant whites, which pop against the overwhelmingly dark backdrop. Skin tones remain saturated and consistent, fitting perfectly within the movie's visual palette. Although CGI elements may betray their lower resolution origins at times, the overall sharpness and clarity of the image rarely falter. This 4K UHD presentation not only breathes new life into "Doom" but also stands as a testament to the capabilities of the format when applied to visually demanding content.

Doom's UHD release boasts an invigorating DTS:X audio mix that nearly encapsulates the perfect home theater experience. It delivers an aggressively engaging soundstage where the cacophony of gun battles, monster mayhem, and ambient sci-fi horrors are rendered with remarkable depth and precision. The soundtrack shines with a dynamic presentation, from gunfire that feels almost tactile in its intensity to the nuanced environments where the subtle hiss of steam and the ominous sound of creatures lurking above palpably enhance the viewing experience. While it might not be the zenith of audio engineering, it undoubtedly provides an exhilarating auditory journey that plunges viewers right into the heart of action with an enviable clarity and positional audio accuracy.

The strength of this DTS:X mix is its ability to maintain an active and immersive atmosphere. Surround channels are fully exploited, crafting a 360-degree auditory experience that deftly balances the chaos of battle with quieter, tension-filled moments. Dialogue, crucial to any cinematic experience, is treated with care, ensuring it cuts through the densest layers of sound with unerring clarity. Additionally, the mix's manipulation of height channels adds an extra layer of immersion, making creature attacks from overhead spaces not just audible but viscerally effective.

However, despite its many strengths, the mix slightly falls short in delivering the full-bodied, earth-shattering low-end impact that one might expect from a film as viscerally intense as Doom. The subwoofer engagement, while solid, lacks that extra punch needed to elevate action scenes to their fullest potential. The foundation is there, with a wide-ranging sound that fills the room and engages the listener on all fronts, but a bit more emphasis on fine-tuning the low-frequency effects could transform this already impressive audio presentation into an unbeatable sonic experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Doom" retains the legacy content from its 2009 incarnation, ensuring that enthusiasts and newcomers alike have access to a comprehensive suite of extras that delve into the film’s production, special effects, and unique connection to its video game roots. Despite the featurettes originally being crafted for earlier releases, they offer an insightful look into the creative process behind translating a beloved video game franchise to the big screen. Notably, this bundle includes a 4K and legacy Blu-ray copy of the film alongside a Movies Anywhere digital code, all encased within an embossed slipcover. However, the extras, though extensive in detailing various production facets, might feel somewhat dated, particularly in discussions surrounding the game franchise's evolution.

Extras included in this disc:

• Basic Training: Behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous preparation undertaken by the cast.
• Rock Formation: Exploration of the film's set design and location choices.
• Master Monster Makers: Insight into the creation and design of the movie's creatures.
• First-Person Shooter Sequence: A detailed examination of how the film adapted the game's iconic perspective.
• Doom Nation: Discussion on Doom's impact on gaming culture and its community.
• Game On!: Analysis of the interplay between the video game and film industries.

Universal's release of the 2005 action-horror, "Doom," on 4K UHD Blu Ray presents an upgrade in both visual and audio quality with its 2160p/HDR video and DTS:X audio, although it lacks additional extras. This movie, grounded in the video game universe, takes viewers through a gripping tale set in the year 2026 where an elite squad of soldiers called the Rapid Response Tactical Squad (RRTS) is dispatched to Mars in response to a deadly outbreak. Lead by Sarge (Dwayne Johnson) and featuring characters such as John Grimm (Karl Urban), and his sister Samantha (Rosamund Pike), the movie delves into themes of genetic mutations and the fight to prevent the outbreak from reaching Earth via the Ark portal discovered in Nevada.

Critics might dismiss "Doom" for its deviation from traditional plot structures, focusing heavily on action-packed sequences, strobe lighting, and a less-than-impressive soundtrack that overshadows its narrative depth. However, beneath its surface-level thrills, "Doom" subtly explores the disdain for corporate ethics, humanity, and the militaristic facade portrayed through characters that are developed beyond their archetypal roles. The film cleverly critiques the all-too-familiar trope of 'muscles over mind,' with Dwayne Johnson's Sarge character embodying the shift from a seemingly noble hero to a complex antagonist, challenging his typecasted persona in Hollywood.

Despite its critical reception, "Doom" manages to carve a niche for itself with its blend of horror and action. Keith Urban and Rosamund Pike offer an emotional grounding amidst the chaos, touching on themes of personal choice over predetermined destiny. The movie, akin to a Martian "Predator," combines familiar military bravado with a sci-fi twist, succeeding in providing not just mindless entertainment but also moments of reflective critique on societal values surrounding empathy, humanity, and intellect.

Doom," in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, manages to carve out a niche that seems to straddle the divide between die-hard adherents of the iconic video game series and those seeking an engaging, albeit imperfect, cinematic experience. The film is neither a complete triumph nor a total misstep, navigating through its run time with moments that oscillate between compelling and cliched. It offers an array of performances that can be best described as competent, creating a sinister ambiance peppered with commendable special effects and a presentation quality that elevates it above its previous Blu-ray incarnation. While it grapples with its narrative—an endeavor that could have benefitted from a leaner focus on action rather than exposition—the release transcends these hurdles with a remarkable audio-visual uplift afforded by the 4K upgrade and an immersive DTS-X soundtrack, rendering it a worthwhile investment for those inclined towards visually-driven storytelling coupled with a hearty dose of nostalgia.

Critics might argue that "Doom" wades too deep into the murky waters of generic sci-fi horror, critiqued for its lackluster plot and a tendency towards an overly dark aesthetic that could have been mitigated with more pronounced creature encounters and relentless pacing. Furthermore, its attempt to pay homage to a beloved video game franchise might fall short in the eyes of purists, juxtaposed against its accessibility and entertainment value for the casual viewer or movie enthusiast seeking simple, unrefined thrills.

Conclusively, "Doom" on 4K UHD Blu-ray emerges as a flawed yet fascinating spectacle. It strides the line between homage and adaptation with uneven steps, yet manages to assert itself as an audio-visually enhanced home cinema experience. The release is backed by genuine improvements over its Blu-ray counterpart, offering an enriched sensory experience that might not convert the uninitiated but will surely delight those with tempered expectations or fans curious about revisiting this interpretation of a gaming legend.