Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom – 4K Review
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Warner Bros. 2023
PG-13 | 2hrs 4mins | Comic Book | Fantasy | Adventure | Sci-Fi | Action
HD | 1080P | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Native 4K | 2160P | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Staring: Jason Momoa | Patrick Wilson | Yahya Abdul-Mateen II | Amber Heard | Nicole Kidman | Randall Park
Directed by: James Wan
Ratings & Reviews
Please see here for my comments on reviewing movies.
My ratings are simple being marked out of a maximum of 5+. My reviews are biased towards the technical production aspects of the film with brief comments about the story line. Extras, sorry, that’s just not my ‘bag’.
Not having Immersive audio yet, the 7.1 soundtrack almost hits reference level, and the video? Definitely reference level.
Entertainment: 4+
Video: 5
Audio: 5-
Technical Review – 4K UHD HDR10
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom was shot digitally by cinematographer Don Burgess in the
The image is vivid and sharp throughout, presenting an excellent HDR10 presentation. With the film shot in 8K this 4K release has excellent overall image clarity with a wide display of crisp, razor sharp detail with refined texturing throughout. Objects, weapons, clothing, threads and facial close-ups all provide very good detail and definition. From the various desert shots, the jungle, ocean or arctic, the caverns and instrument panels to the various landscapes, both underwater and on land. Facial and creature pores, stubble, wrinkles, eyelashes, hair strands and features are all accurately rendered with few undue exaggerations. CGI and special effects integration generally blending quite well with the real action shots and never looking soft, with effects like, flying objects and debris, and of course explosions, well integrated into the live action with no distractions.
Contrast balance is excellent throughout, from the brilliant uncompressed whites of the daylight exterior shots and the various dazzling specular highlights to the deep and noise free inky blacks of caverns and undersea that showed excellent low level and shadow detail. Individual clouds, sunlight, numerous light sources, metallic weapons sheen and weapons blasts sparkle with a true-to-live realism. All creating a very good dynamic contrast range and enhancing visibility of objects in both exterior and interior shots, creating a good depth of image as can be seen in the encounter in Black Manta’s hideout.
This video is excellent on all fronts, providing an HDR10 reference image.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom features solid Dolby Atmos track that defaults to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 in my system. It is quite dynamic and occasionally aggressive with plenty of atmospheric effects, very good channel separation and good, but not room shaking, bass. The rear channels being used extensively to convey the atmospheres of various undersea environments, various spaces and rooms, supporting directional and atmospheric cues alike.
The overall sound presentation is reasonably dynamic, with quite good sub involvement and surround action. The soundstage is wide and surrounds are regularly active with ambience, directional cues and movement, delivering an active environment that drops the listener into both calm environments and action-packed sonic spectacle alike. Effects placement are accurate and natural, with movement in both the rear and side surrounds, together with the general environmental and room acoustics effects consistently pulling you into the many locals and environments, from the various rooms, submersibles, oceans and ice to the desert sandscapes, weather related events, giant octopus and numerous weapons blasts. All fill out the surrounds pulling you into the scene and keeping you “in the mix”.
Sub action is quite solid, there are plenty of low frequency effects but they are generally not too extended or powerful but do add weight to the vehicle impacts, hand wielded weapons, impactful gunfire, oceans, ice, desert sandscapes, explosions and music. Imaging continuously feels broad and expansive following the action as it moves on and off-screen. Dialogue is delivered with excellent front-center imaging and prioritization, good clarity and detail, no matter how loud and aggressive the action sequences became.
Flushing out the soundscape and supporting the movie throughout its entire length, the films score, composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams provides a moderately supportive and well integrated mix for both the aggressive and more relaxed scenes equally well. Presenting with a good bass line and balance between the dialogue and effects, the score provides a light spill into the surrounds and good integration within the soundstage.
A very good audio track that compliments the video but still lacks punch and bottom end slam.
Story Overview
Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is back having failed to defeat Aquaman (Jason Momoa) the first time around, and is now hell-bent on vengeance for the death of his father. Wielding the mythic Black Trident that has the power to unleash ancient and malevolent forces, Black Manta will let nothing get in his way of destroying Aquaman. Aquaman quickly realizes that he will need the help of his imprisoned brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) to help him defeat this now formidable enemy. Putting aside their differences they forge an unlikely alliance in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from total destruction.
My 2 Cents
Unleashed more than five years after the first film, this sequel is a lot less than what I expected.
I am sorry Warner Bros. but while I quite enjoyed the original Aquaman I found this second in the series lacking in just about every acting and story category, plus it isn’t widescreen. Its only redeeming features were the reference image and good sound qualities.
If you’re a fan of 4K eye candy, this title delivers, but not too much else!
Purchase from Amazon here.
