Black Adam – 4K UHD Review
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Warner Bros. | 2022
PG13 | 2hrs 5 min | Action | Sci-Fi | Comic Book | Fantasy
HD | 1080P | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Native 4K | 2160P | Dolby Vision | HDR10 | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Staring: Dwayne Johnson | Aldis Hodge | Pierce Brosnan | Noah Centineo | Sarah Shahi | Quintessa Swindell
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
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’.
So what did the 4K HDR10 video look like? Reference and the 7.1 soundtrack? Very good.
Entertainment: 4+
Video: 5
Audio: 4+
Technical Review – Native 4K UHD HDR10
Black Adam was captured digitally in the ARRIRAW format at 4.5K by cinematographer Lawrence Sher using Arri Alexa and Arri Alexa Mini LF cameras with Technik, Zeiss, Arri, Leica, Sigma and Optimo lenses. It was finished as a 4K Digital Intermediate at the 2.39:1 aspect ratio and graded for HDR for this 4K release in both Dolby Vision and HDR10. This dual-layer BD66 disc has been well authored and shows no use of noise reduction or edge sharpening, no obvious compression artifacts or excessive noise. The package also contains a BD 50 Blu ray HD disc and a redeemable digital code.
Despite the movies overall darker appearance, it is never dull, particularly the outside city shots and the image soars onto your screen as a reference HDR10 presentation. With the film shot in a high resolution format, this 4K release has excellent overall image clarity with a dazzling display of crisp, mostly razor sharp detail with refined texturing throughout. Rugged landscapes, objects, clothing, threads and facial close-ups provide excellent detail and definition. From Adams suit, character costume detailing and scorched details to the individual grains of sand in the ancient temple stone bricks. Facial pores, stubble, scars, wrinkles, eyelashes, hair strands and features are all accurately rendered without any undue exaggerations. CGI and special effects integration are generally very good having realistic textures, blending quite well with the real action shots and rarely looking soft. Effects like explosions, flying objects, debris and smoke are well integrated into the live action with few distractions.
Contrast balance was excellent throughout, from the uncompressed whites of the daylight exterior shots and the dazzling specular highlights to the deep and noise free inky blacks that showed excellent low level and shadow detail. Individual flashlight beams, flashback whites, clouds, sunlight, metallic surfaces, reflections and explosions sparkle with a true-to-life realism. All creating a very good dynamic contrast range and enhancing visibility of objects in both interior and exterior shots and creating a very good depth of image.
The color palette presents with a solid array of vibrant colors. Color fidelity is excellent throughout with vivid and well saturated primaries and secondaries, all having good color depth and density, hues are bold and vibrant. From the glowing orange lightning, red molten lava, fiery red & yellow explosions, neon-tinted ship lighting, electric blue air cycles to the brilliant golds of the helmet and costume trim, the orange and red flames and exterior shots of the desert with its earth and sepia tones. Skin tones and facial complexions looking very natural throughout.
This video is very good on all fronts, providing a well earned HDR10 reference image.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Black Adam arrives with a Dolby Atmos mix that defaults to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 in my system. I found the soundtrack quite engaging, particularly during all action scenes, having moderately good bass and average dynamics. NOTE: Once again I had to raise my level, this time by +6dB to overcome the less than stellar mix levels. Even with this help the track is not ideal for audiophiles, lacking in dynamics.
The overall sound presentation is moderately dynamic, with good sub involvement and surround action. The soundstage is wide, and surrounds are quite active with ambience, directional cues and movement, delivering an environment that places you into both calm environments and action-packed sonic spectacles alike. Effects placement are accurate and natural, with moderate movement in both the rear and side surrounds, together with the some general environmental and room acoustics effects representing the various locals and environments, like the temple acoustics and tombs echo. From flying debris, explosions, gun shots, general chaos and mayhem, shouts and screams, to quieter moments with subtle ambience like the apartment conversations. All energizing the surrounds, pulling you into the scene and helping to keep you engaged.
Even at an elevated level, the sub action is only average and while there is plenty of bass, some of which digs quite deep, it lacks any significant punch or slam, being “soft” in nature. It’s definitely present, but it doesn’t do justice to the movie whether supporting the popular music titles, the inspired score or the general chaos of the action and battle sequences. However, at an elevated level it does provide reasonable support for the many action sequences; from crashes, explosions, general chaos and mayhem to lightning and magic bursts, punches and collapsing walls and structures. Imaging continuously feels broad and expansive following the action as it moves on and off-screen. Dialogue is always crystal clear and well detailed with solid front-center imaging and prioritization, providing good clarity and detail no matter how loud and aggressive the action.
Flushing out the soundscape and supporting the movie throughout its entire length, the films score, composed by Lorne Balfe and bolstered by various pop numbers to include; Smashing Pumpkins’ Bullet with Butterfly Wings, the Rolling Stones’ Paint it Black and Ennio Morricone’s The Trio, all presented with sub-par bass, non-existent dynamics and were generally not a stellar match for their associated action scenes. Sounding like they would on an old transistor radio! Overall the soundtrack is lacking in dynamics and is often pushed too far down in the mix preventing a good balance between the dialogue and effects, and a good integration within the soundstage. Light to moderate spill into the surrounds was noted.
A good, but not a reference audio track, providing inadequate support for the reference video.
Story Overview
Almost 5000 years ago in ancient Kahndaq, Teth Adam (Dwayne Johnson) was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods. After using these powers for vengeance, he was imprisoned, becoming Black Adam. Now, while searching for the Crown of Sabbac hidden in Kahndaq, archaeologist Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi), finds and inadvertently awakens him to become the modern world’s ruthless protector, unleashing his unique form of justice. Believing this anti-villain to be a threat, Waller (Viola Davis) brings in the Justice Society of America and its heroes; Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo) and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) to get Black Adam under control and have him give up his powers. Now the fate of the modern world hangs in the balance as yet another enemy emerges.
My 2 cents
Like several of these comic book movies, it could have been a lot better, especially with Dwayne Johnson coming across as a little dull and devoid of humor. However, its is by no means the worst DC comic flick ever made and I did find it entertaining, having excellent production elements. The scripts attempts at humor and drama falls rather flat here, but as a 4K UHD release and even with a few less than stellar CGI moments, the HDR 10 transfer is excellent. It’s just a pity that the soundtrack didn’t rise to the same reference level.
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