Blu-ray Review: Jumanji-Welcome To The Jungle
2017 – Jumanji – Welcome To The Jungle
Sony Pictures 2017
PG13 | 1hr 59 mins | Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi
HD | 1080P | Dolby TrueHD 5.1
4K | 2160P | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
2.40:1 Aspect Ratio
Starring: Dwayne Johnson | Karen Gillan | Kevin Hart | Jack Black
Directed by: Jake Kasden
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 4K or Immersive audio yet, what did the 1080P24 version look like? Very good, with a strong 5.1 mix.
Entertainment: 5
Video: 5-
Audio: 4+
Technical Review – HD Blu-ray
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was digitally shot using Arri Alexa Mini and XT cameras, whereas the older movie was captured on film and therefore lacked any film grain or noise. It was finished as a 2K digital intermediate the result is presented in a 2.4:1 theatrical aspect ratio.
As the movie is set in a game world, a little graphical license was given to creating a bright sun-drenched world with colors that leap of the screen being very saturated and bright. The extensively green vegetative backgrounds providing a good contrast to the riot of hues and colors from the characters clothing and explosions. Skin tones are very realistic showing notable detail in closeup shots being very representative of each character’s natural appearance. Black levels and shadow detail are good throughout. Costumes are complex and intricate, providing lots of detail from the various fine textures. Overall the image clarity is excellent and very solid, creating a first-rate viewing experience.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle‘s Blu-ray only supports a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound track. Despite this, the mix supports the movie very well with plenty of low frequency effects of considerable depth and punch. From the rumble of the motorbike chase to various action sequences such as where the children are sucked into the game and of course the classic Jumanji thud-thud-thud! Imaging is excellent throughout, with good use of the surrounds supporting the various environments ambience, the jungle, the busy bazar, school gymnasium and various action sequences. Music was well integrated into the action and provided good use of all speakers and the sub. Dialogue was clear and precise at all times, being well localized to the individual’s location.
Story Overview & Extras
In this new adventure four high school kids, cleaning out a room, find an old video game console, and after selecting their characters are drawn into the game’s jungle setting, becoming the adult avatars that they have selected. They soon discover that you don’t just play Jumanji – you must survive the game. To beat Jumanji, and return to the real world, they’ll have to go on a dangerous jungle adventure discovering what Alan Parrish left a couple of decades ago. The journey changes the way that they each think about themselves, allowing them to tackle the many challenges that are presented to each one of them as they trek through the jungle, eventually escaping the game, and returning back home.
I found the movie very entertaining, with excellent sound delivering a solid foundation, together with a good mix of tense and several light and comedic moments.
