Borderlands – 4K Blu-ray Review
Lionsgate Films | 2024
PG13 | 1hr 41mins | Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi | Comedy
Native 4K | 2160P | HDR10 | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Staring: Cate Blanchett | Kevin Hart | Edgar Ramírez | Jamie Lee Curtis | Ariana Greenblatt | Florian Munteanu
Directed by: Eli Roth | Tim Miller
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? Quite good, and the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack? When the Dolby Atmos opening logo sounds better than the main feature the audio engineers need to go back to school!
Entertainment: 4+
Video: 5-
Audio: 4+
Video: 4K HDR 10
Borderlands was captured digitally in the ARRIRAW codec at 6.5K & 4.5K by cinematographer Rogier Stoffers using Arri Alexa 65 and Mini LF cameras with Arri Prime DNA 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 HDR10. This triple-layer BD100 disc has been well authored and shows no use of noise reduction or edge sharpening and no obvious compression artifacts but there is a mild appearance of digital grain. The package also contains an HD Blu-ray and redeemable digital code.
With the film shot in a high resolution format, this 4K release has very good overall image clarity with a good display of crisp, sharp detail, with refined texturing throughout. Objects, clothing, threads and facial close-ups provide excellent detail and definition, from the costume fabrics and stitching to the various material finishes. Facial pores, stubble, wrinkles, eyelashes, hair strands, sweat, facial grime and features are all accurately rendered without any undue exaggerations. CGI, green screen and special effects integration were acceptable, but could clearly be seen in some of the wider angle shots, and occasionally looking soft. Sand, sand grains and dust, rocks and stones etc. all looking very natural, with effects like explosions, flying objects, weapons fire, flame throwers and debris all integrated into the live action with few distractions.
Contrast balance was very good throughout, from the brilliant uncompressed whites of the daylight exterior shots and the dazzling specular highlights to the deep and noise free inky blacks of space, various night scenes, the bar and various underground and internal cavern shots, that showed good low level and shadow detail. In particular the specular highlights that add a beaming glow to the edge of clouds, the realistic sheen along metallic surfaces and piercing flash light beams. All providing a true-to-live impact, generating a good dynamic contrast range and enhancing visibility of objects in both exterior and interior shots.
The color palette presents with a restricted array of vibrant primary colors with scenes often lit or graded towards various hues, such as red, blue and yellowy-green. Color fidelity is good throughout with primaries and secondary’s, all having good color depth and density with hues mostly muted. From Lilith’s red/rust hair, Tiny Tina’s yellow jacket, Claptrap’s yellow body, the vibrant reds, yellows and fiery oranges of explosions and flaming wings, to the vast range of earthy tones. Skin tones and facial complexions throughout looking very natural.
This video is good on many fronts, providing a selection of reference HDR10 moments.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Borderlands creeps into home theaters with a lack luster, Dolby Atmos mix that defaults to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 in my system. The soundtrack lacked dynamics, impact, bottom end and the music was, well, just plain weak, even after I turned my volume up by +2dB. As I commented earlier, I enjoyed the Dolby Atmos opening logo mix more than the movie soundtrack…as did my daughter! I do not understand how so many reviewers considered the mix and audio to be almost reference? Even the voice levels were not consistent throughout, occasionally being difficult to hear.
The overall sound presentation is moderately dynamic, with weak sub involvement and moderate surround action. The soundstage is wide, and surrounds are active with ambience, directional cues and movement, delivering an environment that drops the listener both into calm environments and action-packed spectacles alike. Effects placement are accurate and natural, with movement in both the rear and side surrounds, together with the general environmental and enclosure acoustics consistently pulling you into the many locals and environments, like the wide open deserts, caverns and inside rooms and vehicles. From those quieter, dialogue-heavy sequences steeped in surrounding activity and echo of voices to the explosions, gun fire, vehicle impacts, roaring truck and chaotic mayhem fill the surrounds pulling you into the scene and keeping you engaged.
Sub action was limp and a lot more would have been appreciated! What was available supported the roar of the various vehicle engines, explosions, vehicle impacts, gun fire and collapsing structures. Imaging continuously feels broad and expansive, following the action as it moves on and off-screen. Dialogue had solid front-center imaging but was inconsistent in level in several parts of the movie, occasionally dropping in level and becoming difficult to hear.
Flushing out the soundscape and trying to support the movie throughout its entire length, the films score, composed by Steve Jablonsky offers a very mediocre mix, lacking bass, impact, volume and being generally a lack luster selection of music. Its level was often too low and it added very little to enhance the movie.
A mediocre soundtrack and mix that lets the movie down.
Story Overview
Lilith (Cate Blanchett), an infamous outlaw with a dark past, returns home to the most chaotic planet in the galaxy, Pandora. Once there she is tasked with finding Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt) the missing daughter of Atlas (Edgar Ramírez), the universes most powerful S.O.B. As her quest begins she forms the expected alliances with a team of misfits that include; Roland (Kevin Hart), a seasoned mercenary on a mission; Krieg (Florian Munteanu), Tina’s musclebound protector; Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), the oddball scientist who’s seen it all; and Claptrap (Jack Black -voice only), a wiseass robot. This band of misfits must protect Tiny Tina who is believed to hold extraordinary powers while they battle aliens and bandits as they try to uncover Pandora’s deepest secret. Fighting for each other, the fate of the universe is in their hands, but Lilith has a real surprise up her sleeve!
My 2 cents
As I knew nothing of this game based movie, nor am I gamer, I had no preconceived ideas as to what to expect. So I was not too disappointed with what I got! While the movie just managed to keep my attention for most of the time, the overall acting and story line were both weak. Yes, there are a few entertaining characters, a few comedic moments, some intensive fight sequences and the video is occasionally reference, however, the lack luster soundtrack, poor selection of music and weak mix did nothing to support the visuals, and for my daughter and I, ruined the movie.
Thank goodness I borrowed my 4K copy from my local library. Sorry, but this isn’t a movie that I will be re-watching unless I borrow it again.
