Dune: Part Two – 4K UHD Review
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Warner Bros. 2024
PG-13 | 2hrs 46mins | Drama | Adventure | Action | Sci-Fi | Epic
HD | 1080P | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Native 4K | 2160P | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Staring: Timothée Chalamet | Zendaya | Rebecca Ferguson | Josh Brolin | Austin Butler | Florence Pugh
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
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 hits reference level, and the video? Also hitting reference level.
Entertainment: 5
Video: 5
Audio: 5+
Technical Review – 4K UHD HDR10
ᑐ ᑌ ᑎ ᕮ ² was shot digitally by cinematographer Greig Fraser using the ARRIRAW codec at both 6.5K and 4.5K using
The image is vivid and sharp throughout, having superb resolution, and presents as a reference HDR10 source. With the film shot in a high resolution format this 4K release has very good overall image clarity with a wide display of crisp, razor sharp detail with refined texturing throughout. Objects, clothing, threads, facial close-ups and landscapes all provide very good detail and definition. From the clean fine detailing that’s visible in rock, grains of sand, spice, skin and stone, the various desert shots with shimmering heat, beads of sweat and blood, to the detailed textures of linen clothing, buildings, weapons, vehicles and even the worms skin textures. Facial pores, stubble, wrinkles, eyelashes, hair strands and features are all accurately rendered with few undue exaggerations. CGI and special effects integration are generally excellent blending well with the real action shots and never looking soft. Effects like weapons fire, spacecraft, flying objects, debris, explosions and of course the worms are well integrated into the live action with no distractions.
Contrast balance is excellent throughout, from the brilliant uncompressed whites of the daylight exterior and desert shots and the various dazzling specular highlights to the deep and noise free inky blacks including; various night sequences, Harkonnen ship and base interiors, the Fremen robes and various textiles that showed excellent low level and shadow detail. Individual clouds, sunlight, numerous light sources, the sheen of metallic weapons, Harkonnen armor, the Emperor’s costumes and vehicles, weapons blasts and rounds that sparkle with a true-to-live realism. All creating an solid dynamic contrast range, enhancing visibility of objects in both exterior and interior shots and creating an excellent depth of image.
The color palette presents with a solid array of vibrant colors, with vivid and well saturated primaries and secondary’s, all having good color depth and density, hues are bold and vibrant and exhibit lovely nuance. From the strong orange tones that dominate early scenes, the redder tones of the desert sands and nuanced yellows, the blue eyeballs and electric blue liquids, the green leaves, blue skies, and brown tree trunks of the Emperor’s homestead, Harkonnen ships neon lighting and silver cool shades of color to the black and white exploding fireworks, all look amazing. Even the black and white sequences look superb. Skin tones and facial complexions throughout looking perfectly natural.
This video is excellent on all fronts, providing a truly reference HDR10 image.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
ᑐ ᑌ ᑎ ᕮ ² features an explosive and dynamic Dolby Atmos track that sums up action movies. Defaulting to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 in my system this is a dynamic and at times aggressive mix with plenty of atmospheric effects, very good channel separation and room shaking bass. The rear channels being used extensively to convey the atmospheres of various rooms and outdoor environments, supporting directional and atmospheric cues alike.
The overall sound presentation is dynamic, with terrific 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 every 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 open deserts and various rooms to the ships acoustics and the cavernous interiors of Sietch Tabr. Not to mention the “Voice”, whispering winds, impactful hand to hand combat, gunfire, explosions and flying debris. All fill the surrounds pulling you into the scene and keeping you right “in the mix”.
Sub action is solid and extended, having the serious low-end that this movie deserves. Low frequency effects are plentiful. They are extended and powerful adding weight to the vehicle impacts, hand wielded weapons, the “Voice”, artillery strikes, ships, the sandworms rumble, the sound of ornithopters and thumpers and numerous explosive devices and rounds. Imaging continuously feels broad and very expansive following the action as it moves on and off-screen, like the sandworms, ornithopters and spaceships. Dialogue is delivered with solid front-center imaging and prioritization, good clarity and detail, no matter how loud and aggressive the high action sequences became.
Flushing out the soundscape and supporting the movie throughout its entire length, the films score, composed by Hans Zimmer provides a highly supportive and very well integrated mix for both the aggressive and more relaxed scenes equally well. Enhancing the visuals with depth, precision, and suspense it presents with terrific bass and excellent dynamics, hitting a good balance between the dialogue and effects, providing a light spill into the surrounds and excellent integration within the soundstage.
A top-of-the-shelf reference audio track that compliments the reference video in every way.
Story Overview
Following on from the fall of House Atreides in ᑐ ᑌ ᑎ ᕮ ¹, ᑐ ᑌ ᑎ ᕮ ² opens with the annihilation of House Atreides by rival House Harkonnen, leaving only a few survivors including Paul (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), both of who are now part of a Fremen tribe led by Stilgar (Javier Bardem), and our bound for the settlement of Sietch Tabr. Despite mistrust of these two outsiders within the group, Paul ultimately gains their respect and trust with his display of fighting ability and potential leadership skills. While Lady Jessica soon also gains their trust and is looked upon as a potential replacement for their dying Reverend Mother. To take on this position she must first drink the Fremens’ “Water of Life”, which kills all males and untrained women. Jessica survives the Water allowing her to now communicate with future daughter Alia, still a fetus in her womb. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, Paul endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. Caught between between personal hopes and the aspirations of others, will Paul become the fighter he always wanted to be?
My 2 Cents
ᑐ ᑌ ᑎ ᕮ ² follows in the footsteps of ᑐ ᑌ ᑎ ᕮ ¹ providing one of the best science fiction films in years and is notably better than the previous movie. This effective sci-fi adventure builds upon and complements what came before. The movies visuals, atmosphere and sound design are all second-to-none. Denis Villeneuve’s second foray into the deserts of Arakkis, truly builds upon his first turning Dune into a two-part film experience and creating an instant classic of the genre.
A truly magical experience with breath taking visuals and heart pounding sound, this is pure 4K eye and ear candy and is highly recommended for all. Remember the bigger the screen and the louder the score the better!!!
Purchase from Amazon here.
