Expend4bles – 4K UHD Review
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Lionsgate 2023
R | 1hrs 44mins | Action | Adventure | Thriller
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: Jason Statham | Curtis Jackson | Megan Fox | Dolph Lundgren | Tony Jaa | Iko Uwais
Directed by: Scott Waugh
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? Also nearly makes reference level.
Entertainment: 5-
Video: 5-
Audio: 5-
Technical Review – 4K UHD HDR10
Expend4bles was shot digitally by cinematographer Tim Maurice-Jones in the
The image is vivid and sharp throughout, presenting an excellent HDR10 presentation. 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 and facial close-ups all provide very good detail and definition. From the various desert shots with shimmering heat to the wide angle islands and sea shots, and detailed textures of clothing, buildings, weapons and vehicles. Facial pores, stubble, wrinkles, eyelashes, hair strands and features are all accurately rendered with few undue exaggerations. CGI and special effects integration are somewhat less than stellar with several obviously fake green screen backgrounds, but generally blending quite well with the real action shots and rarely looking soft. Effects like bullet rounds, flying objects, debris, car engagements and of course explosions 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, bunker, tanker and bar sequences that showed excellent low level and shadow detail. Individual clouds, sunlight, numerous light sources, metallic weapons sheen, shot-gun blasts and rounds 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.
This video is excellent on all fronts, providing an almost HDR10 reference image.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Expend4bles 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 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 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, various rooms and bunkers to the tankers and airplanes enclosed spaces. Not to mention the whirring helicopter blades, revving bikes and 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, 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, impactful gunfire, flying bikes, growling engines and numerous explosive devices and rounds. Imaging continuously feels broad and expansive following the action as it moves on and off-screen, like the flying bike and various vehicles as they drift between channels. Dialogue, such that it is, 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 Guillaume Roussel provides a highly supportive and well integrated mix for both the aggressive and more relaxed scenes equally well. Presenting with a solid bass line and hitting a good balance between the dialogue and effects, the score provides a light spill into the surrounds and excellent integration within the soundstage.
An excellent audio track that compliments the video in every way.
Story Overview
Fueling this latest adrenaline-junki adventure in Expendables 4 we have a new generation of stars. This new team includes the original cast of; Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, and Sylvester Stallone who are joined by; Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, and Andy Garcia. Armed with just about every weapon possible, this elite team of mercenaries become the worlds last line of defense against Ocelot (Andy Garcia) a corrupt CIA agent who is dead set to create world war 3. So begins the land and sea battles with the new team members displaying their unique styles and tactics as the team tries to obtain the nuclear detonators.
My 2 Cents
The movie was action start to finish with almost reference video and audio. However, the CGI was occasionally a little less than stellar, to go with the rather weak story line and less heart and humor found in the earlier franchise releases. Despite my concerns, I still found the movie entertaining with all its impossible stunts and action sequences. Even though the ending was predictable, it was still a nice “save the day” turn.
I just wonder, long term, how this new team of Expendables will do at the box office.
If you’re a fan of 4K eye and ear candy, this title delivers, but not too much else!
Purchase from Amazon here.
