Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil – Blu-ray 4K Review
This post contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure here.
Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil – 2019
Disney/ Buena Vista | 2019
PG | 1hrs 59 min | Adventure | Family | Fantasy
HD | 1080P | DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Upscaled 4K | 2160P | HDR10 | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Staring: Angelina Jolie | Elle Fanning | Harris Dickinson | Michelle Pfeiffer | Sam Riley | Chiwetel Ejiofor
Directed by: Joachim Rønning
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’.
Well, evil may never have looked so good, but the 7.1 soundtrack really let this movie down.
Entertainment: 4+
Video: 4+/5-
Audio: 4
Technical Review – 4K UHD HDR10
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil was shot digitally in both the DXL and Recode RAW formats at 8K, using Panavision Millennium DXL2 and Red Helium cameras paired with Panavision Primo 70, Primo Artiste and Sphero 65 lenses. It was finished as a 2K Digital Intermediate up sampled for this release and the Ultra HD presentation was graded for High Dynamic Range and HDR10.
This upconverted 4K transfer really squeezes everything it can from the 2K DI format, which is probably as a result of it being originally shot at 8K. The picture is very sharp and well defined and shows no obvious source noise, or upscalling artifacts. Close-ups provide exceptional detail, clarity and definition with stellar and natural skin tones. Costumes whether real or digital excel with fine detail and a natural and authentic look, pores, eyelashes and skin, all show excellent clarity and detail, as do the more mundane, like general wear and tear and the exteriors of buildings. Despite this excellent resolution it never interferes with interface between the real and digital worlds. Colors are really well saturated with the greens of trees, the grass and vegetation looking very natural and explosions providing bright orange, red and yellow flashes. Malificents’ red lipstick providing a truly deep saturated red when contrasted against her white skin. Blacks are deep and noise free supported by good low level detail, while peak whites provided clean high level detail with no clipping, providing a solid dynamic range. There were no compassion artifacts of note unless you were being really particular.
Overall an excellent looking 4K UHD offering by Disney.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil features a Dolby Atmos soundtrack on the 4K version that defaults to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 in my system. However, once again Disney’s audio track demands that listeners increase their volume reference level, by about +4dB, to experience a fuller, more fully engaging listen. I am at a loss as to why this issues persists with many Disney movies.
In contrast to the video, but sadly in the continuing Disney vein, the low end punch, slam, dynamics and depth are not very engaging. Despite good imaging and positioning together with seamless surround sound integration, the track still felt a little lifeless and flat. There are plenty of action opportunities where the movie could have really shone, Maleficents’ rages, the waterfall scene, and several battle sequences and fights. However, there was little increase in intensity and heft as these action sequences ensued nor did the surrounds draw you any further into the action even though they carried some notable atmospheric detail. The LFE 0.1 channel does engage and get some action but it was barely there in most of the critical scenes.
The musical score by Geoff Zanelli, also responsible for the scores to movies like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Disturbia, Christopher Robin, lends his signature sound to the movie soundtrack that supports both the high action and more relaxed scenes equally well.
Dialogue was always clear and detailed with naturally front-center imaging and prioritization, but again requires that upward volume adjustment to get the most from it.
While the soundtrack was clear and well presented, it is definitely not one that could be considered reference or stellar.
Story Overview
Five years of peace and tranquility have passed since the death of King Stefan in the original movie, Maleficent (2014). With a pending joyous event about to unfurl, that could unite the mortal kingdom of Ulstead and the fairy realm of the enchanted Moors, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) and her goddaughter Aurora (Elle Fanning) become embroiled in ‘family’ tensions over her love for Prince Philip (Harris Dickinson). If that isn’t bad enough more treason stands in the way of the union of true love when Queen Ingrith (Michelle Phiffer) stands up to fight for her kingdom and destroy the Moors. Now two worlds find themselves embroiled in an all out battle for survival. Saving the day the magnificent Maleficent swoops in, saves true love…….and unites both kingdoms.
My 2 cents
Other than for a few of the “darker” scenes this makes for a good nights family viewing and I have to say that we all thoroughly enjoyed it despite its lack luster sound track.
