Snowman, The

"The Snowman" is a bone-chilling murder mystery set in the freezing, snowy landscapes of Oslo, Norway. When elite crime squad's lead detective Harry Hole (Fassbender) investigates the disappearance of a victim on the first snow of winter, he fears an elusive serial killer may be active again. With the help of a brilliant recruit (Ferguson), the cop must connect decades-old cold cases to the brutal new one if he hopes to outwit this unthinkable evil before the next snowfall. Based on the novel by Jo Nesbo. (Gary Reber)

Special features include five featurettes: "Cast Of Characters" (HD 07:46), "Creating Jo Nesbo's World" (HD 04:05), "The Snowman Killer" (HD 04:03), "Norwegian Landscape" (HD 06:33), and "Stunt Riles: The Sinking Lake" (HD 01:36); upfront previews; and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 1.85:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally with the Arri Alexa XT camera system, with a resolution of 2.8K and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is terrific with a wonderful Norwegian backdrop covered in snow. The color palette is contrasty with frigid snow exteriors and warm interiors with rich and warm hues that exhibit perfect naturalness. Contrast also is heightened with bodies, clothing, and vehicles against the snow. The naturalness of the hue saturation is impressive. While this is not a 4K Ultra HD transfer, it could pass for one. Highlights are at times brilliant, while black levels are deep and solid, with excellent shadow delineation. Resolution is exemplary with fine detail exhibited throughout, for an extremely vivid picture with excellent sharpness. Fine detail is revealed in facial features, beard stubs, clothing, and object texture. This is a beautiful picture with superb contrast, color fidelity, and resolution, for a reference-quality visual experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 7.1-channel soundtrack is terrific and features a haunting orchestral that is quiet active, extending aggressively to the four surrounds and occupying a wide and deep soundstage. The score is well recorded as well. Atmospherics are excellent, with a nice stereo spread, nicely enhancing the realism of the locales and settings. Sound effects are limited to gunfire, trains, chair lifts, and enhanced environmental effects. Dialogue is nicely integrated spatially. Deep bass is delivered mainly through the dynamic music. This is a hauntingly excellent soundtrack that perfectly complements the mystery. (Gary Reber)