11 Rebels 4K Ultra HD

In Kazuya Shiraishi’s action-packed epic, "11 Rebels," ten convicts are promised freedom in exchange for defending a small town in feudal Japan. Tasked with holding a fortress against encroaching government forces, they fight with the desperation of men with nothing to lose. But when the officials who recruited them renege on their promise, the warriors realize they’ve been used as pawns in a larger scheme. Betrayed and outnumbered, they must forge their own fate or die trying. (Gary Reber)

There are no special features.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The imagery is impicit of the violence and killing with shevered heads and lots of blood. Pictures quality is superb. Color fidelity is also excellent. Hues are strongly saturated throughout, Greens are prominent in the clothing worn by the rebels. Earthy colors are also prominent in the dirt grounds of the fort and the forest setting outside the fort. Stones and wood structures also appear realistic, Flesh tones display complexions and generally appear natural/ HDR contrast is excellent. Daylight scenes are bright under blue skies and night scenes reveal excellent shadow delineation. Blacks levels appear realistic. White levels also appear naturally illuminated. Resolution is excellent. Facial features reveal skin pores, hair and blood caked skin, This is a visually intense Japanese war event in the 1800's that exhibits stunning cinematography and production design. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is very dynamic sounding. Atmospherics sound realistic. The sound effects are incredibly active with intense steel on steel sounds of clashing sword fighting action sounds and explosion, and the resulting sounds of mayhem. In one scene there is an intense rain storm and downpour that soaks the sound field, The surround channels are extremely aggressive with excellent separation. Explosions throughout are intense as is the cannon fire balls that explode in the fort, and the intense sound of rifle fire. The sound of galloping horses fill the sound field. Foley sound effects are extremely active and in sync with the seemingly constant action. The orchestral/choral score exhibits good soundstage imaging that is wide and deep, extending to the surrounds. The Japanese dialogue is clear but ADR produced and wanting in spatial integration. The dialogue is supported with English subtitles.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of an extension to the the music, some low level atmospherics, and sound effects, such as explosions and the rain storm. The soundtrack provides extensive opportunity for development of the height layer which was not undertaken..

This is a well-crafted holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack with powerful sound effects, energized surrounds, and active height layer. Fans of the Japanese genera will be thrilled. (Gary Reber)