Dark City 4K Ultra HD

In the science fiction classic "Dark City", a man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from. (Gary Reber)

Both the Theatrical version (01:40:32) snd the Director's Cut version (01:51:49) are available. Special features on Disc A include an introduction by Director Alex Proyas; commentaries; the documentary "Return To Dark City" (HD 58:55); the featurettes "I'm As Much In The Dark As You Are" a visual essay by film scholar Josh Nelson (HD 19:50), "Rats In A Maze" a visual essay by film critic Alexandra West (HD 14:33) and "Design And Storyboards"(HD 14:08). On Disc B there are commentaries, the featurettes "Memories Of Shell Beach" (HD 46:26) and "The Architecture Of Dreams" (HD 33:41), image gallery and theatrical trailer.

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 on Kodak 35 mm film in anamorphic Panavision® using the Panavision Panaflex Gold II |and Panavision Panaflex Platinum camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Film grain has been removed using digital noise reduction. This is a very stylistic presentation with a unique production design and visual effects. The color palette exhibits nicely saturated hues with warm and rich tones during the memory altered real life scenes. Scenes with the not-of-this world dying race from some other world tend to be tinted in a green tone. Flesh tones appear natural, except on the memory stealing "strangers." HDR contrast is excellent with deep solid blacks, revealing shadows, and stylistic lighting that is well balance. Dariusz Wolski's cinematography is visual captavating throughout. The picture is sharp and clear throughout with excellent resolution. Facial features reveal fine detail in complexions. Fine stitching on clothing is revealing. Structural settings and object textures are finely detailed. This is a great looking classic that is compellingly stylistic with excellent color fidelity and contrast. (Gary Reber)

The repurposed Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding. Atmospherics are both haunting and mysterious as each scene's environment is defined by its unique soundscape. Sound effects are unique and aggressive, and supported with excellent transient response and deep, rumbling bass extension in all channels and the .1 LFE channel. Foley sound effects are perfectly in sync with picture. Trevor Jones' wonderful orchestral and synthesizer score occupies a wide and deep soundstage that aggressive extends to the surrounds and envelops the sound field. The music is a strong prominent sound element with a seeming constant presence as it delivers tension and power using stringed instruments and ominous brass crescendos, which usually accompany the appearance of the mysterious "strangers" as they foreboding plan and execute their memory invasion. Dialogue is often ADR product but spatial integration sounds good.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of an aggressive extension of the orchestral/synthesizer score to the height layer along with haunting atmospherics and sound effects. As well there are segments in which nuanced and strong dialogue is heard. This is an extremely effective hight layer treatment that effectively enhances the spherical sound field.

This is a very well-crafted holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack with excellent dynamics, deep bass and a terrific tension-infused orchestral/synthesizer score. (Gary Reber)