The Running Man 4K Ultra HD SteelBook

In a near-future society, "The Running Man" is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary by Writer/Director Edgar Wright, Actor Glen Powell, And Writer Michael Bacall; 12 featurettes: "The Hunt Begins" (HD 11:31), "The Hunters And The Hunted" (HD 16:34), "Welcome To The Running Man: Designing The World" (HD 16:45) "Surviving The Game: Shooting The Running Man" (HD 28:37), "The Running Man Commercials" (HD 02:00), "The Running Man Show" (HD 04:21), "The Runners - Self Tapes" (HD 14:31), "Other Network Shows: "Speed The Wheel" (HD 02:18). "The Americanos" (HD 08:05). "The Apostle" (GD 04:19), "Stunts Compilation" (HD 01:39) and "Hair, MakeUp And Costume Test" (HD 25:46); 12 deleted and extended scenes (HD 11:03); trailers and digital spots; and a digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally in anamorphic Hawk Scope using the Arri Alexa 35 camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. The locations are very diverse and visually captivating. Production design and sets are incredible. Picture quality is terrific. The color palette exhibits superb natural realism with perfectly saturated hues that exhibit warmth and richness. Primaries are strong and at times pop. Flesh tones are naturally hued. HDR contrast is superb. Black levels are deep and solid. Shadow delineation reveals excellent shadings. White levels are perfectly illuminated with bright highlights. Resolution is revealing of very fine detail throughout. Facial features reveal skin pores, lines, complexions, beard stubble and beards, and hair. Clothing is finely resolved with revealing fabric texture. Environmental settings and objects are finely resolved. Visual effects deliver exciting action. This is a spectacular and exiting visual experience that is a perfect demonstration feature for a home theatre show off. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding throughout. Atmospherics are realistic sounding. Sound effects are powerful and dynamic. Deep bass is a powerful sound element with at times extension to sub-25 Hz. The .1 LFE is active throughout. Foley sound effects are exciting and enhances the realism. There is so much going on in this sound design. The music drives the affair with powerful dynamics and a wide and deep soundstage that extends aggressively to the surround field. The surrounds are constantly active. Soundstage imaging is excellent. Fidelity throughout is excellent. All the while dialogue is intelligible with satisfying spatial integration.

The Immersive sound element is comprised of an extension of some of the music to the height layer, occasional atmospherics, voice announcements, audience cheers and ruckus, a variety of sound effects and even Foley sound effects, all interjected sporadically. So much more could have been achieved as the visuals offer ripe material for exceptional enhancement of the sound field.

This is a truly exciting and dimensional holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack, though with limited height layer enhancement that, at times, is aggressive. Nonetheless, this is an adrenal pumping experience that will thrill those with a capable home theatre system. (Gary Reber)