Avengers: Infinity War 4K Ultra HD

In "Avengers: Infinity War," members from every Marvel Comic Universe must sacrifice like never before in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos (Brolin) before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary by Directors Anthony and Joe Russo, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely; four featurettes: "Strange Alchemy (HD 05;08), "The Mad Titan" (HD 06:34), "Beyond The Battle: Titan" (HD 10:58) and "Beyond The Battle: Wakanda" (HD 10:07); four deleted scenes (HD 10:07); a gag reel (HD 02:05); and a Movies Anywhere digital copy code.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10 picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa IMAX, RED Weapon Dragon VV, and RED Weapon Helium S35 camera systems in Ultra Panavision 70 Anamorphic, and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Marvel and Disney have released a 3D Blu-ray Disc, which was requested, but a review copy was not provided,. The 3D conversion was performed by Stereo D and DNEG Stereo.
The movie was photographed reportedly at 6.5K. Other than the real characters, there is extensive motion capture and CGI, which is remarkably well integrated. Picture quality is excellent, with fine detail particularly evident in textural objects. The Wide Color Gamut (WCG) delivers a color palette with striking hue saturation and depth, from the perspective of earthy terrain, battlefields, space, and colorful costumes. Fleshtones are naturally hued as are those of computer-generated faces and bodies. HDR contrast extends blacks deeply and solidly and white brightness as well, with revealing shadow delineation throughout. Resolution is superb throughout. Fine detail is exhibited not only in object textures, but also in costumes and fabric texture and wear, facial features, including skin pores, hair, beards and complexions, and environmental settings. Such sharpness enhances the more distant backdrops past the near-field focus and enhances the overall appreciation of image dimensionality. WOW! scenes are numerous and include, beginning with the opening scene from 00:50 to 07:32, 0:59:36 to 01:00:32, 01:05:07 to 01:08:20, 01:24:14 to 01:30:00, 01:34:40 to 01:36:25, 01:44:00 to 01:44:32 and 02:04:06 to 02:04:32. This is a most impressive picture with striking colors and sharp imagery, with numerous reference instances. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is at its very best played at high volume to reproduce the full spectrum dynamics. This is an ear-level, aggressively energized holosonic® experience with sounds that move throughout the soundfield. Bass is extended deep in the .1 LFE subwoofer channel providing added hump to blasts, thumps, thuds, debris and rubble that define the intense action scenes. At times the low-end response could be more intense and deliver enhanced pounding energy at the listener in scenes of wizardry, laser blasts, and explosions from bombs dropped on the battlefield by the War Machine. Nuances, including the more intimate character moments, also enhance the dimensional experience and provide subtle environmental signatures in the surrounds. Alan Silvestri's orchestral/choral score provides the necessary sweeping and bold support with a wide and deep soundstage that extends to the surrounds, and which is well recorded and dynamic sounding. The score under the extensive credit roll is wonderful. Dialogue, including the extensive ADR, is intelligible throughout, though, a bit boomy and wanting in spatial delineation.

The Immersive Sound element involves numerous sonics, including the frontal orchestral score at a low level, a sound effect supporting two body lifts upward, a metal door sound gliding up to open, a one-second swooping sound and an instant sword sound. There is nothing of sonic impact in the height layer. Obviously, the sound design does not include sonics for the height layer. The Immersive Sound element is a total disappointment, especially in light of the opportunity to create spherical dimensionality in virtually every frame.

While the Immersive Sound element provides no enhanced dimensionality, the ear-level Dolby TrueHD tracks are exciting and aggressively employed throughout the soundfield, for an engaging holosonic experience. (Gary Reber)