Hotel Mumbai

"Hotel Mumbai" is a visceral movie that serves as a beautiful tribute to those that lived and died during the historical terrorist attack. This is a true story of humanity and heroism that vividly recounts the 2008 siege of the famed Taj Hotel by a group of terrorists in Mumbai, India. Among the dedicated hotel staff is the renowned Chef Hemant Oberoi (Kher) and a waiter (Patel) who chose to risk their lives to protect their guests. As the world watches on, a desperate couple (Hammer and Boniadi) is forced to make unthinkable sacrifices to protect their newborn child. (Gary Reber)

Special features include four featurettes: "Story And Cast" (HD 02:40), "Finding The True Story" (HD 02:16), "Humanity Within Tragedy" (HD 01:53) and "Real-Life Heroes" (HD 02:24); and upfront previews.

The 2.39:1 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 in anamorphic Panavision® with the Arri Alexa XT Plus camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture is comprised at times of filtered camera capture, which conveys a slight orangish hue. At other times, the imagery is naturally hued, with natural fleshtones. The imagery in either case is warmly hued, Additionally, there is archival footage, which enhances the realism. The realism is dramatic with excellent resolution throughout. Facial features, including skin pores, complexions, hair, beards and clothing, as well as automatic weapons, are nicely resolved. As well, the multitude of textures in the architecture of the hotel, both exterior and interior, are well defined. The numerous scenes of automatic gunfire and bullet hits, as well as smoke from explosions, are frighteningly realistic. Close-ups are incredibly revealing. Contrast is excellent with deep, solid blacks, revealing shadow delineation and natural lightening effects, including explosions. This is a very disturbing and realistic depiction of a terrorist siege of the Taj Mahal Palace & Towers in Mumbai. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is very dynamic sounding with sound effects that excite the soundfield, such as automatic gunfire, grenades, and explosions. The orchestral score is effectively enveloping with a wide and deep soundstage that aggressively fills the surround field. The music plays a prominent role in setting the emotional impact of the siege. Foley sound effects are very real sounding. Deep bass extends to sub-25 Hz frequencies during the music and explosions. Surround presence is not directionalized but nevertheless enveloping. Dialogue throughout is intelligible and the English subtitles are well positioned within the frame. This is a powerful holosonic® soundtrack that is well crafted to deliver the sense of continuous terror, (Gary Reber)