Toy Story 4 4K Ultra HD

"Toy Story 4" is a road trip adventure. When Woody (Hanks), Buzz (Allen) and the gang join Bonnie (Potts) on a road trip with her new craft-project-turned toy, Forky (Hale), the innocent little spark's hilarious antics launch Woody on a wild quest filled with unexpected new characters––and one long-lost friend. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the following featurettes: "Bo Rebooted" (HD 06:21), "Toy Stories" (HD 05:38), "Woody And Buzz" (HD 03:35), "Toy Box" (HD 13:00), "Let's Ride With Ally Maki" (HD 05:41), "Anatomy Of A Scene: Playground" (HD 09:31), "Toy Views: Carnival Run" (HD 01:00) and "View From The Roof" (HD 0:29); seven deleted scenes (HD 28:00); trailers and promo; upfront previews and a Movies Anywhere digital 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 animated digitally and sourced from a 2K (not 4K) master Digital Intermediate format. As the 2K Digital Intermediate has been upconverted to 2160p, there is no real gain in native resolution. This is an incredibly well-crafted animated movie, which takes full advantage of the format's wide color gamut and HDR contrast capabilities. The toy characters appear alive as they exhibit superb resolution and saturated color. The color gamut is exceptionally wide with incredible shading nuances. Color fidelity is superb throughout with vivid hues that characterize the various outfits and toy features. The settings, particularly the amusement park at night with its tremendous range of color, are vividly textured in hues. Deep black levels are perfect as well as shadow creation. Resolution is exceptional with fine detail exhibited throughout, as seen in all of the animated toy and human characters. Fine detail is absolutely amazing, as seen, for example, in Bo's facial shine. This is simply an amazing picture and true work of animation art, as in visual technical achievement and excellence. As far as WOW! segments, virtually every frame is stunning. Early on, the segment from 01:45 to 05:28 sets the standard for the remaining wonderful animation.

The picture is an utterly impressive, digitally created presentation that deserves great praise for its stunning photo-realism and brilliant animation. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dollby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack requires one to turn the volume up to reference level to fully experience its sonic wonder. The orchestral score is terrific and enveloping with a wide soundstage and extension to the surrounds. Atmospheric sound effects are nicely crafted with effective soundstage and soundfield envelopment. Sound effects enhance the dynamic quality of the soundtrack. Deep bass is solid in the action scenes. At times discrete toy voices are directionalized. ADR dialogue is extremely clean with unusually good spatial integration for an animated feature. Foley sound effects are exceptionally well crafted and enhance the sounds traversing across the soundstage. Fidelity is excellent throughout.

Immersive Sound elements are comprised of a limited extension of the orchestral score, rain, thunder and lightening, amusement merry-go-round sounds, and other very, very subtle ambience and sound effects. Even the music is extremely limited. So much could have been done to create a wonderful height layer but it is absent, making this a disappointment.

This is a fun and entertaining soundtrack, though, limited to an ear-level experience that will thrill the family. (Gary Reber)