Green Knight, The 4K Ultra HD

"The Green Knight" is a re-telling of the 14th century medieval story of "Sir Gawain And The Green Knight." Sir Gawain (Dev Patel) is King Arthur's reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves and schemers in what becomes a deeper journey to define his character and prove his worth in the eyes of his family and kingdom. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featuettes "Boldest Of Blood And Wildest Of Heart" (HD 35:23), "Practitioners Of Magic: Visual Effects" (HD 4:39) and "Illuminating Techniques: Title Design" IHD 07:53); a theatrical trailer; upfront previews and a digital code.

The 1.85:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa 65 camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture is often beautiful and stylized. The opening scene transitions gradually from black-and-white to color for a dramatic effect. Natural lighting is exhibited throughout with excellent shadow delineation within the medieval structures' interior scenes. Color fidelity is superb with fine nuances exhibited in hues, courtesy of a wide color gamut. Colors are muted under mostly overcast, cloudy skies, but appear natural in such environmental settings. The imagery is absolutely gorgeous at times. HDR contrast is naturally dynamic with sun-drenched bright levels, revealing shadows in candlelit settings, and natural black levels. Resolution is finely defined in textural densities; facial features, such as pores, hair, beard and skin complexions; fabric clothing and object texture, such as stone structures, wooden furniture and metal characteristic of swords and the hatchet. This is a visually captivating picture that is thoroughly satisfying. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack features a wonderful orchestral/choral score with excellent fidelity. The music is spread wide and deep across the soundstage with enveloping extension to the surrounds. Dialogue is nicely integrated spatially, but when ADR is employed the integration is wanting. Powerful sound effects and realistic atmospherics provide effective realism. Among the more impactful sequences is a great thunder and lightening storm with powerful deep bass extension enhanced with .1 LFE deep bass energy. Foley sound effects are amazing. The outdoor wilderness scenes are enlivened with effective ambient environmental effects.

The Immersive Sound element opens with a haunting voice, a church bell, choral voicing with minimal orchestral sounds, dialogue extension and atmospheric sound effects, The music plays throughout for effective height extension. Dialogue remains extended in the stone-walled interiors of the kingdom. As the Green Knight enters the King's round table, the intensity of the music and sound effects fill the height layer along with his, the king's and Gawain's muted voices. More dialogue and Foley ambiance effects proceed along with the music. As he goes on his journey, there are
atmospherics in the forest, subtle voices and choral and orchestral music. The sound design is heard throughout. This is a very effective Immersive Sound element that enhances spatial dimensionality.

This is a nicely crafted holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that does not disappoint. (Gary Reber)