Shazam! Fury Of The Gods 4K Ultra HD

"Shazam! Fury Of The Gods" continues the story of teenage Billy Batson (Asher Angel) who, upon reciting the magic word "Shazam!," is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam. Bestowed wiith the power of the gods, Billy and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with having adult Super Hero alter-egos. But when the Daughters of Atlas, a vengeful trio of ancient gods, arrive on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Billy––aka Shazam (Zschary Levi)––and hi family are thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of their world. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director David F. Sandberg,; five featurettes: "Shazam! Let's Make A Sequel" (HD 24:49), "The Rock Of Eternity: Decked Out", "The Shazamily Reunion" (HD 05:01), "The Zac Effect" (HD 04:20) and "Pay By Play Scene Breakdown" (HD 10:06) deleted, alternate and extended scenes (HD 31:01) and a Movies Anywhere 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 using the Arri Alexa LF and Arri Alexa Mini LF camera systems and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. The picture exhibits a natural appearance overall and while some segments are stylized with Super Heroes and creatures, the backgrounds and settings appear realistic. Visual effects often appear as poor CGI visuals along with fake-looking costumes. Color fidelity is generally warm and rich with non-exaggerated hues and segments of neon and pop such as illuminated lighting bolts. Flesh tones retain their naturalness throughout. HDR contrast is well balanced wth deep black levels, good shadow delineation and brilliant bright white levels, especially exhibited in the fight between the dragon and Shazam. Resolution is excellent throughout. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack sounds a bit reserved for a Super Hero fantasy movie. the sound level is not reference level and down about 7 dB. The orchestral score is laid back and with more of a background presence, though the soundstage is wide and deep and extends to the surrounds. Atmospherics are realistic. Sound effects also sound reserved with ineffective punch, though deep base extends at times to sub-25 Hz and is powerful. Dialogue is intelligible and generally well integrated spatially.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of an extension of the orchestral score, numerous atmospherics effects and sound effects, such as a bridge collapse, helicopter, dynamic swoop sounds, rumblings, dragon effects, creature growls and other sounds. Some subtle dialogue and crowd noises are extended as well. The height layer effectively enhances the dimensionality of the soundfield.

This is a generally good holosonic® spherical soundtrack that will please fans. (Gary Reber)