If you pay attention to what’s going on in the technical side of the industry, you’ll have been hearing about 4K for some months now. It’s the new system which, with the right equipment, will finally allow you to enjoy films at home in the same quality in which you see them at the cinema. But although Panasonic 4K TVs and similar have been around for a while, there was, until recently, not very much to watch on them. A few sporting fixtures were being broadcast in the format and there was an initial set of a dozen discs to consider. Now, at last, viewing options are expanding.
Although Amazon and Netflix stream some 4K films, the best way to see them is on Ultra HD Blu-ray, a format designed to maximise the potential of your 4K TV. This means, alas, that you’ll have to buy your favourite films all over again, but once you’ve watched them like this you won’t want to go back. With a much larger set of films now available in the format, we took a look at five of the best.
The Martian
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| The Martian |
When it comes to creating memorable visuals, there are few directors better than Ridley Scott, whose Blade Runner became a blueprint for futuristic design in films that is still echoed by other directors more than 30 years later. He returned to science fiction for this enjoyably humanistic tale of one man against nature, which sees Matt Damon's astronaut botanist and engineer Mark Watney battle for survival after becoming stranded on the Red Planet. Released by 20th Century Fox as one of its first tranche of 4K titles, Mars looks out of this world. Importantly, the film isn't just about the visuals, though, with Damon's engagingly humorous portrayal and a gripping narrative offering plenty to enjoy beyond eye candy.
Mad Max: Fury Road
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| Mad Max: Fury Road |
Few films made this century have combined such spectacular cinematography and editing as George Miller’s triumphant return to the post-Apocalyptic Australian badlands. With talk of a Furiosa-centred prequel now underway (after all, Miller only said that he wouldn’t return to Max) it’s a great time to pick up a copy of the film that you can watch in the quality it deserves. 4K will also let you appreciate the detailed work put into costume and set design that allows viewers to subconsciously assimilate the brutal world in which our heroes challenge the will of a warlord, but it’s the beautifully judged framing and the space it creates for stunt work that really thrills. You’ll want to take it with you to Valhalla.
Chappie
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| Chappie |
Director Neill Blomkamp is among the best when it comes to integrating robotics into the real world and it’s a shame this futuristic action thriller about an artificial intelligence robot facing tough choices as he 'grows up' didn't get more love when it was in cinemas, as it delivers on the early promise of District 9. The film was originally shot and mastered in 4k, making this a smooth transition to UHD Blu-ray release and allowing full appreciation of Blomkamp's intricately worked visuals, particularly the finely rendered character of Chappie himself.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
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| Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon |
Ang Lee’s epic tale of politics, romance, martial arts and the quest for a legendary sword has been crying out for a release that would let it be enjoyed at home in all its glory. Now, on 4K, viewers can fully appreciate the rippling grass, the swirling silk robes and the swaying bamboo forests. Depth is restored to darker scenes that had lost some of their visual impact on traditional DVD and Blu-ray, and it’s easier to appreciate the subtle acting work going on even when the performers are at a distance from the camera. If you enjoyed this film on release, it’s well worth returning to it now that it can be appreciated as its creators intended.
Labyrinth
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| Labyrinth |
It’s not just adults who can appreciate a high quality viewing experience, and it’s not just kids who can appreciate David Bowie as the goblin king. Whatever your age, you can find something to enjoy in Jim Henson’s creature feature fairytale, which also stars a young Jennifer Connelly as the teenager determined to rescue her baby brother from the titular structure before time runs out. The visual effects may be old fashioned but they’re imaginatively designed and beautifully realised, so that the improved picture quality enhances the experience rather than showing up flaws. The effect is of a splendid piece of theatre captured on film; it may be a simple fable, but look at it this way and it will show you your dreams.
Editor's note: this is a sponsored article.
