FIFTY SHADES FREED 4K REVIEWED
“Fifty Shades Freed” finally puts a capper on housewives’ love affair with erotic literature adaptations. Yet, it also ruins those fantasies by turning the dreamy rough sex and dominance into forced domestic bliss. Most of the movie is the honeymoon and Anastasia having to learn that the S&M baggage didn’t stop at the aisle. When the film decides to have a second thought villain that originated in the last film, it feels like a honey-do chore rather than impending doom.
Dakota Johnson is still cute enough and what kept audiences moistened to their seats is still there. It’s just that the tone has changed. What was sexy as young lovers rising above and below their stations to play grab ass was intense. Now, they’re a married couple trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t quite fit their bedroom demands. Then, that ending! These lovely Sadists in the making were supposed to rise above tradition and not be defined by it. I guess this is how Obi-Wan felt watching Anakin muddle about legless on the shores of Mustafar.
FIFTY SHADES OF PRESENTATION
The 4K presentation is the best upscaled 4K I’ve seen in this generation. While the film wasn’t shot in true 4K, non-videophiles won’t be able to tell the difference. While that is a pressing problem with these early gen 4K releases, time will correct it as more people adapt to the format. I do appreciate the choice of DTS: X over Atmos. Too many people can’t tell the difference with Atmos in a home environment. I can configure my theater into Atmos listening, but the bass and back channels always seems to beat into my kidneys.
The special features follow a pattern established by the home video releases for the other two films. While I would’ve loved a commentary, I’m not sure how much James Foley had to say about this. That being said, it’s an excellent Mother’s Day gift. Don’t be a prude about getting your mom a Fifty Shades movie. She needs it.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Deleted Scene
- Featurettes
- Music Videos
A/V STATS
- 2.40:1 2160p transfer
- DTS: X
RELEASE DATE: 5/8/18