THE HUNGER GAMES REVIEWED
“The Hunger Games” has arrived in 4K. If you’ve been following the site for the last few days, I’ve been tackling each one in a random manner. Well, that’s because I was never a fan of the book or a devoted follower of series continuity. This is a film franchise made of moments buoyed by an incredible first film. Being a film made up of moments allows for several reference quality sequences to be highlighted on a new home entertainment format.
As I demo scenes from the initial battle, the Tribute selection or Katniss’s dress being on fire…a few things become apparent. 4K Ultra HD HDR does amazing work with shimmer and it shows off a sense of flow that I’ve yet to see replicated on home video. Pair that with the concussive 3D audio blast of Dolby Atmos and high-end enthusiasts are running out of reasons to head out to the theater. But, what doesn’t work for me after four films in 4K?
Well, the 4K only shines in the big spectacle and CG heavy moments. When an audience has to watch Donald Sutherland or later Julianne Moore sulk around a set, it’s drab and uninteresting. The later movies’ resistance has an underground bunker that just seems that more drab in 4K. But, that’s slicing and dicing moments to find something to sour on. What matters is that Lionsgate is evolving alongside the new format and their success is bearing fruit.
If you’re in the market for a 4K upgrade during Christmas, the Hunger Games movies are a must-have for the new format. I promise you that these releases will be reappearing in our AV End of Year lists.
SPECIAL FEATURES (only on the 4K disc)
- Commentaries
- Featurettes
HOW DIFFERENT IS THE 4K TO THE BLU-RAY?
A/V STATS
- 2.40:1 2160p transfer
- Dolby Atmos / DTS-HD 7.1 master audio track
