We’re well into 2018 now, and great news is that the big 4K Ultra HD releases have really been cranking up. March saw five recent cinema smashes and five great back catalogue releases, and the more we yabber here, the longer it takes to tell you about them! So, here’s our 4K March 2018 release round-up…
4K Ultra HD system demos of the month (yes, two!)
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Release date: March 28
Fans may not agree whether this eighth episode in the main line of Star Wars flicks rocks or not, but nobody can deny how wonderful this 4K Ultra HD release is. It’s the Star Wars universe’s first foray onto the format, and it throws down a gauntlet to all 4K discs to come. This one hits home with a Dolby Vision and HDR-enhanced pure 4K transfer, giving us George Lucas’ universe as we’ve never seen it before. It was shot on film, so there’s an ever-so-slight grain that’s completely unobstrusive, leaving a level of detail that is truly astonishing. If essentially flawless vision isn’t enough, the Dolby Atmos sound mix is big, bold and totally stunning. Everything works together to easily make this the most mind-blowing Star Wars home cinema experience yet. As for the movie itself, you can read our review here.
Murder On the Orient Express
Release date: March 21
With an insanely big cast of notables, this Agatha Christie update from Kenneth Branagh delivers a pure 4K experience with HDR enhancement that joins Star Wars: The Last Jedi as one of the most filmic treats that we’ve experienced on 4K Ultra HD. Shot on 65mm film, the transfer to 4K is very much an accomplished one, with just the merest of grain belying its original source. Laurels weren’t rested upon when it came to audio, either, with a Dolby Atmos mix that deftly flits between subtle and powerful when called upon – this’ll have gunzels everywhere swooning! Want more story info? Read STACK‘s movie review here.
What other new releases hit 4K Ultra HD in March?
Thor: Ragnarok
Release date: March 7
Letting Taika Waititi loose in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a stroke of genius, with him delivering one of the best – and funniest – Marvel movie outings yet. Plus, added Jeff Goldblum! This one comes to us via a 2K upscale with HDR enhancement, delivering the movie’s astonishing range of colours appropriately vividly, while showing more detail of the likes of Hulk than we’ve ever experienced before. Wielding a Dolby Atmos mix audio-wise, a definite highlight is the arena battle, as sonics fly all over the room (as they should in such a scene). For more story details, check out STACK’s movie review here.
Groundhog Day
Release date: March 7
It’s Groundhog Day! It’s Groundhog Day! It’s Groundhog Da… OK, we’ll shut up now. The classic Bill Murray cackfest celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and we get to party with this brand new 4K release. It’s a pure 4K affair taken from the original negative and given HDR enhancement. Not only that, it also has a shiny new Dolby Atmos soundtrack – it’s like waking up with Sonny and Cher right next to you! Want to read our full review? Just click here. Bing!
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Release date: March 7
With the new generation of Lara coming to cinemas soon, we get to revisit old school Croft in the form of Angelina Jolie. This one is a proper 4K release, with added HDR (and Dolby Vision if your gear supports it). While an Atmos or DTS:X sound mix could have been awesome, instead we get DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Our review of this release is here.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life
Release date: March 7
More Lara adventure, with the second of the Jolie-era Tomb Raider flicks. Unlike the one above, it’s an upscaled 2K release. It’s bolstered by having both HDR and Dolby Vision options, and is once again – a little disappointingly – accompanied by DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound. Oh look, our review of it is right here!
Straight Outta Compton
Release date: March 7
Director F. Gary Gray’s biopic on rap pioneers NWA hits 4K Ultra HD toting an upscaled, HDR-enhanced 2K transfer, as well as a wonderfully booming new DTS:X soundtrack – check out that chopper near the start! As well as an F. Gary Gray commentary on the 4K disc, both the cinematic and unrated director’s cut are included.
The Dark Crystal
Release date: March 7
The classic Jim Henson fantasy tale is set to wow audiences anew with a fresh, pure 4K transfer (with HDR enhancement) and Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Look out for the gorgeous JB exclusive Anniversary Edition. Meanwhile, if you wish to know more about this exciting 4K Ultra HD release, our more detailed review is right here.
Justice League
Release date: March 14
Our other smash superhero flick for the month, DC’s latest comes to 4K Ultra HD with an upscaled 2K transfer (featuring both HDR and Dolby Vision) and it delivers a vision of the often dark DC world in style. A booming Dolby Atmos sound mix accompanies proceedings with aplomb. Want story? Check out our movie review right about here.
Paddington 2
Release date: March 21
Paddo! One of the most delightful family movies in years, this second tale of the bear from deepest, darkest Peru is sure to delight even the grouchiest of viewers. It comes all the way from South America (well, wherever the disc was actually pressed) packing a pleasingly detailed upscaled 2K transfer that features both HDR and Dolby Vision (should your gear support it) enhancement, and includes an appropriately playful Dolby Atmos audio mix. Should you wish, you can read our review of the movie here.
Wow, what a month! 4K is really taking off in a big way so, as always, stay tuned to STACK for all the latest 4K Ultra HD release info and reviews.
Want to know what to get next? Check out STACK‘s 4K Ultra HD specifications guide.
