In 1993, a breakthrough new technology, known as CRISPR, gave scientists a path to treat incurable diseases through genetic editing. In 2016, due to its potential for misuse, the U.S. Intelligence Community designated genetic editing a “Weapon of Mass Destruction and Proliferation.”
Global icon Dwayne Johnson headlines the action-adventure Rampage, directed by Brad Peyton.
Rampage was produced by Beau Flynn, John Rickard, Brad Peyton and Hiram Garcia. It marks the third collaboration between Johnson, Peyton, Flynn and Garcia, following the international blockbuster hit San Andreas, Warner Bros.’ highest grossing film of 2015, as well as 2012’s global smash Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. Now, you get the newest release in the highest format, 4K UHD.
Plot: Primatologist Davis (Dwayne Johnson) shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent silverback gorilla who has been in his care since he was young. When a greed-fueled corporation’s genetic experiment goes awry, George and other animals across the country are mutated into aggressive supercreatures who destroy everything in their path. In this adrenaline-filled ride, Davis tries to find an antidote, not only to halt a global catastrophe but also to save the fearsome creature who was once his friend.
Director: Brad Petyton
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Runtime: 107 min
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 52% & IMDB 6.2/10
Unboxing (see below)
Review:
There is a light level of grain that can be seen throughout the movie and keeping with the little things, the black levels were solid and they hit just right as well. The close up shots of faces show everything that 4K UHD has offered us; pores, beard stubble, sweat, blood, dirt etc. That wasn’t the highlight of this disc though… The highlight of this disc was the HDR, everything was brighter and full of way more color over the standard Blu.
There were a few scenes that you could tell they were in front of a backdrop, or heavy CGI around the actors that were noticeable, but nothing that took away from the film.
I jotted down a few of highlights during last night’s watch — some of the things that caught my eye.
In Chapter 4 you get a nice up close and personal shot of the military Black Ops guy and the wolf standing right behind him. The CGI is on point down to the little marks on the teeth and the tongue/gums in the mouth.
In Chapter 6 after the crash scene, you get a pan over a huge corn field with all the debris from the plane. There’s a lot of detail in the rubble around the crash and the HDR gets some good use with the crops.
During Chapters 7 & 8 you get the introduction of the crocodile coming out of the water with the city in the background and the glare of the sun. Great clarity and color + it’s a pretty awesome shot. This continues with the animals causing havoc destroying buildings, tanks, helicopters, etc. The destruction puts you front and center, looks great on UHD.
Another side note: (spoilers) is when the Gorilla eats Malin Akerman’s character. Clarity galore, one of the cleanest shots of the entire film.
Finally, in Chapter 10 you get a great super-slow-motion shot of George dealing the final blow.
Conclusion:
There has been some negativity around this film post release, but it’s not terrible by any means. Every movie opinion is subjective, but to me this is an easy-going, fun popcorn flick — something you can throw in and enjoy a couple times, or at the very least give it a rent on a Friday night. Outside of the film, I I wanted more out of the disc. This movie has the type of presentation that seemed like it would shine brightly in the UHD format. It’s definitely a jump over the Blu with some great HDR usage, but this is more of a standard UHD disc when it comes right down to the overall quality.
If you loved the film, it’s definitely worth adding to your collection, but as a blind buy? That’s up to you. If you like to collect, this will be a great Black Friday purchase, but I do recommend that you give it a rent and then decide if you want to own it. It’s a fun action-packed film.
Cheers,
Matt.
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