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Monday, October 2, 2023

4K Digital Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

 


Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny opens in 1944 with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his partner Basil Shaw (Toby Jones) captured by the Nazi's while trying to save a historical artifact. They pair come across half of Archimedes dial, an artifact desired by Jurgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen).

We then flash-forward twenty-five years to New York where Indy lives alone and is heading towards retirement. Grieving the loss of his son and nearing a divorce of his wife Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indy is found by his god daughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), the daughter of Basil Shaw. Helena cons Indy into giving her his half of the dial and we are off on an adventure. Indy must stop Helena from selling the dial or before Voller acquires it. 

Harrison Ford is wonderful in his final film as Indiana Jones. Once again his comedic timing is spot on. And this time around he plays Indy as a heartbroken man whose grief and love of history leaves him feeling stranded in the present. 

Director James Mangold unfortunately just doesn't deliver what Steven Spielberg could. The action sequences feel flat and it feels like Mangold felt the pressure of the other films. But as we head towards the film's finale, Mangold puts his own touch on the franchise that tugs on our sense of nostalgia. This brings the film to an effective final scene.


Video:

The 4K digital stream is a stunning transfer. The opening sequence, underwater sequence and interiors feature strong contrast with rich, inky blacks and wonderful shadow detail. The details in Indy's face and cloth textures are phenomenal. 


Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track is immersive and makes wonderful use of all the speakers. Dialogue is front and center, the surround channels are extremely active and the LFE adds something extra to the explosions. Just a solid audio track that one expects from Disney and an Indiana Jones movie.

Bonus Features:
The Making of Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny
  • Chapter 1 – Prologue – Harrison Ford leaps back into action as Indiana Jones! Journey to 1944 as this featurette reveals the filmmakers, characters, stunts, locations, and incredible visual effects that make up the thrilling opening of Dial of Destiny!
  • Chapter 2 – New York – Blast off to adventure as James Mangold showcases the re-creation of 1969 Manhattan for the Moon Parade chase. This featurette spotlights Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) as John Williams conducts his beautiful new theme for this compelling character.
  • Chapter 3 – Morocco – The man in the hat is back! Explore Morocco as this featurette breaks down the white-knuckle stunts of the medina tuk-tuk chase and hotel brawl. Meet Teddy (Ethann Isidore), Indy’s precocious new ally in the hunt for the dial!
  • Chapter 4 – Sicily – Meet Renaldo (Antonio Banderas) as he guides our heroes on a perilous underwater treasure hunt! Catch up with Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge on location in Sicily and explore the caverns, traps, and bugs surrounding Archimedes’ tomb!
  • Chapter 5 – Finale – This featurette breaks down the thrilling climax to the Indiana Jones series. Cast and filmmakers James Mangold, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, John Williams, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford bid farewell to one of the greatest heroes of all time.
Conclusion:

Even with it's faults, this was still a fun Indiana Jones film that is said to be the last of the series. A fantastic video transfer and audio track combined with bonus features that left me wanting more makes this a worthy addition to your library.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is available now on digital and has yet to be announced as a physical copy.

*The digital copy was provided for review purposes by Walt Disney Home Entertainment and the review is strictly my own opinion*


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