4K Digital Review of Alien: Romulus

 

The Alien franchise has been one of my favorites for years. The combination of sci-fi and horror has captivated me for decades. While the more recent takes on the franchise have been less than stellar, Alien: Romulus is a return to form. While it is a standalone film set between the first two movies, it pays homage to the first three movies while carving out its own narrative. 

The story takes place on a remote mining planet. A group of young colonists are joining an expedition to salvage a space station and use it as their opportunity to escape from their livelihood. Little do they know that the station was once a bio-lab where deadly experiments took place. As the station comes back online, so do the creatures that that were meant to be left behind.

Director Fede Alvarez creates an atmosphere that fits the aesthetic of when the original movie was made. It doesn't feel like a harsh leap in technology. It feels rough and gritty like the original movies. Alvarez sets the tone perfectly. The young cast also helps with stellar performances. Led by Rain (Cailee Spaeny), the entire cast is solid and do not try to recreate the performances of any other actors in the franchise.

Video:

The 4K Digital transfer here is stunning. It intensifies everything from the close-ups of the Xenomorphs to the claustrophobic interiors of the space station. The shadows are inky black and the details of the station are crystal clear. The sharpness of the video adds to the intensity of each scene and only adds layers to the creepy atmosphere. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track only adds to the the terror. The sound design is immersive from the acid blood dripping around you to the shrieks of the creatures stalking their prey. The film's score adds to the tension and fear.

Bonus Features:

Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus

• The Director’s Vision – Discover how one of today’s greatest horror directors, Fede Alvarez, collaborated with master filmmaker Ridley Scott to craft a new, heart-pounding chapter in the Alien franchise.
• Creating the Story – Learn what inspired the story of Alien: Romulus and see the many easter eggs from previous Alien installments that you may have missed.
• Casting the Faces – Meet the stars of Alien: Romulus as they take us inside the hearts and minds of their characters. Explore the parallels between Rain and the iconic franchise heroine, Ripley, and learn how filmmakers brought back a face from the past.
• Constructing the World – Explore the massive, practical sets of Alien: Romulus that hearken back to the futuristic style established in the '80s and get up close and personal with a hoard of practically built facehuggers, chestbursters, and xenomorphs.

Inside the Xenomorph Showdown – Experience the film’s climactic zero-gravity sequence from every angle as filmmakers break down what it took to make the moment spectacular. From sets and performances, to wirework, stunts, and VFX, see how it all came together.

Alien: A Conversation – A special conversation with Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez for the Alien 45th Anniversary theatrical re-release.

Alternate / Extended Scenes – Check out scenes that didn't make the final cut.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

Alien: Romulus is now available on digital and on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 3rd.

Conclusion:

Alien: Romulus delivers all of the tension, fear and horror that one expects from an Alien movie. The 4K Digital release only heightens all of these to another level. Extremely detailed video and exceptional audio make this the definitive way to experience the movie. A welcomed addition to your movie library. 

4K Digital Review of Sideways

 

For its 20th Anniversary, Sideways got a 4K Digital release. When the film came out in 2004, it started a cultural movement about wine. And much like the wine, the film has only gotten better with age. 

The story centers around Miles (Paul Giamatti) and his old college roommate Jack (Thomas Haden Church), who is about to get married. They are out on a pre-wedding bachelor trip for wine and a mid-life crisis. Miles is fresh from a divorce and a series of rejections for his unpublished novel. Jack, on the other hand, is ready for his last hurrah. He wants one last fling before he gets married.

Then things begin to take a turn when they meet Maya (Virginia Madsen) and Stephanie (Sandra Oh) who both work at wineries they two men visit. Jack begins a torrid affair with Stephanie while Miles takes a much slower approach with Maya. 

In the end, both men must deal with some hard truths about their lives, their choices and their futures. Life is unpredictable and not always smooth sailing. The fears of aging, regret and second chances all hit home.   

Video:

If you have never seen the film before, then there is no better to experience it. The 4K transfer is stunning and the lush landscapes of California's Wine Country sparkle and shine. The natural light and earthy tones will make you feel like you are right there in wine country. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio mix also really immerses you into the film. The ambient sounds of the backgrounds, the subtle clinking of wine glasses, the crystal clear dialogue and the wonderful jazz score make you feel like you are right there with the actors.

Bonus Features:

    All of the bonus features are from the previous release.

    Audio Commentary from Paul Giamatti and Thomas Hayden Church

    Behind-The-Scenes Featurette

    Theatrical Trailer

    Deleted Scenes

Conclusion:

On the 20th Anniversary of the release of Sideways, the movie ages like fine wine. Incredible performances, humor and heartache make this a modern classic. Whether it is your first time or your 20th time watching it, this 4K release is the definitive way to experience the movie. A fantastic addition to your movie library.

Sideways is available for the first time at digital retailers (Fandango, Prime Video and Apple TV)

*the copy of the film was sent by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of the review and the review is strictly my own opinion*