4K - 8K Resolution and/or Dolby Atmos/DTSX Content Reviews

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Kill Bill 1&2 4k Disc

PQ- Disappointing. That's the word I would use to describe the picture quality for these 4k transfers. KB1 being the worst. The picture is maybe a smidge better than blu ray, only because they added HDR. So, the colors do get a little pop, but the overall picture itself has blotches and smudges. It doesn't look like they did anything to upgrade the picture. These movies are from a 2kDI. Which to me, are the worst kind of 4k upgrades. If you want to call them that. They didn't even use the original film scan. These were approved by Tarantino. So that's disappointing that this is what he's calling "good" 4k transfer. KB2 looks better overall. I'm not sure why, they were both shot on film but both were 2kDI's. Closeup's in the 2nd one looked really good. Better lighting I suppose. Overall picture score I'm giving a 5/10.

SQ- Both movies have the original lossless 5.1 mix. They sound great! That's probably the best technical thing about these 4k discs. Dialogue is easy to hear, action scenes have plenty of sound going on around. In the second movie, when they bury the bride, you can hear the dirt flying in from over top. It's pretty cool. Overall sound score I will give an 8/10.

Overall- The actual movies themselves are a fun watch. They aren't my favorite Tarantino movies, but they're fun. I would rate them a 7.5/10 (combined). If you're on the fence about upgrading from your blu ray, I would wait to get these on super sale.

I only watched a few minutes of KB1/KB2, but I can see what you mean regarding the PQ. When I saw them, the first thing I thought was, "Man, these look just like the 1080p versions!"

Technology is great. Good thing most movies these days are shot using 4K digital cameras or at least get transferred immediately to 4K Digital Masters so they will look great forever.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The other Tarantino movie that some reviewers are trying to tell people was "big improvement" was Inglorious Bastards. Universal released the 4k. Didn't get rave reviews. Then Arrow Video (who is a great at 4k transfers) got the rights to the movie and just released their version. Well, there is almost nothing different between them. You have a split base of people saying "big improvements" and other half saying "very minor changes" with supporting pictures. I'm not double dipping. I will just keep my Universal copy. I really hate when the big companies release a 4k transfer and then a year or so later, they sell the rights to a boutique distributor and then they do their own 4k restoration. I would just like it done once and done the right way. I know it's a huge ask.

You getting "Reservoir Dogs" or "Jackie Brown" 4K ?

 

[Movie2099]

You getting "Reservoir Dogs" or "Jackie Brown" 4K ?

Already owned Reservoir Dogs. The one that just came out is a re-release with a new steelbook. I also got Jackie Brown. I actually just watched it a few months ago for the first time. Hahaha, finally got around to it. I do believe this new 4k transfer has been getting positive reviews.

 

[j_garcia]

I only watched a few minutes of KB1/KB2, but I can see what you mean regarding the PQ. When I saw them, the first thing I thought was, "Man, these look just like the 1080p versions!"

Technology is great. Good thing most movies these days are shot using 4K digital cameras or at least get transferred immediately to 4K Digital Masters so they will look great forever.

I have the BDs. Sounds like I probably don't need to upgrade for KB1&2. It sounds like Pulp Fiction is similar, that it wasn't a dramatic upgrade and even the audio was ported over.

Was just reading about the 30th anniversary release of Pulp Fiction and it seems Tarantino is not a fan of physical media and home viewing. So he does not get involved in working on or approving updated home releases. That is likely why the upgrades are not significant.

I did see they are releasing a complete 4K release of Twin Peaks. Seems to include everything - Original series, the second series, Fire Walk With Me, and a ton of bonus content. I went ahead and preordered it, even though it is really only the original 2 season series that I enjoy the most.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have the BDs. Sounds like I probably don't need to upgrade for KB1&2. It sounds like Pulp Fiction is similar, that it wasn't a dramatic upgrade and even the audio was ported over.

Was just reading about the 30th anniversary release of Pulp Fiction and it seems Tarantino is not a fan of physical media and home viewing. So he does not get involved in working on or approving updated home releases. That is likely why the upgrades are not significant.

I did see they are releasing a complete 4K release of Twin Peaks. Seems to include everything - Original series, the second series, Fire Walk With Me, and a ton of bonus content. I went ahead and preordered it, even though it is really only the original 2 season series that I enjoy the most.

Many older BD to 4K conversions aren’t impressive. One reception is “Se7en”.

 

[Movie2099]

Many older BD to 4K conversions aren’t impressive. One reception is “Se7en”.

If the 4k restoration companies use the actual original film for the 4k scan, the picture is going to look amazing. It's when they don't do that and then take the 2KDI (blu ray) copy and then upgrade that version to 4k and don't make any changes to it. It's the cheap way to turn a buck for some of these bigger studios. Since they can attach Tarantino's name to it, they know they'll make millions from them without having to do a lot of work.

Se7en is a recent example of what actual 4k restoration can do to an older movie. That movie has never looked better.

 

[Movie2099]

I have the BDs. Sounds like I probably don't need to upgrade for KB1&2. It sounds like Pulp Fiction is similar, that it wasn't a dramatic upgrade and even the audio was ported over.

Was just reading about the 30th anniversary release of Pulp Fiction and it seems Tarantino is not a fan of physical media and home viewing. So he does not get involved in working on or approving updated home releases. That is likely why the upgrades are not significant.

I did see they are releasing a complete 4K release of Twin Peaks. Seems to include everything - Original series, the second series, Fire Walk With Me, and a ton of bonus content. I went ahead and preordered it, even though it is really only the original 2 season series that I enjoy the most.

I've never seen Twin Peaks. It's always been something on my radar, but I've never taken the time to watch it. I'm behind on my David Lynch movies. So, I think this year will be a good time to get caught up. I have his version of Dune on my list. I have to pick up Lost Highway and Blue Velvet when they drop on sale. I'm a fan of Wild at Heart. I also need to rewatch Mulholland Drive. Haven't seen it since high school.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've never seen Twin Peaks. It's always been something on my radar, but I've never taken the time to watch it.

I tried watching Twin Praks a few times. Just couldn’t tolerate it. I recently tried again a few weeks ago. Same results.

And so I decided to just read about the plots. And then I really didn’t want to watch Twin Peaks since I hate themes about supernatural spirits.

 

[j_garcia]

I've never seen Twin Peaks. It's always been something on my radar, but I've never taken the time to watch it. I'm behind on my David Lynch movies. So, I think this year will be a good time to get caught up. I have his version of Dune on my list. I have to pick up Lost Highway and Blue Velvet when they drop on sale. I'm a fan of Wild at Heart. I also need to rewatch Mulholland Drive. Haven't seen it since high school.

I loved Wild at Heart. Lost Highway got a little lost for me, good, but very Lynch odd. Mulholland was good. His original Dune, though very much compressed, was very fun to watch. I saw it in theaters.

Twin Peaks isn't about a spirit exactly. It is super campy but also intense. It is an oddball for sure, but that is what made it fun.

My Se7en 4K should be coming tomorrow.