Adaptation. 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		0.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Adaptation. 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released the 2002 film 'Adaptation.,' starring Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep, directed by Spike Jonze, to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/Dolby Vision video and Dolby Atmos audio. The film was previously released to Blu-ray in 2012 by Image Entertainment. This release includes the lone extras from that disc while adding in a couple of trailers.

Adaptation. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc.

Sony's 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD presentation of Adaptation. scores a major win for the film and the format. As usual, the studio has done a first-rate job bringing a catalogue title to UHD. This one meets all expectations for filmic excellence and color output stability. The 2160p resolution yields an impactful filmic veneer. The picture holds to a natural grain structure which is pleasantly organic with only mild spikes in intensity. The result is a firm and faithfully cinematic image that captures textures with elegant clarity and complexity. Everything from balding heads of hair and facial sweat to fine skin lines and complex clothing seams are brought to life with a startling array of natural complexity and accuracy that brings out the best of the film elements. Likewise, varied environments are a treat for natural clarity and lifelike detail, whether home interiors, movie sets, swamps, or cafes; there are a number of detail-rich locations seen throughout the film, not a single one of which disappoints. Also of note is the absence of print degradation and encode faults.

The Dolby Vision color grading breathes new life into the film, offering not a barrage of colorful components but rather a satisfyingly grounded tonal elegance. The entire color spectrum here is naturally occurring with highlights that reveal fine color depth and exuberance alike, offering great balance and integrity in every frame. The color gamut here is not meant to be showy or bold, but the naturally occurring accuracy and authenticity show through with this delightful grading. Whites are crisp and black levels mean business for depth and accuracy without absorbing any fine detail. Skin tones appear healthy and true. Adaptation. has never looked so good, nor will it look better for some time.

Adaptation. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Sony translates Adaptation. to the UHD format with a well-rounded Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The film's sonic requirements are not significant, but the Atmos track certainly offers a pleasing sense of depth, engagement, and finesse that bring the movie to more vivid life than would a simple 5.1 track alone. The track opens up with some beautiful atmosphere around the nine-minute mark during a key outdoor scene. Birds, light winds, rustling leaves, and other elements offer light but substantial and realistic engagement all through the stage, drawing the listener fully and effortlessly into the scene. A truck bounces down the road around the 36-minute mark with excellent engagement and immersion. Likewise, various scenes on the set of Being John Malkovich also offer light but mood-critical immersion. Such location elements rank as amongst the finest and most lifelike audio cues in the film. Music is generally light but offers wonderful clarity and wide front space engagement. Dialogue propels the film, and it holds to solid clarity and prioritization from a natural front-center position.

Adaptation. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of Adaptation. contains a paltry assortment of bonus content, including the singular extra from the Image disc and two additional extras. All of the extras are on the UHD disc; no Blu-ray disc is included. Please click here for coverage of the carryover extra. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with a non-embossed slipcover.

• NEW! The 3 Trailer (1080p, 1:46): A trailer for the fictional film within the film, with some familiar voices in key roles.
• Behind the Scenes in the Swamp
• NEW! Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 2:27).

Adaptation. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In his review, Michael Reuben said it well: "as long you don't mind the incessant head games, it's an entertaining ride." Adaptation. has a lot going for it, but mainstream appeal is probably not one of them. This is a film lover's and creative thinker's movie, and it plays extraordinarily well in those arenas. Sony's UHD looks and sounds amazing. Extras are scant, but the movie speaks well for itself as it is. Recommended.