5 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Anastasia and Christian get married, but Jack Hyde continues to threaten their relationship.
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Arielle Kebbel, Tyler Hoechlin, Brant DaughertyRomance | 100% |
Erotic | 57% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS:X
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French (Canada): DTS 5.1
Spanish: DTS-HD HR 7.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The Fifty Shades film series has emerged as the 21st century's big budget cinema answer to "Skinamax." Loose plots and looser clothes have resulted in, what, around six hours of the not-so-fabled romance between Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), the man as hunky as he is rich, and Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson), the beautiful girl-next-door who falls for the man whose bondage playroom is larger than many apartments. Perhaps the novels are richer in texture and flavor -- this reviewer has not read them -- but the films have largely been dramatic black holes and exercises in shoddy acting and scriptwriting, favoring disrobed leads and disengaged narratives rather than sturdy storytelling with salacious sex thrown in for good measure. Fifty Shades Freed, the final installment in the trilogy, sees the power couple take a couple of big steps in their relationship, though not without taking a few back and taking everything off on several occasions.
Tub kiss!
Fifty Sahdes Freed was reportedly photographed at a resolution of 2.8K and finished at 2K. This upscaled 4K release builds on the Blu-ray's exemplary image, offering a solid upgrade in overall clarity, sharpness, and color. It makes for a good example of the exchange rate, so to speak, from one format to the other. Even without "true" 4K resolution, the boost in essential detailing is obvious. Skin and clothing textures are, of course, prominent highlights throughout the film, if only because they're generally front-and-center, but environmental details, too, impress with improved robustness. Not only are textures a bit more refined, the sense of brilliant clarity over the Blu-ray is really quite remarkable. The image is crystal-clear; it's very obviously digital, lacking that desirable film texture, but image flatness is never an issue, even if it is somewhat glossy (and beautifully so) in places. The 10-bit HDR colors sparkle. The film's sun-drenched exteriors offer remarkable depth and dazzle, with particular praise for the opening honeymoon stretch that is of reference quality for the format. Colors are very firm, very cheerful, and somehow find greater balance, brilliance, and nuanced accuracy over a Blu-ray that is at the top of the SDR color spectrum. Black levels remain superb, whites are blinding, and flesh tones are wonderful, finding just a shade more warmth and a hint more vitality on the UHD. Universal has done a great job with one and if anything else, the movie is a joy to look at on UHD.
Fifty Shades Freed features a DTS:X Master Audio soundtrack. Music is lively. Notes are energetic and spacious, vocals are crystal-clear, and the low end kicks in for support. Environmental fill effects are realistically engaging, whether street-level city din, airport ambience, or background music and chatter at a restaurant. Both of the latter come together nicely in a club scene in chapter 13, where the energetic music melts into the background with the location din for a key dialogue moment and kicks back up front-and-center for a dance scene moments later. The track produces some quality depth to sports car engine revs in a few scenes (brought to you by Audi). Overhead channels are not used discretely but add a little extra space for the music and effects to breathe. Dialogue is presented without flaw from a natural front-center home.
Fifty Shades Freed, rarity here, contains all of the supplements from the Blu-ray on the UHD disc. The 1080p Blu-ray and a movies anywhere
digital copy code are included with purchase. The UHD also contains both cuts of the film: Theatrical (1:45:18) and Unrated (1:50:18).
Fifty Shades Freed is hostage to bland plot lines and tired themes. The film never breaks from cruise control, not in its story, not in its sex, not in its character advancement. Performances are rather poor but are fairly spirited and comfortable, at least. Universal's UHD dazzles with a picture that's a nice boost over a brilliant Blu-ray. Audio is strong and the supplements are fine. 4K/HDR-capable fans will definitely want to choose this version over the standard Blu-ray. The upgrade is well worth the added cost.
Unrated Edition
2018
Unrated Edition | with bonus content
2018
Unrated Edition
2018
Unrated Edition
2018
Unrated Edition
2017
Unrated Edition
2015
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Special Edition - Theatrical Version
2011
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