Imaginary 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Imaginary 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman October 10, 2024

Lionsgate evidently is not done baffling those who pay attention to its release slate of 4K offerings. The studio released Imaginary on 1080 disc a few months ago as this review is being written, but did not offer a wide 4K UHD release at the same time. Now, not only are they getting around to that 4K UHD release (perhaps thinking this would make an agreeably spooky Halloween view?), they've partnered with Amazon for an exclusive SteelBook.

For those interested, my Imaginary Blu-ray review of Lionsgate's 1080 release offers a plot summary and my reaction to the film, along with my assessment of the 1080 disc's technical merits and a list of supplements.

Imaginary 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: I've provided hi res photos of the packaging and a few 1080 screenshots from the 1080 disc in this package, rather than offering screenshots from the 4K disc which would by necessity be downscaled to 1080 and SDR. Additional 1080 screenshots can be viewed with my original review, linked above.

Imaginary is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 2.39:1. Though this release has come along several months after the 1080 release, as of the writing of this review the IMDb still is not offering complete information on its technical specs page, though the source format identified as Arriraw and a source capture resolution of 6.5K certainly point toward Arri Alexa cameras and a 4K DI. (As always with my reviews, if anyone can point me to verifiable authoritative data, I'll happily post an update here.) I was quite taken with Imaginary's 1080 presentation, but as much as the film struck me as a definite "meh", I have to say this 4K version actually nicely improves on fine detail levels on everything from fabrics to more tactile elements like the wicker headboard in an early scene. Dolby Vision / HDR also aid at least marginally in defining shadow detail in any of the many dimly lit or just flat out dark scenes. Dolby Vision / HDR also add some noticeable luster to the evocative uses of blue tones throughout the presentation. CGI may not be particularly helped by the increased resolution.

Imaginary 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Imaginary features the same Dolby Atmos track as was offered on the 1080 disc. The track tends to spring to life most noticeably in some sudden startle effects, as in a scene involving a teen boyfriend of Taylor encountering a "transformed" Chauncey in an upstairs hallway. The opening dream sequence and then the entire Never Ever vignette (which predictably has some Inception-esque "layers") also provide good opportunities for some nicely designed surround activity that is immersive and slightly disorienting feeling, which at least subliminally may add to angst levels. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English, French and Spanish subtitles are available.

Imaginary 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The 4K and 1080 discs offer the same slate of supplements:

• Audio Commentary by Producer / Co-Writer / Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer / Actress DeWanda Wise


• Imaginary: Exploring the Never Ever (HD; 18:53) is perhaps needlessly split into several short featurettes (with a Play All option), but otherwise offers some nice background information and candid footage, along with some fun interviews (Pyper Braun seems to be 10 going on 35 or so).

The SteelBook design is maybe just slightly cartoonish looking, with the front panel almost being reminiscent of an out of control Winnie the Pooh, but both the front and back panels make excellent use of the florid blue and purple tones that are utilized throughout the film itself. Kind of interestingly, both the front and rear panels are just slightly embossed, giving a bit of dimensionality to the imagery. The inner panels can be seen in the fifth and sixth photos accompanying this review. A Mylar O ring adds the film's title to the front and credits to the back.

1080 Blu-ray and digital copies are included.

Imaginary 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Probably like many of you, I reportedly had an imaginary friend of my own when I was very little, albeit evidently a human boy named Jerry, whom according to my mother I would always blame when I was getting in trouble for something. In that regard, another Jeff, namely the main creative force behind this entry, may want to consider blaming his own "Jerry" for some of this slightly wobbly feeling film. There are some passing startle scares here, and some admittedly fun performances, but the ultimate plot feels derivative. Technical merits are solid, the minimal supplements are enjoyable and the SteelBook packaging is colorful if frankly a little silly looking, for anyone who may be considering making purchase.