John Wick: Chapter 4 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

John Wick: Chapter 4 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman June 25, 2023

Amazon is treating fans of the John Wick franchise to a retailer exclusive release of the latest film in the series which offers an extra (1080) disc of bonus material that is not included with Lionsgate's own 4K UHD release of the film. This review will focus on that bonus disc, including the screenshots I've uploaded to accompany this review, which are from the bonus disc.

For my thoughts on the film, please see my John Wick: Chapter 4 4K Blu-ray review of Lionsgate's standard release.

John Wick: Chapter 4 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

John Wick: Chapter 4 is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 2.39:1. The IMDb lists a variety of Arri cameras an a 4K DI as relevant data points. Readers of my reviews know that Arri captures are not always my favorites, but this is a stellar exception to my self created rule, and it provides clear upticks in detail, palette highlights and especially shadow detail from already excellent levels in Lionsgate's 1080 presentation. From the first moments where a kind of handmade kakite bikei wrapped in rope John uses is shown, fine detail levels are impressive, and even some of the more obvious CGI elements tend to sharper than might be expected, though admittedly some vestiges of artificiality remain (this seems to be a deliberate choice, as in the patently fake look of the closing sting featuring Donnie Yen). As is discussed in some of the supplements, a lot of this film takes place at night, and while HDR and/or Dolby Vision offer a slew of really beautiful new highlights throughout this presentation, I was actually most struck by the improvement in shadow definition. Yes, there are certainly still moments when in any given frame not everything can be clearly discerned, but doing an A to B comparison with the 1080 disc showed at least some marginal improvement. A light dusting of digital grain tends to be most noticeable in the more brightly lit moments, as in the early scene in the desert with John taking out a coterie of bad guys.

John Wick: Chapter 4 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

John Wick: Chapter 4 features a propulsive Dolby Atmos track that, like the detail levels in the video presentation, "announces" itself right off the bat with some thundering effects as John pummels his training device. The cavernous sounds of the Bowery King's domain offer some clear engagement of surround channels, and then when things suddenly segue to the desert, the ambient environmental sounds once again grow. There are a number of standout effects, but some of them actually tend to be most effective when they're relatively subtle, as when New York's Continental gives way to a little urban (and/or High Table) renewal. The film is so chock full of set pieces that it's hard to even begin to list some of the most noticeable sequences, but both an extended, unedited "shot from above" vignette and a fantastically exciting car chase around the Arc de Triomph provide some really immersive moments. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English, French and Spanish subtitles are available.

John Wick: Chapter 4 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Supplements accompanying the standard wide release are detailed in the above linked review. Additionally this Amazon exclusive offers the following bonus feature on its third disc:

• The World of Wick (HD; 20:18) is not exactly a mind blowing featurette, but for John Wick completists, it should be at least relatively appreciated. Ping ponging chiefly between brief interviews with the principal cast and crew and snippets from the film, this piece does give a bit of the flavor of what the actual shoot was like courtesy of also included behind the scenes footage. There's nothing overly revelatory presented, and in fact at least a few of the comments included are either duplicated or relayed similarly in some of the "regular" supplements offered in Lionsgate's wide release of the film, but, again, this is certainly enjoyable on its own merits.

Additionally, the packaging of this version offers a kind of cool lenticular slipcover that is almost dimensional (not quite as depth filled as some others I own) where cherry blossom leaves can seem to float in front of John's face depending on the angle you hold it. As with Lionsgate's wide release, a digital copy is also included.

John Wick: Chapter 4 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The glut of specialty releases of high profile films can often be daunting for those wondering which version to buy. In this particular case, if you've already sprung for Lionsgate's own 4K UHD release, you'll have to decide if a twenty minute or so featurette is worth another trip to the ATM. For those who haven't yet gotten Lionsgate's release, I'd say this is a nice alternative version where you get everything that release offers plus just a little bit extra. Taken as a whole, Highly recommended.