6.6 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A couple's first date takes an unexpected turn when a police officer pulls them over.
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloë Sevigny, FleaDrama | Insignificant |
Romance | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The filmmakers behind Queen & Slim tackle the unenviable task of crafting a movie that is both black and white and shades of gray, where everybody is in some ways right and where everybody is in some ways wrong, where there are no heroes or villains, and that speaks to one of the most impassioned topics in today's hot-button response society. First-time feature film Director Melina Matsoukas and Writer Lena Waithe accomplish much with the movie, exploring race and violence and the response to the intersections thereof in the modern world, but they also struggle to offer solutions within the tangled web of right and wrong that defines the movie beyond its violence, romance, road trip, and social exploration angles.
The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc.
Right out of the gate in the first 20 or 30 minutes, the most obvious difference between the 2160p/HDR-enhanced UHD version of Queen &
Slim and the companion Blu-ray is a substantial black level deepening. Where there was a feel of
lightness, of slightly raised blacks on the Blu-ray -- prevalent in the many nighttime exterior scenes throughout the film's first act -- there's a notable
deepening and darkening under the HDR parameters, giving the film a denser, more natural look. But there's no detail devouring or scene absorption in
play; instead, everything is impressively balanced and accurate right out of the gate, giving the movie a more intense posture that accentuates the
story details and tonal supports beyond what the Blu-ray can produce. Color depth throughout is improved; look at a pair of bright "Chubbies"
restaurant signs at the 24:58 mark, one of the first real splashes of intense color in the film. The yellow and red lettering pop with more
substantial punch while the color depth has been improved, and it all stands out much better against the more stable and accurate nighttime blacks and
low lights surrounding it. Daytime scenes through the second and third acts enjoy the added benefits of more accurate tones as well, bringing new life
to natural greens, blue skies, building façades, and clothes. Skin tones are more pleasantly accurate here, too.
Textural improvements are not quite as dramatic, but they are still important increases to the overall image quality. There's no mistaking a feel for
added sharpness. The resolution helps bring out finer detailing on skin and environments, even from the 2K digital intermediate. While facial close-ups are the most obvious
beneficiaries, there's no mistaking the picture's sharper, clearer, more impressively refined location details, such as around an auto repair shop partway
through the movie, a key location and with no shortage of tangible, interesting details to explore. The picture looks a little more filmic and organic on
this format, too, a sum total that offers a pleasing level of improvement over a good Blu-ray image. Fans will certainly want to splurge for this superior
version.
Queen & Slim's Dolby Atmos soundtrack is a treat. It is impressively full and detailed, spacious and organic in output. It's efficient and powerful, immersive and satisfying. Blues beats inside a bar in chapter 10 deliver the most intense and well defined sound elements in the film. The low end bass guitar notes are supremely dynamic and the environment is lifelike; the soundstage is full of musical goodness. It's a reference quality moment that absolutely transforms the listening area into the soul-soothing environment. Crowd protest din in chapter 14 is also fully immersive and clear, even with the collected cacophony of voices and raucous nature of the event. Intermix it with music and the scene's dynamic nature is brought fully to life, particularly as it's punctuated by a terrifying moment of violence. Light ambient effects are agreeably positioned and music flows with excellent stage stretch, depth, and clarity throughout the entire range. Dialogue is clear and presents with a refined, steady front-center and well prioritized posture.
Queen & Slim includes several featurettes and an audio commentary track. A Blu-ray copy of the film and a Movies Anywhere digital copy code
are included with purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.
Queen & Slim has much to say but never quite finds its voice in full. Superb lead performances carry a movie that is otherwise questionably paced and uncertain of what to make of its characters, particularly in how it asks the audience to respond to them. It's worth a watch for its stabs at social commentary but the material never quite materializes with the depth and breadth the story demands. Universal's UHD does deliver first-rate video and audio presentations. A few quality extras are included. Worth a look.
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