Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

R.I.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Universal has released the 2013 Action film 'R.I.P.D.' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video and DTS:X audio. No new supplements are included, but the UHD disc does include all of the legacy extras, which are ported over from the 2013 Blu-ray, which is also included. This UHD releases nearly in conjunction with the sequel, 'R.I.P.D. 2,' which is avalable on Blu-ray only.

R.I.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

Universal brings R.I.P.D. to the UHD format with a 2160p/HDR image that is certainly a gain over the Blu-ray. The resolution brings additional clarity and intimate detail that the Blu-ray cannot match, though such gains are not monumental. Look at a close-up of Nick Walker at the 11:57 mark. It's a good, stable shot and a worthwhile point for comparison. The UHD reveals the facial hairs, the pores, and other fine skin details with greater command and clarity. The sharpness gains are obvious here and such holds for the duration. Certainly, these sorts of close-ups are going to be the standard-bearer "show off" or "reference" type images for most any film, and such holds true here. Generally speaking, in the average, garden-variety shot, the UHD reveals enough clarity to please, and with enough muscle to outdo the Blu-ray at every turn, but this is not a spellbinding sort of UHD, either. It's very clear, very stable, and nicely detailed even at some distance, but it's not going to redefine the format or reach the heights of the best of the best of the best, either.

The same goes for the HDR grading. This is a solid performer that hits all of the usual high points for HDR, including improved color depth and a more robust sense of pop and punch, not to mention a greater feel for naturally inclined colors. In the opening moments, viewers will note that the red buildings on the opening title card are transformed from a bright, gaudy, color to one that is deeper and less loud, but yet remains intense and satisfying. Such is true for the full film. The HDR grading offers a palette that is fortified and solidified with greater push to naturalism and accuracy, but it's not going to wow or dazzle or delight. There's enough high yield fine-tuning at work to bring the best out of the material, but this is not material that necessarily leaps off the screen, either. That said, it is a solid boost over the Blu-ray, and these gains also translate to whites, blacks, and skin tones, which are brighter and more natural, deeper and better able to capture shadow detail, and more lifelike, respectively.

The image is fairly noise-free and also free of any serious encode/compression artifacts. It looks very good, and fans are going to be pleased, but is it so much of a leap over the Blu-ray so as to make this a day-one must-buy? Probably not, but fans will want to pick it up at some point when it goes on a deep sale, which it almost assuredly will at some point, and probably sooner rather than later.

R.I.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

R.I.P.D.'s new DTS:X soundtrack delivers everything one would expect from a movie of this sort. The audio is loud and aggressive. Action spills from the speakers with both volume and verve while maintaining clarity and crispness. The track offers some cool discreet overhead content in the opening chase scene and at the R.I.P.D. Boston headquarters in the 17-minute mark as well. These are but two examples of some of the fun top layer content to be found. It's very naturally occurring and never forced, and it's not overly prominent, either. It's audible but not obnoxiously wrenched into the sound stage, either. The track is also very wide and immersive; there's never a shortage of traditional surround content. Directionality and movement are precise. Subwoofer engagement is constant, and depth is prominent but not overdone. Musical stretch and clarity are excellent. Dialogue is clear and center focused for the duration.

R.I.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of R.I.P.D. includes all of the supplements from the 2013 Blu-ray, and they may be found on either the UHD disc or the bundled Blu-ray, which is identical to the 2013 issue. See below for a list of what's included and please click here for full coverage. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This product ships with a non-embossed slipcover.

• Alternate Opening #1
• Alternate Opening #2
• Deleted/Alternate Scenes
• Gag Reel
• R.I.P.D. Motion Comics: Bringing the Avatars to Life
• Nick's New Avatars
• Transferring R.I.P.D. - The Making Of
• Filming the Other Side
• Walking Among Us: Deados & Avatars
• Anatomy of a Shootout

R.I.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

R.I.P.D. is not a particularly good film. It's a blatant MIB rip-off without the fun or the soul. It's watchable, but it's not at all memorable. The film translates well enough to the UHD format. The picture is rock-solid and the audio is great, too. No new extras are included, but at least all of the legacy material appears on the UHD disc itself. Recommended for fans when it plummets in prices.