Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Kino Lorber has released a new 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD presentation of the epic 2004 film 'Ray,' starring Jamie Foxx and directed by Taylor Hackford. This new issue includes a remastered presentation on both the UHD and Blu-ray discs while also featuring a new audio commentary track. Most of the extras from the original 2011 Universal Blu-ray are also included. This release also contains the same primary 5.1 lossless soundtrack from the Universal disc. See below for a few more words on the new disc and a full review of the new UHD video presentation.

Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from Kino Lorber's included 1080p Blu-ray disc.

Kino Lorber's UHD release of Ray contains "a new 4K master from the camera negative" and the studio has included this new transfer on both the 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD as well as the included 1080p Blu-ray. I won't comment much on the Blu-ray except to say that it, like the UHD, looks quite good and is alone worth the price of admission for this release for anyone still operating outside of the UHD format.

The UHD is by-and-large stellar. The picture is beautifully filmic, capturing the 35mm film elements with dazzling definition and theatrical exhibition quality. The picture retains a light and naturally supportive grain structure with only a few errant blink-and-miss pops and speckles to be found. The 2160p resolution captures the film's period elements and delightful cinematography with incredible detail and visual richness. Facial details in close- up are stellar. Viewers will see every mole, pore, hair, and imperfection with unmistakable 4K clarity and depth. Period attire looks tack sharp with every fabric texture and seam and stitch appearing robustly evident in all close-ups, and even medium-distance shots showcase exceptional visibility. There are a number of wonderful location details, too, from worn-down clubs to ritzy high end locations, all capturing the fine details with commanding, "you are there" accuracy. There's barely any downside to what the 2160p resolution brings to the film; fans won't be disappointed.

The Dolby Vision grading is likewise terrific. Colors are rich and brilliant, perfectly saturated, and very pleasing to the eye. Natural greens are a real standout, but there are plenty of other elements that look striking: neckties and dresses, for example, and even smaller elements like record labels deliver the sort of bold, lifelike colors that the Dolby Vision format can provide. Skin tones are expertly dialed in, white balance is first-class, and black levels are largely excellent. The only real downside is that some smoky, dimly lit interiors (look around the 8:50 mark, for example) look a little flat and washed out. Otherwise, I can't find any serious fault with this picture. It looks great top to bottom and is primed to delight fans of the film in practically every shot.

Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Rather than remix Ray to Dolby Atmos, Kino lobber has simply repurposed the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from the universal Blu-ray. For a full audio review, please click here.

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

This UHD release of Ray from Kino Lorber carries over all of the supplements from the Universal disc, minus the two Picture-in-Picture U-Control supplements: Scene Companion and The Music of 'Ray'. So, fans wanting to have access to all of the Ray supplemental features will want to keep a copy of the Universal disc. However, Kino has added a single new extra in the form of a new, compelling track from Author and Film Historian Dwayne Epstein, whose expertise on the film and love of the film medium shines through with every word he speaks. All of the extras are found on the included Blu-ray disc; the exception is the pair of audio commentary tracks which are available on both he Blu-ray and the UHD. While no digital copy code is included, Kino does ship this release with a non-embossed slipcover.

• Audio Commentary: Director Taylor Hackford.
• NEW! Audio Commentary: Film Historian and Author Dwayne Epstein.
• Director's Introduction
• Ray -- An American Story: Featurette
• Stepping Into the Part: Featurette
• The Women of Ray: Featurette
• The Filmmakers' Journey: Featurette
• Ray Remembered: Featurette
• A Look Inside Ray: Featurette
• Deleted Scenes
• Uncut Music Performances
• NEW! Theatrical Trailer

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

Even after all these years, and even in a market that is absolutely flooded with music biopics, there remains something special about Ray. It's not just infinitely watchable for its telling of the legendary musician, it's meticulously crafted and the lead performance from Jamie Foxx is a tour de force. This one remains one of the kings of the ever expanding genre. Kino Lorber's UHD release delivers striking new 2160p/Dolby Vision video paired with familiar audio and supplements. Highly recommended!