The Good Dinosaur 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Good Dinosaur 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Disney has released the 2015 Pixar film 'The Good Dinosaur' to the UHD format. The film first released to Blu-ray in 2016. New specifications for this UHD include 2160p video resolution, HDR color grading, and Dolby Atmos audio. No new extras are included but the bundled Blu-ray, identical to that which released in 2016, contains all the same extras.

The Good Dinosaur 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

One of the first examples of the the HDR color grading benefits comes in the movie's first shot, an asteroid being knocked out of a belt. The black, blue, and purple heavenly field seen at distance is deeper and more visually inviting but the winner of the shot is the high luminance, off-screen light source that illuminates the asteroids. It's significantly brighter on the UHD, appearing dull and dreary on the Blu-ray, at least comparatively. Earth's blue waters seen from the heavens moments later presents with fabulous punch and vitality, well beyond the Blu-ray's capabilities. The white titles and clouds are gorgeous in the moments to follow, and as the action shifts to Earth, the HDR's intensity comes into its own. Blue skies are gorgeously deep. Dinosaur green, the most prominent color throughout the film, is a joy. It's punchy, dynamic, extremely well saturated, and dialed in with both brightness and depth that breathes brand new life into the movie (which isn't that old). HDR brings out extreme and expressive color dynamics; it's an absolute joy to watch unfold, and even in dark scenes there's little room for complaint and no room for disappointment. This is a very fine and very flattering HDR application.

On the other end of the spectrum, the UHD brings about a pleasing, if not much more mild, increase in textural awareness and delivery crispness. Take a look at the earthy, hay covered floor where Arlo is born just minutes into the film. The color depth transformation is the most striking aspect, but there's a tangible feel for improved textural sharpness to every element: the hay, the broken egg, and the leathery dinosaur hides. World details outside are just as impressive. The picture is regularly and steadily sharp, clean, and very visually appealing. Character renders, environmental details, everything is satisfyingly sharp and accurate, a good bump, though certainly not leap, over the Blu-ray. There are some spots of aliasing throughout but nothing that stands out as a major eyesore. This is a very nice UHD presentation, bolstered by a modest textural and clarity gain but defined by its excellent -- stunning -- HDR application.

The Good Dinosaur 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Good Dinosaur's Dolby Atmos soundtrack is a bit wanting. Even with the volume knob turned up, the shortchanged dynamic range is obvious. A storm in chapter 16 is a solid disappointment. While there's plenty of activity there's not a substantial feel for low end weight or sense of sonic authority. The same can be said for T-Rex footballs and roars in the subsequent scene. The low end engages, but not prodigiously. Surrounds do pick up plenty of activity, both discrete effects and walls of wind and and debris flying through the stage. Surround engagement is never wanting anywhere in the film. It's quite involved and can rise to the level of frenzy as the situation warrants. External ambient effects are likewise well defined, bringing various locations to life with impressive feel for spacial definition. Music carries well and enjoys front side dominance and a healthy surround integration. The overhead channels support core elements rather than overtake them. Dialogue is clear and center focused for the duration.

The Good Dinosaur 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Good Dinosaur's UHD disc contains no extras, but the bundled Blu-ray, identical to that issued back in 2016, contains a short film, a few featurettes, several deleted scenes, and an audio commentary. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.

• Sanjay's Super Team
• True Lies About Dinosaurs
• Recyclosaurus
• The Filmmakers' Journey
• Every Part of the Dinosaur
• Following the T-Rex Trail
• Deleted Scenes
• Audio Commentary: Director Peter Sohn; Story Supervisor Kelsey Mann; Animation Supervisor Mike Venturini; Director of Photography, Lighting Sharon Calahan; and Supervising Technical Director Sanjay Bakshi.
• Dino Bites
• Hide and Seek
• Trailers

The Good Dinosaur 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Good Dinosaur looks great on the UHD format. The adds to clarity and color are exceptional. HDR in particular is a standout and it might be one of the more agreeable applications yet seen on a release, digitally animated or otherwise. Colors are absolutely splendid, and the additions to clarity and textural accuracy are icing on the cake. The Atmos soundtrack could stand a little more muscle but it at least doesn't want for spacing and engagement. No new extras are included, but the bundled Blu-ray includes plenty. Highly recommended.