The Next Karate Kid 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

The Next Karate Kid 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released the 1994 franchise sequel film 'The Next Karate Kid,' directed by Christopher Cain and starring Hillary Swank and Pat Morita, to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/Dolby Vision video and Dolby Atmos audio. This is the film's UHD debut. It was previously released to Blu-ray in 2016 as part of Sony's now defunct 'Choice Collection' line. In addition, this new UHD disc includes a trio of supplements that were unavailable on the previous issue. That old Blu-ray is also included here and appears to be the same disc. At time of writing, this release is exclusive to the Amazon exclusive six-film 'Karate Kid' UHD boxed set. See below for more on the new video, audio, and extras.

The Next Karate Kid 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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

Sony has long been one of the most consistently awesome studios when it comes to releasing catalogue titles on UHD and considering the excellence of the end product's video presentation. The previous "Choice Collection" Blu-ray was a looker, and this UHD only pushes the elements further with exemplary marks all around, boasting a flawless 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation does the film proud and maintains the studio's prominence as one of the best around.

Viewers are going to be awestruck right out of the gate at the ceremony sequence. At 2160p resolution, it's a sight to be hold. Crisp clothing lines, faultless facial features, and clarity and sharpness from frame to frame, corner to corner, and shot to shot does the sequence very proud. With perfect grain management -- grain is fine, flattering, and authentic -- the sequence sets the tone for what is to come, which is just more of the same: visual bliss all around. Viewers will never tire of seeing complex pores and fabrics with nary a sign of unnatural sharpening or film element manipulation. This is pure visual delight that never longs for sharper content, superior clarity, or better grain management.

White balance delights in that same opening sequence, delivering titles that pop off the screen with prominence and perfection; no creamy or dull whites here. Likewise, the sequence is a delight for brilliantly bold greens, colorful attire, and accents that burst of the screen, such as Mr. Miyagi's Medal of Honor and the red, white, and blue of American flags. As the film progresses, the quality of the color grading never wavers. The next scenes, which take place inside a home and on a rooftop, at night, in somewhat low light (the home) and very low light (the roof), never waver. Here, there is no loss of perfect color depth and accuracy. Balance is terrific, with rich and handsome blacks, perfect tonal differential, and sublime accuracy to skin tones. Every shot is home to beautiful color rendition that never loses its punch or accuracy.

Sony's encode is flawless. I spotted no issues there, and the print is likewise meticulously clean with nary a stray speckle or spot. Fans are going to be delighted with Sony's work on The Next Karate Kid. It's a reference worthy catalogue release.

The Next Karate Kid 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Rather than simply retain the included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack as the primary audio offering for this UHD, Sony has upped the ante with a new Dolby Atmos presentation. The track soars with remarkable definition and depth. Again I was blown away with the opening military memorial service where artillery batteries roar, deep percussion instruments boom, and atmosphere fills the stage. It's potent but very well balanced. Tight musical elements offer room filling bass and lyrical bliss at a school scene at the 12:40 mark. Music is engaged all around, and finds very nice balance with the atmospheric elements that also fill the hallways. Such characteristics -- wonderfully detailed and room-filling music and lifelike ambience -- are recurring elements throughout the film. Dialogue is clear, centered, and well prioritized in every shot.

The Next Karate Kid 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of The Next Karate Kid includes all of the extras on the UHD disc; the included Blu-ray is featureless, as was the 2016 "Choice Collection" issue. As it ships in the larger boxed set linked above, a digital copy code and a slipcover are included.

• NEW! Hillary Swank Screen Test (1080p, 1:52): Swank appears on camera in preparation for the shoot.
• Assembled Dailies (1080p, 2:29 total runtime): Takes of several scenes: Included are You Know the Rules, Follow the Plan, and Patience.
• NEW! Deleted Scenes (1080p, 10:01 total runtime): Included are Watch the Sunset, Call the SWAT Team, School's Over Angel, The Alpha Elite, Medal of Honor, Animal Shelter.

The Next Karate Kid 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While the film may not be much to watch, it's certainly a sight to behold on UHD. The Next Karate Kid looks spotless on the UHD format. The new 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation delivers an impactful and delightful presentation that will wow even longtime format fans. The new Atmos track is excellent, too, and the new extras, though not very in-depth, make for a nice add-in. Recommended!