X 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		0.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

X 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Note: This version of this film is available as part of A24's X Trilogy 4K collection.

A24 is offering this new collector's edition box set of Ti West's trilogy, and a cursory examination of previous 1080 and 4K releases of the various films is kind of an object lesson in how kind of peculiar the boutique label / studio is and how its relationship with Lionsgate makes for some variant release strategies (those with long memories will know I actually put A24 as a studio in my top spot in my Top 10 list a few years ago, so when I say "peculiar" it's actually kind of a compliment). As the sticker on this set announces, this collector's edition offers the first 4K releases of X and Pearl in the U.S., which itself kind of begs the question as to previous 4K releases for other nations in other territories (a search of our database will reward sleuths in that regard). But here in good ol' 'Murica (a coinage which seems somehow particularly apt for this triptych), X received a 1080 release under Lionsgate branding in 2022, pretty quickly followed by Pearl that same year also under Lionsgate branding, and then MaXXXine and MaXXXine 4K (which included the 1080 presentation) in 2024 following suit by being offered by Lionsgate. There have been a number of A24 offerings that have had initial Lionsgate 1080 and/or 4K releases which were then followed by A24 exclusives (Everything Everywhere All At Once 4K and Everything Everywhere All At Once 4K spring instantly to mind, though there are others), but this is the first time to my memory where an A24 release is offering 4K debuts like this where there's already been a 4K release of one film in a series by Lionsgate.

The collector's edition also includes some packaging extras, covered in the supplements section of the X Trilogy 4K Blu-ray review .

A24 is also offering a 1080 X Trilogy for those interested.

X 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: This release does not include a 1080 Blu-ray, so these screenshots are taken directly from the 4K UHD disc and downscaled to 1080 and SDR. Color space in particular is therefore not accurate, and I recommend those interested to look at some of the screenshots in our X Blu-ray review for a probably better representation of the palette. Since this release does not include a 1080 disc, the 2K video score above has been intentionally left blank.

X is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of A24 with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 1.90:1 (though absolutely miniscule, those who pay attention to specs may remember Lionsgate's 1080 release was in 1.89:1). This is a really impressive looking 4K upgrade, but it actually may only point out how relatively muted the palette can be a lot of the time, even given the blandishments of the HDR / Dolby Vision grades. Perhaps surprisingly, then, real "pops" of intense hue can be limited to interstitial moments like where the rooster suddenly pops into the frame during the gas station vignette. This is not to suggest there's any deficit to the grading, it's just that the HDR grades probably only accentuate the very deliberate use of muted browns and blues even in brightly lit outdoor scenes. I didn't really sense any huge improvement in shadow detail despite the HDR grades. The 16mm inserts (sorry) have a slightly more "golden hour" yellow hue in this new HDR environment. Detail levels are typically excellent throughout. Best of all, especially for those who may share my occasional displeasure with how grain and/or digital grain can look in 4K and UHD, resolution is really pretty exceptional, with both the 35mm and 16mm sections offering a nicely organic texture without any real missteps.

X 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Along with the 4K UHD upgrade to the visuals, this release of X also boasts a nicely rendered Dolby Atmos track, though whether it's a mind blowing improvement over the general great sounding DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the old 1080 disc may be up for debate. All of the really nicely done pastoral ambient environmental sounds probably have a bit more spaciousness and wafting qualities in the Atmos track, but much as with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, the perhaps surprisingly sparse use of source cues (including a memorable "In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry) also probably offer a bit more immersion than the standard 5.1 track. As with the 5.1 track, there are occasional startle effects that feature impressive bursts of LFE. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available.

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

• Featurettes

Pearl Makeup Timelapse (HD; 1:33)




The Farmer's Daughters (HD; 4:56) offers a brief look at the supposed porno being shot.




That X Factor (HD; 11:37) is a decent EPK featuring interviews with the principal cast and West.

• Trailer (HD; 2:26)


• Filmmaker Commentary with D.P. Eliot Rockett and Production Designer Tom Hammock

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

X gets this trilogy off to a memorable start, though some may feel as I did when I reviewed the 1080 presentation that the film may ultimately serve mostly as a commanding showcase for Mia Goth. Technical merits are first rate, and the new commentary is enjoyable. Recommended.