The Mummy

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Mummy" showcases a mix of triumphs and challenges peculiar to its complex visual design and technical background. Shot predominantly on 35mm film with sections captured digitally in high resolution, the movie delivers a visually rich experience, albeit with certain limitations. Despite being finished with a 2K Digital Intermediate—an industry standard for many effects-heavy films—the upscale to 4K, combined with HDR10 color grading, enhances detail and texture significantly. However, this technical enhancement is somewhat eclipsed by choices in lighting and color grading that play into the movie's darker aesthetic, making for an experience that occasionally feels subdued rather than vibrant.

The handling of the movie's myriad settings—from the bright deserts of Mesopotamia to the gloomy interiors of London—reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the disc's video quality. The HDR enhancement brings a noticeable improvement in clarity and detail over its Blu-ray counterpart, especially in close-ups where every pore and texture pops with life. However, scenes shrouded in darkness or atmospheric effects like fog and smoke sometimes suffer, with black levels and depth of field showing inconsistency. While some sequences boast deep, ink-like blacks and striking contrast, others appear washed out or flat, hindering the overall impact of the darker scenes.

Color reproduction on the disc presents a mixed bag; warm tans and golds of desert scenes offer moments of richness and depth, yet the overall palette tends towards the muted, with flesh tones varying significantly across different lighting conditions. Although these choices support the film's thematic tones and settings, they contribute to a visual presentation that might not fully meet expectations for a 4K HDR showcase. Despite its occasional brilliance—particularly in digitally-shot action set pieces—the 4K UHD version of "The Mummy" often finds itself wrestling with the inherent limitations of its source material and stylistic decisions, resulting in a presentation that, while solid and occasionally stunning, doesn't consistently outshine its Blu-ray counterpart.

The Mummy's Dolby Atmos soundtrack, delivered on its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, is a technical tour de force that beautifully balances the intricacies of quieter, dialogue-heavy scenes with the bombast of its action-packed counterparts. It utilizes an impressive soundscape that extends horizontally and vertically, courtesy of its Atmos capabilities, ensuring a fully immersive experience. The soundstage is expansive, engaging every available channel to create an encompassing audio environment. From the smooth, directional movement of sound - noticeable in scenes with fluttering crows or chaotic street shootouts - to Brian Tyler’s score which resonates with clarity and depth, the mix is consistently lively and crisp. This clarity extends to the dialogue as well, which is rendered with precision, allowing every word to be easily distinguishable amidst the densest action sequences.

In terms of dynamics, the soundtrack exhibits a commendable range, from the subtle nuances of quieter moments to the aggressive LFE that underscores the more intense sequences. Specific highlights include the visceral impact of gunshots, grenade explosions, and the roar of airplane engines, all of which benefit from the added dimensionality Atmos provides. Notably, the low-frequency effects add a substantial heft to the action, complementing the visuals with a physical presence that's felt as much as it's heard. Background atmospherics contribute to the ambiance, albeit less consistently across the entire film.

This Atmos track also shines in its use of height channels to enhance certain moments – whether it’s the looming thunder, debris fallout, or the spectacular soundfield created during a plane crash or vehicle rollover. The finale’s use of Atmos to circulate dust through the soundscape in open London streets, though brief, demonstrates the potential for environmental immersion. Despite minor critiques regarding the occasional lack of punch in gunfire and underused ambient potential in some sequences, the soundtrack is a refined piece of auditory craftsmanship. It remains engaging throughout with its active rear channels enriching scenes with layered sounds from environmental elements, score, and effects, maintaining a perfect harmony that keeps the viewer anchored in the narrative without ever overpowering the spoken words.

Universal's release of "The Mummy" on 4K UHD Blu-ray encompasses an assortment of additional content that complements the main feature but offers no unique extras exclusive to the 4K disc. A comprehensive audio commentary track featuring director/producer Alex Kurtzman alongside cast members Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis, and Jake Johnson grants in-depth insights into the filmmaking process. Moreover, the included Blu-ray disc is packed with a rich selection of extras, highlighting various aspects of production. From the in-depth "Cruise & Kurtzman: A Conversation" to "Life in Zero-G: Creating the Plane Crash" and "Meet Ahmanet", each featurette delves into different facets of the movie's creation, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews. Despite some critiques pointing out an overemphasis on Tom Cruise, these extras collectively provide a comprehensive glimpse into the making of this modern monster movie, ensuring fans and cinephiles alike have plenty to explore beyond the film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Four scenes offering additional content.
• Cruise & Kurtzman: A Conversation: In-depth discussion between the actor and director.
• Rooted in Reality: A featurette on grounding the supernatural elements in the real world.
• Life In Zero-G: Creating the Plane Crash: Insight into one of the film’s standout action sequences.
• Meet Ahmanet: Focus on Sofia Boutella's character.
• Cruise in Action: Highlights of Cruise's contribution to the movie, both on-screen and off.
• Becoming Jekyll and Hyde: A look at Russell Crowe’s dual-role transformation.
• Choreographed Chaos: Behind-the-scenes of major action sequences.
• Nick Morton: In Search of a Soul: Exploration of Tom Cruise's character arc.
• Ahmanet Reborn Animated Graphic Novel: An animated delve into Ahmanet’s story.
• Audio Commentary: Comprehensive commentary by Kurtzman and select cast members.

The Mummy" emerges as Universal's ambitious foray into launching the Dark Universe, aiming to revitalize their treasure trove of classic monsters with modern VFX spectacle. Amidst lofty expectations, this reboot, spearheaded by the dynamic Tom Cruise, endeavors to blend dark, supernatural elements with the kinetic energy of summer blockbusters. However, despite its glossy sheen and relentless pace, "The Mummy" stumbles, burdened by a convoluted plot and a palpable lack of creativity. It shuffles rather than sprints, weaving through an overcomplex narrative and struggling to establish a solid footing within its own expansive universe. The action, while abundant, feels overly familiar, lacking a distinctive spark that could have set it apart in a crowded genre.

At the heart of its story, "The Mummy" introduces us to Nick Morton (Cruise), a soldier-cum-treasure hunter who inadvertently awakens Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), a power-hungry Egyptian princess cursed to the sands of time. As darkness unfurls across modern London, the film navigates through themes of greed, betrayal, and redemption, albeit through a lens mired by narrative inconsistencies and missed opportunities for character development. The supporting cast, including Annabelle Wallis, Jake Johnson, and Russell Crowe, deliver commendable performances but are ultimately constrained by a script that prioritizes spectacle over substance. The film’s attempt at horror falls into the PG-13 trap, limiting its capacity to truly terrify and leaving its darker ambitions somewhat neutered.

Visually, "The Mummy" is a mixed bag. While it successfully leverages cutting-edge visual effects to breathe life into its undead narrative, the overall execution feels hollow. The seamless blend of live-action and digital elements does little to mask the film's identity crisis, torn between striving for blockbuster adrenaline and capturing the eerie charm of its predecessors. Its foray into the Dark Universe hints at potential, with Easter Eggs and Russell Crowe's enigmatic Dr. Henry Jekyll suggesting a richer tapestry of stories yet untold. However, this installment's failure to harmonize its ambitious visuals with a coherent and engaging narrative leaves it mummified within its own aspirations, a cautionary tale of franchise ambitions overshadowing foundational storytelling essentials.

“The Mummy,” as part of Universal's ambitious Dark Universe, presents a mixed bag in terms of its standalone prowess and overall contribution to the franchise. While the film might not strike the right chords with those seeking fresh narrative depth or a unique identity, its technical merit, particularly in the 4K UHD Blu-ray release, is undeniable. The film delivers an exceptional viewing experience with its 2160p/HDR transfer that radiates with clarity and depth, complemented by an atmospheric and dynamic Atmos audio track. The additional content provided on the Blu-ray further enhances its appeal for the film's aficionados, marking it as a worthy addition for collectors.

However, the substance of "The Mummy" struggles under the weight of its ambitious cross-franchise aspirations. The pacing feels off, with moments that seem to dawdle rather than develop, leaving audiences with a somewhat disengaged experience. Despite these narrative shortcomings, there’s an undercurrent of potential that suggests the Dark Universe could evolve into something more compelling with focused direction and stronger scriptwriting. The action sequences and darkly atmospheric moments suggest a thrill ride that, while brisk and at times superficially engaging, hints at a deeper lore waiting to be explored in future installments.

In conclusion, "The Mummy" serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of potential for Universal’s Dark Universe. Its dazzling 4K presentation is testament to the technical care and dedication poured into the physical release, making it a tangible asset for enthusiasts of cinematic craftsmanship. Nevertheless, the film’s inability to fully develop its identity or deliver a consistently engaging narrative reflects the challenges ahead for the burgeoning franchise. It stands as a reminder that foundational storytelling elements cannot be overshadowed by visual effects or inter-franchise ambitions. Thus, while "The Mummy" in 4K UHD Blu-ray is a showcase of home cinema prowess, it also encapsulates the need for a more grounded and articulate vision in Universal's future endeavors within the Dark Universe.