Why So Blu?

Creed III (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

One of the better ongoing franchise IPs for the last 8 years has been the resurgence of Rocky via Creed, which launched in 2016 with Ryan Coogler’s instant classic that garnered Sylvester Stallone his second acting Oscar nomination for the character of Rocky Balboa and continued the rise of Michael B. Jordan as a name above marquee star. The third film in the series, Creed III, saw the directorial debut of Michael B. Jordan. It was a big hit this past March, which was loaded with quality new releases in various franchises. The 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray release, complete with two featurettes and deleted scenes, arrived on May 23rd. You can order yourself a copy of it by clicking on the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.

Film

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose.

While the Creed series has been a legacy franchise mirroring its predecessor, it has taken those beats in its own direction and done the unexpected with them. This one obviously looked Rocky III-ish, but it does so much more with it and sinks its teeth into a very rich and full story. Another mirror aspect is the fact that the star has taken the helm of directing, with Michael B. Jordan making his debut behind the camera.

And one thing to love about Jordan’s direction is his desire to shoot the fights in IMAX. It adds a whole new scale to them and he’s found a way to immerse you into the fight. There are also abstract artistic choices he’s made in putting them together. Jordan is a clear fan of Anime and what he’s done here is some of the most successful translation of the format to live action in America that wasn’t done by the Wachowskis. He’s unafraid to go cartoonish or colorful or super earnest and big in the feeling evoked from punches. In the end, its a tool to convey something, rather than a showboaty “hey, I like this”. A language with with to speak, not just a carbon copy of something to showboat and ask for pats on the back.

One of the other “Majors” factors is the co-star he has here. Jonathan is a force to be reckoned with. He’s incredibly scary, but the movie does well by making you understand him. And its done in a genuine way and not “Somebody took his pet from him when he was 4”. You don’t approve, you don’t like him, there’s still fear…but you sort of use what Jordan does to add to his conviction and see the menace in a deeper way. This isn’t some lame Marvel villain, this guy is the real deal. And Diamond Dame Anderson is quite amazing to behold. Sorry Kang, this guy conquers.

In the other department of what you expect from these films, Creed III completely delivers. The marriage, the fatherhood, the relations in the boxing world…all spades here. These damn movies always manage to work me up emotionally no matter how good or bad and this is no exception. Jordan’s film will get you choked up and cheering.

Video

Disclaimer: Screen captures used in the review are provided by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, not the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc.

Encoding: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: 4K (2160p)

Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

Layers: BD-66

Clarity/Detail:  Creed III debuts on the 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray format with a pretty dark looking image. Most of this looks pretty crisp, but there are some murkier looking moments. Its full of detail and great color that contrasts out of the darkness. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t carry the IMAX shot footage in its natural size and shape. Nonetheless, this is a much above average presentation.

Depth: Depth of field is pretty strong and there are some good pushback in interiors as well as a grand sense of scale, especially for the boxing matches. Movements are natural and cinematic with no issues of blur or jitter caused by rapid action.

Black Levels: Blacks are really deep and natural. While I mentioned murky, details and patterns and textures still showcase through and aren’t hidden at all. No crushing witnessed.

Color Reproduction: Colors are pretty strong with some good pop to contrast the darkness or more naturally lit scenes. The white gloves and trunks really pop on Adonis during the final match. Many reds, blues and greens pop on various outfits, art and upholstery. There is some good HDR glow that appears via the lights, neon displays and more.

Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and consistent throughout the film from start to finish. Facial features and textures like sweat beads, wrinkles, blemishes, makeup, bruises, cuts and such come through clear as day.

Noise/Artifacts: Clean.

Audio

Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos, English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio (US), English Descriptive Audio (UK), French 5.1 Dolby Digital, German 5.1 DTS-HD MA, German Descriptive Audio, Italian Dolby Atmos, Italian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish

Subtitles: English SDH, French, German SDH, Italian SDH, Spanish

Dynamics: Creed III features a rather rollicking and rampaging Atmos track. It really captures a nice feel of the fight with good force and spacey design around the room for the Atmos track. Its well balanced with great layering to bring a real, but heightened sense of being there for terrific engagement.

Height: From above, you are treated to crowd cheering, some musical contributions, some swings to match the camera angle and more.

Low Frequency Extension: This one has a nice boom in the music and the soundscape design. Punches landing, glass shatter, things crashing, slamming and more pound with good force from the subwoofer.

Surround Sound Presentation:  

Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals are clear and crisp.

Extras

Creed III comes with the standard Blu-ray edition and a redeemable digital code. All bonus materials are found on the standard Blu-ray disc.

Michael B. Jordan: In the Ring/Behind the Camera (HD, 10:04) – Cast and crew talk about Michael B. Jordan’s first directing gig, what he envisioned and what he brought to the table. Jordan talks about the guidance and tips he received from directors like Ryan Coogler and Denzel Washington. There’s a section on sign language as well with his dedication to authenticity.

There’s No Enemy Like the Past: Donnie and Dame (HD, 9:20) – This featurette is about the rivalry at the center of the film. Both actors talk each other and their own preparations and processes. “You’ve got 2 people to root for. 2 people to love. Which means there are 2 journeys you understood” says Majors of the film.

Deleted Scenes (HD, 4:23)

Summary

Creed III marks another knockout in this series. Three rounds of terrific sports drama. Warner Bros brings it to home video with a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray that has a very nice image and awesome Atmos track for a good experience. Extras are a bit too fluffy, but there are some good things said and the fact that they are there is a nice plus. A definite pickup for the fans of the series.

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