Why So Blu?

The Creator (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

One of the more refreshing releases of 2023 was Gareth Edward’s original science fiction fantasy film, The Creator. Like it or not, the prospect of getting some big scale, ideological special effects sci-fi offerings playing in theaters feels like a win and triumph just in getting there. The film received solid reviews, but unfortunately did not ignite the box office. Hopefully, it doesn’t perturb the studios from stepping outside of the IP safety net. You can own it on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray on December 12th, complete with an Atmos track and near hour long documentary on making the film. Seems like a good package for a film that didn’t really rake in the dough. You can order yourself a copy by using the paid Amazon Associates link following the review.

Film

As a future war between the human race and artificial intelligence rages on, ex-special forces agent Joshua is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI. The Creator has developed a mysterious weapon that has the power to end the war and all of mankind. As Joshua and his team of elite operatives venture into enemy-occupied territory, they soon discover the world-ending weapon is actually an AI in the form of a young child.

Gareth Edwards has made a real name for himself in terms of sci fi fantasy films of large “awe’ing” scale since putting us all on notice with Monsters 13 years ago. His last two ventures have been in the United States revival of Godzilla and launching the A Star Wars Story spinoff films with Rogue One. Both of those lot impressed and have built a universe and legion of fans. Now, we get back to picking his brain for an original idea. And with that, we are treated to The Creator, which carries much of the things that came before in those franchise films and then takes cues from others while finding its own narrative and footing.

The Creator follows the sort of Blade Runner and Children of Men character and story structure in its sci-fi offering. Our protagonist has a history leading them to a rough personality of their current status, tasked with the discovery and protection of a secret or person with which could change the world as we know it if its either reveal, stopped or embraced. John David Washington takes on this role and forges again, being a shining star and spotlight performer, much like his father in picking interesting projects and being a phenomenal performer every time they step up to the plate. And, I’m merely talking career decisions, not the performance. While, you can of course see Denzel in his child, John David is clearly his own person and talent.

While Edwards film isn’t tough to follow and the ideals relatively simple to relate to, I feel like the politics and appreciation for the ideals in the film will continue to unfold with time and will looked upon in a different lens as our own world actually unfolds. We have an interesting A.I. scenario in the politics here as we currently have in our own world that at this time is more Hollywood focused than anything. As they line up here, while these characters may be machine and technology, their argument and personality is very much human to this point in their evolution. There’s a conflict with humanity and its creation, being in the role of “God”. A creation of its own mentality which it has never fully come to grasp and now has to play the real to life role of.

Beyond that, its a rather fun, surface level adventure with some good action scenes and tremendous spectacle. Edwards’ films look and feel huge. I also rather admire the matter of fact look of his world in The Creator, as there’s a restraint to not make everything look futuristic, spacey or created by a computer. Its a land that you can see and feel it evolution. One familiar to a viewer in 2023. Combine all this, to go along with good character work, performances and story, and you have a rock solid escape that’ll give you a little bit of thinking after the credits have rolled.

Video

Disclaimer: Screen captures used in the review are from promotional images supplied by the studio, not the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc.

Encoding: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: 4K (2160p)

Aspect Ratio: 2.76:1

Layers: BD-66

Clarity/Detail: The Creator features a gorgeous transfer onto 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray. It has a really good handle on all the photography and lighting in the film, coming across almost feels like film shot entirely on film rather than digital. The effects hold up strong and the fine details look so tangible.

Depth:  Depth of field is a great strength, showcasing great space and a grand sense of scale. Motions are smooth and natural with no issues of motion distortions during rapid action sequences.

Black Levels: Blacks are deep and natural with beautiful touches on the nighttime sequences and darkened rooms with luscious shadow. No crushing witnessed

Color Reproduction: on screen text glows

Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and consistent from start to finish of the film. Facial features and textures are clear as day in any given distance in the frame.

Noise/Artifacts: Clean.

Audio

Format(s): English Dolby Atmos, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French 7.1 Dolby Digital, French (Canadian) 7.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus

Subtitles: English SDH, French, French (Canadian), Spanish (Castilian), Spanish (Latin American), German, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish

Dynamics: The Creator features a nice, loud and effect Dolby Atmos track that really fills the room and then some. It has such a refined balance, layering and depth that provides maximum engagement.

Height: From above you get lots of ships flying, bullets whizzing, debris falling and so much more.

Low Frequency Extension: Explosions, gunblasts, machinery, roaring engines, glass shattering and more really have the subwoofer shaking the room.

Surround Sound Presentation: The rear and side speakers really have a life of their own here beyond the ambiance with good touches of unique activity and tracking angle changes and movement with good rolling power.

Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals are clear and crisp.

Extras

The Creator is a 2-Disc set that comes with the standard Blu-ray edition and a redeemable digital code. All bonus features are found on the standard Blu-ray disc

True Love: Making The Creator (HD, 55:47) – “Finding that razor’s edge was the whole game of the shoot.” A very impressive behind the scenes look that focuses on vision, technical achievements, design and craft above all else that really defines why The Creator succeeds.

Summary

The Creator may not have had a big life theatrically, but I feel it’ll a lengthy one as people continue do discover it. One way to discover is on home video with this 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray release that has terrific technical merits. There is also a pretty awesome documentary included that works way better than just a handful of short fluffy featurettes. When the price hits just right, pick it up if you’re a fan or may blind buy and give it a chance.

This is a paid Amazon Associates link