I previously reviewed Aquaman last winter; that review is accessible here. This assessment will focus on the UHD 4K edition.
Aquaman proved to be a considerable success for DC Comics. Within the DC Extended Universe (the continuity of which has been significantly altered), only Aquaman and Wonder Woman have generated sufficient revenue to warrant sequels featuring the original lead actors. Recent developments at DC Comics have seen Henry Cavill depart from the role of Superman, and Ben Affleck relinquish the role of Batman, with Robert “Glitter Vampire” Pattinson now portraying the Caped Crusader. It’s become necessary to approach each DC Comics film as a standalone entity, rather than as part of a cohesive universe, unlike the integrated approach adopted by Marvel.
In my initial review of Aquaman, I highlighted the pervasive CGI, an issue that became even more apparent upon rewatching the film. The enhanced resolution of the 4K format and HDR rendering served to accentuate the artificiality of the visual effects. While the 3D presentation in cinemas somewhat masked these flaws, for example, the rejuvenation effects applied to Nicole Kidman and Temuera Morrison, the increased clarity of the 4K edition reveals the shortcomings of the digital environments. The digital pier backdrop during scenes between father and son, for instance, appears distinctly artificial. The filmmakers’ decision to construct the lighthouse and pier practically in 1:1 scale, only to then film those scenes in a studio environment, is perplexing. Similarly, the underwater sequences, despite the filmmakers’ enthusiasm, suffer from questionable physics and unnatural character movements, exacerbated by the digital rendering of hair.
The Dolby Atmos sound design, however, is exceptionally well-balanced and mixed, creating an immersive audio experience. The submarine sequences at the beginning and the battle in Italy represent a benchmark for soundscapes.
Ultimately, the sound quality of the UHD edition and Jason Momoa‘s performance are redeeming qualities of Aquaman. While the extensive use of visual effects was likely unavoidable, the fact that the underwater scenes in The Abyss (released 30 years prior) are more convincing highlights a significant deficiency. This may be attributed to James Cameron‘s commitment to practical effects and immersing his actors in water. While the film itself may not be a standout, the UHD edition is a worthwhile reference disc for demonstrating Dolby Atmos capabilities.
