Twenty-Eight Years Later stands out as my top pick for the year, and here's my reasoning why it's an excellent choice for a test disc.
In the world of cinema, a new contender has emerged, promising to deliver a visual spectacle like no other. The film "28 Years Later" has been turning heads with its stand-out performance by newcomer Alfie Williams as 12-year-old Spike, and its breathtaking visuals that are best experienced on a 4K TV screen or projector.
The film's 2.76:1 widescreen format showcases the vast scale of the landscape and the night sky, with the clouds and dust of the Milky Way illuminating the dark night sky and reflecting on the sea's surface. The lush, green landscapes with bright yellow wildflowers against clear blue skies are a testament to the film's ability to render subtle, nuanced, and detailed natural colors without overblowing them.
The film's unique aspect ratio enhances immersion, particularly in scenes where the characters explore the desolate landscape. The mix of serene natural environments and intense horror elements provides a range of visual contrasts that can test a system's ability to handle both subtle color palettes and dramatic shifts in lighting and mood.
Some potential test scenes might include the opening scenes showing Jim waking up in an empty London, countryside expeditions showcasing the film's naturalistic tone, and intense action sequences featuring rapid action or dramatic lighting shifts. These scenes would help evaluate the capability of a 4K system to deliver both naturalistic visuals and immersive cinematic experiences.
Filmed on Lindisfarne island, off the north east coast of England, "28 Years Later" offers a stunning and arresting visual aesthetic that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. The film's gritty and grainy aesthetic, similar to that of "28 Days Later", is achieved through the use of drones and iPhones, particularly an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The high-resolution quality of the iPhone 15 Pro Max used in the film surpasses the old Canon XL1 camcorder beyond belief.
"28 Years Later" is set in the year 2031 and is expected to age better than "28 Days Later" in terms of picture quality and retaining its clarity, tone, and depth. The film is currently showing in cinemas and is set to be released on 4K Blu-ray later this year.
For those who are lucky enough to visit Lindisfarne island in real life, it's important to note that the film is not accessible during high tide. The tense chase scene in the film is a test for surround sound, immersing viewers in the heart-stomping intensity of the action.
In conclusion, "28 Years Later" is an astounding addition to a home cinema library, offering a unique cinematic experience that is not to be missed. With its stunning visuals, immersive sound, and gripping storyline, it's a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- The review of "28 Years Later" highlights its breathtaking visuals, best experienced on a 4K TV screen or projector.
- The film's 2.76:1 widescreen format showcases the vast scale of the landscape and the night sky, excellent for testing a system's ability to handle subtle color palettes and dramatic lighting shifts.
- The lush, green landscapes with bright yellow wildflowers against clear blue skies in "28 Years Later" are a testament to the film's ability to render subtle, nuanced, and detailed natural colors.
- The mix of serene natural environments and intense horror elements in the film provides a range of visual contrasts, enhancing immersion particularly in scenes where characters explore the desolate landscape.
- Filmed on Lindisfarne island, "28 Years Later" offers a stunning and arresting visual aesthetic, achieved through the use of drones and iPhones, particularly an iPhone 15 Pro Max, whose high-resolution quality surpasses the old Canon XL1 camcorder.
- The film "28 Years Later" is set to be released on 4K Blu-ray later this year, a gadget enthusiast's deal for those seeking a visual spectacle at home.
- In terms of picture quality and retaining its clarity, tone, and depth, "28 Years Later" is expected to age better than its predecessor "28 Days Later".
- For those planning to visit Lindisfarne island, it's important to note that the film is not accessible during high tide, making the tense chase scene a standout for surround sound and immersing viewers in the heart-stomping intensity of the action.
