Elemental – 4K UHD Review

In the world of Pixar’s “Elemental,” love and understanding are portrayed as two contrasting forces, akin to the fusion of fire and water. While this thematic approach might come across as a bit too direct and lacking in the wild antics that typically thrill younger audiences, the film manages to strike a heartfelt chord that resonates more with the adults in the audience. Disney brings this film to life in stunning 4K UHD, complete with a brilliant HDR10 transfer and an impressive Atmos audio track.

“Elemental” ignites the screen with its vibrant HDR10 2160p presentation on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Following Pixar’s tradition of delivering exceptional visuals, this release stands out as another dazzling option in the format. The colors burst forth with brightness and boldness, allowing the full spectrum of primary colors to shine brilliantly. Notably, the shading in the Water and Fire element characters, featuring fluctuating shades of blues and orange/yellow, is particularly impressive. The fine details in the Earth characters, such as the intricate “hairs” on Joe Pera’s Fern, showcase the meticulous attention to detail that went into the animation. The black levels and shadows are equally striking, adding depth and dimension to Ember’s fire and Wade’s water. Without any compression issues, the lines appear clean and sharp, making it a top-notch Pixar transfer all around.

Visuals Review: 4/5

“Elemental” offers a stellar Atmos audio mix. While it may lean towards the subtle side in terms of volume, the surround channels are consistently active, immersing viewers in the film’s richly crafted world. Whether it’s Ember’s explosive moments or Wade’s dripping water, the pinpoint placement of sound effects throughout the soundscape adds to the viewing experience. The score by the ever-reliable Thomas Newman enhances the film’s emotional depth and excitement, never missing a beat, especially during the thrilling third-act climax. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are well-balanced, providing a robust auditory experience, falling somewhere between the scale of “Avatar” and previous Disney Atmos releases. Dialogue remains clean and clear, contributing to the expansive, world-building audio mix.

Audio Review: 4/5

Following a somewhat lackluster effort with “Lightyear,” Pixar makes a triumphant return to form with “Elemental.” While the film’s themes may not be the most subtly handled and it might lack the playful exuberance that appeals to youngsters, it nevertheless manages to touch the heartstrings in meaningful ways. At the end of the day, “Elemental” offers an enjoyable experience. Even if it doesn’t entirely resonate with younger viewers, it’s a film worth revisiting when they’ve grown a bit older. On 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, “Elemental” dazzles with its stunning HDR10 transfer, complemented by an outstanding Atmos audio mix that truly brings the film’s elemental world to life.

8/10

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