Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

The newest movie in the set and yet the weakest one visually, that's likely due to the CG effects. While noticeably remastered from a 2K finish to a 4K sheen, blame the lower resolution digital tools used to create the environments. Any untouched live action looks great, precisely sharp and generously textured. Not perfect - the original three still pop more - but defined.

Cinematography by Janusz Kaminski is identifiably his style, namely the steamy, hazy aesthetic. Like Kaminski's other projects, it's great for HDR (or Dolby Vision in this case). Highlights glimmer and shine with grand intensity. Overall contrast is emboldened by this remaster, then given the assist from black levels. Those equally dig in, adding powerful shadows.

Graded for a sepia touch, the impact to saturation is noticeable but nominal. Jungle greenery still offers a potent vibrancy. Flesh tones keep their purity. The overall palette makes itself known, even after the warming hues.

Audio

Atmos naturally fits to Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, extending an already grand audio mix. Exceptional low-end gives appropriate power to gunshots and punches. The nuke hits with reference level might, shaking the room. A jet engine a few minutes later almost matches it. In terms of overall showmanship, the UFO launch offers a bit of everything.

Height channels engage often, tracking anything even remotely overhead. Rear speakers follow on-screen action naturally, sweeping between stereos through to those surrounds. Chase sequences are a blast, even the monkeys as Mutt swings from the vines. Ambient rain and thunder rip through the soundstage.