Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

There's no reason for Advent Children to reach UHD. Rendered at sub-HD levels, the dismal resolution offers this disc advantage over the Blu-ray. If anything, the upscale only makes things worse.

Wide shots create visual litter. Aliasing is extreme, ringing severe, and definition dull. Rudimentary textures (in 2021 anyway) limit fidelity, and in 4K, the limitations only reveal themselves further. Busier backgrounds appear smothered by filters, akin to a high-end N64 game.

Set in a post-apocalypse, color favors a depressed aesthetic. Mostly, it's stuck in flat earth tones, and there's little to gain in moving to better tech. HDR helps a little, adding minor kick to the better lit scenery, if not enough to make this a significant upgrade, or worth a purchase. Black levels drift toward hazier shadows, often devoid of pure black, sticking to a murkier look for mood.

Audio

If there's any gains to this disc, thank the Atmos tracks, in both Japanese and English (not the dubtitles for the Japanese mix). This is a fun boost over the 5.1, aggressively wide in staging action. Superb tracking follows bikes as they drive around, clashing swords, and even dialog. Gunfire rips overhead and pans front-to-back. Great ambiance fills city centers, and open air pushes small breezes into the rears and overheads. Advent Children stays consistently fun and active.

Bass isn't so consistent, but does provide a capable density. The subwoofer hits potently as needed, accentuating numerous elements, and adding powerful punch to visions/dreams. Giant creatures stomp around, generating a satisfying rumble. Barrett's arm cannon is beastly. Certain action lacks the same power though. Characters punch through concrete without so much as a jolt, failing to generate oomph that matches the visuals.