Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

A decent if unspectacular effort from Paramount, which succeeds when compared to the earlier Blu-ray, but not against the current UHD standards. The plus is a firmly controlled, preserved grain structure. Paramount's encode does well to maintain the film stock's integrity. What doesn't is the fuzzier mastering.

Evidence of light filtering adds an oily glaze over the imagery, and at times, a minor smearing. It's possible to detect a slight "tug" as actors move around or the camera pans, grain stuck in place behind them. This all pinches detail, reducing the fidelity and sharpness. Star Trek III is by no means a travesty, rather a disappointment considering the potential. While both Star Trek and Star Trek II showed limited signs of manipulation, those choices are most apparent here.

Dolby Vision pleasingly adds punch to the shadows or depth of space. Stars and suns glow against the raw black. Primary colors produce a definite density, wholly natural too. Accurate flesh tones pair with the other eye-catching hues.

Audio

Ship engines generate a decent low-end response inside this TrueHD track. Certainly of its age, but prominent, heavy, and thick. A couple of explosions produce a pleasing bump, as do some earthquakes.

Pure dialog sounds fresh, almost new. James Horner's score adds a richness to the soundtrack, which makes up for a lackluster example of separation. Passing starships exhibit little motion through the soundstage, and those additional rears in the 7.1 upgrade rarely find use. Some ambiance on Genesis drives wind and storms around, at least offering some directionality.