Menace II Society 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

One of the first 4Ks to come from Criterion, Menace II Society begins this line with high standards. Other than scenes draped in deep red/purples (introducing slight chroma noise), the encode replicates the source perfectly. Superlative clarity shows the maximum resolution, making this a true visual spectacle on the format. Nearly every frame looks new, as in "shot yesterday" new. Fidelity overloads the screen. Texture flows in from all directions.

Generous color saturation stays rich and bold. Intensity gives the city constant variety, and while the above mentioned reds do create issues, there's little question they display a vibrancy that's rare even on UHD. It's gorgeous.

Choosing Dolby Vision, contrast adds to the image's density. Shadows drop to absolute black regularly, Dimensionality makes incredible gains over the Blu-ray. Highlights remain more neutral, bright without drawing unwarranted attention to themselves. Overall contrast impresses though.

Audio

Offering both the stereo and remastered 7.1, both mixes bring equal fidelity. Dialog sounds pristine, the music superb, and the score exacting. Occasional bass stems from the soundtrack.

The refreshed soundstage uses the rears sparingly, choosing a reserved approach to make key moments stand out. Neighborhoods swell with ambiance and helicopters sweep around. Mostly, Menace II Society sticks to the front soundstage, and uses it well.