Shang-Chi 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Pedestrian source material doesn't have much on offer. There's a sloppy, glossy quality to the 2K source imagery. This limits detail and fidelity doesn't shine at all; at best, it's rudimentary. Wide shots lack in definition, and from the outset, there's no doubt this is an upscale.

Reserved color keep the palette dry. That means reserved primaries that lack energy, even down to the bleak flesh tones. This isn't out line with past Marvel aesthetics, but Shang-Chi looks especially drab considering the potential in the costumes and San Francisco locale.

Disney's HDR helps the highlights take prominence, such as anything that sparks or glistens. Driving into Hong Kong, the neons look incredible. Light is plentiful, and the glowing rings lay it all out. However, black levels recede like the color, lessening the depth. True black is utilized sparingly, only adding to the routine nature of this presentation. From all of this, the plus is absolute clarity. Noise rarely invades the visuals, and even when evident, barely makes an impression.

Audio

Whether by design or the disc, Shang-Chi's Atmos track lets the music overpower the effects. It's as if everything other than the score is purposefully reduced in intensity. This isn't a case of Disney reducing range because said soundtrack lands heartily in the subwoofer. The bass line rumbles well enough.

Ring attacks sweeping around the soundstage pan accurately, if not extensively. Compared to similar moments in say, Underworld, the positional motion lands on the weaker side. Ambiance performs okay, like in the fight club where crowds swell into each speaker. Atmos effects flatten out however, rarely utilized even when the visuals offer potential. With all of the water splashing during the finale, there's no reason not to notice the heights engaged.