Anna (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Summit Entertainment
Release Date: September 24, 2019
Rating: R
Film: 2.5/5

Plot
Beneath Anna Poliatova's striking beauty lies a secret that will unleash her indelible strength and skill to become one of the world's most feared government assassins. An electrifying thrill ride unfolding with propulsive energy, startling twists and breathtaking action.

My Thoughts
The film is written and directed by Luc Besson, who makes movies that are hit or miss with me. I’ve become a fan of The Fifth Element for its quirkiness and enjoyed Lucy, but some of his other films don’t resonate with me. That’s the case here with Anna, while not horrible, its story leaves a bit to be desired and it’s hard to fathom a hundred-pound girl beating up men who outweigh her by 150 pounds.

The video encode is decent enough and looks good in 4K, but it’s an upconvert from a 2K master. Details are a tad sharper than the Blu-ray and the shadows are better resolved. The Atmos track really hits hard during the action scenes and makes good use of the LFE channel as well as overhead effects.

Video 8/10

Audio 9/10 (Dolby Atmos)

Special Features:

• Dressing a Doll: Costumes of Anna
• Anatomy of a Scene: Restaurant Fight
• Unnesting a Russian Doll: Making Anna
• Constructing the Car Chase
• Blu-ray+ Digital Copy

Conclusion
This is a check your brain at the door action movie that has little to no basis in reality. If you’re in the mood for that type of film, then check this out, but keep your expectations low and you may enjoy the ride.

   
Reference Review System:
 
 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (configured as tandem mid bass modules)
Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner