Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (4K UHD Steelbook) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: October 10, 2023
Rating: PG-13
Film:  3.5/5

Plot
OPTIMUS PRIME and the AUTOBOTS take on their biggest challenge yet!  When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction known as the MAXIMALS. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Noah (Anthony Ramos) and Elena (Dominique Fishback) will do whatever it takes to help the TRANSFORMERS as they engage in the ultimate battle to save Earth.

My Thoughts
I wouldn’t count myself as a fan of the Transformers universe. Sure, I enjoyed the first Michael Bay film for what it was—mindless entertainment with good special effects along with Megan Fox in short-shorts, but I don’t consider the subsequent films high-brow entertainment. My favorite film this far was Bumblebee, because it actually had a coherent story and didn’t need nearly two hours of non-stop action to entertain the audience.

With that in mind, I came into this film with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. Even more shocking, is my wife actually liked the film. She described it as fun without all the foul language and unnecessary nudity (mind you, I don’t mind either of those things if they go with the story, but that’s a discussion for a different day). Regardless, she’s right on this one. There’s enough meat on the bone to make the story enjoyable and the action sequences are aplenty, they don’t go on for ever and ever like the Bay films. Don’t get me wrong—the screenplay isn’t some deep philosophical undertaking, but there’s enough emotional bond to keep it interesting.

One thing that did impress was the A/V presentation. The image is razor sharp and has a lot of depth. The color palette looks natural (unlike the Bay film’s propensity to highlight orange and teal) and there’s enough detail to know you’re looking at a true 4K image. The audio track is excellent as well, especially if you like LFE. I gave it a slight deduction because there are times when I expected a bit more “oomph” in the scene, but these were thankfully rare occasions.

Video 9.5/10
Audio 9.5/10  (Dolby Atmos)

Special Features:

• Steelbook packaging
• Human Affairs
• Life in the 90s
• Heroes
• Villains
• The Chase
• The Battle of Ellis Island
• Into the Jungle
• The Switchback Attack
• The Final Conflict
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy
  
  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itnqEauWQZM&ab_channel=ParamountPictures


Conclusion
If you enjoy the other Transformer films then you’ll probably like this one as well. While it’s not as good as Bumblebee, both my wife and I enjoyed the experience and I found the presentation to be in the upper tier of 4K offerings. Furthermore, if you’re a Steelbook fan, the artwork is quite good and will look good in your collection.           


Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
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
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

yeah its an onslaught for the senses for sure

i nwish they did the transformations more simple as the toys were...or animated series....