Arthur the King (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Lionsgate 
Release Date: May 28, 2024
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5

Plot
Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, the film follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes (Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman) for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean.

My Thoughts
I’m a sucker for movies about dogs so when this one landed in the inbox, I definitely had to request it. The film is based on a true story and while the narrative can be a bit uneven—especially in the first act—the film picks up pace in the second act and doesn’t have that Hollywood ending we’ve grown accustomed to. In fact, I praise the filmmakers for keeping the story authentic and while they do have some instances of pulling on the audience’s heartstrings.
Shockingly, the film didn’t do as well in theaters as projected and I blame this solely on the marketing of the film, which was piss-poor. I consider myself pretty tied into what’s going on in the movie world and I never heard of this film. How did this stay off my radar?
The film was shot on 8K cameras and finished with a 4K master, but for some odd reason didn’t get a 4K release (most likely due to the poor box office). Regardless, the 1080p video presentation is as good as it gets and is teaming with detail from start to finish. It’s razor-sharp in the foreground. The depth of image is best-in-class and the black levels are to die-for. The Atmos track is nearly as impressive and features a robust soundtrack and very good use of all of the speakers in the room.

 
Video 5/5
Audio 4.5/5 (Dolby Atmos)


Special Features:

• Three Audio Commentaries
• Finding Arther
• A Love Letter to Arthur
• A Dog’s Journey: Making Arthur the King
• Mark Wahlberg and Best Friends: Animal Society
• Theatrical Trailer
• Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjDJNEPghNY&ab_channel=LionsgateMovies


Conclusion
My wife and I loved the film and found it to be inspirational and at times, tear-inducing. Wahlberg does his usual bang-up job as the lead and his relationship with Arther comes across as authentic and genuine. Add in a fantastic presentation and it makes this film very easy to recommend. Furthermore, tell a fried and let’s make sure the film eeks out a profit on home video so the studios will continue to make these heartfelt films in the future.


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
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

[Paul Heroy]

My wife is a total sucker for dog movies and will watch even pretty bad ones. I'm a bit pickier but enjoy them generally. We just a couple of weeks ago watched The Art of Racing In the Rain, which was at times a bit Hallmark-ish but overall pretty good. Will have to check this one out - thanks for finding it and reviewing.

[David Vaughn]

My wife is a total sucker for dog movies and will watch even pretty bad ones. I'm a bit pickier but enjoy them generally. We just a couple of weeks ago watched The Art of Racing In the Rain, which was at times a bit Hallmark-ish but overall pretty good. Will have to check this one out - thanks for finding it and reviewing.

Paul, didn't that first scene in The Art of Racing in the Rain just hit emotionally? I agree that it was pretty good as well (and I also read the book). If you liked that one, then you'll certainly enjoy this as well. 

[SRW1000]

Thanks for the review, David.  I've had this one on our library reserve list for a while now, but it hasn't come in yet.

Glad to hear that it will be worth watching, since I had never heard of it before it popped up for rental.  

It's weird what the studios decide to promote and what they're happy to let die.  Disappointing for what looks like a good title.

[David Vaughn]

Thanks for the review, David.  I've had this one on our library reserve list for a while now, but it hasn't come in yet.

Glad to hear that it will be worth watching, since I had never heard of it before it popped up for rental. 

It's weird what the studios decide to promote and what they're happy to let die.  Disappointing for what looks like a good title.

Supposedly they spent $20 million on marketing, but I have no idea where that money went. I've yet to cross paths with anyone who knew about the film. 

[bmoney]

if its anything like Marely and Me...HARD pass.  never cried so hard during a movie

[David Vaughn]

if its anything like Marely and Me...HARD pass.  never cried so hard during a movie

Well.....maybe not as bad as that, but at times, close. 

[bmoney]

Well.....maybe not as bad as that, but at times, close.

I’m good. 

[David Vaughn]

I’m good.

Don't wimp out....just watch it. The video quality is amazing. 

[SRW1000]

We watched this over the weekend and agree with your review.  It's more than just a dog movie and almost feels like an ensemble drama with Arthur as one of the main characters.  Each feels fully developed and has their own reasons for racing.  

Picture quality is fantastic.  Not being a fan of heights, there's one scene in particular that was really well-shot and gave me the heebie-jeebies.  

Well worth watching, and it's much more inspirational side rather than the sappy side of the film spectrum.

[David Vaughn]

We watched this over the weekend and agree with your review.  It's more than just a dog movie and almost feels like an ensemble drama with Arthur as one of the main characters.  Each feels fully developed and has their own reasons for racing. 

Picture quality is fantastic.  Not being a fan of heights, there's one scene in particular that was really well-shot and gave me the heebie-jeebies. 

Well worth watching, and it's much more inspirational side rather than the sappy side of the film spectrum.

I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as we did. I wish they released it in 4K given how great it looks on Blu-ray!