A Quiet Place: Day One (4K UHD) Review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Rating: PG-13
Film: 3.5/5


Plot
Experience the day the world went quiet in this terrifying continuation of the A Quiet Place universe. When Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) returns home to New York City, her simple trip turns into a harrowing nightmare when mysterious creatures that hunt by sound attack. Accompanied by her cat Frodo and an unexpected ally (Joseph Quinn), Samira must embark on a perilous journey through the city that has suddenly gone silent, where the only rule is to stay quiet to stay alive. Djimon Hounsou and Alex Wolff also star in this intensely suspenseful thriller.

My Thoughts
As a fan of the first two films in the franchise, I was really looking forward to watching this. It’s a different take on the same type of story of how humans deal with death and in particular, looking your mortality straight in the eyes. Samira’s character has her own unique story (I won’t spoil it) and certainly throws a curveball in the “be quiet or you’ll die” film. When she meets up with Eric (Quinn), she sees in him someone who hasn’t given up hope but is overcome with fear and loneliness and it’s up to her and Frodo to save his life.

From a dramatic standpoint, the film works pretty well, although I do have a couple of issues. First, the people of New York City learn pretty quickly that silence is the key to survival, but at no point does the film show you how they come to this conclusion. We as the audience certainly know given the first two films, but this point could have been fleshed out much earlier. Second, we still don’t know squat about the aliens as to why they’ve come to the planet and what their endgame is. Maybe that will be the fourth film?

With all this in mind, I did enjoy the film for what it was but the highlight of the evening was the Dolby Atmos soundtrack—and no, that isn’t typo you see below—10.5 is the correct score because this track is off the charts amazing! The LFE is intense and deep and the sound mixing is such an integral part of the storytelling and it delivers is spades. The video presentation is no slouch in its own right with accurate colors, revealing shadows, and plenty of detail in closeups.


Video 10/10 (AVC)

Audio 10.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)


Special Features:

• Day Zero: Beginning and Endings
• In the City: Chaos in Chinatown
• The Exodus: Against the Tide
• A Long Walk: Monster in Midtown
• Pizza at the End of the World
• Deleted/Extended Scenes
• Steelbook Packaging
• 4K + Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 
 Conclusion
In reflecting on the film, I would have loved to have come into it without having the first two films to compare it to. I honestly think I would have bumped up the rating a half a point, but when compared to the others, I just like them better. Regardless, this is a good entry into the franchise and while I thought the audio on the other films were outstanding, this takes it just a notch higher. It screams demo material from the opening of the film and never disappoints. Recommended.


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

[Craig Peer]

I need to get this and watch it followed by 2 and 3!

[bmoney]

Didn’t enjoy this nearly as much as one and two. But still good

Thanks 

[SRW1000]

10.5!  Wow, I'm looking forward to listening to this one!

I liked the first movie a lot, but the second one felt flat to me.  I'll go in with lower expectations, story-wise for this entry.

[David Vaughn]

10.5!  Wow, I'm looking forward to listening to this one!

I liked the first movie a lot, but the second one felt flat to me.  I'll go in with lower expectations, story-wise for this entry.

The story isn't bad, but just not as good as #1 (which I thought was excellent). Can't wait to hear what you think of the audio. 

[bmoney]

The story isn't bad, but just not as good as #1 (which I thought was excellent). Can't wait to hear what you think of the audio.

i watched the streaming version and the audio did not stand out.  i have read it was compressed severly. time to grab the disc and compare

[David Vaughn]

i watched the streaming version and the audio did not stand out.  i have read it was compressed severly. time to grab the disc and compare

It was definitely NOT compressed on the disc. 

[bmoney]

not looking forward to watching it again.  but just have to for sound alone haha