The difference between viewing The Nutcracker and the Four Realms in high definition and Ultra HD isn't night and day but, there is no question that it benefitted from the increase in resolution, emboldened color and high dynamic range treatment. The interior sets and CGI featured in the film have appreciable depth which has an enriching, and eye-catching aesthetic. The film has a variety of sequences that make use of close up camera angles that show off the superb rendering of detail. The blend of shadow detail/depth of field offset by the presence of light at varying levels, looked very natural. It’s application here is used very well, drawing upon HDR’s ability to create stark contrast between the two. Where called for the cinematography makes use of shadows, streaming light and a mix of light/dark elements.

The added dimension in blacks, and shadows during the low-level scenes is immediately noticeable. I also enjoyed the implementation of HDR.

The combination of rich color, sepia, and gradational gray tones look stunning. The opening sequences provides a glimpse of what it to come, but it’s the arrival in the Four Realms that offers the bonus that the presentation’s wide color gamut has to offer. Primary colors are pleasingly rich while whites appear gradational and punchy. With a discernible increase in detail and emboldened chromatic highlights the image appears sharper and vibrant when compared to the 1080p version. This is a fantasy-based film that is essentially boldly colorful throughout, and this Ultra HD rendering makes the most of its elements. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms comes to Ultra HD Blu-ray from Disney featuring 2160pHEVC encoded video and lossless Dolby Atmos/TrueHD 7.1 channel sound.įor its presentation in Ultra HD The Nutcracker and the Four Realms was rendered from film-based sources and finished on a 2K DI. It would unfair to say that I disliked it completely but, ultimately, it left me wanting. When all was said and done The Nutcracker and the Four Realms failed to capitalize on its subject matter and talented cast. I do think that this film will find wider appeal with young audiences but, the best parts of its story will be wasted on them. Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and Eugenio Derbez simply didn’t have enough screen time to matter. I enjoyed the performances by the young actors, and wished that they had been given a stronger script to work with. There were things I liked about The Nutcracker and the Four realms but, they were few and far between. The bombardment of CGI didn’t help matters and felt like a necessary addition in order to propel the elementary story along.

Man, I could have done without the three Realm Agents, in particular Kiera Knightley’s Sugar Plum Fairy, who she put way too much zest into. The overuse of imaginary/visuals, positive reinforcement and underlying themes water down the story, which is, at its center, about a young girl’s quest to discover herself. Hoffmann’s classic tale and the beloved ballet “The Nutcracker” The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is an over ambitious fantasy film that feels just a bit too much like a children’s book. Ultimately, she must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve the key and return harmony to the unstable world.

When she enters a mysterious parallel world, Clara encounters a Nutcracker soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and three Realm regents, including the Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley). In The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Clara travels along a golden thread, presented at Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual party, eagerly searching for a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a music box that holds a priceless gift. When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms – where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world.” – Disney Home Entertainment “From the studio that brought you Beauty and the Beast comes the reimagined tale of “The Nutcracker”. Grant, Morgan Freeman, Misty Copeland, Helen Mirrenĭirected by: Lasse Hallstrom, Joe Johnston Starring: Mackenzie Foy, Kiera Knightley, Eugenio Derbez, Jayden Fowora-Knight, Matthew MacFayden, Richard E. Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos/TrueHD 7.1, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, French Dolby Digital 5.1, English DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1

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