X-Men Apocalypse 4K UHD Review
Summary: X-Men Apocalypse on 4K UHD is a masterpiece in terms of visuals.
4.0
Stunning visuals!
Welcome back to the world of X-Men with unparalleled visuals courtesy of the definitive 4K UHD format which adds an extra layer of clarity to his presentation. This instalment of X-Men is directed by Bryan Singer who is no stranger to the world of superheroes where he once again reunites James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence in X-Men: Apocalypse that is a sequel to the smash hits X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
For the uninitiated, the X-Men is part of Marvel Comics diverse comicbook universe which feature heroes such as Captain America, Ironman and The Hulk, however due to some wheeling and dealing, the X-Men characters ended up at Fox, however they are now back with Disney. As a result (and for now), the current onslaught of Disney Marvel movies that include The Avengers, Doctor Strange and Captain America are not connected to the X-Men films and take place in their own universe.
Given that, there is a slight disconnect and whereas the Disney Marvel films are slightly lighter in tone, the X-Men films are a little darker but thankfully not as dark as the disappointing Batman v Superman which was created by Warner. Moving on from X-Men Days of Future Past, this current blockbuster film, X-Men Apolcalypse further explores this universe as we’re re-introduced to characters such as Professor Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), Erik Lehnsherr or as the world knows him, Magneto (Michael Fassbender), Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) and Beast (Nicholas Hoult), mutants with superhuman powers with this story further exploring their stories.
There’s also an element of world building used by the director which has mankind extremely wary of these mutants with powers beyond those of mortal man. As a result and from the events of the previous film, the world is on edge. Although labelled as outcasts, there is one safe haven for mutants and that’s Professor Xavier’s school for mutants where the good professor and his teachers attempt to support these young mutants in controlling their powers and being a force for good.
However when the world’s first mutant is unleashed from his ancient slumber En Sabah Nur or Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), he recruits a group of mutants who have been tainted by the world’s dislike of them that includes Angel (Ben Hardy), Storm (Alexandra Shipp) and Psylocke (Olivia Munn) to his cause in order to rebuild the world in his image. It doesn’t help that Magneto’s family is killed by a group of soldiers that helps him choose the side of Apocalypse.
With the evil influence of Apocalypse, he orders his followers to take out the other mutants in the world if they don’t join his cause which causes Professor Xavier’s college to get attacked in a spectacular fashion. Thankfully the majority are saved by Quicksilver (Peter Evans) and those other ‘good’ mutants are who captured by Colonel William Stryker (Josh Helman) are also freed in order to battle Apocalypse and his minions which ends of the film with a blockbuster battle of superheroes and villains and thankfully for the force of good, they are led by Mystique.
X-Men Apocalypse boasts some great special effects which takes this film to a whole new level and really helps in immersing you into the storyline. The story is fun, although clichéd at times and the character development works well, although there is some double-ups from the last story which sees a mixed Magneto once again convinced to do what’s right.
My two favourite actors in the film are James McAvoy who really brings some emotion to his character of Professor Xavier to the very amusing Evan Peter as the humour speedster known as Quicksilver. Newcomers like Sophie Turner as Jean Grey adds to the mythology but the villains are unfortunately a little lackluster but nonetheless, it does help with the world building of the X-Men universe. All in all, X-Men Apocalypse is a fun superhero film and really adds to further exploring this franchise.
Video, Audio & Special Features
Beautifully presented on 4K UHD with superior colours courtesy of HDR and images that are super clear, this is one impressive release. Audio also booms that is very clear and well mixed. Having this on Blu-ray, the 4K version really rocks, especially the special effects and that last scene of heroes vs villains is almost worth the admission price alone.
Final Thoughts?
X-Men: Apocalypse is an action centric superhero film that expands the universe of these mutant humans who have a villain that is thousands upon thousands of years old and threatens the very world. There’s some great action scenes, including a very cool cameo plus great dialogue. The actors and director should be commended on another fun and over the top adventure that is a tad forgettable but ultimately enjoyable at the same time! More importantly, this re-release on the 4K format brings the visuals to life with exceptional image clarity and vibrant colours!
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