REVIEW: Conclave on 4k UHD
From Focus Features/Universal we get Conclave on 4k UHD for the first time ever!
Conclave follows one of the world's most secretive and ancient events--selecting a new pope. The Church's most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world, locked together in the Vatican halls.
Tasked with running this covert process, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church. Also starring Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini and directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front).
Pictured above is the front packaging for Conclave on 4k UHD.
This came with a collectible slipcover :)
Video
This is a reference quality 4k UHD disc from Universal. The HDR enhances significantly the film which is for the most part given its tone, a very dark film.
The film’s picture is crisp and visual details abound from what the cardinals are wearing to background objects - every details is clearly visible. Showcasing the beautiful production design to the paintings inside of the cathedrals. Details so crisp - they’ll make your eyes pop!
The 4k upgrade over the BD format is worth it in my opinion alone just from the picture having HDR. The color palette for this film is gorgeous and it truly shines in the 4k UHD format. Black levels look epic too!!!
This picture is super crisp!
The Director goes more into detail on his audio commentary track (also on the 4k disc) about filming “Conclave”, lighting choices, camera movements and certain parts including details such as the breathes you hear at the beginning of the film of Ralph’s character heavily breathing - being added in ADR sessions to enhance tension in certain parts.
There’s also a 15-minute EPK style bonus feature on the 4k disc called: “Sequestered: Inside Conclave”.
Audio:
Everyone who has seen Conclave has raved about its score! Volker Bertelmann the film’s composer (who also scored the popular show from Netflix this past summer called “Your Honor”) earned an Oscar nomination for his work on “Conclave”.
The score slaps instantly just upon loading the disc’s menu - one of the main ques from the film (“Seal the Room” on the soundtrack) plays in a soothing loop.
This 4k UHD version has a phenomenal Dolby Atmos track that not only enhances the film’s score, but the film’s dialogue which can be soft spoken and whispers at times to loud voices raised in certain scenes. With Dolby Atmos, I didn’t need to adjust my tv’s volume at all. That’s how well balanced this Atmos track is! Being able to weave in and out of loud then low sound sequences mixed in with environment changes - it’s a 10/10 for me on this audio track. I’ve watched film now 3x in a row on 4k UHD and keep having it on with audio in the background - it’s like being in a dream-like state!
Summary
Fans can remember Focus put out Promising Young Woman back in 2023 onto 4k UHD and that was a great transfer! This Conclave 4k UHD transfer is a MUST-OWN! After watching the film, you’ll probably have the disc menu’s music just play in the background - so, so soothing, yet thrilling.
You can buy it now, by clicking here.
