Review of Kong: Skull Island (2017) by Billy V — 23 May 2018

Kong: Skull Island is a film I wanted to see in the theater but never got the chance due to scheduling and whatnot, but I knew I'd be picking this up on 4K UHD once it was released and would get the chance to view it within the comforts of my own home theater. I absolutely loved 2014's Godzilla and knew that this was going to somehow connect and create something of a "monster cinematic universe", so I was excited to see what a new movie based on King Kong was all about. I do admit that I went into this film with a bit of worry due to the mediocre 2005 King Kong, which was a bit long and boring, and was really hoping that this flick was going to be more action packed and enjoyable. Luckily it was, but how does it stack up as a 4K UHD release? Let's find out....

Starting off with picture quality I'd say that this movie was certainly visually pleasing, but I wouldn't call it "reference material" or anything like that, though I did enjoy what this disc had to offer. I enjoyed the highly detailed visuals and the detail of both the humans, and the monsters, and felt the 4K transfer of this film was nicely done. The HDR was solid too and gave great depth to the lighting which created a very natural looking environment on the island. I do feel there were a few inconsistencies with the HDR where some scenes felt a little darker than they should've, but I wouldn't say it hampered the film at all the they were very brief and almost unnoticeable to the untrained eye. Also, there were some scenes where the tones and textures were a bit soft, but again, it didn't hurt the experience too much and most won't even notice it at all. Overall the studio did a good job with the visual aspects on this release and I'm sure you'll be pleased with what you see on your 4K television set. I wish I could put this up against the 1080p blu-ray and do a comparison, but sadly I can't and you'll find out more about that a little later in this review.

On the audio side of things you'll be able to choose from DTS Master Audio 7.1, or Dolby Atmos, and lose yourself in the immersive sound atmosphere that this disc has to offer. I tend to choose DTS Master Audio when I watch movies such as this thanks to the booming sound it offers, everything just sounds more natural to me when I do so. I tend to stick with Dolby Atmos when enjoying anything that isn't an action film. All in all the studio did an excellent job with this release as it pertains to the audio department and I think you're eardrums will come alive once you make your track selection and start the film. Again, this isn't "reference material", but the intense explosions, gunfire, background music, and the sounds of the monsters themselves will put a smile on your face thanks to the great options, mixing, and solid layering offered on this 4K disc. You won't be disappointed.

As far as extras go, Kong: Skull Island offers the usual lineup of goodies such as featurettes, audio commentary, interviews, and deleted scenes, but it also takes an extra step and gives you features such as a trip to shooting locations, loads you up with companion pieces, and finally satiates your appetite with behind the scenes pictures. Pretty darn awesome if you ask me. I love when studios find time to add as much bonus material as possible, it always makes me feel like I'm a part of a movie when I am given a ton of great extras to explore after finishing a film. Kudos to the production staff for making the effort. But I do have to take those responsible over my knee for a spanking thanks to one glaring omission, and that's the unforgivable act of not including the traditional 1080p blu-ray in this set. After looking into it a little deeper I did notice that there is a release that contains the 4K UHD version of the film as well as the traditional blu-ray, but the one I ordered from Amazon (or the one Amazon chose to send me) was simply the 4K version only. Why the hell is there a 4K only release as well as a 4K/Blu-ray combo pack? I just don't see the point in offering the 4K version of the film in two different flavors, but whatever.

As for the movie itself, I felt the film was a solid attempt at a King Kong movie and was hands down better than the 2005 attempt by Peter Jackson, but I wouldn't call this the definitive film based on the character. I know a lot of people disliked this movie and it doesn't hold a great approval rating, but come on guys, this is a "popcorn flick" through and through and offers quite a bit of enjoyment to the action film fan. Are you going to revisit this movie a dozen times over? No, of course not, but the 3 or 4 times you'll probably see it in your lifetime will give you some level of enjoyment, I'm sure. I feel "film critics" often like to bash anything that isn't a low budget "art house" style production and find some sort of enjoyment in spewing hatred for big production films. Me? If I enjoy it, I enjoy it, and I certainly found some enjoyment in Kong: Skull Island. Sure, the acting was mediocre and the dialogue was a bit cheesy and over the top, but this is a King Kong movie we're talking about here, and at least we can all agree the presence of Samuel L. Jackson was a nicely added touch. Right?

I can honestly say that Kong: Skull Island It's a worthy purchase if you're looking for a solid audio/video experience or ar a fan of this film to begin with. I'd imagine most 4K UHD/Blu-ray collectors probably already own this movie and won't need me to twist their arm too much, but if you need a little convincing then I'd say go ahead and buy it for the technical specs alone. Especially if you want to show off your new 4K television to your friends and family. If you're simply looking to pick this up because you haven't seen it and think this movie is going to be the greatest production since Jurassic Park or something like that, than save your money because it simply isn't and it's true claim to fame is that it transferred well for a 4K home release. Nothing more, nothing less.

-Billy Vegas.

Twitter - @bvfilmreview.