Synopsis

In the near dystopian future, mega cities sprawl across the US. The one that extends from New England to Philly has crime running rampant on the streets. To keep control, Judges ride amongst the population with the abilities to be judge, jury and executioner. When crime boss Mama decides to flood the streets with a new, potent mind-altering drug, only a judge named Dredd stands in her way. And he isn’t moving.

Dredd - 4K UHD Blu-ray Movie Review

Specifications
Dredd - Movie Cover
Lionsgate Entertainment
(2012) 2017, 2160p with HDR10, Rated R, 1 hour 36 minutes
Dolby Atmos (DD 5.1), Color, 2.40:1 Aspect Ratio
Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, & Lena Headey
Directed by: Pete TravisRating

Entertainment:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:

Violence: Yes, graphic
Sex: Yes
Language: No

Dredd - 4K UHD Blu-ray Movie

Commentary

About as far removed as the comical Stallone version, Urban plays Dredd like the comic book; grim, determined and no-nonsense. Along with a telepathic trainee (Thrilby), Dredd goes into an urban tower that houses thousands of people. In this tower is a gang that has an insidious new drug called “slo-mo” that alters the users perception of time by making everything seemly, well…slow down. When Mama (Headey) learns she is about to be judged, she sends all of her baddies to kill the judges. For those of you that only Headey as a character on Game of Thrones, you’ll be amused to see her here doing what she does best; being evil.

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What ensues is a violent struggle for survival with slow motion shoot outs, machine guns, explosions and a whole lot of property damage! Some of the violence is quite graphic, so no young kids should see this. It may come from a comic book, but Dredd is definitely for mature audiences. Some of the “slo-mo” scenes are particularly interesting because they used high speed cameras to create the effects which look astounding. Urban scowls a lot, but plays Dredd perfectly. Here’s hoping for a sequel. Recommended!

Dredd - 4K UHD Movie Review

Technical

Shot digitally (presumably in 2K), this version has more detail than the BD counterpart and a big uptick in color rendition due to WCG. Reds, in particular, look splendid and punchy. Neon lights are piercingly bright and the sparkles during the “slo-mo” are beautiful to behold. Every detail, from grime to gaping wounds to chin stubble are all displayed in fine focus. Shadow details are better here than on the 1080p version.

Dredd - Blu-ray Movie Review

The sound in very energetic. I listened to some of this movie in 5.1 and was almost literally blown out of my seat. Even in 2.1, I could swear I heard things around me, behind me and to the sides of the room. What an excellent mix for an action movie! Some of the explosions will rock your sub substantially, so be forewarned.

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Extras

Besides a BD copy: Mega City Masters, Welcome to Peach Trees, Day of Chaos, Dredd featurette, Dredd Gear, 3rd Dimension, Motion Comic Prequel and Trailers.