Meg 2: The Trench 4K Ultra HD

Jason Statham headlines in “Meg 2: The Trench,” the battle against a frenzy of ferocious Megs, led by the biggest Meg ever, along with new, never- before-seen creatures in a monstrously-sized action thriller. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurettes "The Making Of “Meg 2: The Trench" (HD 13:02) and "Up From the Depths: Even More Beasts" (HD 09:40) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Sony CineAlta Venice camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. A stereo conversion was performed by DNEG but no 3D Blu-ray was provided for review. The picture presents two emotionally different visual creations. The first, which is far more compelling, is when the crew of the research lab enter the trench and embark on a deep 25,000-foot underwater walk with surrounds lit by bioluminescence plant species. These are dark settings with orange colors and specular whites providing vivid highlights during scenes of tension. Spot colors are vibrant such as the numerous red and green buttons that operate the submarine technologies. The second setting is above sea level at Fun Island. This is a beach resort occupied by people wearing a variety of brightly colored island attire. The above-ground footage, from dark interiors lit mostly by computer displays to the sun-soaked exterior of Fun Island exhibit good color depth. Throughout the proceedings the Megs are hued in gray tones, set in naturally realistic ocean waters. Flesh tones retain realism under every lighting condition. The production design is elaborate with all manner of textured structural objects. Contrast is excellent with deep solid black levels and revealing shadows. Resolution is excellent with objects and clothing in sharp focus. Facial features are revealing in detail as well. Throughout, tensions shift with the backgrounds , often providing a fun, yet treacherous journey with all those Megs and other creatures. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding with a strong deep bass foundation that often energize sub-25 Hz bass frequencies. Sound effects are both nuanced and bold such as during underwater action, claustrophobic interiors, or crowd screams on Fun Island. Explosions below and above sea level are eruptive sounding. Foley sound effects are perfectly synchronized. The orchestral score occupies a wide and deep soundstage that aggressively envelops the entire soundfield. Dialogue is largely ADR but decently integrated. Atmospherics also fill various segments. Surround directionality is at times aggressive and directionalized. Gunfire sounds realistic and well integrated as do explosions. The Megs move a lot of water and create turbulence during attacks.

The Immersive Sound element starts 65 billion years ago on a beach with all manner of jungle insect sounds that then dies to be picked up later on in the lab's underwater sequences with deep sounding bubbling water. The outer sea research platform has water sounds as do the deep dives enhanced with din sounds and instrumentation sounds. Meg attacks tear apart submarines with crashing sounds, More bubbling sounds and a water fall effect occur. Occasional atmospherics are extended. Underwater scenes and segments have the elevated water sounds while above sea level there is no height layer. Nor does the music extend to provide enhanced dimensionality So much more could have been achieved with the material presented.

Overall, the ear-level holosonic® soundtrack presentation delivers an exciting and enveloping soundfield experience. (Gary Reber)