Downsizing 4K 2017 Ultra HD 2160p REMUX

A social satire in which a guy realizes he would have a better life if he were to shrink himself.

Downsizing 4K 2017 Ultra HD 2160p REMUX Review
Downsizing has been upscaled for its 4K release; the film was originally photographed at a resolution of 3.4K. Downsizing's 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD presentation has its plusses and its minuses. First, the minuses, and the most glaring one at that: the black levels. Several dark scenes, perhaps the most prominent being a shot of Matt Damon at the 1:51:50 mark, appear significantly washed out, far too elevated, and the problem extends to the widescreen black bars as well. Even in well-lit scenes, i.e. daytime exteriors, blacks can appear too bright, even when considering, for example, Ngoc Lan Tran's hair. Fortunately, the elevated black bars only seem to be a significant problem in some low-light scenes (and, yes, firmware on both the review Oppo BDP-203 and LGC7P are up to date). On the flip side, whites appear significantly improved. White balance and brilliance are very impressive, and the sequence during which Paul's body is prepped for the downsizing is a highlight for blindingly pure whites. Colors in general, however, are not significantly altered. The UHD's Dolby Vision presentation allows for a little more depth and saturation to basic, colorful hues, but not to an extreme; there's not a significant difference in general coloring, save for flesh tones, which can fluctuate between paler -- maybe even pushing a gray at times -- to more deep and dense on the UHD when compared to the Blu-ray. Textural improvements are marginal at best. This is not UHD and Dolby Vision's finest hour.

Is it better to live in the world with all its flaws or withdraw from it? Paul (Matt Damon) is on a philosophical journey he only gradually recognizes. His desire to downsize may have been precipitated in a midlife crisis.

Ngoc (Hong Chou) is a very versatile actress that can berate and cajole and steamrole nearly anyone. As a Vietnamese refugee (both the actress as a baby and the character smuggled in a TV container) she understands one lives or one dies and it is not something one can control.

Paul needs a kick in the butt and Ngoc is just the one to give him one when required.

The scientific flaws in Downsizing are rampant. The willingness to suspend disbelief is essential. I could see a Downsizing II, but I don't know if it could answer the moral questions that Downsizing raises and forgets to answer.