Ultra HD Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Prey is the latest installment in the iconic Predator film franchise. Set in the year 1719, it tells the story of a young woman, Naru, a skilled yet untested warrior of the Comanche Nation who has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters to roam the Great Plains. When a mysterious danger arises, she fights to protect her tribe against one of the first highly evolved Predators to visit Earth.

Prey is a made-for-Hulu action adventure that didn’t receive a theatrical release, nor an announcement for a future physical media offering. The development of the primary character of Naru is at the heart of the narrative, which contains a nicely developed story with themes of coming-of-age, breaking down barriers and fighting for survival. I liked how this story drew inspiration from a classic that has now spawned three sequels and a prequel yet felt unique in its own right. I never found any of them to be the equal of the original, until now: End-to-end, I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

The Ultra HD rendering is finished on a 4K digital intermediate. This sterling presentation delivers on the format’s strengths, offering refined detail that enhances depth and dimension. Emboldened contrast, rich blacks and definitive shadow detail underscore the subject matter, bringing it to a visually rewarding level. The benefits of high dynamic range and wide color gamut are on-point. Earth-toned colors have vitality that enlivens shots where they would have perhaps been seen as a less provocative background element. Whites are gradational and bright during the plethora of daytime segments featured in the film. I found this to be a gratifying and engaging viewing experience.

The Dolby Atmos track is an excellent one that is comprised of a mix of atmospherics, panning fills and discrete audio. Sound effects emanating from the height channels create an enriching level of immersion that coincides with the onscreen events. Nearfield object placement provides an involving listening experience that enhances the “being there” effect when applied. Dialogue is firmly planted in the center channel, rendering voices and effects with appropriate distinction. Solid dynamics and room-energizing bass fundamentally drive the action-based sequences. A full-length Comanche audio track is also included!

Bonus features include an enlightening panel discussion, production featurette, alternate opening/deleted scenes and filmmaker audio commentary. Given its continued streaming status on Hulu, no digital copy is included. A feature film HD Blu-ray completes the set. Prey is an entertaining cinematic spectacle, especially for Predator fans, and looks and sounds great on 4K disc.

ULTRA HD 4K BLU-RAY
STUDIO: Fox, 2022
ASPECT RATIO: 2.39:1
HDR FORMAT: HDR10
AUDIO FORMAT: Dolby Atmos with TrueHD 7.1 core
LENGTH: 100 mins., R
DIRECTOR: Dan Trachtenberg
STARRING: Amber Midthunder, Dane DiLiegro, Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat, Dakota Beavers, Michelle Thrush