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Category:    Home > Reviews > Horror > Science Fiction > Action > Zombies > Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017/Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray w/Blu-ray)

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 4K (2017/Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray w/Blu-ray)



Picture: A-/B+ Sound: A- Extras: B Film: B



It is hard to believe that there have been six entries to Milla Jovovich, Paul W.S. Anderson (Event Horizon) and Sony's Resident Evil franchise, but here we are at the final entry. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017) follows the formula created by earlier installments and sews together some loose plot hole ends that makes the whole saga a much stronger piece as a whole. While watching this film, one in which I had little expectations for initially, I couldn't help but be impressed by some of the visual effects (a weak spot for older entries) and even found myself jumping at a few startling moments. It seems like this time Anderson and his team finally got it right.


Thanks to this gorgeous 4K presentation, this film could be a great demo disc as it features interesting cinematography and very nice sound design that gave my home entertainment system a workout. (Also be sure to check out our other 4K UHD review for Resident Evil: Retribution).


The Final Chapter stars Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Shawn Roberts, Ruby Rose, Iain Glen, and William Levy.


Alice (Jovovich) is back one final time to finish her relentless war with the tyrannical corporate entity known as The Umbrella Corporation, which admittedly are responsible for the fall of modern civilization and the rise of the zombie apocalypse. At first alone, Alice ends up meeting up with one of her adversaries - Umbrella's realistic security software - that gives her a tip of an airborne T-Virus that could reverse the effects of the masses and save the planet. The only problem is that she has to go back to The Hive, the secret underground base of operations in the center of Raccoon City, where the outbreak initially began in the first installment. Soon aided by some old and new human faces that are struggling to survive, Alice goes head to head with the masterminds behind the operation that costed the lives of billions and puts her life on the line once again.


The film starts out with a bang as the first act is pretty action packed and includes some very well done sequences, including one with a bioweapon that is similar to a dragon that chases Alice down in a post apocalyptic landscape. Many moments in this entry also retread back to the first film, with some of its iconic locations (such as the laser hallway) and some other plot holes in that installment filled. Also worth noting is Ali Larter's character, who makes a comeback and lights up the scenes that she is in. (I feel that she is a solid yet underused actress in many of the films that she is in.) One gripe is the ending, which feels a bit open ended and feels like another installment could be made if demanded. Other than that, this film is surprisingly a lot of fun and miles better than some of the previous entries (namely the second and third ones).


The presentation here is pretty stunning as well in 2160p on 4K UHD with HDR (high dynamic range 10-bit color) and a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The new format lends itself to a film of this type, which has so many desolate and detailed locations and visual effects, similar in some regards to Mad Max: Fury Road. The outside tones are mostly bright, while underground sequences are rich with dark blacks and details on the sets, making it seem more real in 4K. The previous films in the series are all due for 4K reissues, so check back with us on those.


Also included is a lesser but fine looking Blu-ray copy of the film in 1080p with the same widescreen specs. The audio mixes are great sounding and intricate as well, captured in Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless mixes with theater quality sound that is pretty stunning and is pretty much the same on both discs. A digital UV copy is also included for your digital library.


Special Features...


Two Featurettes:


''Explore the Hive''


''The Badass Trinity & The Women of Resident Evil''


Retaliation Mode


Sneak Peek for the animated Resident Evil: Vendetta


''Stunts & Weaponry'' Featurette



Sure, the Resident Evil franchise isn't winning any Oscars or anything (even technical ones), but for what it is, I feel that this final entry is a lot better than it could have been. Before the franchise is inevitably rebooted in a few years with a new cast and director, I think Milla and Mr. Anderson should be pretty proud they went out with a bang, even if the box office returns were stronger in foreign markets than American ones.



- James Lockhart

https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/


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