Fantastic Four - The Beginning: How is the Italian 4K edition?

Fantastic Four – The Beginning arrives in the MCU with the ambition to relaunch the iconic team after previous attempts that weren't exactly thrilling. It's not a disaster, but neither is it a title that leaves a mark: it quickly slips into a modest narrative, especially in the second half with the grand idea of teleporting Earth elsewhere, at a time when audiences are accustomed to much higher standards.

The vintage setting on Earth 828 (in honor of Jack Kirby and his birth date, August 28, 1917) of another universe offers a pleasant aesthetic with meticulous details, but it remains more of an ornament: it doesn't alter the characters' dynamics, nor does it give new incisive life to the team's origin story. Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben – played by a talented cast that is relatively well-utilized – follow an overly conventional narrative path: the failed space mission, the acquired powers, the looming cosmic threat.

The arrival of an alternative Silver Surfer and the threat of Galactus promise an epic surge, but the screenplay only partially exploits them. The idea of the “strength of family” as a central theme is diluted, with the action unexpectedly contained, except for the battle against Galactus. The more intimate moments between Reed and Sue work well, but are insufficient to redeem a film that too often operates on autopilot. Here is Elisa Giudici's review.

Filmed 99% digitally at 6.5K resolution (Arri Alexa 65 IMAX) except for some 16mm sequences (Arriflex 16 S, 250 ASA), with a 4K master used for the UHD disc creation. Image format is only 2.39:1 (3840 x 2160/23.97p) without the specific IMAX 1.90:1 scenes, HEVC encoding on a triple-layer BD-100. While not adding significant detail to the digital effects – some not entirely convincing like the flames – this 4K edition introduces noticeable improvements, especially for Silver Surfer's “metal”. Superior detail aside, the most evident aspect remains the contribution of Dolby Vision. The film is dominated by blue tones, which are richer in nuances here compared to the SDR version, but the most striking changes are seen in the reds and oranges.

Even if lossy, the Italian Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 track (896 kbps) knows how to entertain through the HT system with dialogue from the center, effects, dynamics, and a good stage presence. The original on the UHD disc is superior in terms of breadth and further dynamics, in Dolby TrueHD 7.1.4 (24 bit) with ATMOS objects and vertical elements that enhance the sound spectacle. On the BD-50 with the 2K version of the film, the original changes to DTS-HD MA 7.1 (24 bit), for an altogether respectable experience.

Extras: film commentary by the director with production designer Kasra Farahani; Meet the First Family (9') introduces the main characters and lead actors; Fantastic Futurism (13') focuses on the incredible work of production designer Kasra Farahani; From Beyond and From Below (10') examines some of the associated subplots involving Silver Surfer, Galactus, and the inhabitants of the underground society. Subtitles in Italian everywhere.