Best 4K HDR Blu-ray Movies For The Xbox One X
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Considering both the Xbox One X and the Xbox One S have 4K HDR Blu-ray players, we wanted to highlight the best 4K HDR Blu-ray movies. There’s not a ton of Ultra HD (UHD) HDR movies at the moment, but we’ve rounded up the most compelling films that have received high-quality 4K/HDR treatment.
The 28 movies in the following gallery are listed alphabetically. Make sure to check out our 4K/HDR guide for an explanation of the tech.
Alien: Covenant
Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant is a sequel to the director’s 2012-released Prometheus. In addition to sharper visuals, the UHD Blu-ray version of the sci-fi film provides more realistic tones. TechRadar writes, "An emphasis has been placed on HDR's ability to provide deeper, more lifelike contrast."
Metacritic score: 65
Blade Runner: The Final Cut
The original Blade Runner is a sci-fi classic from Ridley Scott and The Final Cut represents the definitive version of the movie. The film noir paints a vision of the future filled with digital signage. Our sister site, CNET, says "the neon-soaked visuals in Blade Runner are perfect for an HDR overhaul with the opening scenes as eye-popping as you could hope for."
Metacritic score: 89
Deadpool
CNET suggests that Marvel’s raunchy superhero flick Deadpool looks better than ever, stating, "The HDR 4K version is even more eye-popping than what you might have seen in the cinema." In terms of image reproduction, the HDR version doesn’t oversaturate colors with the tech site saying that "care has been taken so that it still looks ‘realistic.'"
Metacritic score: 65
Deepwater Horizon
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Deepwater Horizon chronicles a disaster in 2010 that lead to the explosion of a large offshore drilling rig, which created the worst oil spill in American history. TechRadar says that the 4K Blu-ray version "delivers strong detail and impressive dynamics, with its HDR enhanced presentation offering great depth and color reproduction."
Metacritic score: 68
Ghost In The Shell
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 looks sharper than ever at 4K. TechRadar says the level of detail is amazing in the UHD version of the superhero flick, stating, "Animated characters like Rocket and Groot looking especially detailed--just look at Rocket's realistic fur and the woodgrain texture that Groot exhibits. Costumes also get a notable boost in texture--it's now possible to see fuzzy fabric and stitching."
Metacritic score: 67
Hacksaw Ridge
Hacksaw Ridge is a film about a medic in World War II who saved 75 men without firing a single bullet. The war movie was wonderfully shot and according to TechRadar, "High-dynamic-range allows the film's cinematography to really shine, showing very realistic color and light reproduction."
Metacritic score: 71
John Wick: Chapter 2
Action movie John Wick: Chapter 2 is often very colorful, and its HDR implementation makes great use of the higher color gamut and contrast ratio. CNET says the Blu-ray version "punctuates its grimy night scenes with HDR neon signs and taillights, lending the movie an energized noir atmosphere."
Metacritic score: 75
Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the best action movies of the modern era, and it was a film that was masterfully shot in the deserts of Namibia. According to CNET, the Blu-ray version employs HDR effects that "range from subtle to gaudy (especially when it comes to ‘flamethrower guitar guy’)."
Metacritic score: 90
Oblivion
Predominantly taking place on an abandoned earth set in the future, Oblivion is one of the most gorgeous-looking movies in existence. Its 4K HDR Blu-ray transfer makes it look better than ever with TechRadar stating that "the impressive color gamut and contrast afforded by the film's HDR grading give the film a real sense of depth and vibrancy."
Metacritic score: 54
Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim defines what it means to be a fun, summer blockbuster. While the movie looked fantastic in theaters, TechRadar suggests that its UHD version represents the prime way to watch it: "Thanks to some HDR tinkering, the film's colors and contrast now look even better than they did when the film was in theatres."
Metacritic score: 64
Planet Earth II
While Planet Earth II may not be a movie, the BBC's nature documentary series looks stunning and is vital to any 4K HDR collection. The visuals are sharp and crisp, and it’s easy to make out every strand of hair on a sloth and every texture of each tree branch. The color reproduction is equally amazing, and the blues of the ocean and greens of the forest are realistically portrayed.
Metacritic score: 96
Sicario
Starring Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, and Josh Brolin, Sicario is a movie about the escalating war on drugs between the U.S. and Mexico. The film was shot natively in 4K and doesn’t go over-the-top with its high-dynamic range effects, and instead opts to go for a more subdued look. CNET says "its HDR effects are relatively subtle."
Metacritic score: 82
Star Trek Into Darkness
Star Trek Into Darkness has received among the best 4K HDR treatment that the medium has to offer. TechRadar says that "when it comes to the visual quality, the Ultra HD Blu-ray for Star Trek Into Darkness is absolutely mind-blowing," before adding, "Star Trek Into Darkness will make an instant believer of any 4K/HDR naysayer."
Metacritic score: 72
The Martian
Starring Matt Damon, The Martian is about an astronaut who ends up stranded on Mars and has to create a sustainable environment in order to survive. Because it takes place on the red planet, color is an integral part of immersing you into the film. CNET praised both its color reproduction and clarity, stating, "The HDR effects, with the right settings, make this movie pop on your TV, and you'll probably never want to go back to standard HD after watching it."
Metacritic score: 80
The Revenant
Inspired by true events, The Revenant stars Leonardo DiCaprio and is a story about surviving a cold winter within the uncharted American wilderness. The movie won the Academy Award for best cinematography when it was released in 2016, and according to CNET, "The picture quality is flawless" on the UHD Blu-ray and the expanded color palette allows the film to "pop."
Metacritic score: 76