En highdefdigest se rinden ante Orient Express:
Just so I could experience everything the format has to offer, I originally started watching Murder on the Orient Express on Blu-ray and then segued onto the 4K UHD disc about halfway through the film. I'll just put it simply - if you can watch the film on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - do it! Even if you're not 4K ready yet, buy this set as you're going to want this disc in your collection. I was already impressed with the Blu-ray, but when I popped in the 4K disc I immediately had to start the film over and soak it all in. Details were already impressive in 1080p, but at 2160p, you can virtually count each and every hair on any given character's face and/or head! Fine facial features that weren't apparent before can clearly be seen as the image enjoys a more film-like quality. As this was shot on 65mm and finished on a 4K DI - the only possible way this transfer could look better is if it had included Dolby Vision over the standard HDR10 pass.
Even with HDR10, the improved color and contrast and black levels are notable. Primaries enjoy a vivid flourish that the SDR Blu-ray simply can't replicate. Warm yellows of Jerusalem, Poirot's blue eyes, the dried crimson around Ratchett's wounds - everything looks so much more lifelike and vivid. Thankfully the application of HDR10 was judicious as the coloring doesn't push flesh tones too tan or push whites too hot. There are a couple places where I thought blacks could look a little thick, but nothing too serious to complain about.
While I will endlessly sing the visual praises of this transfer, I do have to step back and talk again about the CGI backgrounds and exterior editions. Where they were already obvious in 1080p, at this resolution they're especially glaring. Any of the establishing shots of the train or the avalanche sequence that derails the front engine look more like creations intended for The Polar Express movie. The shot of Branagh's Poirot walking along the top of the train is another example where real effects and CGI fail to come together. While that is my only major complaint, the rest of the film looks terrific. Even with the CGI issues, this is demo-worthy material