Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes 4K Review: Raw Cut Is a Must-Watch for Fans

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes 4K Review: Raw Cut Is a Must-Watch for Fans

As a seasoned gamer and movie enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, I can confidently say that the 4K release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has been a game-changer for me. The behind-the-scenes look at the human actors in motion capture suits was not just a gimmick; it added a layer of appreciation and respect for the craftsmanship involved in creating these breathtaking characters.


In the latest 4K release of Planet of the Apes 4, there’s a feature I’ve longed to witness – the extended version where human actors in motion capture suits deliver their performances before they are transformed into apes through CGI. Initially, it might seem like a mere gimmick, but after viewing this edition, I gained a deeper appreciation for the remarkable work that went into creating this masterpiece and an even greater admiration for the gifted actors who bring such vibrancy to these characters.

“As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to see Director Wes Ball revitalize the grand, sprawling franchise with this exhilarating action-adventure from 20th Century Studios! In a world set far into the future after Caesar’s reign, apes have taken over as the dominant species, while humans dwell in obscurity. A new oppressive ape ruler is on the rise, and one young ape embarks on an arduous quest that challenges everything he thought he knew about the past and forces him to make decisions that will shape the future for both apes and humans.”

Buy Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes 4K

Initially, let’s discuss the film itself, which is absolutely breathtaking in 4K quality and arrives in an elegant SteelBook packaging. The new installment of a potential trilogy, directed by Wes Ball, shifts the series towards action-adventure genres instead of the war dramas that were previously prevalent. The initial scenes introducing us to Owen Teague’s character Noa and his tribe of ape falconers are brimming with excitement and curiosity. By advancing the storyline into the future, we get insights into how apes have developed their own society instead of merely focusing on the remnants of human civilization. This new perspective is fascinating and sparks a sense of wonder that contributes to some captivating moments at the beginning.

In due course, the antagonist emerges, with Kevin Durand delivering an outstanding portrayal of Proximus Caesar. The principles instilled by Andy Serkis’ Caesar are observed to have been distorted over time and utilized for dominance instead of unity. For the majority, humans assume a passive role, being largely silent, although Freya Allan’s Mae assumes a more significant part towards the end and lays the foundation for a possible sequel. Regardless if there’s a follow-up, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes stands out as an exceptional solo science fiction masterpiece.

In addition to the 4K SteelBook edition of Planet of the Apes 4, you’ll receive an extra Blu-ray disc jam-packed with bonus content, including the extended cut titled “Inside the Lens: The Raw Cut.” This raw cut is a split-screen marvel, displaying the movie alongside unfinished visual effects, motion capture footage, and animatics. It’s both amusing and astonishing to witness the filmmaking process in every frame, observing how scenes were seamlessly combined, what parts were entirely computer-generated, and the hilarious monkey antics of the actors while using props like crutches for authentic movement. It’s a testament to the technical prowess behind these Apes movies.

Additional perks encompass an in-depth discussion track on the Unedited Version, featuring Wes Ball, Dan Zimmerman, and Erik Winquist. This talk is captivating as they delve into the creation process of each scene, challenges encountered, and their objectives. Moreover, you’ll find 32 minutes of discarded or extended scenes (with an optional commentary by Ball), along with a 23-minute documentary titled “The Forbidden Zone’s Origin,” providing insights into the film’s production. All in all, it offers more than three hours of enlightening content.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes 4K Review: Final Verdict

In simple terms, the high-definition release of The Planet of the Apes 4 (Kingdom of the Apes) is one of the most impressive in recent times. It’s not just a marketing ploy; the Raw Cut is extraordinary and definitely makes the ticket price worthwhile. However, I was hoping that the bonus features would also be available in 4K rather than Blu-ray. But overall, it’s a minor issue in an otherwise fantastic collection.

Note: For our Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes 4K review, we received a complimentary copy from the distributor.

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2024-08-27 19:11