After reviewing the ‘90s Mortal Kombats on 4K, the newest sequel comes home. This one has some good fatalities and funny references to the Saturn Awards and influencers. The fights emphasize the costumes and super powers more than martial arts choreography.
The new environments in this sequel have some good shadow, but also vivid tints of green, blue and purple. Of course, many fighters have those projectile force bolts that glow. The best shadow is in the final campfire scene.
Johnny Cage (Karl Urban)’s 1996 action movie even adds artifacts like we used to see on home video. That contrasts nicely with the new rendered 4K backgrounds.
The surround sound is really enveloping. From the beginning, when the footsteps and armor clanking of soldiers and cheering crowds, it sounds like kombat is happening all around you. Shao Khan (Martyn Ford)’s hammer swings behind you. A defeated fighter is kicked into the rear. Even rain and the hubbub of Comic-Con where we meet Johnny are full.
Several bonus features feature interviews with the cast and filmmakers, including producer James Wan. Behind-the-scenes footage shows a deleted scene. At Comic-Con, Johnny must be calling his agent. The production designer drew concept art by hand, adding a human touch to the environments.