Crawl 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Originally bypassed for UHD its initial home video release, Crawl gets a double dip from Paramount that's deserved considering the 4K source material. From a pure visual standpoint, the improvements courtesy of a Dolby Vision pass are worth it. Crawl improves notably in contrast. Gains in brightness weight over the early scenes before the storm takes over entirely. Black levels shine in their own way, dense, powerful, and potent in the basement sequences. Dimensionality thrives. Flashlights and lightning keep a steady blinding brightness throughout.

Digital work leaves behind some noise, handled well by the encode, albeit messy when at a peak. Damage to the imagery is minimal, thankfully. Facial definition galore pops from this disc, resolving the soaked faces even when in low light. CG exteriors, even at lower resolution, show great definition.

Enhancements to color excel too, from Kaya's orange sweatshirt to the dominating grays outside. Flushed flesh tones appear stellar, and Crawl doesn't desaturate anything, even as the tension grows.

Audio

Crawl screams for an Atmos/DTS:X mix, but the choice is DTS-HD 7.1. To note, it’s great material. With all the rain and sound happening overhead, it’s also missed opportunity, especially for this re-release on UHD. Instead, it's the same track used on the Blu-ray.

Regardless, rear channels capture steady rainfall. Inside homes, the storm pelts siding or roofs, leading to consistent ambiance. Splashing water and sloshing gators move about the soundstage, adding tension. Underwater, speakers fill totally.

Then the LFE kicks in, hearty with a tight output. Action scenes push extremes. Not uncomfortable, if enough to agitate sensitive members in the household. Range picks up as requested, certainly adding a jolt when going from dialog to an attack. Levees break late with an awesome thrust. Thunder finds a nice medium to play in, adding balance to this aggressive mix.