Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

A reasonably colorful master brings the '90s neon to life through Dolby Vision. It's not exaggerated, just respectful and pure of the original source. Spot-on flesh tones pair well to the rest of the palette. Bill & Ted doesn't show any signs that digital tools were used to alter the saturation, leaving things flattened.

Consistent grain keeps its structure throughout, losing its organic look amid smoky scenery. Noise and compression impede the film stock's organic look. Brighter colors cause the same complaint in more complex shots, say the intro to the old west where rooftops collect artifacts. There's enough detail, texture, and resolution to impress, if inconsistently. Facial definition in close gives Bill & Ted renewed life on this format, even with the issues elsewhere.

Lacking is density, black levels flat, dry, and even off-color in spots. Contrast doesn't pop from the screen, adequate if marginal. Dolby Vision adds minimal punch aside from the visual effects, which spark and glow as the tech allows.

Audio

Both stereo and 5.1 tracks come in DTS-HD. There's more life in the surround track, as expected, if not much. Channel separation as the kids fly through time sends sound effects around the room. The score filters into the positional speakers to create space. Otherwise Bill & Ted sticks to the front speakers, mostly a stereo track.

Bass thumps slightly when the phone booth slams down, or electricity crackles. Music brings a little range too, but in terms of the low-end, age is evident.