Tenet 4K Ultra HD Bluray

Video Quality

Much like previous Nolan blockbusters on 4K and Blu-ray, Tenet attempts to re-create the IMAX theatrical experience with another mixed aspect ratio presentation that frequently opens up to 1.78:1; it's not exactly 1.43:1 but, under the circumstances, achieves the same effect. No matter its shape, this 2160p transfer is indeed a stunner and one of the best overall 4K presentations I've seen to date. Image detail is absolutely phenomenal from the opera house opening onward, as shot after shot delivers incredible depth and fine detail that's further aided by deep blacks and extremely refined contrast levels. Of course the modern "orange and teal" palette is in full effect here, which also aids the push-and-pull effect that makes an immediate sensory impact and heightens the film's more stylized moments.

Of course, the disc's HDR enhancement contributes to this intended effect and, when paired with the film's 65/70mm roots*, creates an immediate and lasting visual impression. The warm interior of the opening opera house sequence -- a peaceful and inviting atmosphere that's shattered within moments -- sets the bar very high but it's easily cleared soon enough. From there, Tenet continues as a collection of visually stunning moments rather than something that can be described in broad, blanketed terms. The impossibly vivid blue of open waters, combined with sunlit scenes aboard Andrei Sator's luxury yacht. Unparalleled depth in panoramic exteriors, especially cityscapes. Deep blood-red and crimson hues of the mirrored "inversion" room. Glowing amber lights against the darkened backdrop of a plane crash. Everything pops nicely and even the most, well, normal-looking scenes are heightened by its cinematography, creating a palpable level of visual stimulation that, if I'm being perfectly honest, carries the film more capably than its overly twisting narrative. From a purely visual perspective, Tenet is just about as perfect as it gets.

Warner Bros.' 4K UHD disc -- of the triple-layer 100GB variety, in this case -- is authored extremely well and contains no obvious sharpening, excessive noise reduction, and/or any of the irregularities of some of Nolan's earlier films that earned 4K releases. Considering Tenet's somewhat stunted box-office performance this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even those who saw it in theaters* will be impressed with this home video presentation.

Credit: blu-ray.com

Audio Quality

As this 4K's DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix is identical to the Blu-ray, please see my review of that title for a write-up. Please note that the 4K disc's audio and subtitle options, listed above, are different than the Blu-ray.

4K Bluray details