Sonic the Hedgehog 3 4K UHD Review

“The ‘90s were the best decade,” says Tika Sumpter to on-screen husband James Marsden, speaking directly to Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s demographic. This movie does a lot of that, bouncing off the walls like if on a sugar high, but rather than sugar, fueled by memes and meta humor.

Jim Carrey is the best thing about this manic, uncontrolled, and wild movie that moves so speedily (not because of Sonic) as to feel like a montage. The pace is tiring, not only when watching but for the cast too who whip in and out of this story as if they hardly matter. Most of them don’t, especially Marsden and Sumpter; those two are forced into the story as if to honor a contract.

Embracing the anime-infused ridiculousness that is Sonic the Hedgehog and his world allows for critical leniency

But Sonic the Hedgehog 3 isn’t stupid. In its own meta way, it’s intelligent. Marsden and Sumpter do disappear, and the script has fun with it, making a meta gag about their newfound time to take up hobbies, then bringing them back with gusto. And Carrey as returning villain Dr. Robotnik foreshadows his entire story with soap opera-like absurdity before discovering his previously unknown grandfather – and giving Carrey a dual role that’s absurdity wrapped in absurdity.

Watching Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is being aware that many of these images and moments are destined for a future internet moment. Surely the dual dance between two Robotniks is already a GIF reply somewhere on social media, with the words, “It’s the weekend” flashing erratically over them (if not, please make that happen).

It’s hard to ignore that’s what a lot of these major studio productions are becoming – meme magnets, something that extends their reach into culture while offering the parent company advertising at no cost. All the shots of Sonic running through London, their endless artificiality and arbitrary jokes following, feel so ultimately hollow. Acknowledging that purpose, which Sonic the Hedgehog 3 does in indirect ways, softens that reality, but it’s still the reality. What happens in this movie with gems and rings and space lasers and spaceships and a message about doing what’s right even when in emotional pain feels more like a cover.

Embracing the anime-infused ridiculousness that is Sonic the Hedgehog and his world allows for critical leniency, but it doesn’t translate into consistently entertaining. References like a Chao Garden mean nothing to non-fans, but allow “real” fans to feel like they belong to a community. These days, paying a movie studio to spot them is the closest thing to a community too many people seem to have.

With a clean digital source, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 looks excellent in 4K, if not spectacular. The biggest assist comes from the Dolby Vision pass, producing impressive highlights, whether lights around Tokyo, Team Sonic’s abilities, explosions, or other elements. It’s not the greatest peak brightness, but there’s enough intensity to take notice. This, against rich, deep black levels that never recede or lose their power.

Fantastic color helps too. It’s a varied, the bold primaries superb, from the environments to the main trio of heroes themselves. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 doesn’t limit itself, keeping the palette flush and varied.

The finish looks akin to a 2K upscale (the CG is certainly 2K, visibly softer than the rest), if no less detailed. The hair and fur on Sonic and company is perfectly defined, although overall definition isn’t particularly notable, even flat when in comes to the human actors. It’s fine, sharp even, but lacking texture much of the time.

Active and aggressive, Dolby Atmos has opportunity galore to shine. Hedgehogs swing around the soundstage, bouncing from speaker to speaker. Heights capture electrical sparks and thunder, with the action flowing upwards often too. Even the score fills the soundstage, surrounds and stereos bold.

Low-end bumps when it can, accentuating explosions, speed powers, or giant robots. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 isn’t among the most powerful on the format, but it offers some jolts of note between commendable, sufficient LFE weight.

Director Jeff Fowler joins actor Ben Schwartz for a commentary. That’s the extent of the deep features, with a gag reel and deleted scenes preceding a slew of dull featurettes (nine of them). This includes pieces on the cast, acting with CG animals, directing the series, etc.

Full disclosure: This Blu-ray was provided to us for review. This has not affected the editorial process. For information on how we handle review material, please visit our about us page to learn more.

The following six screen shots serve as samples for our subscription-exclusive set of 45 full resolution uncompressed 4K screen shots grabbed directly from the UHD: