Better Man 4K UHD Review

Prepare to be dazzled, moved, and thoroughly entertained by Better Man, a musical biopic that redefines the genre with its audacious creativity and heartfelt storytelling. Director Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, brings his infectious musical zealotry to this unconventional portrayal of pop icon Robbie Williams, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

At the heart of this film is a bold creative choice: Robbie Williams is completely depicted as a CGI monkey. What might sound like a gimmick on paper becomes a stroke of genius on screen, allowing the film to explore themes of identity, fame, and vulnerability in a way that’s both visually striking and emotionally resonant. The simian adaptation isn’t just a novelty but a window into Williams’ soul, revealing the ‘Better Man’ behind the superstar.

Better Man is a gem of Brit Pop musical history

Americans will be forgiven for making Better Man a box office flop, as Robbie Williams was a big pop star everywhere but the States. Getting his first break as a member of Take That in the early ’90s, Robbie would launch a massive solo career in Europe which saw memorable hits like Angels. He was a key figure on the British Pop scene of the ’90s and early 2000s, one rung below mega-acts like Oasis.

Gracey directs with a flair that’s both bombastic and intimate, crafting sequences that are as visually stunning as they are narratively compelling. The musical numbers are nothing short of breathtaking, with choreography that’s brilliantly executed and cinematography that captures the energy and emotion of Williams’ music. The ‘Rock DJ’ sequence on Regent Street is destined to become an instant classic, a testament to Gracey’s ability to blend spectacle with substance.

Of course, a musical biopic lives or dies by its music, and Better Man soars on this front. Williams’ iconic songs like Angels and She’s The One are woven seamlessly into the narrative, each one advancing the story and deepening our understanding of the man behind the music. The film doesn’t just showcase his hits; it uses them to excavate his life, revealing the psychological trauma and personal struggles that shaped his career.

What sets Better Man apart from other biopics is its willingness to delve into the darker aspects of fame. The film doesn’t shy away from Robbie’s battles with addiction, mental health, and the pressures of stardom. Instead, it confronts these issues head-on, using the monkey metaphor to explore the dehumanizing effects of celebrity culture. It’s a brave and honest portrayal that adds layers of complexity to the standard biopic formula.

The emotional impact of Better Man is undeniable. The film takes you on a rollercoaster ride of laughter, tears, and everything in between, leaving you with a profound sense of empathy for its subject. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to not just entertain, but to illuminate the human condition. Robbie’s brief romance with All Saints’ star Nicole Appleton is perfectly captured, including the subsequent break-up and hitting rock bottom.

In a year filled with musicals and biopics, Better Man stands out as a true original. It’s a film that defies expectations, challenges conventions, and ultimately triumphs as both a work of art and a piece of entertainment.

If you’re looking for a cinematic experience that’s as thrilling as it is thought-provoking, Better Man is the film to see. Better Man is a gem of Brit Pop musical history, a testament to the enduring power of Robbie Williams’ music, and a reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional choices yield extraordinary results.

Some movies just aren’t made for nice picture quality due to the nature of their production. Better Man fits into that category, an upscale from a gritty 2K digital intermediate which was injected with noise so they could continuously blend the digital monkey with a human cast. WETA’s CGI trickery didn’t look quite this rough in the Planet of the Apes trilogy. The differences here with the Blu-ray are minimal.

The 4K UHD release of Better Man promised to deliver a visually stunning experience but unfortunately falls short of usual expectations. The Dolby Vision, which is supposed to enhance the contrast and color, feels bland and uninspired. The colors are muted, and the contrast is lackluster, making the visuals feel flat. The gritty cinematography, while intentional, only adds to the disappointment. The raw, unpolished look might be fitting for the movie’s tone, but it doesn’t translate well to the 4K UHD format.

About the only time I felt the UHD’s video quality justified its existence is the exciting sequence between Robbie and Nicole Appleton when She’s The One plays.

The visuals look grainy and rough, which occasionally proves distracting and takes away from the overall experience. Even the upgraded resolution of 4K UHD can’t save the video quality. The details are there, but they’re obscured by a bland color palette and gritty cinematography. Overall, the video quality of Better Man on 4K UHD is a letdown. The unimaginative Dolby Vision and dour cinematography make for a visually unappealing experience that fails to live up to the format’s potential.

The Dolby Atmos sound is something, especially in the big musical numbers. Soaring dynamics, impeccable placement, and swirling audio design all mark Better Man’s dynamite soundtrack. Comprising a litany of Robbie Williams’ biggest hits, including Rock DJ and global smash Angels, the narrative moves from song to song with energy and verve. These aren’t the original studio recordings but slightly modified new takes on his classics.

Surround immerses you at his Knebworth show, as the movie reimagines the epic concert as a massive battle with Robbie fending off the crowds. A constant calling card are the distant nagging voices Robbie hears during performances, nicely layered throughout the soundstage.

Better Man’s audio is the real deal and maybe the only reason worth picking it up on UHD.

Optional English, English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles play in a white font, always inside the 2.39:1 presentation. French and Spanish dubs play in 5.1 Dolby Digital. 5.1 English Descriptive Audio is also on the UHD.

Better Man hits home video courtesy of Paramount, number 48 in their Presents line. The 4K UHD comes packed with a Blu-ray, though all bonus features are available on the UHD. Like prior Paramount Presents releases, it arrives with a deluxe slipcover that includes a fold-out gate cover. Inside is a 4K digital copy good on FandangoAtHome/VUDU.

Only two extended featurettes are here, though all major principals including Robbie Williams participate. I am surprised more musical content wasn’t included. The movie was a box office flop in America and Paramount dumped this quickly on home video.

Let Me Entertain You: The Making of Better Man (32:08 in HD) – Director Michael Gracey and Robbie Williams discuss the genesis behind Better Man, springing from their close friendship. Definitely worth catching for big Robbie Williams’ supporters.

Monkey Business: The VFX (15:21 in HD) – Director Gracey discusses WETA’s hand in designing the CGI behind a monkey subbing in place of Robbie Williams. They were the same firm who created the Planet of the Apes trilogy’s special effects.

Full disclosure: This UHD was provided by the label for review. This has not materially affected DoBlu’s editorial process. For information on how we handle all review material, please visit DoBlu’s about us page.

The following six screen shots serve as samples for our subscription-exclusive set of 46 full resolution, uncompressed 4K screen shots ripped directly from the UHD: