The Penguin Season 1 4K Review!

 

The Penguin is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of HBO and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 2.00:1. Captured with various Arri cameras and finished at 4K, this is a very striking looking presentation, though it's unrelenting darkness (as in actual dimly lit material) is one of its most defining stylistic characteristics. In that regard, this format's HDR / Dolby Vision definitely allows more shadow detail to peek through the duskier material. The HDR grades also bring some really interesting highlights to the glut of yellow tinged material, making some moments a bit more "golden hour" looking, but probably just as often tipping things over into a slightly sickly, unreal quality which is perfectly suited toward the material. Detail levels are excellent throughout, with the caveat alluded to above about shadow definition. Fine detail on Farrell's incredibly impressive makeup is really pretty fantastic looking, and things like fabrics on costumes and sets offer precise patterns and virtually palpable textures. What I'm assuming were a few CGI enhanced shots may not have convincing realism, but the practical recreation of a down and dirty Gotham is excellently (if disturbingly) rendered here. Digital grain is rather subtle overall, something that I personally prefer.