The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland List: Films to Buy on 4K

How often do you sit there thinking about what to watch? You might have an endless watchlist that keeps piling up (I certainly have one myself). Sometimes you are just in the mood for a type of film or a certain filmmaker or actor and want to take yourself into a deep dive. As someone who watches so many movies, I have people asking me for recommendations all the time. One of the best feelings as a cinephile is recommending a film and that person loves it. Take this wealth of cinematic knowledge and experience and enjoy some recommendations on me. Genre. Subgenre. Filmmaker. Actor. Composer. Writer. Genre. Story. Trope. Cliché. Any other cinematic elements or them. Here is The Wasteland List:   

Films to Buy on 4K

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

What is the film that is synonymous with the onset of Technicolor on screen? The Wizard of Oz is a vibrant, colorful, and magical fantasy that would explode on screen in 4K. Oz is one of the most imaginative worlds ever brought to film and seeing it come to life in this format is worthwhile.

The Red Shoes (1948)

What is arguably the most beautiful film ever created? Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger were a pair of true cinematic visionaries and The Red Shoes features some of the richest and most striking visuals in all of cinema. Seeing The Red Shoes come to life on 4K is a truly magical experience.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Who is one of the greatest cinematic eyes in all of film history? David Lean created some of the most epic films ever put on and The Bridge on the River Kwai is one of the most striking of his. Seeing this incredible film come to life in 4K is a special treat.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

What is the most bold and ambitious science fiction film of all time? 2001: A Space Odyssey is striking, bold, and inventive (especially for a film from 1968) with Stanley Kubrick’s vision coming to life. The 4K of this film is cinematic magic and the Steelbook version is one of the coolest pieces of physical media that I own.

The Shining (1980)

Are we ready for more Kubrick? The Shining is a sensory horror experience like none other, and it has some of the most vibrant horror visuals of all time. The 4K of this film is a truly special experience that is a no-brainer.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

What is something that looks incredible on a 4K transfer? Great special effects look amazing on 4K, and James Cameron is certainly the king of blockbuster filmmaking. Terminator 2: Judgment Day just might be his crown jewel, and it is a must see in this format.

The Matrix (1999)

Speaking of special effects, what is one of the most incredible feats of visual effects? The Matrix is an incredible mix of effects, action, and science fiction. Seeing the futuristic dystopian and the incredible bullet time and fights come to life on 4K would be a must watch experience.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)

What is one of the most incredible feats of special effects character work? Davy Jones is still one of the best characters crafted from CGI ever. Seeing Jones and the rest of Dead Man’s Chest come to life on 4K is a must see.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

What is the most visually striking and boldest action film of all time? Mad Max: Fury Road is a colorful, vibrant, intense, and insane cinematic experience that completely envelops you. The 4K of this film is incredible and a must-have experience.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

What is another specific type of film that comes to life so well on 4K? Animation is a wonderful medium for storytelling and can be so vibrant and striking. The immense detail and world-building of Kubo and the Two Strings is incredible on 4K.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

What artist’s work should be seen on 4K? Cinematographer Roger Deakins has one of the greatest eyes for cinematic visuals in the history of film and finally won his Oscar for Blade Runner 2049. The world-building, production design, and special effects make this a must have 4K.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

What is one of the boldest and most dynamic animated films of all time? Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a towering achievement of what animation can be. Seeing this creative comic book adaptation brought to life in 4K reinforces why this format is so worthwhile.

Thank you, Adam Ritchie, for the nomination!