With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl’s tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony. Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake. – Synopsis via Lionsgate Films
THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES is directed by Francis Lawrence. He is best known for directing THE HUNGER GAMES sequel movies and DC’s CONSTANTINE. This is based on the 2020 book by Suzanne Collins of the same name.
As stated in the synopsis, it centers around Coriolanus Snow and I initially wasn’t sure if a movie like this would work without the main draw to the film series: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeén. I was pleasantly surprised. The period that the movie explores is interesting because it feels enough like the first movie but also feels like something new. You also see the ins and outs of The Hunger Games from creature creation to another mentor’s style. The supporting characters are also interesting to see how they molded Snow into what he becomes in THE HUNGER GAMES.
Cast
Tom Blyth as Coriolanus “Coryo” Snow
Dexter Sol Ansell as young Coriolanus
Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird
Josh Andrés Rivera as Sejanus Plinth
Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul
Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom
Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman
Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow
Rosa Gotzler as young Tigris
Fionnula Flanagan as Grandma’am
Burn Gorman as Commander Hoff
VIDEO QUALITY
The transfer is a 2160p HEVC H.265 presentation. It has a look similar to the previous HUNGER GAMES films with the drab tone purposefully driving the dystopian feel. This highly detailed transfer adds depth to the images. The tech especially has corrosion and grime. The skin textures stand out in the many sharp close-ups in the movie. Clothing details show off the various materials and quality depending on the characters such as the homemade clothing on Lucy Gray vs the elite young people. The Dolby Vision accentuates colors as a nice contrast to the drab beige. Reds are the standout out of most colors and there are a few scenes with brilliant, green foliage. The skin tones are warm and natural.
AUDIO QUALITY
The audio is a Dolby Atmos mix that defaults to a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 mix. The track is immersive and atmospheric which fits the film. From the typical echoing during the reaping to the sounds moving in the arena. The movement of the drones during a pivotal moment has them moving along all the channels in a sweeping motion. In a scene where there is a helicopter about to take off, the overhead speakers go to work. The highs are clear while the LFEs work the subwoofer in explosions. Dialogue is mixed clearly and over the other parts of the movie.
SUPPLEMENTS & PACKAGING
-Audio Commentary: with Producer/Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson.
-Predator or Prey: Making THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES: Clocking in at over 2:30 hours, this 8-part documentary gets into cast, pre-production, filming, and post-production information.
-The Hanging Tree: Song by Rachel Zegler
-A Letter to the Fans: A letter from author Suzanne Collins is framed on the screen.
-Theatrical Trailer 1
-Theatrical Trailer 2
-Theatrical Trailer 3
Disc Details
2-Disc Set w/1 4k UHD Disc and 1 Blu-ray Disc
Slipcover included with initial release
Digital Copy
Running Time
157 mins
Edition Ratings
Rated PG-13
Region Coding
UHD: Region Free
Blu-ray: Region A
4k UHD
Video Resolution
2160p HEVC/H.265
HDR: Dolby Vision & HDR10
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Audio Mixes
English Dolby Atmos
English Dolby TrueHD 7.1
French (Canada) Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Audio descriptive
Subtitles
English SDH
French
Spanish
Blu-ray
Video Resolution
1080p AVC MPEG-4
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Audio Mixes
English Dolby Atmos
English Dolby TrueHD 7.1
French (Canada) Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Audio descriptive
Subtitles
English SDH
French
Spanish
THE BOTTOM LINE
Even though you get to see the capital in the first HUNGER GAMES movie, this is 64 years before that movie and the world is rebuilding in a fascist light. The tech and lack of a proper arena is because Panem has been built from the remnants of a broken world. The 4k release gets top marks in both the audio and video. A beautiful transfer and solid mix come together nicely. There are a lot in the way of extras included and filled with good information. If you’re a fan of the series, this is a strong installment or if you’re curious, this is a superb 4k disc to own.
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