DVD Corner

The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes 4K UHD Review

“The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” is a surprising prequel.

Based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” is a prequel to “The Hunger Games” series. The post-war story set in Panem revolves around a young Coriolanus Snow whose family name has fallen from grace. He’s looking to make a name for himself and the next Hunger Games event is his big opportunity to win a scholarship. In order to win the prize, he has to mentor a District tribute named Lucy Gray. She’s a spirited singer who must battle other contestants (also mentored by other Capital Academy students) in an arena. The last one standing is victorious. Snow plots ways for Lucy to win while also coming up with ideas to change the Hunger Games for the better as it is fading in popularity. Will anything stand in the way of Snow’s ambitions? How does he become the man he is in “The Hunger Games” series? 

As someone who was never overly enamored by “The Hunger Games” series, this prequel tale turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Some viewers and fans may find themselves yearning for Katniss, but to me, the dystopian saga finds new life by focusing on the villain’s perspective thanks to the script by Michael Arndt and Michael Lesslie. The attention to world building, the intensity of the story, the unease between the District and Capital in a post-war setting, and Snow’s unsettling character arc prove to be nothing short of involving. We know the monster Coriolanus becomes (as played by Donald Sutherland in “The Hunger Games” series), but seeing him in his youth (as played by Tom Blyth) working his way up the ladder certainly justifies the existence of this prequel. Prequels are always tricky and they don’t always work, but it does here. It helps that Francis Lawrence (the director of 3 previous Hunger Games movies) stepped into the director’s chair too.

The cast really makes this project work as well as it does. Tom Blyth (who comes across as a young Richard E. Grant at times) is a suitable lead. He brings real depth to the character of Coriolanus. Rachel Zegler gives one of her strongest performances to date as Lucy. Peter Dinklage (Casca) classes up the movie. Viola Davis seems to relish chewing the scenery as the gamemaker Dr. Gaul. Jason Schwartzman steals the show as the TV host Lucky. Josh Andres Rivera shows range as Sejanus. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? Viewers can expect a crisp 4K transfer.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the songs to the action, this Atmos track delivers the goods. 

Extras:
* Commentary by director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson
* 3 theatrical trailers (on the 4K only)
* “The Hanging Tree: Song By Rachel Zegler”
* “A Letter To The Fans”- A scrolling text letter
* “Predator Or Prey: Making The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes”- An extensive 8-part documentary that covers Panem, the cast, the music, location shooting, costumes and makeup, stunts and weapons, post-production and wrap reflections. 

February 18, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Coriolanus Snow, Rachel Zegler, The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes 4K UHD Review, Tom Blyth