DVD Corner

Knuckles 4K UHD Review

False advertising. 

Set between “Sonic The Hedgehog 2” and the forthcoming third entry, “Knuckles” is a 6 episode mini-series created by Toby Ascher and John Whittington revolving around the titular Echidna warrior who is struggling to adjust to life on Earth. Knuckles decides to embark on a road trip to Reno with Sheriff Wade who is entering a bowling tournament. Of course, the road trip doesn’t go smoothly as 2 G.U.N. agents working for The Buyer are seeking to kidnap Knuckles. It seems The Buyer wants Knuckles’ powers. Elsewhere in the series, we learn more about Wade’s mother, sister, and estranged father while Wade learns from Knuckles.

For those expecting a deeper dive into the character of Knuckles, you don’t really get that here. This series really should have been titled Wade Whipple as it’s more about him than Knuckles. Sure, the series is essentially designed to be a buddy comedy road trip between Knuckles and Wade, but the annoying cop character played by Adam Pally is far too prevalent here (as is bowling for whatever reason). The only real highlights here are the appearances by Sonic and Tails and a couple of the action scenes featuring Knuckles. Those moments are few and far between.

The weak villains don’t exactly help the series either. Let’s be real Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is 100% the sole reason why the first 2 Sonic movies work. Without him, they are just ordinary video game adaptations. Mason (Scott Mescudi), Willoughby (Ellie Taylor) and The Buyer (Rory McCann) are not remotely interesting villains. They feel like they were just slapped together foils for Knuckles. 

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of “Knuckles” is that it actually boasts a star studded cast that is entirely wasted. Idris Elba reprises his role as Knuckles, Christopher Lee does some voice work as Pachacamac and Cary Elwes, Stockard Channing, Paul Scheer, Julian Barratt, and Tika Sumpter all make appearances. If only they had better material to work with.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? Despite how you may feel about the series, it at least looks super sharp on 4K.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Viewers can expect a lively Atmos track that really comes alive during action scenes. 

Extras:
* A 7 ½ minute gag reel
* “Cast Featurette” with film clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and cast interviews.
* “Working With Knuckles”- The cast talks about working with Knuckles in this mock extra.
* “This Or That?”- The cast play or this or that game.
* “Knuckles Impressions”- Cast members do their impressions of Knuckles.

September 17, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Adam Pally, Knuckles, Knuckles 4K UHD Review, Knuckles Series, Sonic The Hedgehog, Video Game