Coco isn’t just a must-own 4K/HDR film—it’s a bright sign of the format’s future

Enlarge / The below article explains how this shot looks even better with the benefits of 4K resolution and HDR color/luminance data. (This image lacks both of those boosts.) (credit: Disney-Pixar)

What's the point of ponying up for a new 4K HDR TV if you don't have an ultimate "check this out" video to match? Once you research the format, learn about confusing standards, and pick a dreamy new set, it's hard not to then invite friends to see the fruits of your nerd labor.

The trouble is, so much compatible content is either attached to video games (which aren't always fun for friends to watch you play) or films that were mastered at sub-4K resolutions. I was happy to see Planet Earth II show up in 2017 on the 4K HDR Blu-ray format, but even that series has its limitations (including some sub-4K content).

Which is why I am pleased to declare that the format has reached a tipping point. Disney-Pixar's 2017 film Coco launches in stores this week as a 4K HDR Blu-ray, and while it's not the first CGI-animated film in the format, it's easily the most impressive thus far. More importantly, it demonstrates exactly what pricey-TV owners can expect when a film is produced with 4K-and-above material across its entire pipeline.

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