‘MaXXXine’ 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review – A Satisfying Yet Safe Concluding Chapter

In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past. The murderous finale of Ti West’s X trilogy (X, Pearl) also features a star-studded ensemble including Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, with Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Bacon.

For in-depth thoughts on MaXXXine, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical debut here. 

Video Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of MaXXXine offers this evocative feature a dazzling presentation that is not to be missed. Even compared to the accompanying Blu-Ray, the benefits of the format upgrade are undeniable. The transfer unlocks so much texture in the throwback clothing and the smeared makeup. Skin tones appear to be deftly detailed and natural with subtle elements apparent on faces such as blood, sweat, and pores. The few bits of extreme gore are unsettlingly tactile on screen. 

The implementation of Dolby Vision/HDR feels like a vital aspect of this viewing experience. The lighting and nostalgic cinematography alone are a treat for the senses. The screen is filled with vibrant colors and complex hues that are pinpoint accurate to their intended state. Black levels are perfect, staying deep and inky with formidable detail. The highlights in the film are crisply defined with whites stable and balanced with no signs of blooming. The expanded range of the color spectrum is a monumental benefit on all fronts. Lionsgate has offered up a standout 4K UHD Blu-Ray release. 

Audio Quality

This 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with a stellar Dolby Atmos track that brings a surprising amount of complexity to this sound mix. Dialogue comes through clearly without being clipped by any competing sounds. The movie is replete with textural qualities that make it feel alive such as the sounds in the back of seedy clubs. The nostalgic soundtrack and score from Tyler Bates flow out of the speakers with ideal fidelity. 

The Atmos experience shows its worth with the use of height channels to make the world feel more three-dimensional. Ambient sounds are admirably deployed in the rear channels to capture the unique qualities of the bustling world. Kinetic sequences emerge occasionally such as brutal beatings and gunshots that kick pack a punch, but more subtle environmental sounds engage the surround speakers just as thoroughly. The audio track is a home run. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are provided. 

Special Features

• The Belly of the Beast: A ten-minute featurette in which the ensemble discusses the continuation of this story, the work of Mia Goth over the trilogy, the new cast members added to the family, the direction of Ti West, and more. 

• XXX Marks The Spot: An 11-minute piece in which the cast and creative team discuss the recreation of the time period on screen, the vibe they wanted for this feature, the Giallo influences, how the movie plays with genre, the location shooting, and more. 

• Hollywood Is A Killer: An eight-minute look at the visual aesthetic of the film, the hair and makeup process, the special effects makeup, and more. 

• Q&A with Director Ti West: A nearly 26-minute interview with writer/director Ti West who discusses how this trilogy developed from a single idea, the creation of MaXXXine, the importance of the ‘80s to the narrative, and more. 

• Trailers: This disc provides the Teaser Trailer (1:07) and the Theatrical Trailer (2:27) for MaXXXine.

Final Thoughts

MaXXXine is a worthy finale to this trilogy from Ti West, even if it does feel a bit slight compared to the first two entries. The period that is recreated is a fun one to revisit for film fans, but there seems to be a lack of urgency when it comes to conjuring visceral grindhouse thrills. Mia Goth continues to put in great work, and there is a satisfying arc to her character. As a standalone film, it would be considered a bit underwhelming, but those who like the world should find enough to appreciate here. Lionsgate has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a terrific A/V presentation and some desirable special features. If you like the first two installments, this is worth a purchase. Recommended 

MaXXXine will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, and DVD on October 8, 2024. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Lionsgate has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.