Late last year, Google added the first movies in 4K resolution to its ‘Play Movies & TV’ store. The catalog now also includes a few dozen movies in HDR (High Dynamic Range) if you own a Chromecast Ultra.
HDR support on Google Play Movies
In December 2016, Google added a decent selection of 125 movies in 4K Ultra HD resolution. It is now adding HDR – or High Dynamic Range – on top. HDR offers an expanded dynamic range and a wider color gamut for an even better viewing experience.
The selection of movies in HDR quality is not as extensive as the selection of movies in 4K but still decent. Titles include ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, ‘Batman vs. Superman’, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’, and ‘Kong: Skull Island’.
We counted 42 titles in HDR. Prices range from $20 to $30 dollars per title. You can search for “HDR movies” to find HDR content. We have included a full list at the bottom.
With the addition of HDR, Google joins Microsoft who also recently added support on its Xbox One video store. Amazon, Netflix, and Vudu also offer content in the format. Apple has yet to show its hand but the company is rumored to launch a 4K HDR-capable Apple TV later this year.
You need the Chromecast Ultra
While Google’s 4K movie catalog is available on both Android TV devices and Chromecast Ultra, the HDR selection can at the moment only be enjoyed via Chromecast Ultra. Google recommends a “consistent download speed of at least 15 Mb/s”. To confirm that you are watching in HDR quality, look for the HDR logo on-screen.
It is not clear why Google has limited support to its streaming dongle as many Android TVs are perfectly capable of streaming in HDR quality. The Chromecast Ultra dongle is available for $69 dollars.
The 4K and HDR catalog is available only in the US and Canada for now. The company said that support will reach other global markets in the “coming months”.
HDR movies on Google Play Movies
Angels & Demons Argo Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Battleship Collateral Beauty Concussion Elysium Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Ghostbusters Goodfellas I am Legend Inferno Kong: Skull Island Lights Out Live Die Repeat Mad Max: Fury Road Man of Steel Men in Black Our Brand is Crisis Pacific Rim Passengers Resident Evil: The Final Chapter Sausage Party Sucker Punch Suicide Squad Sully The 5h Wave The Accountant The Amazing Spider-man The Angry Birds Movie The Da Vinci Code The Great Gatsby The Legend of Tarzan The Lego Batman Movies The Lego Movie The Smurfs The Town Underworld: Blood Wars War Dogs Watchman: The Ultimate Cut We Are Your Friends |
- Source: Google