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