Is HDR considered more important than other Ultra HD advancements like 4K resolution or high frame rates?

While 4K resolution and higher frame rates improve detail and motion smoothness, HDR fundamentally enhances the realism of an image by expanding the range between the darkest blacks and brightest whites in a scene (what cinematographers call “grayscale”. ) This allows viewers to see subtle gradations in “shadows” and “highlights” that mimic natural human vision, making HDR a key factor for better picture quality. This has been recognized by movie studios, OTT streaming services, broadcasting networks, and professionals.