Why do modern movies feel so "clinical"?

I’ve been rewatching some classics from the 90s and early 2000s lately, and there’s just a texture and "soul" there that feels missing in a lot of high-end digital productions today. Even with all the 4K resolution and perfect lighting, a lot of new releases end up looking a bit too clean or clinical for my taste. It’s like we’ve traded character for technical perfection.

I’m curious if anyone else feels the same way, or if I’m just being nostalgic. For those of you working in the industry, what are some subtle ways you break down that digital "perfection" to give your image more personality? Also, do you think we’ve reached a point where gear matters less than just having a specific "eye"?