Fast X 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 88
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
Fast X offers absurd action, fantastic Dolby Vision 4K visuals, bombastic Atmos audio, and essential bonus content, making it a surprisingly fun watch despite its flaws.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 92
Fast X's 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers exceptional 2160p video with Dolby Vision HDR, showcasing stunning detail and vibrant colors, despite some minor CGI flaws. The disc's HEVC 2.39:1 transfer ensures sharpness, deep black levels, and demo-worthy visuals, marking a notable upgrade from 1080p Blu-ray.
Audio: 98
The Dolby Atmos track for Fast X sets an exceptional standard, offering a thunderous, immersive experience with gut-wrenching bass, impressive 3D surround sound, and clear, well-prioritized dialogue. It’s an auditory spectacle of car chases, explosions, and precise effects that perfectly complements the onscreen action.
Extra: 72
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'Fast X' is packed with comprehensive extras, including informative featurettes on family bonds, iconic cars, and thrilling stunts, all ported to the 4K disc alongside a detailed audio commentary by director Louis Leterrier and an entertaining gag reel. However, fans may miss the extended cuts present in previous releases.
Movie: 69
Fast X continues the franchise's trend of absurd, high-octane action with physics-defying stunts and a convoluted narrative, stretched into an unnecessary near-two-and-a-half-hour runtime. Jason Momoa's flamboyant villain performance steals the show, injecting fresh energy, but the film feels like an overly padded setup for its upcoming sequels.
Video: 92
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Fast X" from Universal is a technically impressive feat. Utilizing a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image in a 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio, the upscale to 4K is rendered virtually indistinguishable from native 4K, akin to high-quality transfers like that achieved with "John Wick 2". Despite some occasional CGI inconsistencies and use of greenscreen, the overall picture quality remains sharp, detailed, and visually arresting. The transfer employs Wide Color Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Dolby Vision, encoded via the HEVC (H.265) codec, enhancing both color depth and brightness with notable effectiveness. Fine details in both close-ups and wide shots, such as facial pores, car textures, and rich environmental backgrounds, are captured with precision.
The Dolby Vision HDR application significantly improves the visual experience by adding depth and tonal nuance across the image. Bright scenes become more vivid, blacks deepen, and whites achieve an impressive balance, all contributing to a more lifelike appearance. The colors are particularly eye-catching, with the vibrant palette of cars and explosive sequences standing out. Although some dark scenes can appear slightly dimmer, the nuanced grading excellently balances the spectrum, maintaining clear shadow details without crush or artifacting. Despite its status as an upscale, the image fulfills and often surpasses expectations for clarity and sharpness.
Ultimately, "Fast X" is a showcase for what contemporary 4K UHD capabilities can offer. It excels in delivering exquisite texture and remarkable image accuracy. The Dolby Vision further enriches the viewing experience by furnishing a healthier palette and deep black levels, contributing to an overall demo-worthy presentation. This is undoubtedly a top-tier home viewing experience, aligning well with the higher standards set by previous entries in the "Fast & Furious" franchise.
Audio: 98
The Dolby Atmos track of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Fast X" delivers a supremely immersive audio experience, embodying the high-octane nature of the franchise. This meticulously crafted track uses 3D object-oriented surround sound to create an engulfing atmosphere replete with growling engines, booming gunshots, and explosive collisions. Dialogue is crisp and well-balanced across the frontal array, maintaining clarity amidst the chaos. The dynamic range is expansive, with guttural bass that shakes foundations and detailed environmental sounds that envelop listeners in every scene. This track epitomizes demo-worthy quality and will undoubtedly test the limits of any home theater system.
Universal has meticulously matched the audio performance to the visual spectacle, resulting in an exceptionally well-rounded Dolby Atmos mix. The overhead channels are utilized with impressive precision, contributing to a profoundly immersive experience with sounds cascading from all directions. Whether it’s helicopter blades chopping overhead or tires squealing as cars drift, every sound effect is executed with impeccable clarity. The bass, though not hitting the deepest frequencies, is assertive and impactful, enriching the sensory experience during high-energy sequences. The soundtrack is also worth noting for its vibrancy and punch, enhancing the auditory landscape beautifully.
Every scene in "Fast X" offers an audacious display of sound design, ensuring that gunfire, revving engines, and myriad explosions make full use of the surround sound spectrum. The seamless integration of sound effects with the film's score adds a rhythmic intensity that keeps viewers hooked from beginning to end. Subtle ambient noises and dialogue maintain a balanced presence ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed. This audio track stands as a benchmark in Dolby Atmos mixing this year, making it an essential addition to any audiophile's collection and a perfect showcase for home theater demonstrations.
Extras: 72
Universal's 4K release of Fast X includes a robust array of extras, all featured on the UHD disc, enhancing the home viewing experience with a plethora of in-depth featurettes and bonuses. These extras provide extensive behind-the-scenes insights into the film's production elements, cast dynamics, and iconic action sequences. Director Louis Leterrier's audio commentary proves informative despite being somewhat dry in places. In total, these supplemental materials encapsulate various aspects of film creation, from car customization to fight choreography, and showcase the familial bonds central to the franchise narrative.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: Director Louis Leterrier details the filmmaking process.
- This is Family: Explores the 22-year-old franchise and the making of Fast X.
- Fast Breaks: Scene Breakdowns: Leterrier dissects key action scenes.
- Xtreme Rides of Fast X: In-depth look at classic and new vehicles.
- Belles of the Brawl: Focuses on female combat scenes.
- Tuned into Rio: Revisits the Rio street race sequence.
- Jason Momoa: Conquering Rome: Showcases Momoa's villainous role.
- Little B Takes the Wheel: Highlights scenes with young member Leo Abelo Perry.
- A Friend in the End: Details the surprise end-credit scene.
- Gag Reel: Humorous moments from the shoot.
- Music Videos: "Toretto" by J Balvin and "Angel Pt.1" by Kodak Black & NLE Choppa (feat. Jimin of BTS, JVKE & Muni Long).
Movie: 69
"Fast X" continues the inexorable journey of the Fast franchise with equal parts audacity and familiarity. Positioned as the beginning of an epic finale, the film leverages memories from past glories with a heavy dose of nostalgia, particularly harking back to "Fast Five." Central to the narrative is Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) facing Dante (Jason Momoa), a villain driven by revenge for his father’s death in Rio. As the saga unfolds globally from Rome to Antarctica, the film clings to its core thematic obsession: 'family'—a term repeated with near-religious frequency. Momoa’s performance as Dante, flamboyant and unhinged, anchors a film otherwise crowded with formulaic bombast and cartoonish stunts. Notably, the continuation's true essence appears bound more by pyrotechnics than emotional gravity.
However, "Fast X" stumbles in its ambition. Clocking at almost two-and-a-half hours, the movie suffers from apparent narrative bloat. Multiple scenes add unnecessary emotional stakes through the introduction of yet new characters like Tess (Brie Larson) and numerous older faces, tipping into a quagmire of overcomplexity. The stunt work remains spectacular, yet absurdly detached from physics; standout sequences include impaling Diesel's car with helicopter harpoons and urban mayhem around the Vatican. Despite these attempts at visual distraction, judicious editing could have delivered a tighter, more impactful experience.
In terms of cast dynamics, the ensemble cast delivers predictably varied performances. Vin Diesel maintains his steadfast portrayal of Dom, while John Cena and Charlize Theron return with newfound vigor in their roles. Nonetheless, criticism surrounds aimlessly diluted character arcs and redundant cameos. Yet among these mixed performances, Jason Momoa emerges as a standout—his theatrical villainy revitalizing otherwise stale dynamics. Despite script weaknesses and narrative indulgence, "Fast X" manages to deliver on its core promise: a relentless spectacle hinged on the intrinsic charm that has carried this franchise for over two decades. Fans will likely find themselves torn between nostalgia and fatigue as they await the series’ purported conclusion.
Total: 88
"Fast X" continues the Fast & Furious saga with a mix of outrageous stunts, high-speed chases, and family-centric drama, providing a characteristic entry to the franchise. Directed by Louis Leterrier, the film features an ensemble cast led by Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, and a scene-stealing Jason Momoa. The narrative itself may seem bloated and occasionally stretched thin, yet it effectively packs enough adrenaline-fueled moments and character-driven scenes to keep audiences engaged. While some sequences could have been trimmed for a more concise runtime, the film compensates with franchise-high moments of insanity, particularly in its vehicular combat and larger-than-life set pieces.
Universal’s 4K UHD release is technically stellar, boasting an impressive Dolby Vision HDR video presentation and an all-encompassing Dolby Atmos audio track. The transfer is sharp, vibrant, and handles the film's myriad of action sequences with finesse. Auditory experience is equally bombastic, immersing viewers in both quieter character exchanges and explosive car chases with unparalleled clarity and depth. Additionally, the solid selection of bonus features includes behind-the-scenes content that further enhances the viewing experience. Fans of the series will appreciate this robust 4K presentation, making it a must-have for their collection.
Conclusion: "Fast X" may come good with its concluding part(s) but it's really more of a bloated mess than even this franchise can sustain - with Momoa a tremendous addition, but numerous scenes (which take up over a third of its ridiculous runtime) desperate to be cut entirely, making it feel like this really was an exercise in stretching a single Fast movie into multiple instalments, for money. Which is fine, but there really was a much more watchable 90-minute flick in here, and it's a shame because the film boasts a few franchise high moments of insanity. Universal's 4K release does exactly what you'd expect with the latest Fast & Furious blockbuster, delivering excellent 4K Dolby Vision HDR video and an utterly bombastic Dolby Atmos soundtrack, as well as a solid selection of extra features. Fans will definitely want to add it to their collection. Fast X is on UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos from 4th September 2023 from Universal Home Pictures Entertainment. The US 4K release, available in the above Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook, is out now.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 90
unsurprisingly excellent Track history in this franchise alone - let alone Universal's wider record - dictates that a new Fast & Furious movie will make for demo audiovisual material in 4K, and Fast 9...
Audio: 100
Obviously driven by its setpieces - the quieter nonsense scenes that they should have cut (yes, that Internet cafe stupidity) hardly have the same involvement factor - this is still demo through and through,...
Extras: 60
Universal's 4K release enjoys all of its extra features ported over to the 4K disc proper, and it's a healthy salvo, perhaps a little more bitty than many may like, and missing the requisite extended cuts...
Movie: 60
as he tries to hold on to his extended ensemble through some preposterous action, all of which fits the bill for this blockbuster fare, and really this franchise remains - alongside Mission: Impossible...
Total: 70
Hitting that sweet spot with deliriously thrilling action, outlandish vehicular warfare, and a testosterone-fuelled clash of the Diesel/Johnson titans, Fast Five remains an unprecedented franchise high,...
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 100
This is picture perfection to the max, with lovingly colored images that really pop in both the daylight and the underground darkness....
Audio: 100
The rest of the movie follows right along, with gut wrenching car chases, explosions galore, and a massive use of the overhead channels with helicopter blades thudding overhead, or the roar of an engine...
Extras: 70
Take a closer look at how classic FAST cars were rebuilt for FAST X, and which new vehicles are customized and introduced to enhance the lifeblood of the franchise....
Movie: 80
Pretty much EVERY character from the past is either resurrected, or finally included for the next movie (despite swearing he would never come back to the franchise) to point that this is basically the...
Total: 80
The 10th film in the franchise is stupid, big, bold, and full of all the old action tropes that the last 4 films have been known for, yet somehow manages to win me over have me giggling the entire run...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Where the 1080p limitations prevent more definition, the 2160p resolution allows for a greater sense of accuracy and image fulfillment, bringing out the finest in sharpness and clarity to every element,...
Audio: 100
But the highlight is all of the fun stuff that plays in perfect balance and with exceptional clarity and with monstrous bass at every opportunity....
Extras: 100
Little B Takes the Wheel (2160p, 3:05): A look at the father-son relationship seen in the film and exploring various scenes involving Little B and his work with John Cena....
Movie: 70
Certainly, that these films make them obscene amounts of money doesn't hurt, but there's an obvious love for the material, a clear passion for the on- and off-screen family that has been built and continues...
Total: 80
Fast X has all the earmarks of a superfluous sequel, especially this deep into its franchise, but the film manages to do just enough to hold a feeling of freshness thanks to more innovative car stunts,...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt MaloufRead review here
Video: 100
So if you’re able to disassociate yourself from the goings on screen and focus on the technical details, you’ll be amazed and will have your mind blown....
Audio: 100
This movie will have your speakers humming for the better part of two and a half hours and I’m sure there are those out there that will love it....
Extras: 60
Reunite with your favorite FAST family members as we introduce new characters, travel across continents, reveal intimate views of epic stunts, and get personal about the beginning of the end of the FAST...
Movie: 0
I understand this is a hole in which the filmmakers might not be able to come out of, but it feels like the elephant in the room....
Total: 70
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DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
While the contrast and peak brightness look great, Fast X doesn’t have the same intensity as some other similar blockbuster offerings....
Audio: 100
Whether it’s an elevator shootout with guns firing from overhead or cars jumping through the soundstage, every speaker sees use, and regularly given the amount of action....
Extras: 60
...
Movie: 60
Tyrese Gibson serves as the comic relief, but in actuality, he’s the only one representing common sense in Fast X (and the series as a whole).Fast X doesn’t work because of its action scenes, although...
Total: 75
Peak absurdity, Fast X embraces ridiculous action scenes and lets Jason Momoa set the tone for it all....
High-Def Digest review by Bryan KlugerRead review here
Video: 100
Closeups reveal amazing facial pores, individual hairs on the actor's faces, beads of sweat and blood droplets, textures in the metal cars, guns, and clothing, along with superior detail in background...
Audio: 100
The ambient noises of people walking, talking, and even computer machine noises all come through the rear speakers nicely....
Extras: 80
- This is a good look at the entire franchise thus far and how the characters, storylines, and more have come full circle inside Fast X. Fast Breaks (UHD 8 Mins.)...
Movie: 80
Since that fifth installment, it's as if the franchise has taken on a life of its own that is constantly trying to one-up the previous release, whether it be cars jumping buildings, surfing a missile from...
Total: 90
Fast X keeps the action, thrills, comedy, and absurdity coming at a high-octane pace with the grounded reality of family at this core....
Home Theater Forum review by Timothy ERead review here
Video: 100
Fine detail is everything you could hope for, and shadow detail is great in this transfer....
Audio: 100
The kaleidoscope of imagery filling the screen is equally matched with excellent sound that fills the entire soundstage and includes excellent use of directional audio....
Extras: 80
Also included is a Blu-ray disc of the film and paper insert with digital download of the film via the MoviesAnywhere app....
Movie: 70
The Fast films are about family, though, in the sense that there is a large cast of characters that you get to know in each film, and enjoy their return every 2 years or so in the next film....
Total: 70
If you have never seen a film in this franchise, give it a try with an open mind, and you may be surprised, as I was, to enjoy these films for what they are....
Director: Louis Leterrier, Justin Lin
Actors: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham
PlotAn audacious heist gone wrong catalyzes a new threat to the globe-trotting crew led by Dom Toretto. Bound by the integral moral compass of family and loyalty, they must reconvene in the wake of betrayal amidst a high-stakes game of retribution and power. With the stakes higher than ever, the team embarks on a mission that will force them to face their past, challenge their limits, and push their vehicles to unimaginable speeds. Their journey spans the vibrant streets of urban metropolises to the treacherous terrains of remote outposts, where alliances are tested and bonds are forged in the crucible of adrenaline-fueled action.
As the collective pulse of engines revs to life, Dom and his family confront an enigmatic and formidable adversary, whose machinations reveal a sprawling conspiracy with dire implications for the world at large. The crew's unbreakable resolve is shaken to the core as they must navigate new threats, traitorous turns, and the moral complexities of their fast-paced lifestyle. Deftly maneuvering through explosions, daring chases, and death-defying stunts, their unique blend of precision driving and tactical skills become the instruments of war in a battle where the price of failure could be their own demise.
Writers: Dan Mazeau, Justin Lin, Zach Dean
Release Date: 19 May 2023
Runtime: 141 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States, China, Japan
Language: English