Fast X 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

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.

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.

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).

"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.

"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.