21 Jump Street 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Analyzing the 4K UHD Blu-ray video presentation of "21 Jump Street," it's clear that while the upgrade from a 2K digital intermediate doesn't bring transformative changes in clarity and detail, it does offer noticeable improvements. The consensus portrays an image that's slightly sharper and more revealing than its 1080p Blu-ray counterpart. Close-ups showcase a bit more texture; facial details like pores, stubble, and freckles are somewhat more discernible. However, the overall picture quality does not diverge dramatically from the Blu-ray version, with most enhancements being subtle rather than striking. The boost in resolution lends itself to finer object detail to a degree, granting elements like clothing textures and badges a clearer visibility, yet the transfer doesn't achieve a night-and-day difference in textural depth.

Contrast and brightness receive a mild uptick in this UHD version, most notably with cleaner, brighter whites enhancing scenes, especially ones set during prom night. The HDR color grading emerges as the unanimous highlight of this release. The expanded color spectrum breathes new life into the film, replacing the Blu-ray's flatness with vivid primaries and improved skin tones that add a healthy glow to characters. Scenes are rejuvenated with a broader range of hues, making moments of action and comedy pop with a more spirited display. This HDR effect gives the movie an enriched vibrancy, with reds and blues becoming more dynamic and secondary colors achieving greater variation.

Despite these advancements, some reviews point out limitations due to the source material and encoding, including instances of noise and an overarching similarity to the Blu-ray in many sequences. Although blacks are deeper and shadows showcase better detail, elevating the cinematic appeal, these improvements are incremental. The UHD presentation makes its mark with enhanced color dynamics rather than revolutionary clarity or depth, suggesting that while this upgrade is appreciable for fans, it’s primarily the HDR color grading that stands out as the significant enhancement over its predecessor.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack of the "21 Jump Street" 4K UHD Blu Ray significantly enhances the audio experience beyond its Blu-ray counterpart, especially noted in its expressive and exuberant action scenes. Its vigorous use of directional sound and expanded channels, particularly during high-octane sequences, delivers a compelling auditory experience. While not profoundly discrete in its overhead effects, the Atmos track leverages atmospherics and music to enrich the soundscape, broadening the auditory field. The soundtrack exudes musical clarity with a wide and full spread across the front, complemented by a perfectly balanced back channel wrap, thus creating a seamless and immersive listening environment. Additionally, the dialogue retains its clarity and front-channel priority, ensuring that verbal exchanges remain crisp even amidst the cacophony.

There's a notable improvement in the ambient sound and LFE (Low Frequency Effects) domain, where city sounds, gunshots, and explosions gain depth and intensity, albeit the height channels do not engage as frequently as one might expect. Nevertheless, moments like motorcycles passing by or the ambiance of outdoor city scenes benefit from the added depth of the Atmos remix. The strong LFE enriches the soundtrack and action scenes, giving them an oomph that was slightly missing in previous audio tracks.

Despite being dialogue-driven, the new Dolby Atmos soundtrack of "21 Jump Street" mostly excels in providing an engaging soundstage that encapsulates both explosive action sequences and quieter moments with outstanding clarity. While the object-based audio doesn't revolutionary transform every aspect of the movie's sound, it significantly contributes to a more vibrant and dynamic auditory experience. From the lively ambience of party scenes to the nuanced background activities in quieter segments, the soundstage is broad and enthralling, with rear channels continuously employed for effective directionality and seamless panning. This track proves to be a robust upgrade for fans looking for an immersive audio experience akin to its on-screen excitement, making it a commendable addition to anyone's 4K collection.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "21 Jump Street" offers fans the ultimate viewing experience with both enhanced and legacy content. The 4K disc itself includes four new trailers: Theatrical, Red Band, and International versions A and B, all in stunning 1080p resolution. While these additions are modest, the real treasure trove of extras is found on the included Blu-ray disc, which carries over all the content from previous releases. This supplementary material is extensively rich, featuring an engaging audio commentary by the directors and lead actors, a plethora of deleted scenes totaling nearly 30 minutes, a gag reel, and several behind-the-scenes featurettes ranging from hilarious improv moments to insightful discussions on the making of the movie. A digital copy code compatible with Movies Anywhere adds to the appeal, ensuring that purchasers can enjoy the film and its bonuses across various platforms.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller join actors Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection offering extended peeks and unused footage.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of bloopers and funny moments from the set.
• Cube-O-Rama: Ice Cube delivers improvisational comedy gold.
• Back to School: An exploration into the making of the film with cast and crew interviews.
• Brothers in Arms: A closer look at the dynamic between Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill.
• Johnny Depp on Set: Revealing the involvement of Johnny Depp without spoiling his cameo.
• The Rob Riggle Show: A focus on the antics and character played by Rob Riggle.
• Peter Pan on the Freeway: An in-depth look at one of the movie’s chase scenes.

Sony's upgrade of the 2012 hit comedy "21 Jump Street" to 4K UHD Blu-ray brings the raucous partnership of Channing Tatum's Greg Jenko and Jonah Hill's Morton Schmidt into stunning new clarity. With specifications boasting a 2160p/HDR video presentation and enveloping Dolby Atmos audio, this release promises an unmatched viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike. While the 4K disc itself focuses heavily on improving the visual and auditory journey, it also includes new trailers, leaving the comprehensive array of legacy bonuses to the accompanying Blu-ray disc, identical to Sony’s 2012 release.

Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller achieve something remarkable with "21 Jump Street"; they revitalize a cult classic for the modern audience while keeping its heart intact. The film is an intelligent critique of the buddy-cop genre, using the absurdity of two distinctly mismatched police officers - one a failed jock, the other a socially inept nerd - going undercover in a high school to expose a drug ring. What could have easily been a superficial reboot ends up being a humorous yet thoughtful exploration of identity, friendship, and the ever-changing social landscape of high school. The dynamic between Tatum and Hill is electric, providing a solid foundation for both the comedy and action that propels the movie forward.

The upgrade to 4K is more than just a technical enhancement; it's a revitalization of the movie's visual and auditory storytelling. Every laugh, chase sequence, and awkward high school moment comes through with greater impact, thanks to the crispness of the visuals and the depth of the audio. "21 Jump Street" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a testament to how technological advancements can breathe new life into beloved films, ensuring that this clever take on the buddy-cop trope remains relevant and entertaining for future audiences.

21 Jump Street," an ingenious take on the classic TV show, transcends mere nostalgia to establish itself as a benchmark in comedy. The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition brought forth by Sony magnifies this achievement with an exceptional display of 2160p/HDR video quality paired with the immersive experience of Dolby Atmos audio, ensuring that both the visual and auditory elements of the film are elevated to match its high-caliber humor. The addition of new trailers on the UHD disc, alongside a comprehensive suite of legacy supplements on the Blu-ray, enriches the overall package, making it a highly recommended acquisition for both new and ardent fans. This edition not only enhances the viewing experience but also preserves the film's enduring charm and wit, which remains as potent today as it was upon release.

The unrelated duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum shines brightly, delivering performances that blend seamlessly with the upgraded technical feats of the release. Their chemistry, crucial to the film's success, is complemented by a smart script that manages to poke fun at the genre's clichés while simultaneously paying homage to them. This balance between satire and tribute is brilliantly showcased through the UHD's enhanced video and audio quality, ensuring that each jest and jab is felt more intimately. Furthermore, the package's adherence to including all former supplements offers an extended look into the creative force behind this unique comedic venture.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "21 Jump Street" is an exemplary offering that doesn’t simply rest on the laurels of its source material but elevates it with superior technical quality and thoughtful additions. It succeeds in retaining the original's infectious spirit and humor, making it an essential title for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The synergy of outstanding performances, a clever script, and top-notch presentation reaffirms its place as a quintessential modern comedy that stands the test of time.