Clear and Present Danger 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Paramount's release of "Clear and Present Danger" on 4K UHD Blu-ray, as part of a Jack Ryan 5-film collection, showcases a significant commitment to video quality, utilizing a meticulous 4K rescan of the original 35mm film. This upgrade is presented with a native 3840 x 2160p resolution in the film’s original widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio, enhanced with 10-bit video depth, Wider Color Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Dolby Vision, offering an unprecedented viewing experience. The encoding utilizes the HEVC (H.265) codec, ensuring a compact yet high-quality digital representation of the film. Our review utilizes state-of-the-art viewing equipment, including an LG Dolby Vision 4K OLED TV paired with an LG UP970 Dolby Vision 4K UHD Blu-ray player, to assess these technological enhancements comprehensively.

Reviewing "Clear and Present Danger," it’s evident there is a palpable improvement in visual detail and texture over previous Blu-ray versions. The native 4K presentation reveals finer details and textures with impressive clarity, from the lush jungles and intricate cityscapes to the detailed interiors of the CIA offices and South American homes. However, the film's color grading has sparked some controversy; while enhancing certain elements like explosions or tropical environments, it also introduces a desaturated palette that can render skin tones somewhat pallid and other colors less vibrant than expected. Despite these color timing choices, which may align with the film’s thematic elements, HDR and Dolby Vision contribute to robust black levels and contrast, enhancing the visual dynamic without unduly compromising image quality.

"Clear and Present Danger" on 4K UHD Blu-ray not only rectifies the noise reduction issues and textural smoothing found in previous releases but also elevates the film experience with its refined grain structure, maintaining the filmic essence. While certain inherent soft shots remain, attributed to the original cinematography, they do not detract significantly from the overall enhancement in detail and sharpness this format offers. The Dolby Vision HDR coloring, though at times controversial for its subdued hues, enhances the thematic tones of the film, from grayish urban landscapes to vibrant tropical settings. This judicious application of modern video technologies enriches the visual narrative without overshadowing it, reaffirming that "Clear and Present Danger" has indeed received its most pristine home video incarnation to date.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Clear and Present Danger" retains the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track from its earlier Blu-ray incarnation, a decision that might disappoint those yearning for a Dolby Atmos update but nonetheless provides a solid and engaging audio experience. Dialogue is crisp and clear, ensuring that the film's dialogue-driven narrative is delivered effectively, a critical aspect given the film's focus on intricate storytelling. The soundscape is rich with well-rendered effects, from environmental ambiances like helicopters and boats to the more intense sequences involving gunfire and explosions, all of which are presented with commendable clarity and depth. James Horner's score, despite criticisms of its originality, adds a substantial layer of tension and excitement to the action sequences, further enriching the audio presentation. However, the mix could have benefited from more aggressive use of the rear channels to fully immerse the viewer, and the LFE channel, while adequate, lacks the warmth and consistent presence that might have elevated the experience.

Technical nuances within the audio mix are handled well, with dynamics preserving the integrity of both quiet conversations and the robustness of action-packed scenes. The sound field created by discernible separation across the front channels and effective use of ambient sounds immerses the listener in the film's captivating moments, like the intricately staged rescue sequence at the coffee factory. Surround directionality is strong, with smooth channel-to-channel panning that enhances the film's dynamic range and spatial imaging. Low frequencies are present and integrate seamlessly with the rest of the audio mix, though they sometimes fall short of delivering a truly memorable impact.

Overall, the audio presentation of "Clear and Present Danger" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a very satisfying auditory experience that stands on the strengths of its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. The soundtrack maintains excellent clarity, dynamic range, and ambience throughout, with effective prioritization of dialogue ensuring that the narrative remains front and center. Action scenes, particularly those set in the jungle, benefit from an immersive soundfield that almost reaches the potential of overhead sound offered by newer formats. Despite some missed opportunities in terms of rear channel engagement and low-frequency heft, this audio mix successfully supports the film's thrilling narrative and atmospheric tension.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Clear and Present Danger" arrives with a clear divide between the expectations for modern home video supplements and the reality it delivers. The main allure, the film itself in crisp 4K, is devoid of any additional content on its respective disc, relegating the extras to the accompanying Blu-ray. This includes a featurette and trailer, both reflective of their early DVD era quality and offering a nostalgic yet underwhelming peek behind the film's production curtain. Notably, the promised interviews featured on the packaging are absent, an oversight or typo that might disappoint. However, for collectors and enthusiasts, the inclusion of a digital copy adds a touch of contemporary convenience to this otherwise archival glimpse into the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Danger: A 26-minute featurette, originally from the DVD release, providing insight into the film's production.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for "Clear and Present Danger".

Harrison Ford solidifies his embodiment of Jack Ryan in the critically acclaimed "Clear and Present Danger," a sequel that not only surpasses its predecessors in narrative depth but also sets a high benchmark for espionage thrillers. As the third film to adapt Tom Clancy's high-stakes world of political intrigue and covert operations, this entry stands out with its intricate plot and comprehensive character development. Director Phillip Noyce masterfully navigates the complex story, delivering a compelling blend of action and intellectual conflict. The film’s success lies in its ability to maintain a professional and technical tone while exploring the murky ethics of government-sanctioned operations against Colombian drug cartels, making it an exemplar of the spy genre.

The ensemble cast, featuring notable performances by Willem Dafoe, Anne Archer, and James Earl Jones, alongside Ford, enhances the film's gripping narrative. Notable for its technologically accurate portrayal of espionage tactics of the era, "Clear and Present Danger" delves into themes of accountability and the moral quandaries of power. A particular highlight is the digital duel between Jack Ryan and a fellow CIA official, a scene that, despite its dated technology, underscores the film's tension-fueled storyline. Action sequences, such as the infamous convoy ambush, provide a visceral complement to the film’s cerebral aspects, showcasing Noyce’s ability to balance storytelling with blockbuster spectacle.

Despite being embedded in the political context of its time, "Clear and Present Danger" remains relevant for its critical examination of American interventionism and the personal cost of political decisions. Its portrayal of Jack Ryan as a man caught between duty and ethical integrity, reluctant yet decisive, offers a nuanced take on heroism in the face of systemic corruption. This installment not only confirms Harrison Ford's definitive portrayal of Ryan but also serves as a benchmark for narrative complexity and moral introspection in action cinema, cementing its status as a pinnacle achievement in the Jack Ryan series.

Clear and Present Danger," an esteemed adaptation of Tom Clancy's novel and a pinnacle of the Jack Ryan film series, has seen its home media evolution culminate in a standout 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation. Paramount's UK release ties this classic into a 5-film Jack Ryan box set that showcases the film in native 4K with Dolby Vision, enhancing its visual appeal beyond previous formats, even though it retains its original sound mix unchanged from prior Blu-ray editions. Critically acclaimed for Harrison Ford's compelling portrayal of Jack Ryan, the film balances intricate political intrigue and action with a nuanced narrative that has gained acknowledgment for its complexity and relevance.

The 4K UHD edition offers a noticeably improved picture quality, boasting great texture enhancements and detail clarity that surpass its earlier home video releases. However, the choice to desaturate the color palette might divide viewer opinions. While the audio experience remains the same as the last decade’s release, missing an opportunity to upgrade the sound design to match the visual improvements, the inclusion of legacy supplements on the accompanying Blu-ray disc—comprising a featurette and a trailer—adds value, albeit without introducing any new content.

In conclusion, Paramount's 4K Ultra HD edition of "Clear and Present Danger" is an essential upgrade for fans of the series and 4K enthusiasts alike. The film's more critical take on American politics and the inclusion of high-stakes covert operations into its storyline resonate well with contemporary audiences, making it not only a compelling watch but a significant part of any collection. While it might not surpass all its predecessors in every fan's heart, its presentation in this latest format—with exceptional video quality but unaltered audio—solidifies its status as a key offering within Paramount’s Jack Ryan 4K box set.