Mission: Impossible Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the 25th Anniversary Blu-ray edition of "Mission: Impossible" showcases an exemplary effort in maintaining a cinematic quality that stays true to its original filmic charm. The Blu-ray boasts a faithful reproduction with a very light and flattering grain structure, resulting in consistently sharp details throughout. The clarity and detail are remarkably improved from previous releases, with facial features and clothing appearing firm, sharp, and revealing every intricate pore and texture. The visual presentation avoids over-smoothing, offering a meticulously clean print free from blemishes and encoding artifacts.

This Blu-ray benefits from the same remaster used for the 2018 Ultra HD release, delivering improved color balance and contrast. The image quality maintains a “film-like” characteristic, with colors expanding vibrancy and depth—particularly noteworthy in how primary colors like reds and blues appear more animated and vivid. Despite some scenes showing inherent softer qualities due to the original stylized cinematography, the overall video excels in enhancing skin tones to a rosier, lifelike complexion with improved contrast. Whites are crisp and dramatic, conspicuously in high-intensity scenes like the secure computer room at Langley.

Further contributing to its cinematic allure is the richly saturated palette that remains faithful to De Palma’s noir-like vision, achieving a refined balance with black levels that display remarkable gradational variation. The video strikes a harmonious balance between modern clarity enhancements and the integrity of Stephen H. Burum's original photography. This sophisticated blend makes this Blu-ray a worthy upgrade for enthusiasts seeking a blend of contemporary advancements while preserving the vintage essence of this iconic film.

The Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible" features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 channel lossless soundtrack, carried over from the UHD edition. This marks a significant upgrade from older Dolby Digital tracks, offering enhanced dynamic range and clearer, punchier bass that bring the film’s action sequences to life. The sound presentation engages the entire audio system actively and seamlessly blends stereo and surround channels for a coherent auditory experience. Dialogue is reproduced with clarity, ensuring it remains discernible even amidst the more intense scenes.

Although it lacks the advanced Dolby Atmos capabilities of later series entries, this mix utilizes all five channels effectively. The iconic score and action-packed sequences, like the climactic train scene, benefit from this enriched audio treatment. The soundstage is broad, with a pleasing sense of warmth and remarkable mid-range detailing, providing excellent separation during peak moments and improved fidelity in the music composition by Danny Elfman. LFE activity is prominent throughout the film, enhancing the overall impact.

However, it's noteworthy that the audio design remains predominantly front-heavy. While the rear channels deliver some sporadic effects that enhance spatiality, they do not consistently contribute to an enveloping sound environment. Despite this, the balanced layering across the fronts ensures an engaging audio experience, particularly during high-action segments. The TrueHD mix is comprehensive enough to elevate the viewing experience without overshadowing the visual narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible" offers a comprehensive collection of supplemental material, though largely unchanged from earlier editions. This release combines content from the original 2007 Blu-ray with fresh trailers encompassing the entire film series. Notables among these extras are in-depth features like "Mission: Remarkable" which delves into the adaptation of the television series to film, and "Mission: Explosive Exploits", showcasing Tom Cruise's commitment to performing his stunts. While none of these features have been innovatively updated for this release, existing content remains intact and serves as a robust exploration of the film's production and legacy. The disc includes a digital code and a collectible decal featuring the IMF logo.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mission: Remarkable – 40 Years of Creating the Impossible: Chronicles TV-to-film transition.
• Mission: Explosive Exploits: Behind-the-scenes on Cruise’s stunts.
• Mission: Spies Among Us: Real-life spies and their IMF parallels.
• Mission: Catching the Train: Detailed analysis of the iconic stunt.
• Mission: International Spy Museum: Features intriguing spy gadgets.
• Mission: Agent Dossiers: Character profiles.
• Excellence in Film: Tribute to Tom Cruise with Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award montage.
• Generation: Cruise: Further look into Tom Cruise's filmography.
• Photo Gallery: Publicity stills from the movie.
• Theatrical Trailers: Includes trailers for films in the "Mission: Impossible" series.

"Mission: Impossible," the 1996 film directed by Brian De Palma, expertly marries the high-stakes world of espionage with an artful narrative, enveloping viewers in a taut, thrilling experience. Tom Cruise stars as Ethan Hunt, a master of disguises and a quintessential action hero whose charm and relentless drive infuse the character with both depth and intensity. From the gripping initial mission, which ends catastrophically, leaving Hunt isolated and framed as a traitor, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of intrigue and deception. Supported by former IMF agents Luther Stickell and Franz Krieger, Hunt embarks on a treacherous journey to expose a mole within their organization, culminating in the iconic CIA vault scene—a sequence that has become emblematic of the franchise's ability to intertwine suspense with visually striking set pieces.

The Blu-ray release enriches this cinematic classic with a newly remastered 1080p transfer, preserving De Palma's distinct visual style which deftly nods to Hitchcockian influences. The attention to technical detail is evident in the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that envelops the viewer in a sensory experience previously unheard in the older lossy 5.1 track version. Consistency across the franchise is maintained with supplements from prior releases, providing fans with continuity and a touch of nostalgia through its homage to mid-90s technology—a nod that now feels charmingly retro amidst today's advancements.

As audiences continue to relish each new installment, this original film remains a pivotal bridge between the classic television series and its cinematic progeny. "Mission: Impossible" stands as an enduring testament to De Palma's storytelling prowess and Cruise's embodiment of Ethan Hunt—one of his most iconic roles—ensuring its position as an enthralling and beloved chapter in action cinema history.

The Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible" marks the film's 25th anniversary, generating interest primarily among die-hard fans and Blu-ray collectors. While the upgraded audio-visual presentation offers significant improvements over its 2007 predecessor, this release lacks substantial new content. With an excellent HD transfer, both in video and audio departments, it retains the same bonus material from prior editions. Unfortunately, the novelty factor is diminished by the absence of fresh supplementary content, failing to entice those who have invested in previous Ultra HD editions.

The package does include cosmetic enhancements, such as new cover art and an IMF car decal, features aimed at appealing to dedicated enthusiasts. The film itself remains a beloved classic, weaving a captivating neo-noir flair with stimulating action sequences, directed by Brian De Palma and backed by Danny Elfman's score. However, for those who already own the UHD version or are seeking a more comprehensive reissue, this offering might seem redundant.

Conclusively, while entertaining and improved technically, this Blu-ray release may struggle to justify a purchase for those who already enjoy the UHD experience. Nonetheless, Blu-ray aficionados and collectors who prioritize format over content will likely appreciate the refined audio-visual package celebrating this cinematic milestone.