Collateral 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Michael Mann’s "Collateral" receives a notable visual upgrade in its 4K UHD Blu Ray release, highlighted by its use of HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The film retains its distinct digital look characterized by a bleak color palette with blue and yellowish tinges. The dark, desaturated visuals are complemented by nuanced HDR enhancements that improve overall clarity and depth. Although the digital noise and black levels previously posed issues, they are significantly mitigated in this remaster, offering improved black levels and reduced noise. Close-ups, in particular, showcase finer details such as Jamie Foxx’s skin texture and Tom Cruise’s facial stubble, delivering a more immersive viewing experience compared to the original Blu-ray.

The disc's HEVC codec provides ample bitrate and space, handling the innate digital noise effectively without introducing any additional artifacts. Paramount's decision to upscale the DI to 4K enhances resolution subtly, especially noticeable in interior scenes like the jazz club, which displays heightened contrast and deeper blacks. The night scenes, while still retaining their intentionally flat contrast and elevated black levels, benefit from improved saturation and less murkiness. The reliance on natural and artificial city lights throughout contributes to "Collateral's" fluorescent, gritty aesthetic, now more vividly realized through the higher dynamic range capabilities of modern 4K UHD.

"Collateral" maintains its unique, immersive visual style with richer hues and enhanced detail, particularly in scenes involving bright streetlights, the yellow cab, and the purple nightclub glow. This remastered version underscores Michael Mann’s vision by preserving the film’s original textures while presenting it in the best possible home viewing format. Fans of the film will find the subtle but significant visual improvements a compelling reason to upgrade their collection.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation of "Collateral" retains the same audio mix as the Blu-ray release, offering a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Unfortunately, there is no Dolby Atmos upgrade, which may disappoint some audiophiles. However, director Michael Mann's expert handling of 5.1 sound design still shines through. The track is tailored to the perspective of the characters, such as when ambient noise reduces as Max shuts his cab door, encapsulating his feeling of isolation. The soundscape occasionally broadens with dynamic gunfire and car crashes, and directional effects from helicopters enhance the immersive experience.

Dialogue in the film is crisp and front-focused, ensuring clarity even during quiet, hushed exchanges. The balance of the score, dialogue, and effects is meticulously maintained, creating an engaging auditory experience. The audio mix effectively captures the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, and moments of intense violence exhibit strong impact, although some users noted a slightly lacking bass depth for these scenes.

While the surround activity starts subtly, it intensifies in more frenetic scenes such as nightclub sequences or aerial pursuits, enveloping the viewer with pulsating techno music or the roar of jets. Despite initial restraint in surround usage, the track builds tension effectively through ambient city sounds and discrete effects. James Newton Howard’s understated score is well-reproduced with excellent tonal fidelity, adding to the film’s atmospheric feel. Overall, while the track is not demo material, it provides a solid and immersive sound experience that supports the film's narrative excellently.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Collateral" enhances the home-viewing experience with a rich selection of extras that cater to both casual viewers and dedicated cinephiles. Michael Mann's audio commentary is a standout, providing insightful details about the film's technical and narrative elements. The extras illuminate the film's meticulous production process, from shooting on location to intense actor preparations. The commentary and behind-the-scenes footage offer a deep dive into the film's craftsmanship, showcasing Mann's perfectionist approach and the collaborative spirit of the production team.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Michael Mann: Insightful analysis on the technical details and narrative choices.
• City of Night: The Making of Collateral: An in-depth documentary on the production process.
• Special Delivery: Tom Cruise blending in as a FedEx delivery man.
• Deleted Scene with Commentary: Max and Vincent evading pursuit at LAX.
• Shooting on Location: Annie's Office: Challenges and techniques of filming in dark environments.
• Tom Cruise & Jamie Foxx Rehearse: Footage of essential scene rehearsals.
• Visual FX: MTA Train: Behind-the-scenes look at the film's visual effects during the climax.

Michael Mann’s Collateral epitomizes his signature meticulous attention to detail, creating a raw and emotionally charged experience. Jamie Foxx excels as Max, a cab driver unwittingly pulled into the violent world of Vincent, a chilling assassin portrayed by Tom Cruise. Cruise, known for his hero roles, flourishes as the sociopathic hitman – his cold precision and dark charm are engrossing and compelling. The narrative's heart lies in the tension-filled relationship between Max and Vincent, set against the gritty, neon-lit backdrop of nighttime Los Angeles. Mann’s preference for high-definition digital cameras enhances the film’s realistic, immersive atmosphere, capturing the city's natural lighting and urban texture exquisitely.

The film's potent blend of action and introspection generates a unique tension that Mann skillfully exploits. The psychological dynamic between Cruise’s calculated killer and Foxx’s everyman involves audience investment in their evolving camaraderie and conflict. Collateral relies not on grandiose action sequences but on a more grounded, visceral portrayal of violence, making each confrontation significant and impactful. Supporting characters, including Jada Pinkett Smith and Mark Ruffalo, enrich the film’s narrative, adding layers of complexity and depth to its exploration of moral ambiguity and professional intricacy.

Michael Mann’s direction keeps the pace taut and purposeful, while his cinematic techniques – such as cityscape montages and tightly framed dialogues – contribute to the film’s intensity. Collateral is not just a thriller; it is a study of contrasting worlds colliding within the confines of a single night, making it one of Mann’s most impactful works.

Michael Mann's "Collateral" remains an underrated gem in the annals of cinema, with standout performances by Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. The film's gritty, raw, and immersive style draws viewers into its pulsating narrative set against the noir-like streets of Los Angeles. This 4K UHD Blu-Ray release enhances the visual and auditory experience of the movie through a polished DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix and a precise 2.40:1 HEVC-encoded picture that brings Mann's unique cinematic aesthetic to life. However, it's crucial to note that this release does not offer any new content compared to the 2020 version, except for the addition of a steelbook case.

From a technical perspective, the 4K UHD disc impresses with its crisp clarity and defined textures even though it may not completely reimagine the visual experience from the previous UHD release. The audio track delivers an engaging surround sound experience, reflecting the film’s intense scenes with precision. Special features remain consistent with past releases, making this edition valuable primarily for collectors who appreciate the tactile, steelbook packaging. For enthusiasts who prioritize audiovisual fidelity over packaging, either version will suffice given their identical disc contents.

In conclusion, "Collateral" on 4K UHD remains a highly recommended addition to any film aficionado's collection. Despite the minor packaging update, the compelling performances by Cruise and Foxx, combined with Michael Mann’s masterful direction, make this disc worth acquiring. It's perfect for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to Mann's filmography who seek a definitive home video presentation. Whether or not one opts for the steelbook version should depend on individual preferences for physical media collections.