Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Meticulously upscaled from a 2K digital intermediate, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ is a marvel of modern home cinema technology. Showcased in a pristine 3840 x 2160p resolution that adheres to the film's original theatrical widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1, this disc is a testament to visual excellence. With encoding via the HEVC (H.265) codec and leveraging HDR10+/Dolby Vision, the video presentation brings forth an unparalleled depth of color and clarity. The Wide Color Gamut (WCG), combined with 10-bit video depth, enriches the viewing experience, making every scene pop with vibrancy—from the fiery explosions bursting with yellows and oranges to the mesmerizing sharpness of the fourth act's Samoan backdrops. Tested on state-of-the-art equipment, it is clear that despite its upscale nature, this release extracts a significant amount of detail, surpassing its SDR 1080p Blu-ray counterpart, especially in close-ups where facial nuances are impressively captured."

"The high dynamic range is undeniably the star, enhancing textures and landscapes to lifelike levels. Whether it's the gritty streets of London or the lush vistas of Samoa, every location is rendered with breathtaking clarity. The contrast between Johnson’s warm tones and Statham’s cooler hues adds a dramatic layer to their tandem dynamic, further enhanced by smart use of lighting and color timing. Dolby Vision grading elevates this even further, granting deep and rich black levels without overshadowing intricate details, allowing neon signs and headlights to truly stand out. The HDR treatment ensures that whites are strikingly bold, and skin tones are accurately matched to actors' complexions, presenting a visual feast that extends beyond traditional viewing."

"Despite originating from a 2K digital intermediate, the final output on 4K does not disappoint. The disc operates at its best during sequences bustling with action and color. From the detailed textures on characters' attires—like Elba’s armored jacket or the denim in Rock’s jacket—to the expansive depth of field during chase scenes, everything exudes a crisp, three-dimensional quality. The visual presentation remains immaculate throughout, free from any noise or artifacts that might detract from the spectacle. It's clear that ‘Hobbs & Shaw’s 4K release is among the best 2K upscales available, setting a high standard for home video presentations with its sharp details, superior colors, and spot-on rendition of flesh tones and complexions.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack of "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" on its 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation delivers a high-octane auditory experience that rivals the visual thrill ride the franchise is known for. With its impressive use of the full audio spectrum, the track excels in clarity and immersion, pushing the boundaries of home theater systems. Dialogue is crisply prioritized, ensuring that even amid the most chaotic action sequences, character exchanges remain clear and centered. Dynamic range is robust, with low-frequency effects providing a physicality to the onscreen mayhem, from the reverberating rumble of engines to the concussive force of explosions, all without compromising the intelligibility of dialogue or the nuances in the soundtrack.

The Atmos mix leverages audio objects with finesse, creating an enveloping soundscape that extends the cinematic experience beyond the screen. Atmospherics and discrete effects are meticulously placed, heightening immersion and bringing key scenes, such as the Ukraine facility chase or the climactic battle in Samoa, to life with palpable depth and dimensionality. The vertical sound field—enriched by overhead channels—adds layers to the audio presentation, with rain, helicopters, and other elements enhancing the movie's ambitious action set pieces. Notably, specific moments like the final brawl showcase how effectively Atmos can juxtapose thunderous LFE with the pinpoint accuracy of punches and ambient weather effects for a truly visceral experience.

Throughout, the surround mix maintains an energetic and active interaction with viewers, fully engaging every speaker in the setup to create a 360-degree audio environment. From densely layered action sequences to quieter moments filled with ambient sound, the track navigates the breadth of its dynamic range with agility. Enhanced by deep, impactful low-frequency extensions and a soundtrack that acts as much a character in the narrative as Hobbs and Shaw themselves, this audio presentation underscores the film's explosive visuals with a sonic prowess that is both meticulously detailed and wildly entertaining.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" packs a remarkably robust extras section, diligently curated to enhance the viewing experience far beyond the main feature. Director David Leitch provides insightful commentary that spans a wide array of topics from technical craftsmanship to character dynamics, enriching one's appreciation for the intricate workings behind the film. This is complemented by an abundant collection of mini-featurettes, offering a glimpse into the creation of action sequences, character backgrounds, and the unique chemistry between the lead actors. Highlights include a detailed look at the choreography and execution of fight scenes, and explorations into the characters’ relationships and backgrounds. Additionally, viewers are treated to an alternate opening, a variety of deleted, extended, and alternate scenes which delve even deeper into the storyline. The package also includes an abundance of behind-the-scenes content, showcasing the meticulous planning and hard work that went into the movie’s most thrilling stunts and action-packed moments, making it a must-have for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• ALTERNATE OPENING: A different beginning to the movie.
• DELETED/EXTENDED/ALTERNATE SCENES: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
• JOHNSON & STATHAM: HOBBS & SHAW: Insight into the dynamic duo's on- and off-screen chemistry.
• PROGRESS OF A FIGHT SCENE WITH DIRECTOR DAVID LEITCH: Detailed breakdown of crafting a fight scene from concept to execution.
• PRACTICAL ACTION: Exploration of the film's action choreography and actor training.
• THE BAD GUY: A look into Brixton's character, portrayed by Idris Elba.
• THE SISTER: Focus on Vanessa Kirby's character, Hattie Shaw.
• HOBBS’ FAMILY TREE: Introduction to Hobbs' extended family featured in the film.
• THE MATRIARCH: A spotlight on Helen Mirren’s character, mother Shaw.
• NEW FRIENDS: Highlights of cameo appearances in the film.
• ELEVATOR ACTION: Behind-the-scenes look at one of the film's stunt sequences.
• STUNT SHOW AND TELL: Director David Leitch discusses crafting the film’s major action sequences.
• KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY: A CONVERSATION WITH ROMAN AND DWAYNE: A personal look at the relationship between Roman Reigns and Dwayne Johnson.
• BLIND FURY: Dwayne Johnson shares inspiration behind a key scene.
• DWAYNE AND HOBBS: LOVE AT FIRST BITE: Focus on Dwayne Johnson’s French Bulldog, Hobbs.
• FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR DAVID LEITCH: Comprehensive directorial insights throughout the film.

Hobbs & Shaw," the first official spin-off in the Fast & Furious franchise, unapologetically veers into the absurd, marrying over-the-top action with a buddy cop comedy veneer, akin to a high-octane version of "Tango & Cash" for the 21st century. Directed by David Leitch, known for his work on "Deadpool 2," and featuring a screenplay by Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce, the film does not shy away from its bombastic premise. Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham reprise their roles as Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw, respectively, delivering performances filled with as much comedic antagonism as physical brawn. Vanessa Kirby and Idris Elba round out the cast, with Kirby holding her own in a high-action role and Elba embodying a cyber-genetically enhanced antagonist that brings a new level of threat—and incredulity—to the Fast & Furious universe.

The plot, secondary to the spectacle, revolves around Hobbs and Shaw's quest to thwart a cyber-genetically enhanced international terrorist (Elba) from unleashing a deadly virus. The narrative framework serves as a loose canvas for the film's true focus: action sequences that push the boundaries of believability and special effects that lean heavily into Sci-Fi territory. The dynamic between Hobbs and Shaw is characterized by vehement disdain tempered by mutual respect, providing a constant source of one-upmanship banter and humor that propels the film through its more incredulous moments. Kirby's role adds a layer of complexity, expanding the franchise's action-heroine roster.

While "Hobbs & Shaw" strays far from the grounded reality (insofar as Fast & Furious ever was grounded) of its predecessors, it embraces its identity as an action-packed, humor-infused spectacle. The film's dedication to outdoing itself with each set piece—culminating in a sequence that feels ripped straight from the pages of a comic book—ensures that fans of the series and action aficionados alike will find something to enjoy. Critics and audiences must suspend disbelief, accepting the film's embrace of spectacle over substance and its lax approach to the laws of physics. In doing so, "Hobbs & Shaw" delivers exactly what it promises: an adrenaline-fueled, if narratively thin, addition to the Fast & Furious saga that is as entertaining as it is preposterous.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" steps onto the 4K UHD Blu-ray scene with a package that is as explosively entertaining as the action on screen. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment delivers this spin-off from the Fast & Furious franchise with discernible enthusiasm, packing every frame with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ enhancements that elevate the visual experience to breathtaking heights. The 135-minute runtime, though noted as slightly prolonged upon multiple viewings, is a feast of high octane action and comedy, showcasing Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham's banter-filled chemistry with Vanessa Kirby adding a fresh layer of dynamism. The movie, admittedly lighter on story and heavier on spectacle, seems tailor-made for those who appreciate the franchise’s increasingly absurd adventures.

Technically, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation is near-flawless. The disc boasts reference-quality video and sound, with the Dolby Atmos immersive mix particularly noted for its rewarding depth and clarity. Fans will be pleased with a generous assortment of supplements that enhance the viewing experience, offering insights into the making and conception of this thrilling spin-off. Despite some critics pointing out the film's embrace of its less intellectual side, it's this uninhibited celebration of 'the stupid' that crafts “Hobbs & Shaw” into an unabashedly fun blockbuster, fully equipped to maximise the capabilities of home theater systems.

In conclusion, “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” on 4K UHD Blu-ray is an essential addition for franchise completists and fans of heart-pounding action alike. While debates may linger about its place within the broader narrative, its technical presentation is beyond reproach, making it a vivid showcase for what the format can offer. From its sparkling video to its reference-quality audio and fan-friendly extras, this release confirms that sometimes, indeed, more is better — an unmissable theme park ride in the comfort of your home.