Collateral 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Collateral's transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray, courtesy of Paramount, manifests as a modest yet perceptively impactful upgrade over its Blu-ray predecessor. Transitioning from a 2K Digital Intermediate, this release navigates the challenges of the original HD source material to present a surprisingly impressive visual affair, primarily due to the incorporation of Dolby Vision. The film's original widescreen 2.39:1 aspect ratio is meticulously preserved, enhanced with a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Dolby Vision, altogether presented through the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10. Despite the inherent motion blur attributed to Michael Mann's digital cinematography—an intentional stylistic choice that lends a unique atmospheric depth to the nocturnal LA backdrop—the 4K rendition accentuates fine details, textures, and a broader focus range remarkably well. This adherence not only retains but accentuates the film’s grain and noise, rendering it as a filmic layer that complements the gritty, street-level aesthetic of Collateral.

On the color spectrum, the Dolby Vision color grading significantly enhances the visual experience by presenting deeper blacks and improved contrast, critical for a film predominantly set during nighttime. Such advancements bring about a more nuanced depiction of the urban landscape, with more vibrant yet natural renditions of the intentionally subdued palette. Noteworthy is how well the urban night scenes, characterized by their varied lighting conditions—ranging from the dim interiors of clubs to the sickly yellow/greens of street lamps—are elevated, striking a balance that feels more authentic and less artificial than prior presentations. Furthermore, the subtle delineation in color reproduction, such as in Max's cab or in the specific hues of LA's nightlife, adds layers to the visual narrative without detracting from the film's intended mood and tone.

The combined enhancements of resolution, HDR, and Dolby Vision ensure that Collateral’s 4K presentation bests its previous home media incarnations, not through a drastic transformation but via a series of careful adjustments that respect and elevate Michael Mann's cinematic vision. Close-ups and texture detail—in faces, interior spaces, and cityscapes—benefit most, revealing a clarity that was otherwise muffled in earlier releases. This upgraded version does not alter the essence of Collateral but instead refines its visual components to offer a more immersive viewing experience, making it the definitive version for fans and newcomers alike. Despite its digital filming roots and inclusive grainy aesthetic, this rendition showcases a meticulously calibrated treatment that enhances rather than alters, achieving a presentation that is “just gorgeously… filmic.”

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Collateral" continues to utilize the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track from its previous iterations, without venturing into a Dolby Atmos upgrade. This decision leaves the audio presentation largely unchanged, maintaining its characteristically sharp dialogue, robust dynamics, and a skillfully crafted sound design that emphasizes the visceral reality of the film's environments. The mix prioritizes clarity and location-specific sound effects, such as the distinct reverberation of gunshots and the ambient sounds of the bustling Los Angeles cityscape. This creates a vivid auditory experience, with the soundstage presenting a meticulously balanced array between the frenetic energy of action sequences and the subtlety of quieter, more intimate moments.

Spatial and discrete directional cues are effectively employed to expand the soundstage occasionally, lending an immersive quality to the film’s tense narrative and thematic elements. Despite the absence of an Atmos track, the existing audio mix excels in providing a compelling auditory experience. Directional effects like helicopter flyovers and urban traffic noise transition smoothly across channels, enhancing the film's atmospheric depth. Meanwhile, the soundtrack adds a pulsating undercurrent that complements the on-screen tension, with gunshots and action sequences making striking use of dynamic range to impactfully punctuate pivotal scenes.

The audio track's fidelity is consistent across its various language options and maintains a professional polish that supports both the dialogue's intelligibility and the ambient soundscape's complexity. While some may find the decision not to upgrade to Dolby Atmos a missed opportunity for further enhancing the film's immersive potential, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track proves more than capable. It delivers an experience that is richly textured and carefully nuanced, effectively balancing the film's quieter moments with its explosive action to create an engaging auditory journey through Michael Mann's nighttime Los Angeles.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Collateral" offers a primarily unchanged suite of extras from its predecessor, focusing on quality rather than novelty. The extras, residing predominantly on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, span engaging featurettes, a deleted scene with director commentary, rehearsal footage, visual effects breakdowns, and informative trailers. Notably, Michael Mann's audio commentary stands out for its depth, covering both technical aspects of filmmaking and character insights. Also of interest is the "City of Night: The Making of Collateral" documentary which delves deep into the creative process, actor preparations, and Mann's direction style. Despite the lack of new material and HD content for some features, the included extras offer valuable insights into the movie's production, Mann's storytelling prowess, and the actors' dedication to their roles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Michael Mann provides substantive insights into the film's making.
• City of Night: The Making of Collateral: A comprehensive documentary featuring interviews with the cast and crew.
• Special Delivery: A brief featurette where Tom Cruise practices blending in as a FedEx deliveryman.
• Deleted Scene with Commentary: Insights from Mann on a cut scene.
• Shooting on Location: Annie's Office: Exploring the challenges of shooting in a dark office setting.
• Tom Cruise & Jamie Foxx Rehearse: Rehearsal footage highlighting the actors' performance evolution.
• Visual FX: MTA Train: Mann discusses the use of green screens for the climactic subway sequence.
• Theatrical Trailers: Includes both a teaser and the full theatrical trailer in HD.

Michael Mann's "Collateral," a sleek, nocturnal thriller that delves into the professional and moral complexities of its protagonists, continues to sustain its reputation not merely as a pulse-pounding action film but as a nuanced character study. Starring Tom Cruise in one of his most unconventional roles as Vincent, a cold, efficient contract killer, and Jamie Foxx as Max, the unsuspecting cab driver caught in Vincent's lethal night of work, the film is a taut exploration of morality, professional obligation, and the unforeseen connections between strangers. Mann, known for his meticulous attention to the professional aspects of his characters' lives, transforms LA's night into a character in its own right, providing a backdrop that's equally unforgiving and captivating.

The narrative, engaging and fraught with tension, unfolds over the course of one night but encapsulates a breadth of emotional and psychological complexity rarely achieved in the action genre. Cruise's performance as Vincent offers a fascinating inversion of his typically heroic personas, presenting an antagonist whose professionalism and rationale challenge not just Max's worldviews but the audience's moral compass. Foxx’s portrayal of Max is both grounded and compelling, illustrating a profound character arc from passivity to agency. Their dynamic evolves against a meticulously crafted Los Angeles nightscape, captured through Mann's pioneering digital cinematography, enhancing the film's stark realism and atmosphere.

Despite its action-packed facade, "Collateral" excels in its quiet moments of introspection, where the dialogue between Vincent and Max probes themes of fate, ethics, and humanity under the veil of their transient alliance. The film's deftly balanced narrative pace ensures that action sequences enhance rather than overshadow character development. The inclusion of a high-definition 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation preserves the distinct visual quality that is crucial to Mann’s immersive storytelling. Nevertheless, the film's concluding act might veer towards conventionality for some viewers; it remains, effectively, a provocation—challenging norms about heroism and villainy while encapsulating the essence of Michael Mann's cinema: stylish, substantive, and indelibly human.

Collateral," a standout film in Michael Mann's distinguished career, skillfully combines stellar performances, compelling storytelling, and meticulously staged action sequences, most notably the highly acclaimed nightclub scene. Despite its strong points, the film's ending has been criticized for its perceived departure into clichéd territory, which may dampen the overall impact for some viewers. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Paramount Home Entertainment offers a notable upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart, primarily through its Dolby Vision enhancement rather than a significant resolution bump. This release retains the original DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track and includes all previously released extras, making it a modest but effective improvement over earlier formats.

The 4K UHD presentation brings a fresh perspective to the film's unique aesthetics, with improved clarity and color representation that align with the director's vision despite the absence of a new audio mix that could have potentially elevated the home viewing experience further. The decision not to include a Dolby Atmos track is disappointing, yet the existing audio setup remains sufficient for delivering the film's dynamic sound landscape. While this release may not justify a repurchase for those seeking significant enhancements, it is recommended for fans eager to experience the film in the best possible home video format or those yet to include it in their collection.

In conclusion, while the "Collateral" 4K UHD Blu-ray release does not revolutionize the home viewing experience with groundbreaking technological updates, it serves as a fitting tribute to the film's enduring impact. Its subtle improvements underscore the atmospheric tension and nuanced performances that make "Collateral" a memorable addition to the thriller genre. For newcomers and devoted fans alike, this version represents an opportunity to appreciate the film's depth and craftsmanship in a superior format, confirming its status as a worthwhile upgrade for those equipped to enjoy it fully.