Cold Pursuit 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cold Pursuit" presents a remarkable improvement over its 1080p counterpart, primarily due to the Arri Alexa cameras used during filming, which allowed for a digital shoot that translates well to higher resolutions. This edition boasts a 3840 x 2160p resolution in a 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio, utilizing the HEVC (H.265) codec for Dolby Vision and HDR10, enabling a vivid display of colors and enhanced contrast. Scenes captured in daylight reveal an impressive depth and clarity, especially in outdoor shots showcasing the icy landscape, where the white of the snow and the blue of the skies are significantly pronounced thanks to HDR and Wide Colour Gamut (WCG). The detail in textures, from clothing to the natural environment, is noticeably crisper, with skin tones appearing more natural and lifelike.

However, not all aspects shine as brightly under scrutiny. Despite its strengths, the transfer does exhibit moments where black levels dip into grey, particularly in poorly lit indoor scenes, slightly marring the otherwise fine details with murkier shadows. Additionally, while the majority of the cinematography benefits from an increase in definition and color depth, certain dark scenes and CGI elements don't fully capitalize on the 4K resolution, displaying occasional softness and mild aliasing. It is also worth noting that the inclusion of a light grain filter introduces variability in the digital clarity, with its presence felt unevenly across different scenes.

The color grading in "Cold Pursuit" on 4K UHD is consistent with its stylistic intentions, enhancing the natural and cold feel of the setting through a controlled palette. Primaries are more vibrant and lively, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. Contrasts are strikingly enhanced in this edition, particularly in scenes featuring snow and clouds which benefit from Dolby Vision's ability to render whites with exceptional purity and detail, showcasing every sparkle and texture. Despite these improvements, the movie's deliberate somber tone leads to a subdued overall color scheme that, while improved over the Blu-ray release, still adheres closely to its stylistically grim aesthetic.

The Dolby Atmos audio presentation of "Cold Pursuit" on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a technically proficient and atmospherically rich experience that, while not consistently engaging the height channels to their full potential, excels in creating a vivid, immersive environment, particularly in outdoor and action-heavy scenes. Dialogue is crystal clear throughout, anchored firmly in the frontal soundstage, with the film's score and ambient environmental sounds making effective use of the surround channels to envelop the listener. The integrated sound effects, from the crunch of snow to the roar of engines and the sporadic gunfire, are well-positioned and grounded by a subtly utilized LFE channel that doesn't overpower but instead adds necessary weight and depth to the mix.

The track shines in its dynamic rendering of ambient sounds, where the wind, wildlife, and the hustle of town life extend beyond the screen and fill the viewing space with a palpable sense of place. The use of low-end frequencies compliments Liam Neeson’s snowplow and other vehicles with a satisfying rumble, enhancing action sequences without resorting to exaggerated bass that might detract from the film's naturalistic aesthetic. Specific high points include the meticulously crafted shootout scenes, where bullets zip across the soundstage with an impressive accuracy and spatial definition, buoyed by a warm and detailed mid-range that preserves the film's nuanced sound palette.

However, despite these strengths, the Atmos track may leave some audiophiles desiring more from its overhead channels. Occasional vertical movements, like blizzard winds or music swelling into the height speakers, provide moments of atmospheric brilliance but are too sparingly used to fully maximize the three-dimensional soundscape potential offered by Dolby Atmos technology. While the mix excels in building atmosphere and ensuring dialogue and score fidelity, it ultimately underutilizes its vertical dimension, making "Cold Pursuit’s" audio less about theatrics and more about enhancing its darkly comedic and gritty narrative with an auditory experience that's rich in detail but restrained in its approach to surround sound immersion.

The extra features of the "Cold Pursuit" 4K UHD Blu-ray provide an insightful glimpse behind the scenes, albeit more concentrated on the accompanying Blu-ray disc. It includes nearly half an hour of engaging content in "Welcome to Kehoe," showcasing a decent assembly of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage that fans of the film will appreciate. The deleted scenes, although brief, offer a curious look into what didn't make the final cut. Interviews with lead actor Liam Neeson and director Hans Petter Moland, each running around eight minutes, complement the package well, providing valuable insights into their experiences and thoughts on the film's production. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer rounds off the extras, making for a modest but interesting supplement to the main feature. However, the overall presentation leans towards the basic side, with all extras preserved in 1080p resolution.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes removed from the final cut.
• Welcome to Kehoe: Behind the Scenes on Cold Pursuit: An in-depth look at the making of the film.
• Interview with Liam Neeson: The lead actor shares his experiences and insights.
• Interview with Hans Petter Moland: The director discusses his approach to the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the movie.

Cold Pursuit" presents itself as a modern incarnation of the revenge thriller genre but simultaneously attempts to carve a niche through its darkly comedic elements, courtesy of Norwegian filmmaker Hans Petter Moland's direction and Frank Baldwin's screenplay. The movie, an anglicized remake of Moland's own "In Order of Disappearance," shifts its icy narrative from Norway to the snowy expanses outside Denver, Colorado, where we follow Nels Coxman (Liam Neeson), a snowplow driver turned vengeful father after the murder of his son. This transformation from a respected citizen to a cold-blooded vigilante unfurls against the backdrop of a turf war between drug lords, promising a mix of brutal action and grim humor.

The film ambitiously attempts to balance its profound themes of revenge and loss with satirical jabs at action cinema conventions. Neeson, extending his repertoire of tough, aggrieved protagonists, brings a familiar yet nuanced portrayal of Coxman, whose quest for revenge leads to an improbably escalating gang war in the serene, wintry town of Kehoe. However, "Cold Pursuit" occasionally stumbles in its execution, with its black comedy feeling uneven at times and certain plot developments and character arcs appearing underdeveloped or overly convenient. The supporting cast, including Tom Bateman's unhinged drug lord Viking and Laura Dern's brief appearance as Coxman's wife, adds depth to the story, though the film seems to struggle with fully utilizing its ensemble to flesh out the narrative's potential complexities.

Despite its pacing and tone struggles, "Cold Pursuit" distinguishes itself through its gritty cinematography and moments of bleak, unexpected humor. It consciously nods to its genre's tropes while trying to subvert them, albeit with varied success. The end result is a film that feels familiar in its vengeance-driven storyline but strives for originality by injecting a morose whimsicality into the proceedings. While it may not achieve the cult status of the films it aspires to emulate or the critical acclaim of its Scandinavian predecessor, "Cold Pursuit" offers enough intrigue and spectacle, thanks in part to Moland's unique vision and Neeson's compelling performance, to stand as an engaging if slightly disjointed addition to the revenge thriller oeuvre.

Cold Pursuit," as reviewed across its 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation, marries the familiar revenge action with dark comedy, albeit in a pace that might divide audiences. At its core, the film presents Liam Neeson in a role that edges close to parodying his well-established action persona, which may captivate or alienate certain viewers. The consensus seems to agree that while the performances are solid—highlighting Neeson's portrayal alongside mentions of Laura Dern and Emmy Rossum—the narrative suffers from bloated plot elements and a lack of substantial character weight. It's noted that a tighter script and a bolder embrace of its darkly comedic elements could have elevated the experience. From a technical viewpoint, the 4K Blu-ray offers a commendably detailed image quality, capturing the cold, stark landscapes with vibrant contrasts, although it does encounter minor setbacks in black levels. The Dolby Atmos track provides natural sound quality, yet it doesn't particularly impress or push the boundaries of home audio systems. Supplementary content is deemed sparse, indicating a missed opportunity to enhance the viewing package.

The visual and auditory presentation is appreciated for its native 4K detailing, which showcases the icy Colorado setting with clarity and depth. Technical merits are acknowledged positively across reviews, emphasizing the satisfactory performance of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies, despite lacking in extras that could otherwise offer more insight into the film's unique production process or narrative choices. While some reviewers enjoyed the film's blend of comedy and action, alongside its nods to Neeson's career-defining roles, others were left wanting due to underdeveloped character arcs and a narrative overly reliant on contrivance.

In conclusion, "Cold Pursuit" in its 4K UHD Blu-Ray incarnation appeals primarily to fans of Neeson's action-filled repertoire and those with an appetite for its quirky blend of genres. The technical aspects of the presentation do justice to the film's atmospheric settings and provide a solid home viewing experience. However, potential buyers might temper their expectations regarding groundbreaking audiovisual feats or extensive bonus materials. Whether for a Liam Neeson completist or someone intrigued by the fusion of black comedy with dramatic action, "Cold Pursuit" can be a worthy, albeit cautious addition to one's collection, underscored by its visually appealing transfer that slightly exceeds its narrative execution.