Drive 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Sony’s 4K UHD release of "Drive" showcases a stellar visual upgrade from the original Blu-ray. Despite initially being sourced from a 2K digital master, the 2160p presentation benefits significantly from the enhanced HDR grading and Dolby Vision. The film maintains its intended 2.39:1 aspect ratio and is encoded in HEVC H.265 on a BD-66 disc. While there may be minimal differences between this US release and the Second Sight UK counterpart, in practical viewing terms, the distinctions are negligible. The HDR/Dolby Vision improvements are impactful, vividly presenting the film’s signature teal-orange cinematography and elevating nighttime scenes with exceptional detail and contrast.

The increased color depth and contrast are notable enhancements. Vibrant hues such as deep amber, teal, and crimson are delivered with exceptional fidelity, and the HDR facilitates superior gradation in black levels, avoiding issues like crush or banding. The inky shadows sculpture within the darkest corners provide a sublime visual experience. Additionally, fine textures are meticulously resolved, revealing intricate details such as the individual hairs on Ryan Gosling's face or droplets of blood in graphic scenes.

Furthermore, the Dolby Vision HDR grading significantly enriches the visual storytelling. Night sequences illuminate with rich yellows, oranges, and teals, while daylight scenes exploit an array of vivid primaries including emerald greens and cherry reds. Facial complexions are lifelike, exposing highly revealing textures. The aerial shots of L.A. at night are particularly striking and reach demo-worthy status. The overall definition gains a slight but welcome boost, with sharper details in backgrounds and costumes. This release represents the pinnacle of "Drive’s" visual fidelity on the US market, affirming that this 4K transfer, whether an upscale or not, delivers a remarkable viewing experience.

The Dolby Atmos track on this 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Drive" offers a striking improvement over its DTS-HD MA 5.1 counterpart, enhancing the already impressive original sound design with remarkable realism and nuance. Dialogue remains crystal clear and well-prioritized, even in moments of hushed exchanges, delivering every whisper with precise intelligibility. Directional effects, while subtle within the film's subdued atmosphere, become pronounced and immersive during action sequences. When the engine roars or the gunshots echo through the channels, the soundscape comes alive, demonstrating impeccable smoothness in panning. The LFE output is generally restrained but springs to life during intense moments, providing a palpable presence that adds cinematic heft to the viewing experience.

The soundtrack, laden with 80s-influenced synthesizers and Cliff Martinez’s euro synth-pop score, envelops the room entirely, creating an immersive auditory environment. This sound mix subtly surrounds the listener with ambient noises, which gradually pan from the surrounds into overheads, generating a consistent wide and spacious feel. Particularly during action sequences such as the exhilarating car chases, the ceiling channels are effectively employed, with helicopters flying overhead adding to the dynamic mid-range experience. The low end offers robust and palpable oomph, particularly noticeable with growling engines and deep bass frequencies that enhance tension and immersion.

Sony has also integrated a DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo option in both English and Spanish, catering to varied audio preferences. The Atmos track’s wider front soundstage and smoother movement of sound from speaker to speaker set a new benchmark in surround sound quality. Overall, this audio presentation ensures that "Drive" not only pleases aesthetically but also engages aurally, making it a must-experience upgrade for audiophiles and film enthusiasts alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Drive" from Sony offers an engaging collection of extras that build on the previous Blu-ray's supplemental content while introducing a new featurette. The highlight of the new content is "Back in the Driver's Seat" where key cast and crew, including writer Hossein Amini, editor Mat Newman, composer Cliff Martinez, and actors Christina Hendricks and Ron Perlman, provide fresh insights into the film. Although it lacks some features from other releases, this version compensates with a solid array of extras, including production documentaries and in-depth featurettes, ensuring a comprehensive behind-the-scenes experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Back in the Driver's Seat: New interviews with cast and crew.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the movie.
• I Drive: Overview of the film and director Nicolas Winding Refn.
• Under the Hood: Analysis of the film’s cast.
• Driver and Irene: Examination of character dynamics.
• Cut to the Chase: Insight into stunt work and driving sequences.
• Drive Without a Driver: Candid commentary from director Nicholas Winding Refn.

Nicolas Winding Refn's "Drive" has established itself as a distinctive neo-noir masterpiece, blending style and substance into an enthralling cinematic experience. The film stars Ryan Gosling as the enigmatic Driver, a man of few words whose dual life as a Hollywood stunt driver and a criminal getaway artist unfolds with methodical precision. Refn crafts a slow-burn narrative that eschews clichéd thrills for psychological depth, offering an evocative twist on the genre. The minimalist script by Hossein Amini, based on James Sallis' novel, is tight and succinct, transforming a high-concept plot into an atmospheric arthouse piece. The film is replete with visual metaphors, such as the Driver’s lonely apartment juxtaposed against the potential warmth of a new relationship with Irene, played by Carey Mulligan. This character study delves deep into the moral code driving its protagonist, making it one of the most captivating experiences in recent cinema.

Drive's technical achievement is significant, especially in its opening sequence which sets the tone with a meticulously executed car chase through Los Angeles. This scene alone demonstrates the Driver’s skill and control, visually establishing his character's cool-headedness and precision under pressure. The action sequences are complemented by an 80s-inspired aesthetic, featuring neon-soaked visuals and a synthesizer-driven soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates the film's mood. Despite its contemporary setting, these stylistic choices create a nostalgic yet innovative atmosphere.

The film garnered widespread critical praise for its bold approach and strong performances, particularly from Gosling and Albert Brooks, who plays against type as a menacing mobster. However, it’s worth noting the graphic violence in the climactic third act may not be for everyone. Nonetheless, for those who appreciate cinema that amplifies its basics through confident style and restraint, Drive continues to stand out as a significant work in Refn's oeuvre and contemporary genre filmmaking.

Nicolas Winding Refn’s neo-noir crime drama Drive, based on James Sallis' novel, continues to captivate a decade after its release. Starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, and Albert Brooks, the film brilliantly renders a classic Hollywood anti-hero story with striking cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel and an evocative synth score. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's new 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a remarkable technical achievement. The Dolby Vision HDR provides a stunning upgrade in video quality, complemented by an immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack that elevates the home viewing experience beyond its Blu-ray predecessor. The SteelBook edition also features appealing artwork and an exclusive new featurette along with previously available bonuses.

Drive’s 4K image is notably superior, capturing the film's aesthetic intricacies with exceptional clarity and vivid color depth. The Dolby Atmos track enhances the audio experience, enveloping viewers with rich, spatial sound that draws them deeper into the film’s atmosphere. Although some fans of Drive might possess high expectations, this release meets those aspirations by preserving the original film's allure while providing substantial technical improvements.

In conclusion, Drive remains an exceptional film twelve years after its initial release. To those who don't already own the Second Sight UK release, Sony's SteelBook arrives with a striking video presentation, an immersive Dolby Atmos experience, and a decent complement of extras. The Second Sight 4K is still the way to go if you're able, but for those limited to US releases, you won't be disappointed with this one.