The Italian Job 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The new 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD release of "The Italian Job" is a noteworthy upgrade from the original Blu-ray, enhancing detail, filmic essence, color reproduction, and compression. The image offers significant improvement in compression and retains an attractive filmic veneer. However, grain consistency varies across scenes, with some lower-light shots appearing adequately grainy while others look slightly smoothed. It maintains some solid details in faces, clothes, and environments, markedly surpassing the original Blu-ray's quality. While it’s not perfect and shows room for improvement, particularly in grain management, it still stands as a significant upgrade for fans.

Dolby Vision grading elevates the viewing experience by enhancing color depth and accuracy. Viewers will appreciate a more lifelike palette featuring richer hues, vivid whites, deeper blacks, and realistic skin tones. The color spectrum is now more stable and well-defined, adding overall accuracy to the visual presentation. The visual improvements, particularly in texture and color stability, may not revolutionize the UHD landscape but represent a solid enhancement over previous versions. Mild imperfections, such as the occasional speckle, are present but not overly distracting.

The 4K image also benefits from HDR, which adds depth and dimension, particularly noticeable in broad visual sequences and complex car chases. The improved picture quality brings new life to iconic scenes set in Vienna, Switzerland, and Los Angeles. Although the image quality could occasionally dip to a 3.0/5.0 score range due to some inconsistencies, it typically holds steady around 4.0/5.0. Overall, this new UHD release presents a satisfying upgrade that enhances the film's visual appeal significantly.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Italian Job" exhibits a significant audio upgrade with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless track. This enhancement brings a noticeable improvement in clarity and spatial awareness compared to the dated 2006 release. The new track boasts a fuller, richer, and more lifelike audio experience with excellent fidelity in instrumental sounds and immersive atmospheric details. The presentation seamlessly integrates all auditory elements, offering listeners an engaging audio experience that brings bustling exterior environments to life with remarkable depth and precise placement.

Despite the absence of a Dolby Atmos track, the DTS-HD Master Audio mix is impressively balanced, delivering clear dialogue and sharp vocal performance, even capturing the subtleties in softer-spoken lines. The soundtrack’s integration of music and action sequences showcases intense clarity and robust imaging, especially during high-energy scenes such as the explosion at the film's start and ensuing boat chase. Directional effects are used effectively, creating a dynamic auditory landscape that enhances the cinematic experience with precision. Overall, while some may yearn for a Dolby Atmos alternative, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix provides an excellent auditory presentation that should not be overlooked.

The 4K UHD release of "The Italian Job" provides a rich selection of extras, albeit all housed on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, echoing the 2006 release. While the UHD disc itself comes devoid of supplemental content, the bundled Blu-ray doesn’t disappoint with its robust array of features. Key highlights include a comprehensive making-of documentary, insights from the writers on the remake's rationale, and various featurettes focusing on driving, stunts, and the iconic Minis. Fans can also delve into a set of deleted scenes that add depth to the overall package, despite their initial exclusion from the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Italian Job - Driving School: Behind-the-scenes look at stunt driving training with Minis.
• The Mighty Minis of The Italian Job: Exploration of the Mini Coopers used in filming.
• High Octane: Stunts from The Italian Job: A featurette on the movie’s stunt coordination.
• Pedal to the Metal: The Making of The Italian Job: In-depth making-of documentary.
• Putting the Words on the Page: The Making of The Italian Job: Writers discuss the remake’s underpinnings.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of cut scenes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.
• Previews: Promotional content for other films.

Paramount's 4K UHD release of "The Italian Job" (2003) is a notable upgrade from its 2006 Blu-ray counterpart. The UHD edition boasts a 2160p/Dolby Vision video and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless audio, delivering significant enhancements in visual and auditory quality. The Dolby Vision enhances the film's dynamic range with richer colors and deeper blacks, while the improved lossless audio ensures a more immersive experience. Although it lacks an Atmos track, the current audio offering still delivers crisp and engaging sound design. This revitalized version will undoubtedly appeal to home theater enthusiasts looking for high-definition upgrades.

The film itself revolves around a heist mastermind, Charlie Croker, played by Mark Wahlberg, seeking retribution after being double-crossed by Steve (Edward Norton). Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Charlize Theron as a skilled safecracker and other notable names such as Jason Statham and Seth Green, the movie executes a mix of action and humor. Director F. Gary Gray successfully crafts a fast-paced narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish, leveraging his experience from films like "The Negotiator" and "Set It Off." While the movie might not delve deeply into character development, it compensates with cleverly orchestrated heist sequences and thrilling car chases through the streets of Los Angeles.

The 4K presentation breathes new life into the film's visual elements, highlighting details that were previously less noticeable in lower resolutions. The elaborate heist scenes and the iconic Mini Cooper chase sequences particularly benefit from the enhanced clarity. The UHD release ensures fans and new viewers experience "The Italian Job" with optimal picture and sound, making this version a worthwhile addition to any collection.

Paramount's UHD release of "The Italian Job" offers a noticeable improvement in both video and audio quality compared to the earlier 2006 Blu-ray version. The 2160p/Dolby Vision video is a marked enhancement, providing more vivid imagery and deeper contrast. The Dolby Vision elements bring out finer details and a richer color palette, ensuring that the film's iconic car chases look as thrilling as ever. However, it falls short of being flawless, with occasional inconsistencies that prevent it from reaching the pinnacle of ultra-high-definition quality.

The audio upgrade from lossy 5.1 to lossless 5.1 greatly enhances the surround sound experience, making it more immersive and engaging. Although an Atmos mix is not included, the existing track does a commendable job in utilizing the entire surround spectrum, offering clear dialogues and impactful action sequences. This elevates the viewing experience significantly but doesn’t necessarily justify an immediate upgrade if you already own the Blu-ray version and aren’t particular about incremental improvements in sound quality.

Unfortunately, the UHD release doesn’t include any new extras, though it retains the legacy extras from the bundled Blu-ray. Despite this minor shortcoming, it remains a worthwhile addition to any collection, especially for fans who appreciate enhanced visual and audio fidelity.

In conclusion, Paramount's new UHD release of "The Italian Job" delivers good -- but not quite great -- 2160p/Dolby Vision video that is a significant improvement over the old 2006 Blu-ray. The audio track is likewise improved in the upgrade from lossy 5.1 to lossless 5.1. Even without an Atmos mix, the elements sound good, and the track is very engaging around the entire surround spectrum. No new extras are included, but the bundled Blu-ray does carry over the legacy extras. Recommended.