Fast Five 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Fast Five" dazzles in its UK Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation, emanating from Universal with what can be described as a meticulous upgrade over its already commendable 1080p counterpart. Exhibited at a sublime 3840 x 2160p resolution and retaining the film’s original theatrical widescreen aspect ratio of 2.4:1, the disc is an exhibition of visual mastery, enhanced by the incorporation of 10-bit video depth, Wide Color Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. This setup not only retains but elevates the vibrant and heated visuals characteristic of the franchise, especially showcased through its detailed facial textures, clothing sharpness, and the rich, vivid portrayal of the Brazilian locales. The already impressive grain structure is fine yet noticeable, bestowing the film with a cinematic texture that accentuates its visual storytelling.

The HDR implementation intricacies offer a more refined than revolutionary enhancement, tuning the color contrast to present a richer, more vivid image without straying from the movie’s authentic aesthetic feel. Skin tones push towards warmer hues, reflecting the film's steamy Brazilian setting with precision, albeit sometimes bordering on over-saturation. Meanwhile, colors across various scenes—from the lush greens of Brazil to the eclectic hues of clothes and dazzling car paints—pop with a new intensity, crafting a visual feast that leverages HDR’s color spectrum for a palpable improvement in depth and contrast. This rendition manages to balance warmth and detail adeptly, providing a visual treat that respects both the source material and the tropical ambiance it strives to portray.

Moreover, while mastering from a 2K digital intermediate could have posed a challenge, this release showcases an uplift in definition and clarity, especially in action sequences and close-up shots where even minimal blemishes and pores become evident. Despite some softer moments and minor visual inconsistencies, these are easily overshadowed by the overall enhancement in contrast, brightness, and notably richer black levels that offer a cinematic depth previously unseen, adding layers to night scenes and dark interiors without losing detail. The HDR10 presentation shines particularly in daylight scenes and action sequences, where specular highlights and vivid colors create moments worth showcasing, all while maintaining a visually coherently narrative that remains true to Stephen F. Windon's original cinematography but with a revitalized palette emphasizing the fiery oranges and rich scenery of its climatic backdrop.

Fast Five" elevates the home theater experience to new heights with its DTS:X Master Audio soundtrack, showcasing a pinnacle of audio engineering that brings the spectacle of the film's relentless action right into your living room. With a keen emphasis on clarity and coherence, the audio presentation excels in delivering crisp dialogue that cuts through the cacophony of high-octane sequences without missing a beat. Composer Brian Tyler's score magnificently complements the film's dynamics, enhancing thrilling action scenes and adding depth to quieter moments alike. The soundtrack's mastery is evident in its ability to construct a detailed and immersive sonic environment, where each sound effect—from the roar of engines to the precise crack of gunfire—finds its precise place in the soundscape, ensuring a balanced and enveloping experience that mirrors the on-screen adrenaline.

The inclusion of DTS:X technology propels this audio experience into a reference-quality showcase, adept at utilizing the full potential of an object-based audio mix to create a half-dome wall of sound that engages and captivates. From the opening scenes, listeners are thrust into a meticulously crafted auditory world where vehicles zip and zoom with remarkable fidelity, and explosions are given weight and texture through finely tuned low-frequency effects. The overhead channels add a layer of depth that enhances the realism of actions, be it helicopters sweeping across or bullets flying overhead, seamlessly integrating ambient details and environmental acoustics to forge an engaging and truly immersive listening environment.

The technical prowess of "Fast Five's" audio presentation is undeniable, offering a balanced blend of ferocious energy and precise detail that employs every speaker in harmonious equilibrium. Dialogue remains crystal clear amidst the relentless action, ensuring that every word is heard. The low-end is potent yet controlled, underpinning explosive moments and engine growls with visceral impact without overwhelming. This auditory experience not only complements the visual spectacle but elevates it, making it an indispensable asset for showcasing the capabilities of a high-end home theater system.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Fast Five" primarily distinguishes itself with its presentation of two versions of the film: the Theatrical (2:10:19) and the Extended Version (2:11:33), alongside the inclusion of a legacy commentary by director Justin Lin, exclusive to the Extended Version. However, this release’s extras are noticeably lean on the 4K disc itself, reserving the bulk of supplemental material for the accompanying Blu-ray, which replicates the comprehensive extras set of the 2011 release. These features range from behind-the-scenes insights to outtakes and deleted scenes, offering a thorough exploration of the film's production. It also includes a Movies Anywhere digital copy code, enriching its value for digital collection lovers. This package ensures that while the 4K disc may seem light on extras, the included Blu-ray compensates with a robust selection of bonus content, aligning with what seasoned collectors might expect from a premium release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Available only with the Extended Version
• Second Screen: Interactive companion feature
• Deleted Scenes
• Gag Reel
• The Big Train Heist
• Reuniting the Team
• A New Set of Wheels
• Dom's Journey
• Brian O'Conner: From Fed to Con
• Enter Federal Agent Hobbs
• Dom vs. Hobbs
• On Set with Director Justin Lin
• Inside the Vault Chase
• Tyrese TV

In the heart of the action-packed cinematic landscape, "Fast Five" emerges as a pivotal juncture for the Fast & Furious franchise, deftly steering it from its car-racing roots into the realm of high-octane heist movies, earning its place as an unexpected pinnacle in the series. The movie marries deliriously thrilling action with a big-budget spectacle, providing a narrative that mixes the essence of "The Fast and the Furious" with the strategic group dynamics of "Ocean’s Eleven" and "Mission: Impossible." The transformation is led by Director Justin Lin and writer Chris Morgan, who, with a firm grip on the trilogy's helm, ambitiously expand the universe with a compelling tale of family and loyalty, catapulting the franchise into uncharted territories of blockbuster entertainment.

"Fast Five" showcases a grand reunion of series stalwarts Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Jordana Brewster, among others, significantly enhancing its narrative depth and emotional stakes. The introduction of Dwayne Johnson as the formidable Agent Luke Hobbs adds a fresh dimension, elevating the movie’s intensity with his sheer presence and contributing to the franchise's enduring allure. This ensemble, combined with Lin’s audacious direction, leverages a considerably larger budget to execute scenes of breathtaking vehicular mayhem, grounded by a series of stunning practical stunts augmented with seamless CGI that nod to classic Hollywood serials while paving the way for future high-stake adventures.

Universal's 4K UHD release of "Fast Five" enhances this cinematic experience with a pristine 2160p/HDR video presentation and a robust DTS:X Master Audio soundtrack that encapsulates viewers in its immersive soundscape. Although it carries no new supplements, the inclusion of legacy content on the accompanying Blu-ray disc provides substantial value. This home release not only elevates the visual and auditory experience but also solidifies "Fast Five’s" legacy as a pivotal turn for the franchise - where high-speed races meet high-stakes heist drama in a thrilling blend that indulges fans in what has become an electrifying expanded universe.

Fast Five represents a pivotal moment in the franchise, diverging from its street-racing roots to a grand heist narrative, all while capturing the essence of high-speed action and familial ties that have come to define the series. It's no small feat that this fifth installment manages not only to pivot its narrative focus but to also significantly enhance its universe, inviting comparisons to the evolution seen in the Mission: Impossible films. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release elevates this experience, delivering an outstanding visual and audio upgrade from previous formats. With a filmic presentation, the HDR10 video brings out vibrant, yet warm colors, and is paired with a superior lossless DTS:X audio track which truly immerses viewers into the high-energy world of Fast Five. Furthermore, the inclusion of an extended cut in 4K underscores Universal’s commitment to offering fans the ultimate viewing experience of what many consider being the franchise's finest hour.

The technical aspects of the 4K release are commendable. Despite being described as the least dramatic upgrade among the first few entries of the series (excluding Tokyo Drift), the quality on display is hardly negligible. The visual fidelity offers a naturally filmic look that, together with an audio experience that consistently excels, makes for a thoroughly engaging home cinema experience. The package doesn’t skimp on extras, preserving a substantial collection of bonus materials on the bundled Blu-ray, although no new features are added.

In conclusion, Fast Five’s 4K UHD release is a definitive example of how to do justice to a film that both redefined its franchise and set new standards for action cinema. The stellar video and audio presentations ensure that fans and newcomers alike can fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind this blockbuster. While the extras may not offer anything new, the overall package presents a compelling case for why this installment deserves a spot in any 4K library. It's a solid recommendation for dedicated fans and may well convert skeptics with its dynamic blend of captivating action and heartfelt narrative.