Mission: Impossible 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Mission: Impossible's leap to 4K UHD Blu-ray in the UK is presented as part of a five-film franchise set by Paramount, showcasing a remarkable upgrade from its former incarnations. Originally shot on 35mm film with VFX completed at 2K, the 1996 classic has been revitalized through a careful rescan and 4K mastering for this release. Displaying a native 3840 x 2160p resolution, matched with the original widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio, this edition employs the HEVC (H.265) codec. It enhances visual depth with 10-bit video, a Wider Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Dolby Vision, providing an image quality that far exceeds previous releases. This meticulous upgrade was evaluated on top-tier equipment, including an LG 55B7 Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD OLED TV paired with an LG UP970 Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, ensuring a professional and thorough assessment.

The clarity and richness of detail now revealed in this incarnation are unparalleled, breathing new life into Brian De Palma's cinematic vision. The HDR implementation enriches colors with unprecedented vibrance and depth, making the film feel contemporary against newer sequels. Notably, the palette benefits from refined treatment across the spectrum—lush greens, dominant blues, and especially profound reds exhibit a newfound intensity, bolstering the film's aesthetic appeal and emotional resonance. Black levels are significantly improved, offering deeper contrasts that accentuate shadow details, aligning with De Palma’s stylistic choices. While Dolby Vision's contributions are more subtle compared to the overall HDR improvements, they nonetheless enrich the viewing experience with slight enhancements to color depth and black density.

However, the transition to 4K is not devoid of challenges. Some scenes exhibit noticeable noise and variability in resolution, likely attributed to the original film stock and its 2K visual effects limitations. Moreover, flesh tones occasionally fluctuate in accuracy, and certain shots—particularly those dependent on visual effects—display a mild softness or lack of detail compared to the majority of the film. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the upgrade remains a monumental achievement. Paramount's meticulous effort in the restoration and encoding processes ensures that grain retains its natural appearance without devolving into noise, preserving the film’s authenticity. With an enriched color palette that enhances every scene, from the vibrant reds of emergency vehicles to the subtle warmth of indoor lighting, this release sets a new standard for catalog titles in the 4K UHD format.

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible" delivers a noteworthy upgrade in the audio department with its 5.1 Dolby TrueHD lossless mix, notwithstanding the absence of a more immersive HD audio configuration such as DTS:X or Dolby Atmos. This upgrade is significant, as it finally moves away from the outdated and lossy 5.1 Dolby Digital track that fans have been accustomed to for over a decade. Despite its front-heavy presentation, the new mix excels in clarity, depth, and separation, providing a dynamic listening experience that distinctly enhances both the action-packed sequences and the quieter moments of suspense. Dialogue is crisp and well-prioritized, ensuring that every word is clear even amidst the film's most intense sequences. The Danny Elfman score, along with the iconic Lalo Schifrin theme, benefits from improved fidelity and depth, rounding out a solid sound stage that, while lacking in vertical dimensionality, impresses with its spatial precision and balance.

The true strengths of this 5.1 mix become most apparent during the film's set pieces - from the tension-filled silence of the Langley infiltration to the roaring intensity of the final train sequence. These moments demonstrate adept use of surround sound, pulling the listener into the center of the action through a well-crafted balance of effects, music, and ambient sounds that actively engage both front and rear channels. The LFE channel, although described by some as lacking tightness, still adds a significant punch to explosions and the score, enhancing the overall impact without overwhelming the intricacies of the sound design.

While there's some regret among audiophiles over the missed opportunity to introduce a Dolby Atmos track for an even more encompassing experience, the 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track does not disappoint. It delivers a vast improvement over previous iterations, with special mention to its handling of directional sound and ambient details that create a cohesive and immersive aural landscape. The upgrade reaffirms Paramount's commitment to improving upon an already beloved classic, ensuring "Mission: Impossible" sounds better than ever on home theater setups, even if somewhat constrained by the limitations of its audio format.

While Paramount's release of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Mission: Impossible" might initially seem underwhelming due to its lack of new extras or Ultra HD-specific supplements, the accompanying standard Blu-ray disc compensates with an ample array of features. This includes a substantial suite of featurettes delving into the franchise's legacy, Tom Cruise's significant role, and the film’s notable stunts and story. Notably, these bonuses are identical to those offered in the original 2007 Blu-ray release, preserving but not enhancing the archival material. Despite the absence of refreshing content or a commentary track, which would have been a valuable addition, the existing collection offers a solid retrospective for fans. However, technical oversights, such as uncorrected aspect ratios, and content that might feel dated or redundant for long-term fans, mar an otherwise decent selection. The inclusion of a Digital Copy adds a touch of convenience for modern viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mission: Remarkable -- 40 Years of Creating the Impossible: A deep dive into the franchise's legacy.
• Mission: Explosive Exploits: Focus on the film's action scenes.
• Mission: Spies Among Us: Insights into the realism and fiction of the spy world.
• Mission: Catching the Train: Behind-the-scenes of the iconic train sequence.
• Mission: International Spy Museum: A tour highlighting espionage artifacts.
• Mission: Agent Dossiers: Profiles on key characters in the film.
• Excellence in Film: Celebrating Tom Cruise's contributions to cinema.
• Generation: Cruise: A look at Cruise's impact on the film industry.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of images from the film.
• Mission: Marketing: The marketing campaign for the movie, including theatrical trailers and TV spots.

Brian De Palma's inaugural foray into the "Mission: Impossible" franchise is a thrilling espionage ride that skillfully reinvents the classic TV series for the big screen. Released over two decades ago, the film transcends its era with a plot rich in treachery and deception, guiding audiences through a labyrinth of double-crosses reminiscent of De Palma's admiration for Hitchcock. This reimagining places Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt at the forefront, catapulting him into the spotlight not just as the film’s lead but as the cornerstone of what has become one of cinema's most enduring franchises. Amidst almost constant misdirection, the film’s narrative complexity is its defining trait, challenging viewers to question what they see and believe.

Visually, De Palma employs his distinctive flair for skewed angles, intense close-ups, and a palpable sense of paranoia that complements the film's intricate storyline. The action sequences, particularly the iconic Langley break-in and the nerve-wracking Eurostar train chase, are executed with precision, showcasing remarkable stunts that have become hallmarks of the series. Despite some story elements being ironed out by screenwriter Robert Towne, these moments of tension and spectacle remain unforgettable. The casting further solidifies the film’s legacy, with Tom Cruise delivering a career-defining performance supported by a talented ensemble including Jon Voight, Jean Reno, and Ving Rhames.

Paramount’s transition of "Mission: Impossible" to 4K UHD accentuates the film's technical brilliance, offering a visually stunning experience with enhanced video and audio quality that breathes new life into De Palma's cinematic vision. The update from an aging 2007 Blu-ray to 4K/Dolby Vision video alongside a new Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack doesn't add new extras but significantly elevates the viewing experience. This presentation underscores the film's lasting impact, reflecting its evolution from a controversial revival of a beloved TV show to a quintessential action thriller that continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

Mission: Impossible's 4K UHD Blu-ray release, courtesy of Paramount, represents a significant leap forward in home entertainment excellence, breathing new life into Brian De Palma's 1996 classic. This film, a deft blend of spy thriller and murder mystery with neo-noir elements, has been meticulously upgraded to full fat native 4K with Dolby Vision HDR, making it the most visually stunning presentation the movie has ever received. The inclusion of a lossless 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio track enhances the experience, although the absence of an Atmos track might disappoint some. Nonetheless, the audio improvement is noticeable and complements the film’s engaging narrative and creatively stylized action sequences, anchored by Tom Cruise's compelling performance.

Despite being over two decades old, the original Mission: Impossible remains a genre-defining work that has aged remarkably well. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release highlights this with exceptional picture quality that far exceeds past HD and SDR versions, establishing a new benchmark for visual fidelity in home cinema. The set retains all previously released bonus materials, making it a comprehensive package for fans and newcomers alike. While some may lament the lack of new extras, the existing collection, combined with the transformative video and audio improvements, renders this release a definitive version of the espionage thriller.

In conclusion, Paramount's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray debut of Mission: Impossible sets a high standard for cinematic re-releases, offering a compelling reason to revisit this seminal film or experience it anew with unmatched clarity and depth. While it may not be perfect due to the absence of an Atmos audio track, the overall package - from its significantly enhanced visual and audio presentation to the carryover of bonus content and inclusion of a digital copy code - showcases the enduring appeal of this 1990s blockbuster. It’s an essential addition to the library of any aficionado of the spy genre or 4K UHD collector.