Mission: Impossible III 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Mission: Impossible III's Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation, encapsulated within a 5-film franchise box set by Paramount, exhibits a leap in visual fidelity despite its foundational constraints. Shot on 35mm film using Panavision and Arriflex cameras with anamorphic lenses, and supplemented by sequences shot on Sony's CineAlta HD camera, the film originally finalized in a 2K digital intermediate, now receives an upscale to 4K for this release. Despite the inherent limitations of a 2K source — an element which positions it slightly less impressively next to the striking 4K remasters of its predecessors — this Ultra HD rendition still marks a discernible enhancement over previous home video editions. The 2160p resolution with Dolby Vision HDR support carves out a more textured, detailed visual experience, even if these improvements are of a more incremental nature.

The fidelity of the HEVC H.265 encoded image, married to a 2.35:1 (or 2.39:1, varying by report) aspect ratio, introduces a richer and more nuanced color palette courtesy of HDR10 and Dolby Vision grading. This translates to deeper blacks and luminous highlights, furnishing scenes with a depth and vibrancy previously unseen in the film's Blu-ray iteration. While sharpness and clarity see a modest uptick, ensuring fabrics, faces, and the film's diverse environments are rendered with greater detail, it's the rendering of colors — from the sterile coldness of IMF offices to the vibrant streets of Shanghai — where the upgrade truly shines. Skin tones are corrected towards natural hues, and even though black levels occasionally succumb to crush, overshadowing details in darker scenes, the overall dynamic range lends scenes a more lifelike contrast.

Despite some instances of noise and mild aliasing that betray its upscale origins, the outcome is a polished presentation that significantly outperforms its Blu-ray counterpart. It's regrettable that a full 4K remaster wasn't feasible; nonetheless, this Ultra HD rendition manages to elevate the visual experience substantially. Improvements in color accuracy and dynamic range, particularly under Dolby Vision, imbue even mundane scenes with a newfound vivacity. That said, the presentation doesn’t constitute a seismic shift in quality but rather fortifies the image’s textural subtleties and color fidelity, rendering it a noteworthy upgrade for enthusiasts prepared for its somewhat restrained advancements.

The audio presentation of "Mission: Impossible III" on 4K UHD Blu-ray notably upgrades from the previous Blu-ray's Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack to a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless mix, marking a significant improvement in audio quality. This shift enhances the dynamic range and clarity of the film’s diverse sound elements, from the quietest whispers to the loudest explosions. The mix actively utilizes the sound system, creating a more immersive viewing experience. While this release does not feature the latest in immersive audio technology such as DTS: X or Dolby Atmos, the upgrade to a lossless track is a commendable step, offering fans better sound fidelity than the film has had in the past decade. The audio mix is described as robust and dynamic, with action scenes benefiting from clearly defined surround support, giving life to chaotic sequences with notable width, depth, and movement.

In terms of specifics, the lossless mix is praised for its handling of environmental sounds and Michael Giacchino’s score, which fills the soundscape with a tense urgency that matches the film's high-stakes action. Vocal clarity is excellent, ensuring dialogue remains intelligible and prioritized amidst the mayhem. However, some critics noted that while the bass and LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channels add weight to action scenes, they lack the final push into ear-thundering territory, making the bass feel a tad flat. The soundstage is described as medium wide with smooth panning and atmospherics but is considered more front-biased compared to what might be expected from a fully immersive audio experience.

Overall, this new audio mix on "Mission: Impossible III’s" 4K release significantly improves upon its predecessor, offering an engaging and broad soundscape that aptly supports both action-filled sequences and quieter moments. Despite the absence of an Atmos or 7.1 soundtrack, this Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix effectively captures the film's auditory essence, delivering a compelling auditory experience. The soundtrack excels in placing viewers in the center of the action, from helicopter blades slicing through the air to bullets whizzing past. The mix demonstrates a commendable balance among dialogue, sound effects, and score, ensuring none overpower the others while maintaining cinematic excitement and tension.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible III" has sparked discussions with its handling of special features. Paramount’s decision not to include a separate disc for extras, as was done in previous releases, means all supplementary material beyond the audio commentary is relegated to the accompanying standard Blu-ray disc. This Blu-ray disc, essentially the same as the one issued in 2007, contains a plethora of content that dives deep into the making and execution of the film. While the 4K disc itself disappoints by offering only the commentary track with Tom Cruise and J.J. Abrams, the included Blu-ray compensates with its rich array of extras, covering everything from behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes to in-depth documentaries about the film's production. It's a mixed bag that leans heavily on previously released materials to satisfy fans seeking a comprehensive look at the third installment’s creation.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary (Disc One): Actor Tom Cruise and Director J.J. Abrams.

The Making of the Mission: A detailed exploration of the film's production.

Inside the IMF: Featurette on the fictional agency.

Mission Action: Inside the Action Unit: Behind-the-scenes of the action sequences.

Visualizing the Mission: Pre-production visualizations.

Mission: Metamorphosis: Insight into the movie's prop making, specifically mask creation.

Scoring the Mission: The process behind the film's music.

Moviefone Unscripted: Tom Cruise/J.J. Abrams: A candid conversation.

Launching the Mission: Overview of the film's promotional campaign.

Deleted Scenes: Various cut scenes from the film.

Theatrical Trailers: Promotional trailers for the movie.

TV Spots: Television advertisements.

Photo Gallery: Collection of stills from the film and production.

Excellence in Film: A miscellaneous feature celebrating cinematic achievements.

In the third installment of the Mission: Impossible series, J.J. Abrams takes the helm, marking his directorial debut in feature films with a story that intertwines the high-stakes espionage and action components of its predecessors with a more personal exploration of its protagonist, Ethan Hunt. The film, which was shrouded in anticipation given a six-year hiatus following its predecessor and a notable change in directors, manages to rejuvenate the franchise by injecting a healthy dose of Abrams' signature storytelling style, reminiscent of his work on the television series Alias. This directorial choice brings a fresh perspective to the series, emphasizing character development and intricate plotting, alongside the expected heart-stopping action sequences.

"Mission: Impossible III" sees Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt face off against arguably the franchise's most formidable antagonist to date, Owen Davian, portrayed with chilling efficacy by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hoffman's Davian is a masterclass in villainy, lending the film a gravitas that elevates the narrative stakes. This entry in the series focuses significantly on Hunt's personal life, introducing Michelle Monaghan as Julia, Hunt’s love interest, and delves into how his life outside the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) complicates his professional undertakings. Despite lacking a single standout stunt sequence, the movie compensates with a host of thrilling set pieces, including a dramatic bridge helicopter assault that showcases Cruise’s commitment to high-octane action.

Furthermore, Abrams' adeptness at managing ensemble casts is evident, as the movie benefits from strong performances across the board, even if some members are less memorably utilized than others. The injection of humor and a palpable sense of camaraderie among team members introduces a much-needed levity to the proceedings. Abrams’ foray into the Mission: Impossible franchise also signifies a pivotal tonal shift, embracing a more serialized narrative approach akin to his television work, establishing Ethan Hunt not just as a super spy but as a character with depth and personal stakes. Despite its initial reception as a potential box office underperformer, "Mission: Impossible III" arguably stands as a crucial pivot point in the franchise, showcasing Abrams' ability to blend cinematic spectacle with character-driven storytelling, thereby setting the stage for the continued evolution of this enduring series.

Mission: Impossible III," directed by J.J. Abrams in his feature-length debut, represents a pivotal turn in the renowned action-packed franchise, marrying Abrams' flair for high-octane spectacle with a more grounded narrative that delves deeper into the emotional and personal realms of its central characters. While the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of "Mission: Impossible III" presents enthusiasts with a release that boasts significant improvements in visual and audio quality, it is not without its limitations. Particularly, the film has been upgraded to a 2K upscale rather than a full 4K resolution, which some may find disappointing compared to the full 4K presentations of its successors. However, the motions remain impressive, and the upgrade includes a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack that marks a noteworthy enhancement from its lossy antecedents.

The 4K UHD package manages to retain its allure by offering an enriching Dolby Vision HDR presentation, which elevates the visual experience well beyond previous HD-DVD and Blu-ray formats, bringing forth a modest yet appreciated improvement in texture and a more substantial enhancement in color fidelity. Where the sound is concerned, while the Dolby TrueHD track is competent, the absence of a Dolby Atmos remix is a letdown for audiophiles seeking the zenith of home cinematic audio. Moreover, the extras package does not introduce anything new but carries over all previously released content, maintaining an element of continuity for series collectors.

In conclusion, despite its few shortcomings—predominantly a 2K upscale in lieu of a true 4K presentation and a missed opportunity with Dolby Atmos—"Mission: Impossible III" on Ultra HD Blu-ray represents a commendable addition to a fan's collection. The film not only underscores Abrams’ successful transition from television to big-screen thrillers but also revitalizes the franchise with a refreshing depth of character and narrative solidity, anchored by strong performances and a compelling villain. Although this release may not surpass its sequels in every aspect, its significant contributions to the series' continuity and its enhancements over previous formats make it a recommended pick for enthusiasts and collectors alike.