Smokin' Aces 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Smokin' Aces" undergoes a vivid transformation in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, ensuring a more immersive and visually striking experience than its already impressive 1080p predecessor. Shot on 35mm film using Panavision Panaflex cameras and Primo lenses, and originally released with an early 2K DI, this upscaled 3840 x 2160p version retains the film's gritty essence while enhancing its clarity and detail. The application of HDR10 only enriches this visual feast, utilizing a 10-bit depth and HEVC (H.265) codec to deliver images with a depth and clarity that surpass the previous release. The dynamic range is notably expanded, with colors appearing more lifelike and blacks deeper, yet never at the expense of overall picture brightness. The 2.35:1 aspect ratio presentation reviewed on high-caliber equipment such as the JVC-DLA N5 Ultra HD 4K projector and Panasonic DP-UB9000 player reveals a meticulous upgrade in texture and color vibrance, setting a new standard for home cinema enthusiasts.

Fine details receive a notable bump in definition across various scenes, from the intricate jewelry worn by characters to the texture of fabrics, revealing an increased level of intricacy previously lost. Such enhancements extend to the portrayal of human features, where sweat and pores on faces now expose an authenticity that brings characters closer to reality. Despite certain intentional stylistic choices leading to fluctuating levels of detail and a heavily manipulated color palette, this 4K UHD rendition manages to convey Joe Carnahan's vision with greater fidelity. Grain management improves noticeably, presenting a filmic quality that respects the original texture without overbearing the ultra-high definition experience.

The HDR10 color grading introduces a spectrum of enhancements, notably in color depth and black levels, providing a more intense yet balanced visual experience. The film's naturally bold colors are amplified to vibrant new heights, from the glaring reds of blood to the cool blues of skies, each hue benefits from added nuance and stability. Although not the pinnacle of UHD sharpness, Smokin’ Aces on 4K UHD finds its strength in delivering a consistently pleasing, film-like presentation that respects its original cinematographic style. The variable grain structure and enriched color palette merge to accent the chaotic energy of Carnahan’s narrative, ensuring that both aficionados of technical excellence and fans of the film's unique aesthetic find this release a compelling upgrade.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Smokin' Aces" delivers an audio experience that's rich in clarity and precision, bringing a slight but noticeable upgrade over its Blu-ray counterpart. Equipped with a lossless English DTS:X soundtrack alongside French, Spanish, and Mandarin 5.1 lossless soundtracks, this disc offers an array of options for audiophiles equipped with a Region-free UK Ultra HD Blu-ray player. Tested on a Denon AVR-X4300H with a 7.2.4 Kef speaker setup, the action-packed film's soundtrack shines, presenting a muscular and explosive aural landscape without compromising on dialogue clarity or balance. While the overall mix is commendable for its dynamism, incorporating Clint Mansell's score through overhead channels to expand the musical soundstage, it falls short in fully leveraging the potential of the additional ceiling speakers for more immersive effects.

Despite minor shortcomings, the DTS:X track enhances the film's immersive qualities, particularly during high-octane sequences where gunfire depth, precision location details, and robust musical pronouncements take center stage. The added fullness and integration of surround channels bring a new life to the action, ensuring that every bullet whiz and debris scatter is felt across the soundscape. However, some may find the low-end frequencies lacking the expected impact, particularly during key moments where heavier weaponry is in play. While the LFE channel does not disappoint entirely, it does not reach the exhilarating depths one might anticipate from such a vibrant soundtrack.

Listeners will appreciate the effort put into maintaining dialogue clarity amidst the cacophony of action, ensuring no line gets lost in the mix. The soundtrack's aggressive design remains a standout feature, with detailed channel separation and an extensive mid-range that stays clear even during the busiest scenes. Although the DTS:X rendition might not fully exploit the spatial capabilities offered by overhead speakers, save for a few notable exceptions like the meticulously plotted helicopter scene, it still provides a solid auditory experience. The end result is a very good action-oriented soundtrack that mirrors the chaos and energy of "Smokin' Aces" while slightly expanding on its auditory landscape.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Smokin' Aces" provides enthusiasts with a reiteration rather than a revolution in special features, replicating the extras found on its 2010 counterpart. Both the 4K and included 1080p Blu-ray discs house the same array of bonus content, catering to those unacquainted with previous releases rather than offering new insights for veteran fans. The standout elements remain the audio commentaries by writer-director Joe Carnahan, whose unique defensive attitude injects a fascinating dimension into these sessions. While comprehensive, this release lacks innovation in its supplemental section, missing opportunities for newer, format-specific features like bookmarking functionality and U-Control. It does, however, maintain the integrity of its foundational extras, ensuring that fans receive a consistent albeit familiar experience. The addition of a digital copy code rounds off the package, cementing this edition as a solid, if unsurprising, collector’s item for newcomers and completists alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Includes Longer Bar Sequence, You Ain't No Chinese, Elmore Crawls Out of Lake, and Alternate Rooftop Parking Lot.
• Outtakes: A compilation of flubbed lines and behind-the-scenes antics.
• Cowboy Ending: An alternative conclusion to the film.
• The Line-Up: Features on Buddy Israel, The Feds, Lethal Ladies, The Tremor Brothers, and Bounty Hunters.
• The Big Gun: A closer look at the film's action sequences.
• Shoot 'Em Up: Stunts & Effects: Insights into the movie's stunt work and special effects.
• Audio Commentary with Joe Carnahan and Editor Robert Frazen: Offers filmmaking insights and anecdotes.
• Audio Commentary with Joe Carnahan, Common, Christopher Holley, and Zach Cumer: Provides perspectives from both behind and in front of the camera.

Delving into the chaotic world of "Smokin' Aces," director Joe Carnahan crafts a frenetic and unapologetically violent spectacle that thrills with its sheer audacity and high-octane energy. This film, Carnahan's third feature, solidifies his knack for blending genres, presenting a film that swings wildly between a gritty crime drama and a black comedy with an ensemble cast that brings charisma and madness in equal measure. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of this 2006 title by Universal showcases a dazzling 2160p/HDR video presentation that elevates the visual experience, enhancing the film’s sleek style and gratuitous violence with striking clarity and vibrant colors. The accompanying DTS:X lossless soundtrack perfectly captures every bullet, scream, and eclectic soundtrack note, creating an immersive auditory experience.

"Smokin' Aces" is a narrative whirlwind, set against the backdrop of a hit placed on magician and mobster wannabe Buddy "Aces" Israel. Carnahan weaves a tapestry of intersecting plotlines with a frenetic pace, utilizing a diverse cast including Jeremy Piven, Ryan Reynolds, Ray Liotta, and Alicia Keys, among others. These characters, ranging from professional hitmen to bumbling neo-Nazis, converge in a Lake Tahoe hotel, kicking off a bullet-riddled showdown that is as convoluted as it is entertaining. Despite criticisms of its thin character development and erratic tonal shifts, the film succeeds as a spectacle of chaos, blending intense action sequences with moments of unexpected humor.

Where "Smokin' Aces" truly shines, however, is in its presentation on the 4K UHD format. The meticulous transfer respects the film's visual and auditory intricacies, making it a must-own for fans and newcomers alike intrigued by its raw appeal and Carnahan’s unique cinematic vision. This release does not introduce new supplemental content but retains essential features from the 2010 version, ensuring that the core movie experience remains front and center. As a result, this edition of "Smokin' Aces" stands as a testament to the evolution of home cinema, offering an unparalleled viewing experience that underscores the film's anarchic spirit and visual flair.

Smokin' Aces" ascends to a new height of visual and auditory splendor in its latest 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation. Known for its chaotic blend of genres, the film’s hyper-real visuals have been significantly enhanced, effectively peeling away the metaphorical 'gauze' that once dulled its cinematic luster. This allows for a crisper image where finer details are more pronounced and colors vivify the screen with newfound vigor. Despite these advancements, the DTS:X soundtrack, while inheriting commendable qualities from its 5.1 surround precursor, slightly misses the mark by not fully engaging the available speaker array to its maximum potential. This flaw notwithstanding, the audacious spirit of the film’s soundscape remains intact, ensuring an engaging audio experience.

In terms of content, the UHD release retains the comprehensive collection of legacy bonus materials, thereby presenting no new additions for seasoned viewers. However, this choice does not detract significantly from the overall package, which is seen as a worthy upgrade for enthusiasts of this ultraviolent cult classic. Critics and fans alike note that while "Smokin' Aces" might not top the UHD hierarchy, its solid video and audio presentation sufficiently honors the film's anarchic essence. This release, coupled with the option of a collectible SteelBook edition, underlines Universal's commitment to catering to the film's dedicated fanbase.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Smokin' Aces" delivers a substantial improvement in both video and audio quality that will undoubtedly gratify its cult following. While it may not present a compelling case for purchase at full price due to the absence of new extras and a slightly underutilized audio track, the enhanced visual fidelity alone makes it a recommended upgrade. This iteration celebrates Joe Carnahan's high-octane homage to action cinema with an appropriate dose of technical flair, securing its place as a must-have for aficionados and collectors alike.