Training Day 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Warner's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Training Day" is a significant visual upgrade over its previous Blu-ray editions, providing a revitalized 2160p, HDR10 transfer from a new 4K scan that faithfully captures the film's gritty and textured aesthetic. Technical specifications highlight the use of 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image in the film's original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, utilizing HEVC (H.265) codec. The HDR and WCG deliver enhanced color depth, excellent contrast, and inky blacks, bringing out discernible details in facial features, clothing, and environmental textures that elevate the film's realism and immersion. The rich texture management of the shot-on-film feature makes it look better than ever.

The HDR application significantly improves dark scenes, offering deep, natural blacks without crushing detail levels, particularly noticeable in sequences like Roger's house and the nighttime rooftop shots. The cinematography shines with sun-splashed exteriors and mixed visual elements that provide depth and dimension. Although some sequences push towards sepia and teal hues more than before, the overall palette is vibrant and thoroughly engaging. This new color grading may be controversial for longtime fans used to the warmer tones of previous formats but brings a dynamic visual interest that renders the movie visually captivating.

Overall, Warner's 4K transfer of "Training Day" achieves a near-total improvement in major visual departments, including fine detail, grain stability, black levels, and contrast. The enhancements provide a thick, film-like appearance which complements the movie's gritty and colorful world perfectly. For those yet to transition to 4K, the included remastered Blu-ray from the same 4K source provides a vibrant and detailed picture that ranks significantly higher than the old 2006 Blu-ray, even if it lacks some HDR depth and contrast fidelity. Despite minor reservations about the color regrading, this release is the most definitive visual presentation of "Training Day" to date.

The audio presentation of "Training Day" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a commendable enhancement from previous releases, particularly with the inclusion of a Dolby Atmos track. This upgrade delivers a full-bodied and immersive audio experience that significantly surpasses the older Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Dialogue is consistently prioritized, rendering Washington and Hawke’s performances with clarity and intensity, even amidst chaotic scenes. The use of Atmos height channels is notably effective, especially during high-octane sequences like apartment shootouts and car chases, creating a heightened sense of dimensionality and immersive realism.

One standout aspect is the meticulously mixed soundtrack, which, together with the score, provides an intense low-frequency extension. The bass is punchy and resonant, enhancing the impact of gunfire, roaring engines, and overhead helicopters. The subwoofer performance is exemplary, delivering a floor-rattling experience that wraps you in the film's gritty urban environment. Surround sound channels are continuously active, enriching quieter scenes with subtle ambient noise while dynamically exploding during action-packed moments.

The overall dynamic range and stereo separation are remarkable, ensuring that no detail is lost in the mix. Despite the absence of the original 5.1 track, this new Dolby Atmos mix offers an immersive and nuanced auditory journey that complements the film's narrative intensity. Additionally, for those without Atmos capabilities, the track downmixes to a lossless Dolby TrueHD 7.1 configuration, preserving much of the directional activity and audio depth. Subtitles in various languages, including English (SDH), are also available to enhance accessibility for all viewers. Overall, this is an audio upgrade that can be described as both technically proficient and viscerally thrilling.

Warner's 4K UHD release of Training Day includes a mix of recycled extras primarily housed on an accompanying Blu-ray disc. The standout feature is director Antoine Fuqua's audio commentary, which is informative despite its occasional lulls. The other extras, while plentiful, are regrettably upscaled from standard definition, resulting in poor visual quality. This includes the "Training Day: Crossing the Line" featurette, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, two music videos, and the theatrical trailer—all carrying over the same material from the 2006 Blu-ray release without improvement. Despite the archival nature of these extras, they still offer an adequate glimpse into the film's production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Antoine Fuqua: Director shares detailed insights.
• Deleted Scenes: Contains several non-essential cut scenes.
• Alternate Ending: An extended conclusion.
• Training Day: Crossing the Line: A behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Nelly’s “#1” Music Video: Rap performance linked to the movie.
• Pharoahe Monch’s "Got You" Music Video: Another thematic track.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official promotional trailer for Training Day.

"Training Day," directed by Antoine Fuqua and scripted by David Ayer, is an unrelenting examination of a single tumultuous day in the life of two Los Angeles police officers. The narrative follows rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), who is taken under the ambiguous tutelage of veteran narcotics officer Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Washington's performance as Alonzo earned him an Academy Award, solidifying his status as a leading man capable of delivering deeply complex characters. His portrayal captures the morally gray area of law enforcement, creating tension that drives the film’s intensity. Hawke complements this performance with his portrayal of an idealistic rookie who is plunged into a world where ethics are constantly in flux.

The film's success is grounded in its potent storytelling and dynamic character development, with strong performances not just from its leads but also from supporting actors such as Scott Glenn, Cliff Curtis, and Eva Mendes. Mauro Fiore’s cinematography adds to the film's gritty aesthetic, perfectly capturing the foreboding streets of Los Angeles. The score, a mix of hip hop and rock, underscores the movie’s darker themes and enhances its relentless pace.

While some scenes may stretch believability, Fuqua’s direction keeps the audience engrossed from start to finish. "Training Day" oscillates masterfully between high-stakes action pieces and scenes that delve into the psychological battlegrounds of its characters, ultimately delivering a near-flawless crime thriller. Despite minor criticisms regarding the final act’s deviation into more generic terrain, the performance-driven narrative and sharp dialogue maintain its status as one of the best police dramas of its time. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release offers a visually and sonically revitalized version of the film, preserving its brutal, impactful storytelling for years to come.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Training Day" represents a substantial improvement over its previous Blu-ray edition, offering fans an opportunity to experience the film with enhanced visual and audio quality. The new HDR10 transfer provides a superb and visually captivating presentation, breathing new life into the film's gritty and stylish aesthetic. Additionally, the Dolby Atmos audio upgrade ensures that the film’s soundtrack and sound effects are presented with remarkable clarity, adding a heightened sense of immersion. The LFE channel effectively enhances the low bass frequencies, particularly evident during intense moments like the gunfight sequence in the apartment.

Denzel Washington's outstanding performance is central to "Training Day," making it one of his most memorable roles. The film remains a compelling entry in the crime thriller genre, showcasing the directorial strengths of Antoine Fuqua and the writing prowess of David Ayer. Despite some over-the-top scenarios, the film's pacing and character portrayals have stood the test of time, providing an engaging watch even after more than two decades. Warner Bros.' decision to update the visual and audio quality rather than merely repackage an older release is a commendable effort to do justice to this modern classic.

While the special features are largely recycled from past releases and their attempt at upscaling to HD falls short, this aspect does not overshadow the key attraction: the vastly improved A/V presentation. As part of the Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary Studio Collection, "Training Day" is celebrated alongside other significant titles, contributing to a comprehensive and nostalgic offering. Overall, for those seeking to upgrade their collection or experiencing "Training Day" for the first time, this 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release comes highly recommended.

Conclusion

"Training Day" is a standout feature in the corrupt cop crime thriller genre, highlighting Denzel Washington’s exceptional performance while benefiting from a substantial upgrade in Warner's 4K release. With impressive native 4K visuals and a remarkable Atmos audio track, it offers an immersive viewing experience. This release, as a standalone or part of Warner's Anniversary Collection, is highly recommended for both longtime fans and newcomers.