Speed 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Speed" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a monumental upgrade over past home video formats, flaunting a riveting 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image that leverages a native 4K display, enriched with a 10-bit video depth, Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10. This resplendent delivery ensures an experience that not only mimics but transcends its initial 1994 cinematic showcase. The transfer gleams with an exceptional layer of native sharpness and clarity, drawing out the minutiae of every scene—from the intricate textures of clothing and environments to the nuanced facial definitions and the ethereal presentation of Howard Payne's detailed prosthetic hand. The film's enduring photochemical essence is honored through a measured application of grain, lending an organic filmic texture that enhances rather than detracts, truly a testament to its careful mastering.

Incorporating HDR10 has invigorated "Speed’s" visual narrative with a depth and vibrancy previously unseen. From the dimly lit elevator shafts to the sun-kissed exteriors of Los Angeles, colors pop with newfound intensity and fidelity. Particularly notable are the explosive sequences which benefit from the wider color spectrum, presenting richer, more dynamic hues alongside deeper, inkier blacks that provide a compelling contrast without ever overstating the palette. Meanwhile, skin tones receive a naturalistic treatment that steers clear of artificial enhancement, lending authenticity to each character's appearance. These improvements are not just limited to high-octane moments; even in subdued scenes, the widened color gamut enriches the film's visual storytelling with subtle refinements, making every frame a feast for the eyes.

The disc's technical prowess is further evidenced by its handling of finer details and textural elements, now revealed with unprecedented clarity. The meticulous 4K scan of the original camera negatives breathes life into every shot, whether it be the sprawling cityscapes viewed from afar or the intricate details noticeable in close-ups. The encoding meticulously preserves the film's fine grain structure, ensuring a transparent, faithful rendition of the source material that maintains the director Jan De Bont’s original vision. Despite minor instances of banding and the nuanced presentation of early CGI effects, "Speed" in 4K UHD remains an essential viewing experience for both enthusiasts and newcomers alike—representing not just a technological update but a reverent homage to its analog roots.

The audio presentation of "Speed" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release has garnered a mix of admiration and mild disappointment, mainly due to the absence of a Dolby Atmos upgrade. Instead, the original DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix from the Blu-ray release has been carried over. This mix, well-regarded since its initial release, excels in delivering a balanced and dynamic auditory experience, featuring clear dialogue, precise sound effects, and a rich presentation of Mark Mancina’s score. The soundstage offers an expansive feel at the front with atmospheric effects and smooth panning, enriching the high-tension sequences with authenticity. However, it is noted that whilst the LFE channel provides a robust bass when necessary, it doesn’t consistently offer the tight, room-engaging response found in more modern soundtracks.

Technical details of this 5.1 mix highlight its solid performance in handling the diverse elements of the film's soundscape – from the screeching tires and roaring explosions to the more subtle sounds of dialogue and background noise. The audio track manages to maintain clarity and depth, even though some may find the bass lacking compared to contemporary offerings in the action genre. Moreover, additional audio options and subtitles in multiple languages are available, catering to a wide audience without altering the original essence of the film's sound.

Given its age, the decision not to remix "Speed" into Atmos or DTS:X could be seen as a missed opportunity for enhancement. Nevertheless, this 5.1 DTS-HD MA track still stands as a formidable competitor among action flicks from its era, offering an engaging listening experience. Its ability to create a convincing auditory environment – from echoing elevator shafts to the vibrant chaos inside the bus and the weighted score – speaks volumes. Despite some limitations in low-frequency response and a required volume adjustment for optimal listening, this mix thoroughly captivates, making it evident why it has remained a demo material through various home theater formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Speed" delivers in visual and auditory enhancements but presents a mix of both satisfaction and slight disappointment in its extras. While it commendably includes dual audio commentaries (by director Jan De Bont; Graham Yost and Mark Gordon) on the 4K disc itself, the bulk of the supplementary material is relegated to the accompanying standard 1080p Blu-ray disc. Noteworthy is the inclusion of newly-migrated extras from past releases such as detailed action sequences, behind-the-scenes featurettes, extended scenes, and a collection of trailers and TV spots, alongside a nostalgic music video by Billy Idol. Although it offers a comprehensive look back at the making of this iconic action film, it falls short by not introducing any new or exclusive content for this edition. Furthermore, the variation in extras between regions might disappoint UK fans. However, for enthusiasts looking to delve into the film's production intricacies or re-experience the commentaries, this package still holds value by consolidating much of the previously available bonus content.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with Director Jan De Bont: Insightful commentary by the film's director.

Audio Commentary with Graham Yost and Mark Gordon: Co-writer and producer provide their perspectives.

Action Sequences: Bus Jump: A detailed exploration of one of the movie's standout stunts.

Action Sequences: Metrorail Crash: Breakdown of the film's climax action sequence.

Inside Speed: On Location: Insights into the logistical complexities of filming.

Inside Speed: Stunts: A closer look at the choreography of human and vehicle stunts.

Inside Speed: Visual Effects: Behind-the-scenes on creating visual effects for key scenes.

HBO First Look: The Making of Speed: Comprehensive feature covering story, casting, action sequences, and more.

Extended Scenes: Additional footage offering more context to the narrative.

Trailers and TV Spots: Promotional materials provided in both high definition and standard definition.

Speed Music Video by Billy Idol: The iconic music video tied to the film's soundtrack.

In the realm of 90s action cinema, "Speed" emerges as an exceptional blend of high stakes and high-thrill sequences, seamlessly woven into a narrative that is as compelling as it is relentless. Directed by Jan de Bont, a master of visual storytelling with an illustrious background in cinematography, the movie heralds his most memorable directorial endeavor. This action thriller not only highlighted Keanu Reeves' prowess as a leading action figure but also introduced Sandra Bullock as a strong presence in Hollywood, paired against the equally formidable Dennis Hopper. Enhanced by Joss Whedon's sharp script revisions, the film delivers a potent mix of suspense, humor, and character dynamics, particularly shining through in the electric interactions between Bullock and Reeves. It's a tale of a mad bomber placing a city bus in jeopardy; a premise executed with such finesse that it becomes a masterclass in tension-building and pacing, amplified by Mark Mancina's unforgettable score.

The core of "Speed" lies not just in its adrenaline-pumping premise—a bus rigged to explode if it drops below 50 miles per hour—but in its execution, which masterfully balances action with human moments. This essence is brought to life by compelling performances from Reeves, Bullock, and Hopper, each adding depth to their roles while navigating through the meticulously constructed set pieces that dominate the Los Angeles cityscape. The movie excels in leveraging practical effects and stunt work, a testament to De Bont's commitment to visceral realism over digital artifice, thus ensuring that each moment of suspense feels tangibly real.

At its heart, "Speed" remains a pivotal cinematic experience that redefined the action genre for a generation. It encapsulates the 90s blockbuster ethos while standing as a testament to the genius of its creators and cast. Through its innovative take on action, character interplay, and narrative pacing, it not only entertained but endowed the genre with a fresh directionality. Its release on 4K UHD Blu-ray breathes new life into this classic, allowing audiences to experience the unyielding energy and dynamism with enhanced visual and audio fidelity. Without doubt, "Speed" stands the test of time, remaining as thrilling and engaging today as it was upon its original release, encapsulating the very essence of what makes action cinema resonate across decades.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Speed" is a triumph in home entertainment, perfect for aficionados of high-octane action flicks and a testament to the film's enduring appeal as a genre-defining classic. What sets this edition apart is the outstanding native 4K video presentation which breathes new life into every thrilling moment of this iconic movie. Coupled with the original lossless 5.1 audio track, the film's sensational soundstage is preserved, delivering an auditory experience that is as engaging as the visual upgrade. Although an Atmos mix would have been a cherry on top, the existing DTS track does not disappoint, ensuring that the film's dynamic range and audio clarity are uncompromised.

The release, while marking a significant improvement over its predecessor, stirs mixed feelings regarding extras; while some regions benefit from an enriched collection of supplemental materials, others, notably the UK, find themselves at a loss. Nevertheless, the inclusion of some classic archival features provides a nod to the film's legacy and satisfies the cravings of die-hard fans. It's notable too that Disney has extended its efforts to revive more titles from the 20th Century Fox catalog in 4K UHD, fueling hope for future releases of other cinematic gems.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD edition of "Speed" is an essential upgrade for collectors and newcomers alike. The meticulous restoration ensures that both visual and audio experiences are optimized, making it a profound home viewing experience. Although it leaves something to be desired in terms of global uniformity of extras, it nonetheless stands as a cornerstone release, promising heightened enthusiasm for future catalog titles in the 4K format. Highly recommended for its superior presentation and the potent reminder it serves of "Speed’s" place in action cinema lore.