Focus 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Warner’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Focus" elevates an already impressive visual experience to extraordinary heights. The seamless encoding on a dual-layered disc ensures a consistently high bit rate, often exceeding its 1080p predecessor. The 2160p, HDR10 transfer—also Dolby Vision compatible—brings a whole new dimension to the film’s slick cinematography, still framed at 1.78:1 open-matte. This edition, presumably using the same 2K source elements, demonstrates improved fine detail and textures. Color reproduction has been fine-tuned, appearing warmer and less teal in some scenes, although these changes are subtle and best observed through direct comparison. Black levels and contrast have received considerable enhancement owing to high dynamic range capabilities, resulting in deeper blacks and more striking contrasts.

In terms of technical presentation, the new release is devoid of compression artifacts visible on the older Blu-ray, ensuring clarity that far outshines any streaming alternatives. The HEVC codec employed for the 1.85:1 image heightens the visual appeal further. The presentation feels exceptionally polished; every frame is razor-sharp, with rich and pure colors that captivate the viewer. Characterized by a luscious, pristine aesthetic, "Focus" benefits from state-of-the-art technology that serves to showcase its stars—Will Smith and Margot Robbie—in the most flattering light. The visual qualities are nothing short of perfection, indicating a significant leap in home video presentation.

The DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio mix on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Focus" remains consistent with the Blu-ray edition, although it presents with a slightly reduced base volume level. Notably, it lacks an Atmos treatment, which might disappoint some audiophiles seeking an extended surround experience. Despite this, the mix exhibits high-quality performance, with dialogue clarity and rich vocals emanating prominently from the center channel. Warner Bros. has, however, removed all foreign dubs and subtitles, a move that appears inexplicable given the format's region-free nature, limiting accessibility for international audiences.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers several standout moments that elevate the auditory experience. Most prominently, scenes at the race track effectively utilize the LFE to generate a powerful impact as cars zoom by, matched by the high-pitched engine sounds that create a compelling "thump" effect. The front stage manages the bulk of the mix efficiently, ensuring that dialogue and essential audio elements are delivered crisply and clearly. Ambient surround sound is present but used sparingly, contributing to an overall solid yet unremarkable surround experience. Nonetheless, the track performs admirably, providing a clear and engaging listening experience that should satisfy most viewers.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Focus" retains the limited but engaging extras previously available on the Blu-ray release. These extras offer a blend of behind-the-scenes insights and featurettes focused on the film’s stars and technical aspects. Noteworthy is the "Masters of Misdirection" featurette, which showcases Apollo Robbins' role in training the cast to convincingly portray thieves and includes raw footage. Despite the lack of new content, the extras provide valuable context and additional layers to the viewing experience, though they may not significantly enhance the overall understanding of the film for casual viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

Masters of Misdirection: The Players in a Con: Insights into the main players, featuring Apollo Robbins as the film’s technical advisor.

Will Smith: Gentleman Thief: Smith discusses his role and motivation for joining the film.

Margot Robbie: Stealing Hearts: Robbie’s perspective on her character and experience.

Deleted Scenes: Includes four scenes that did not make the final cut.

Alternate Opening: An alternative introduction to the film.

"Focus," released in 2015, appears as an interesting choice for Warner Bros.' recent wave of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray titles. Despite being a somewhat divisive film upon its initial release, the movie has garnered interest due to the resurgence of its leading stars, Will Smith and Margot Robbie. Reviewers generally find "Focus" to be a watchable, albeit uneven, production that is slightly underrated based on average viewer scores. Smith’s portrayal of Nicky, a seasoned con artist, is as slick and composed as one would expect from the actor, enhancing the film's appeal. Margot Robbie, playing Jess, adds a breathtaking presence even if her character’s development feels somewhat secondary. The plot intertwines their cons and chemistry in a series of highly strategic and visually engaging scenarios.

Technically, the 4K UHD disc offers significant improvements over its Blu-ray counterpart—essentially across the board. The sharpness of the picture is notably enhanced, revealing details and textures that were previously overlooked. Color grading seems meticulously refined, presenting more lifelike and vibrant visuals that elevate the entire viewing experience. However, these improvements are not without their downsides. Critics point out that the disc's interface lacks chapter selection and resume functions, which can be a frustration for some viewers. Additionally, there are no new extras included, making the overall package feel somewhat bare-bones.

In conclusion, while "Focus" may not be universally acclaimed, it can benefit from the enhanced visuals offered by the 4K UHD release. However, the decision to invest in this version might be contingent upon one's affinity for the film and tolerance for its higher price point due to less substantive supplementary features. For fans of Smith and Robbie or those with a keen eye for visually striking films, this edition will undoubtedly provide a richer, more detailed viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa's Focus offers an appreciable upgrade, particularly in the visual realm. The film, a heist comedy-drama with solid performances by Will Smith and Margot Robbie, was initially met with mixed reviews due to its style-over-substance approach. This UHD version accentuates the sleek, glossy visuals that form the backdrop to the film’s con-artistry narrative, making this edition a tangible treat for fans of high-fidelity home viewing experiences.

From a technical standpoint, the 4K transfer is impressive, showcasing Warner Bros.' commitment to quality in their recent catalog upgrades. The enhanced resolution truly brings out the vibrant palette and intricate details of the film, from the sharpness of nighttime cityscapes to the nuanced textures of costumes. The audio presentation complements the visuals well, delivering clear dialogue and an immersive soundscape that underscores the action sequences and dramatic moments.

Overall, while Focus may not reach the iconic status of some of Will Smith’s other works like Men in Black or Independence Day, it has its charms. This 4K UHD Blu-ray edition will likely appeal most to those who appreciate meticulous visual and audio presentation, even if the film itself isn't a perennial favorite. For die-hard fans or those keen on experiencing a definitive visual iteration, this release is highly recommended.