Nikita 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "La Femme Nikita" certainly marks the pinnacle of the film's visual presentation, a testament to Sony's dedication to delivering exceptional quality. The new 4K remaster preserves the original 1990s grit and grain, enhancing the film’s authentic feel without scrubbing away its vintage charm. This remaster shows a substantial leap in visual quality over the previous Blu-ray versions, with colors appearing more vibrant and natural. The color grading in the new 4K version accentuates the film's aesthetic, embracing deeper blue and gray tones, while Dolby Vision introduces greater depth to dark scenes and enriches the film's grungy look.

Furthermore, the high dynamic range (HDR) – available in both Dolby Vision and HDR10 – elevates the contrast, with deeply satisfying black levels and more detailed highlights than ever seen in HD. The 2160p HEVC encode, derived from a new 4K digital intermediate, showcases a remarkable level of detail. Tiny etchings on blades and textures stand out with impressive clarity, making the film’s visuals profoundly engaging. The use of native 4K elements results in an exceptionally well-resolved grain structure, maintaining a consistent and wholly filmic appearance throughout.

The 2.39:1 aspect ratio capture on 35 mm photochemical film benefits from an expansive color palette, resulting in richly saturated yet accurate colors that truly pop off the screen. The earlier medium-to-light grain is perfectly organic and does not distract from the visual experience. Although there are hints of crush traced back to the original source, no signs of banding or blocking are present. With this top-tier catalog transfer, Sony has crafted an absolutely gorgeous presentation, both respecting and revitalizing Luc Besson’s iconic visual poetry.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Nikita" offers a varied set of options, encompassing both French and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks, along with the original French 2.0 mix. Sony has wisely included both language tracks, with the French 5.1 being the standout for its natural feel compared to the somewhat lacking dubbed English version. While dialogue in all versions is crisp and clear, occasional elements such as gunshots seem muffled in the 5.1 tracks compared to their original theatrical counterparts, possibly due to Gaumont's recent remix. Despite these nuances, the overall fidelity and dynamic range are satisfying, with LFE effects providing thumping bass that enhances action sequences.

Comparing the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix to previous releases, it appears to be a level-boosted repackaging of Sony’s older Dolby TrueHD tracks, maintaining strong dialogue clarity but still being somewhat forward-heavy and reserved. The surround usage remains modest, predominantly delivering environmental ambiance rather than a fully immersive experience. Action scenes and soundtrack elements do enhance the listening experience, pulling listeners in during critical moments.

Additionally, the audio maintains a modern sound quality while aligning closely with Besson’s original theatrical sound design—a preference for a clean front soundstage with integrated action effects, albeit at the expense of some immersive surround and bass usage. While a Dolby Atmos track would have undeniably elevated more intense sequences, this offering is respectable, particularly in preserving what fans have come to expect from a classic like "Nikita." The dual language tracks and retention of the original 2.0 mix are valuable inclusions, providing an authentic audio experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Nikita" delivers an impressive AV experience housed in attractive steelbook packaging. However, it notably lacks any special features, which is becoming a trend for catalog titles from Sony. This release includes neither a standard Blu-ray copy nor even basic extras like a trailer or digital copy, reflecting a missed opportunity to explore the film's production and legacy in greater depth. While the visual and audio quality is commendable, those who value supplemental content might find this release underwhelming.

Extras included in this disc:

• None

La Femme Nikita, directed by Luc Besson, stands as a seminal influence in the action genre, renowned for its raw depiction of a female assassin’s evolution. This film introduces viewers to Nikita (Anne Parillaud), a convicted felon who narrowly escapes death as the government fakes her execution and trains her to become an elite assassin. The story is grounded in Nikita's transformation from a defiant junkie to an efficient killer, skillfully portraying her inner conflict and struggle with her imposed identity. Besson expertly crafts a narrative that, while punctuated by intense shootouts and high-stakes missions, maintains a deep psychological introspection on the protagonist’s humanity, amplified by stellar performances from Parillaud, Tchéky Karyo (as her handler Bob), and Jeanne Moreau (as her mentor Amande).

Shot by Thierry Arbogast, the cinematography enhances this duality of brutality and beauty, imbuing the visual narrative with gritty realism. La Femme Nikita distinguishes itself from its Hollywood remake, Point of No Return, by maintaining a raw and visceral edge absent in the glossier American production. Jean Reno’s unforgettable role as Victor “The Cleaner” adds a riveting dimension to the film, displaying Besson’s knack for blending character-driven drama with action-packed sequences. The film’s impact on contemporary cinema is undeniable, having inspired numerous remakes and TV adaptations globally, highlighting its enduring legacy.

What sets La Femme Nikita apart is Besson’s ability to humanize his central character beyond her role as an assassin. The film delves into Nikita’s psyche, reflecting her repugnance towards her violent duties and yearning for a normal life. This introspective angle is beautifully balanced with adrenaline-fueled action scenes, making it an intriguing character study wrapped in a captivating thriller. The result is a film that not only entertains but also engages viewers on an emotional and intellectual level, cementing its place as a genre-defining classic.

Sony's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "La Femme Nikita" showcases Luc Besson's iconic 1990 thriller in all its neo-noir glory. The new 4K remaster stands out, delivering superior video quality with a gritty, polished aesthetic that perfectly complements Anne Parillaud's mesmerizing performance as the complex and evolving female protagonist. The disc's 2.39:1 HEVC aspect ratio ensures that every frame is presented with precision, bringing new life to the dynamic visual storytelling. Audio offerings include French and English DTS-HD MA 5.1, along with French DTS-HD MA 2.0, providing a robust auditory experience that nearly matches the visual upgrade.

While this release lacks bonus features, a disappointment for collectors and hardcore fans, it compensates with a high-quality steelbook and impeccable visual enhancements. The film, often overlooked due to its subsequent TV adaptations, comes alive in this version, maintaining the intense energy and stylized action that define Besson’s work. The omission of special features like Besson’s commentary may deter some enthusiasts, but the pristine presentation of this classic action thriller significantly mitigates that shortcoming.

"La Femme Nikita" remains a must-watch for any fan of the genre or Luc Besson’s filmography. Sony's 4K UHD Blu-ray release brings the film to its best possible light, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection despite the barebones approach. This release is especially recommended for those who prioritize exceptional picture quality in their viewing experience.

Recommendation: Great Watch