Nikita 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
SteelBook 4K Ultra HD
Score: 70
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
Sony’s 4K UHD release of La Femme Nikita offers stunning visual fidelity and a powerful performance by Anne Parillaud, despite lacking special features.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 94
This UltraHD 4K Blu-ray release of 'La Femme Nikita' showcases the film at its best with a stunning 2.39:1 HEVC 4K transfer that offers bold, natural colors, impressive texturing, and crisp detail, enhanced by Dolby Vision and HDR10 for superior black levels and vibrant contrast, maintaining the film’s 1990s aesthetic.
Audio: 82
Audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'Nikita' offers DTS-HD MA tracks in French and English 5.1, plus a French 2.0 stereo mix. While the new DTS-HD MA tracks remain competent, they echo Sony's original Dolby TrueHD with a slightly boosted level. Strong dialogue and bass with occasional flatness, but immersive action sequences.
Extra: 0
Sony's 4K UHD release of 'La Femme Nikita' features impressive new packaging and a single UHD disc but disappointingly includes no special features, trailers, or even a standard Blu-ray copy.
Movie: 84
La Femme Nikita succeeds as a gritty, introspective action film featuring Besson's signature style, notable for Anne Parillaud's compelling performance as a transformed assassin balancing humanity and duty, enhanced by raw cinematography and memorable characters like Jean Reno's 'The Cleaner'.
Video: 94
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.
Audio: 82
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.
Extra:
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
Movie: 84
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.
Total: 70
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
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 90
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, coming from the guy who has owned every release of the film (domestically) since the VHS days, I can absolutely give my seal of approval on this release, as this is the...
Audio: 80
It’s a forward heavy track with strong dialog and the action bits blended into the mains rather than some bass bomb, surround heavy mix....
Extras: 0
Movie: 90
She’s actually a real person, and the weights of all the government killings she’s doing is just too much for her, which sets up the final “escape” at the end to feel that much more natural rather than...
Total: 80
My only complaints is that Sony decided to release this as a barebones disc, with no extras and and simply the 5.1 mix from the Blu-ray....
Blu-ray.com review by Kenneth BrownRead review here
Video: 100
Textures have been refined to perfection thanks to the use of native 4K elements, which also delivers a wonderfully resolved veneer of grain that, while a tad inconsistent, is wholly filmic from start...
Audio: 90
Likewise, the rear speakers are suitably engaging, despite a somewhat dated sound design that doesn't always fully take advantage of every channel....
Extras: 0
I don't claim to know the in's and out's of 4K budgets, and believe me I'd rather have an amazing AV package than new extras, but why not both?...
Movie: 80
And while it isn't a perfect film by any means, nor is its director nearly as quintessentially cool as he once seemed prior to some less-than-positive news stories, La Femme Nikita holds its own thanks...
Total: 80
Sure, special features would have been nice, but don't let a barebones disc scare you off....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 90
Black levels are right on the target and aside from some grain on the print and a few scenes that seemed a bit too dark, La Femme Nikita looks pretty darn good on 4K and the Dolby Vision enhanced picture...
Audio: 80
I do recall watching the film on standard DVD nearly 9 years ago and the French version is the version to watch (or listen to, rather) as the sound has a more natural feel to it and the dubbed American...
Extras: 0
Here’s hoping you like the movie, because that’s all you’re going to get. No extras have been included – not even a trailer.
Movie: 0
You see, Nikita has to kill a certain number of people for the government; otherwise her own life is in danger....
Total: 70
The lack of any extras is certainly disappointing, but if you’re simply a fan who’s looking for the best possible picture quality – look no further....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 100
The color palette is truly stunning—richly saturated and accurate, with the expanded gamut allowing far greater nuance that is apparent on Sony’s 2008 Blu-ray release....
Audio: 80
But once you compare these mixes (and you can do it right on the 4K disc with the touch of a button), the difference is readily apparent....
Extras: 0
Sony’s new 4K edition delivers a single UHD disc in Steelbook packaging. No Blu-ray is included, nor are there any special features
Movie: 95
Luc Besson has made many interesting films over his four decade career, including titles that range from the absurd (Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Lucy) to the sublime (Léon: The Professional,...
Total: 92
Though one might fault Besson for his personal proclivities, which have been well documented elsewhere, there can be no arguing that La Femme Nikita is anything other than a terrific action thriller, bursting...
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 100
La Femme Nikita has had something of a spotty history on home video, at least until the rights were diverted to Sony (who put out a pretty good and currently out of print Blu-ray back in 2008, or so I...
Audio: 90
Default audio on this disc is French 5.1 in lossless DTS-HD MA, and has a very modern sound to it, with good surround presence and use of LFE....
Extras: 0
La Femme Nikita comes packaged in an attractive steelbook case replicating one of the original poster designs, but that is all that is included in this release....
Movie: 80
However, a secret government agency sees something in Nikita and arranges to fake her death (in a rather confusing plot point, as both Nikita and the audience at first assumes her sentence had been changed...
Total: 80
Long out of print on Blu-ray, Sony’s new 4K release of La Femme Nikita is a very welcome addition to any action film fan’s library....
Director: Luc Besson
Actors: Anne Parillaud, Marc Duret, Patrick Fontana
PlotA young woman with a troubled past is arrested during a failed pharmacy robbery that results in the deaths of police officers. Facing a life in prison or worse, she's given a cryptic choice by a secretive government agency: death or become an assassin for the state. Opting for survival, she undergoes a grueling transformation process. This regime includes not only physical training but also lessons in the finer skills of espionage and high society—essentially erasing her past and remaking her into a sophisticated operative with a new identity. As she progresses through this metamorphosis, she's forced to confront the moral ambiguities of her new life and the realization that her freedom comes at a personal cost.
Navigating her way through this complex web of deception and violence, she is eventually given her first assignment, marking her full entry into this shadowy world. Yet, her struggles are far from over as she grapples with the emotional and ethical implications of her actions. The line between her newfound duty and her inherent desire for a different life blurs, leaving her in a precarious position. Balancing her role as a government assassin with the remnants of her previous self proves to be an arduous task, challenging her loyalty to her controllers and her own understanding of redemption and purpose. Her journey becomes not just one of survival but a quest for identity within a life she never chose.
Writers: Luc Besson
Release Date: 01 Apr 1991
Runtime: 117 min
Rating: R
Country: France, Italy
Language: French, Italian, English