Mission: Impossible – 4K Ultra HD Review

Technical Specs	Details
Two-Disc UHD Combo Pack
Video Resolution/Codec	2160p HEVC/H.265
Dolby Vision
Length	110 Minutes
Release Country	United States
Aspect Ratio(s)	2.35:1
Special Features	Featurettes
	Still Gallery
	Trailers
	UltraViolet Digital Copy
	Blu-ray Copy

Brian De Palma’s neo-noir touch breathes new life into the TV adaptation of Mission: Impossible. The series cleverly disguises a murder mystery plot within an action-packed spy thriller, with the ever-charismatic Tom Cruise taking the lead. With this 4K Ultra HD edition, the film delivers a strong and generally satisfying Dolby Vision HDR presentation, accompanied by an excellent Dolby True HD soundtrack. Although the overall package remains largely the same as previous releases, it’s certainly worth a look for die-hard fans.

The 4K Ultra HD transfer boasts moments of sheer brilliance, especially during close-up shots that reveal intricate details, from the smallest pores to the tiniest imperfections. Fine lines and objects are distinct and easily discernible even from a distance, but the overall visual quality is somewhat inconsistent. Some portions of the film suffer from poor resolution and distracting blurriness, particularly in extreme long shots. This seems to stem from the original cinematography and source condition rather than the encoding itself. At times, it’s challenging to distinguish the 2160p video from its 1080p counterpart, suggesting an upscale rather than a true remaster. There are instances of aliasing, noticeable primarily in computer monitor images and lettering.

The color representation is a notable highlight, with primaries appearing fuller and deeper; Vibrant reds intensify the glow of firetrucks and lights during the Langley scene, while blues emanating from computer monitors, neon lights, and the sky exude energy. Greens in foliage are livelier and more vivid, contributing to a cheerful atmosphere. The overall color palette, though similar to the Blu-ray version, maintains fidelity to Stephen H. Burum’s stylized photography and De Palma’s noir-inspired vision. There is a touch more variation in the palette, particularly with better-saturated yellows and browns. Skin tones also benefit from a rosier, more lifelike complexion that adds to the film’s attractiveness.

A notable aspect of the transfer is the new color timing, which introduces a light-yellow tint throughout the 4K presentation. This alteration lends warmth to the whites of light sources, resulting in a noticeable improvement. While overall contrast remains relatively unchanged, this warmer tone enhances certain scenes, particularly those set in the secure computer room at Langley. On the flip side, contrast levels could be better, as blooming hot spots occasionally obscure finer details. Specular highlights mirror those of the HD SDR version. However, the black levels boast richness and gradational variation, contributing to a cinematic feel. Darker shadows allow for good visibility in the background, although the darkest corners occasionally suffer from crushes. The presence of a fine layer of natural grain adds a film-like quality to the Dolby Vision video, creating an appealing aesthetic. While there are a few disappointments, the positives are enough to entice the most devoted fans.

Visuals Review: 3.2/5

Now the audio aspect of this 4K UHD is an interesting one, the brand-new 5.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack marks a significant improvement over the previous Dolby Digital track. Although the design remains primarily front-heavy, the occasional usage of the rear channels during certain sequences adds a layer of immersion. However, the surroundings remain relatively silent for the majority of the film’s runtime. The front channels steal the spotlight, skillfully layering a variety of noises and background activities to create an engaging audio experience. The lossless mix presents a fuller, warmer soundstage, with improved detailing and clarity in the mid-range. Separation during intense moments is excellent, and Danny Elfman’s score benefits from enhanced fidelity. Vocals are precise and well-prioritized. The low-end performance is comparable to previous releases, delivering a weighty and commanding presence during action sequences and musical moments.

Audio Review: 3.9/5

For fans who have been longing for a satisfactory edition of Mission: Impossible, the 4K Ultra HD release delivers on several fronts. While the visual presentation has its ups and downs, the moments of brilliance and improved color reproduction make it a worthwhile upgrade. The enhanced audio quality further enhances the viewing experience, especially for those who appreciate the film’s thrilling action sequences and atmospheric score.

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