Mission: Impossible III – 4K UHD Review

Mission: Impossible III is a stunning addition to the action espionage franchise that takes the series in a new direction, delving deeper into the personal journey of super-secret agent Ethan Hunt. This installment, now available on 4K UHD, offers a stunning visual experience with its Dolby Vision HDR presentation, complemented by a top-notch Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack and a set of supplements that will satisfy fans of the series and if you collect physical media, then this will be a worthy addition to your collection.

The visual quality of Mission: Impossible III is impressive, thanks to the use of traditional 35mm film and Sony’s CineAlta HD camera. The 2160p rendering showcases sharp definition in various aspects, from the detailed clothing and IMF offices to the magnificent Vatican scenes. However, there are a few instances where resolution drops slightly, accompanied by a touch of noise during fast-paced action sequences and mild aliasing along sharp edges. Some moments also exhibit a slightly waxy appearance on the faces of the cast, although it remains unclear whether this is intentional or a result of digital manipulation. The transfer to 4K UHD is a notable improvement over its Blu-ray counterpart.

The enhanced brightness levels in the 4K UHD video offer deep, immersive blacks and rich shadows, allowing viewers to distinguish the finer details of clothing accessories and objects in the background. Occasionally, however, these details may get lost in the darker areas of the frame or suffer from crushing. On the flip side, the contrast is superb, providing brilliantly radiant whites that lend certain scenes a picturesque feel. For instance, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge attack scene showcases crisp and resplendent clouds against a stunning blue sky. Specular highlights further elevate the viewing experience, creating intense, glowing effects for light sources, sparks, explosions, and metallic objects, while revealing finer details within these elements.

The overall color palette receives a noticeable improvement in the Dolby Vision HDR presentation. The film’s teal-orange cinematography, courtesy of Dan Mindel, is enhanced, offering a fuller and richer variety of blues and greens. From the glow of computer monitors and various lights to electrical sparks and the sterile IMF offices, colors come alive with vivid saturation. Standout scenes include Maggie Q’s vibrant dress against her tiger-orange Lamborghini in the Vatican City scene, where explosions burst with a sizzling orange-red splendor, showcasing fine details within each plume. Secondary hues may not be as dramatic, but they still possess a vivid glow, while faces exhibit a rosier and more lifelike complexion.

Visuals Review: 4/5 

Accompanying the stunning visuals is the upgraded Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, leaving the legacy lossy counterpart in the dust. The new lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack fills the screen with a captivating array of noises and commotion, creating an immersive soundscape. From debris falling all around to bullets whizzing past and helicopters convincingly flying overhead, the surround effects are superbly executed, extending the sound field and enveloping the viewer in the chaos. Even dialogue-driven sequences benefit from well-placed atmospherics, adding subtlety and depth to the overall experience.

Michael Giacchino’s score further enhances the audio, spreading across the soundstage with excellent balance and movement between the front channels. The wide and welcoming wall of sound, accompanied by superb vocal intonation, immerses viewers in the emotional pleas of Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and the coldly stern performance of Philip Seymour Hoffman as the antagonist. The mid-range is dynamic and detailed, providing clarity and distinction in the loudest and most action-packed segments. The low-end delivers a weighty impact, particularly during scenes with explosive moments, adding an extra punch to the film.

Audio Review: 4.2/5

Mission: Impossible III, under J. J. Abrams’ skilled direction, successfully revitalizes the franchise, injecting it with a fresh sense of purpose and emotional depth. The visual and audio enhancements in this 4K UHD release elevate the viewing experience, immersing audiences in the thrilling world of Ethan Hunt like never before. Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply crave high-quality HDR content, this edition is highly recommended for its superior presentation and engaging storytelling.

8.2/10

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