Physical Media – Fast Five 4K Review

Fast Five’s Ultra HD physical media release enters the vault with an outstanding 4K HDR10 presentation that showcases the film in all its glory. The visual upgrade, coupled with the thrilling DTS:X soundtrack, makes this 4K UHD package a highly recommended upgrade over the Blu-ray edition. While the bonus features remain unchanged from previous releases, the overall viewing experience is elevated to new heights, immersing viewers in a world of high-stakes heists, heart-pounding action, and breathtaking visuals. This 4K adventure effortlessly outshines its Blu-ray counterpart, boasting an exceptional HEVC H.265 encode that leaves its competition in the dust.

Filmed using traditional 35mm cameras and later mastered to a 2K digital intermediate, the 2160p picture presents a noticeable improvement in overall definition and stunning clarity, particularly in the action-packed sequences of this heist film. Details in the warehouse background become crisper, vehicle designs appear sharper, and the Brazilian neighborhoods’ imperfections are brought to life with remarkable precision. The close-ups are a revelation, showcasing impressive facial complexions that reveal the tiniest blemishes and pores which showcase the intensity of the character’s faces. There are occasional softer moments, typically related to the CGI visuals or certain nighttime scenes. Some sharp edges flicker, and subtle moiré patterns can be observed in the blinds, brick walls, and even Hernan Reyes’s necktie.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the upscaled transfer compensates with enhanced contrast and brightness, resulting in a more vibrant and vivid picture throughout. Exotic locales are transformed into picturesque paradises, exuding a captivating allure when bathed in daylight. Clothing and light fixtures dazzle with vibrant whites, while specular highlights radiate with intense crispness, lending a realistic shine to metallic objects and surfaces. The sun’s rays reflecting off faces and the ocean are rendered with exceptional detail, showcasing the minutiae of plumes and smoke from explosive bursts.

The black levels in this 2.35:1 image are notably richer and inkier, accentuated by outstanding gradational differences and strong shadow detailing. These qualities imbue the visuals with beautiful cinematic quality, especially during breathtaking scenes of the city skyline during the films nighttime scenes. Occasionally, the darker nature of the HDR10 presentation makes it slightly challenging to discern details in the darkest corners. But that doesn’t matter as the wider palette of colors in the cinematography is a standout feature. Stephen F. Windon’s orange-teal photography favors warm yellow hues, contributing to the film’s hot and tropical ambiance. Rich browns, fiery oranges, and fuller reds and blues infuse the action with energy and visual splendor. Facial complexions acquire a rosier, more accurate tone that mirrors the weather conditions, elevating the overall visual experience.

Visuals Review: 3.6/5

When it comes to the audio department, Fast Five roars into home theaters with a truly awe-inspiring DTS:X soundtrack, taking an already amazing Blu-ray to new heights. The movie wastes no time in catapulting viewers into the heart of the action, engulfing the room with the chaotic debris of an opening escape sequence and a prison bus hurtling through the air. The mix skillfully employs object-based sound to utilize all speakers, creating a seamless transition of background activity that sweeps across the three front channels and ventures into the top heights. The result is a captivating, immersive wall of sound that envelops the listener. Helicopters soar above, seamlessly panning from one side of the room to the other, effectively generating a hemispheric soundscape. The score and songs reverberate from all directions, injecting the story with life and keeping the audience engaged, while the sound of gunfire and roaring engines reverberates throughout.

Fast Five’s high-octane action keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The imaging consistently feels expansive, with off-screen noises reverberating across the entire soundstage. Vehicular chaos unfolds on the screen with flawless, fluid movement, and the mid-range delivers extraordinary detailing, reaching ear-penetrating highs with crystal-clear precision. Dialogue remains pristine and intelligible, despite the thunderous action and the chaos of the Brazilian streets. Explosions, gunshots, and engine rumblings pack a punch with their deep, powerful bass, while the film’s soundtrack plunges into the lower depths, heightening the impact of key moments. 

Audio Review: 3.7/5

Fast Five races ahead of the competition with its top-notch Ultra HD physical media presentation and immersive DTS:X soundtrack. The film’s captivating visuals, brought to life with enhanced definition, clarity, and contrast, transport viewers into a world of adrenaline-fueled excitement. The expanded color palette adds depth and vibrancy, while the black levels and shadow detailing contribute to the film’s cinematic quality. The audio experience is equally impressive, with the dynamic sound mix fully utilizing the capabilities of a home theater setup. Director Justin Lin and writer Chris Morgan deliver a thrilling installment that marks a turning point in the franchise, setting the stage for further adventures in the Fast and Furious universe. Fast Five on 4K Ultra HD is a must-have for fans and a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking an immersive and visually spectacular cinematic experience. 

7.3/10