Fast X – 4K UHD Review
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Universal Pictures | 2023
R | 2hrs 21 mins | Action | Thriller | Crime | Martial Arts | Adventure
HD | 1080P | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Upconverted 4K | 2160P | HDR10 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Staring: Vin Diesel | Michelle Rodriguez | Tyrese Gibson | Chris Bridges | Brie Larson | Jason Momoa
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Ratings & Reviews
Please see here for my comments on reviewing movies.
My ratings are simple being marked out of a maximum of 5+. My reviews are biased towards the technical production aspects of the film with brief comments about the story line. Extras, sorry, that’s just not my ‘bag’.
So what did the 7.1 soundtrack sound like? Reference in all respects and the 4K HDR10 video? Also reference.
Entertainment: 5-
Video: 5
Audio: 5
Technical Review – Upconverted 4K UHD HDR10
Fast X was shot digitally in the ARRIRAW codec at 4.5K by cinematographer Stephen Windon using Arri Alexa LF/Mini LF and Red Komodo cameras with
Despite this movie being allegedly upconverted, this 4K release shows few noticeable issues, having excellent overall image clarity with a dazzling display of crisp, razor sharp detail with refined texturing throughout. From the the details in background objects, the props, cars and guns, to clothing, threads and facial close-ups, all providing excellent detail and definition. Facial pores, beads of sweat, blood droplets, hair strands and features are all accurately rendered without any undue exaggerations. CGI and special effects integration are very good, having realistic textures, blending well with the real action shots and never looking soft. Effects like fiery explosions, flying objects, debris and car engagements are well integrated into the live action with no distractions.
Even with those darker rooms and night scenes, contrast balance was excellent throughout, from the brilliant uncompressed whites of the daylight exterior shots and the dazzling specular highlights to the deep and noise free inky blacks that showed excellent low level and shadow detail. Individual clouds, sunlight, icy blue whites, various light sources, car metallic finishes, gun blasts and explosions sparkle with a true-to-live realism. All creating a very good dynamic contrast range and enhancing visibility of objects in both exterior and interior shots, all creating an excellent depth of image. With the wide shots of LA, Rome and the Antarctic looking terrific.
The various locations color palette presents with a varied array of colors with each locations raw elements like stonework, rocks, roofing, and ice looking very natural. Color fidelity is excellent throughout with vivid and well saturated primaries and secondary’s, all having good color depth and density, hues are bold and vibrant. Pops of color appear everywhere from the blood reds, brilliant yellow, red, green, gold, orange and purple cars, the teal and cerulean blue scene tinges, purple and red wardrobe textiles, to the strong yellows, oranges and reds of the explosive blasts. From LA’s green vegetation and the primary and secondary colors of the homes and backyards, to the quarry, Coliseum and Rome’s brown and sepia tones of the rocks, stones and clay tile roofs and the various countryside earthy tones, all looked terrific. Skin tones and facial complexions throughout looking wonderfully natural.
This video is excellent on all fronts, providing a top notch HDR10 reference image.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Fast X roars onto your screen with an awesome, reference, Dolby Atmos mix that defaults to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 in my system. The soundtrack starts the way it means to continue, with impact! This is a very dynamic and at times aggressive mix, with good surround action, very good channel separation and room shaking bass. The rear channels being used extensively to convey the atmospheres of various rooms and outdoor environments, supporting directional and atmospheric cues alike.
The overall sound presentation is very dynamic, with outstanding sub involvement and surround action. The soundstage is wide and surrounds are constantly active with ambience, directional cues and movement, delivering an active environment that drops the listener into both calm environments and every action-packed sonic spectacle alike. Effects placement are accurate and natural, with plenty of movement in both the rear and side surrounds, together with the general environmental and room acoustics effects consistently pulling you into the many locals and environments; from large and small rooms, passages and caves to the streets of Rome and the wide open spaces of the Antarctic. From those dialogue sequences steeped in the surrounding activity of people walking and talking, falling rain drops, shouts and screams, to the martial arts punches, gunfire, flying bullets, falling debris, revving engines, screeching tires and general chaos and mayhem. All fill the surrounds pulling you into the scene and keeping you “in the mix”.
Sub action is stellar and wall rattling, having the serious, low-end, hard hitting extension that this movie deserves. Low frequency effects are there in bucketful’s. They are extended, powerful and add tremendous weight to the flying punches, impactful gunfire, hand wielded weapons, crashes and explosions. Imaging continuously feels broad and expansive following the action as it moves on and off-screen. Dialogue was always crystal clear and well detailed with an excellent mid-range and solid front-center imaging and prioritization, providing good clarity and detail no matter how loud and aggressive the high action sequences become…..and some become really loud and aggressive!
Flushing out the soundscape and supporting the movie throughout its entire length, the films score, composed by Brian Tyler is fully bolstered by various well known hip hop, pop, reggaetón, electronic rock, Latin pop, EDM and rap artists. It provides a highly supportive and well integrated mix for both the aggressive and more relaxed scenes equally well. Presenting with great bass and hitting a good balance between the dialogue and effects, the score provides a light spill into the surrounds and excellent integration within the soundstage.
An outstanding reference audio track that compliments the reference video in every way.
Story Overview
In this tenth film in the Fast and Furious Saga Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family are targeted by Dante (Jason Momoa) the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida) who Dom and his team killed on a bridge in Rio De Janeiro in Fast Five. Now Dante has spent the last twelve years plotting and masterminding a plan to destroy Dom and his family by scattering Dom’s family from Los Angeles to the catacombs of Rome, from Brazil to London and from Portugal to Antarctica. As the story unfolds new allies will be forged and old enemies will resurface, but everything changes when Dom discovers that Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), his own 8-year-old son, is Dante’s ultimate target.
My 2 cents
A non-stop thrill ride and fun movie. 2hrs and 21minutes of solid high-octane action that is probably one of the big grand finales of the franchise. It is full of flawless action sequences, comical one-liners and impressive fight choreography that are second to none. A fun story line with stellar performances by Vin Diesel and co. only to be upstaged by a flawless performance by Jason Momoa as he embodies the iconic characters of “The Joker” and “Jack Sparrow”. All with reference grade video and audio to go with the “kick ass” over-the-top action.
This is without a doubt another terrific addition to this growing series and a demo worthy disc. However, I thought that the ending “sucked” as did the mid-credit teaser with Hobbs appearing for the first time! Leaving the viewer “hanging” at the end of the movie might be a great sequel setup, but not for me, causing me to drop my Entertainment rating from 5 to 5-. With Dante surviving, will the sequel become Fast X Part2?
Highly recommended.
Purchase from Amazon.
