In Bullet Train, Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world’s fastest train. The end of the line is just the beginning in this non-stop thrill-ride through modern-day Japan from David Leitch, the director of Deadpool 2.
For in-depth thoughts on Bullet Train, please see my colleague Brandon Lewis’ review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Bullet Train offers a small-but-appreciated uptick in quality over the already top-shelf accompanying Blu-Ray, making it one of the most impressive discs on the format. As expected, Sony continues to show why we consider it one of the best major studios delivering 4K encodes. One of the best aspects of this 4K effort is the command of contrast. Highlights in the film are more refined with whites more pure and balanced with no trace of blooming to be found. When it comes to shadow detail, environments are more vivid and finely delineated. Black levels in this presentation are immensely deep and inky with impeccable detail. You will also see improvements when it comes to digital noise, as this upgrade nearly eliminates any trace that you find on the Blu-Ray.
The expanded range of the color spectrum is something to admire. The HDR/Dolby Vision enriches the colors from already dazzling to more sumptuous than you can imagine. There are so many objects within the production design which seem to be made to show off for the camera, not to mention the deep colors within the costumes and lighting choices that radiate off the screen. Skin tones appear more natural with crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores and scrapes. This finely delineated detail extends to textures such as hair and even the most distinct ridges of costumes. This 4K UHD presentation really shows off on all fronts including notable gains in detail, clarity and color. The Blu-Ray is dynamite, but Sony has opened up a whole exciting world for A/V fans with this 4K UHD release.
Audio Quality
This 4K UHD Blu-Ray provides a Dolby Atmos track that ups the ante of the formidable DTS-HD 5.1 MA track on the accompanying Blu-Ray. What you will find with this version of the soundtrack is an improvement in execution and refinement. Atmospheric sound effects are rendered with a greater degree of directional accuracy within the mix so that sounds feel even more lifelike. Just look at the implementation of the height channels, which are put through the ringer with obvious and discrete effects that make the journey much more three-dimensional and immersive.
From the opening moments you can tell it is going to be a wild audio experience, and from there the film dominates nearly all of the surround speakers consistently during both the character-driven moments and the numerous momentous action sequences. The robust low end response from the subwoofer gives moments across the board a tremendous boost with a hefty presence. Dialogue is crisp and clear without ever getting overwhelmed by the music or sound effects. This story knows how to use music which the track in turn permeates the room with in an enveloping manner. As with the video side of things, you could not hope for better from a modern studio sound mix.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director David Leitch, Producer Kelly McCormick, and Screenwriter Zak Olkewicz deliver a steady and informative commentary track in which they discuss bringing this story to life, working with Brad Pitt, how they pulled off certain stunts, the structure of the story, alternate scenes they envisioned, the preparations taken for this feature and more.
- Mission Accomplished – Making Of Bullet Train: A brief six-minute piece in which the cast and creative team discuss how the movie came together, the direction of Leitch, the collaboration on set, the discoveries that happen in the midst of production and more.
- All Aboard The Pain Train – Stunts: A five-minute look at the epic action scenes within a small space, the originality they wanted to bring to certain stunts, how the action is tailored to the characters, the intense training and more.
- Outtakes & Bloopers: A three-minute collection of flubbed lines, laughing fits, goofing off and more.
- Trained Professionals – The Cast: A seven-minute look at the impressive ensemble and what each performer brings to their role and how they fit into the story.
- Catch What You Missed – Easter Eggs: A four-minute overview of some of the fun items and references in the film which you may have overlooked on your first viewing.
- Select Scene Stunt Previs: A four-minute early look at how specific stunts were envisioned before what we see on screen.
- Bullet Train Goes Off The Rails: A nearly five-minute piece which finds some standout characters from the film doing some promotion for the film during the NBA finals. This is even more fun than traditional trailers.
- Previews
Final Thoughts
Bullet Train is not a completely original idea, but it is original enough that we give props to Sony for putting some money behind it to get it realized on screen. This is the type of film which shakes off the cobwebs a bit when it comes to your standard blockbusters. The star power of Brad Pitt serves the movie well, but it is actually the character-driven ensemble which makes this movie all that it can be. Admittedly, the film could be tightened up and streamlined in places, but there is more going right for this film than taking away from it. To call this mindless would be a misstep, but it is a joyful blast of entertainment which we yearn for quite often. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring an astounding A/V presentation and a fun assortment of special features. If you are in need of a rollicking, fun, and chaotic adventure, this one will probably do the trick. Recommended
Bullet Train is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.