Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) thought he’d left his outlaw life in the rear-view mirror, but not even he can outrun the past. When his forsaken brother Jakob (John Cena, Bumblebee) unexpectedly resurfaces as an elite assassin, the crew comes back together to help Dom confront the sins of his own past and stop a world-shattering plot.
For in-depth thoughts on F9: The Fast Saga, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of F9: The Fast Saga offers a nice uptick in quality over the already incredible accompanying Blu-Ray, making it a dazzling feast for the eyes. Skin tones appear more natural with healthy doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores. The increased range of the color spectrum is stunning to behold. The Dolby Vision and HDR enriches the colors from already impressive to out of this world when it comes to vibrancy. You can take a look at any of the breathtaking vistas throughout the film and be blown away. Don’t get me started on all of the nuanced colors present in the numerous vehicles that are overflowing with eye-popping hues.
The highlights in the film are more defined with whites more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Elements in the film taking place in the cover of darkness are more vivid and finely delineated. The black levels are especially strong in this presentation, staying deep and inky with great detail. This 4K UHD presentation really delivers on all fronts including strong gains in clarity and color. The Blu-Ray is great, but Universal has delivered another demo-worthy transfer on this latest 4K release.
Audio Quality
This disc comes equipped with a miraculous Dolby Atmos presentation that, like its predecessors, packs one heck of punch from beginning to end. From the opening, the soundscape is set to deliver an expansive experience suitable for an action film. Sounds are appropriately rendered with precise directionality from the more kinetic action scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue. Ambient details are plentiful and quite satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. The overhead channels serve to complement the other channels rather than carry the main load, which adds a nice sense of space to the mix. Musical cues and the serviceable score envelope the room with a vengeance. Dialogue is presented perfectly clear without ever being overwhelmed by any of the competing sonic elements. The heavy gunfire, crashes and explosions provide an all-encompassing soundscape that kicks in throughout all the speakers. The low end is engaged in a really solid way that will have your house rattling. The mix offers up the best experience for those with the home theater system to support it.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Producer/Co-Writer/Director Justin Lin delivers an entertaining commentary track in which he talks throwing back to a classic Universal logo, the important steps this chapter takes, bringing new faces into the family, how they pulled off certain stunts and more. The track is pretty standard but should please those who are looking to get a bit more out of their Fast experience.
- Gag Reel: A nearly four-minute collection of flubbed lines, joking around on set, failed stunts and more that is pretty funny.
- F9 – All In: A nine-part documentary totaling 45 minutes which takes you behind-the-scenes of the production as it details the new and returning faces, the execution of some major action sequences, surprises in the narrative and more.
- Practically Fast: An eight-minute look at how the crew behind the film strive to shoot as many of the stunts as possible practically which allows it to feel more authentic on screen. There is some pretty harrowing footage shown here.
- Shifting Priorities: A four-minute featurette detailing the evolution of both the characters and the performers over the past twenty years since the debut of the first film.
- Justice For Han: A four-minute look at what went into bringing the character of Han back into the family and how important it was to the cast and crew.
- A Day On The Set With Justin Lin: A ten-minute featurette which details the hectic schedule of the director of one of the biggest franchises around.
- John Cena – Supercar Superfan: A five-minute featurette in which Cena takes you on a tour of some really cool exotic cars.
Final Thoughts
F9: The Fast Saga delivers what it believes fans want in the latest entry, and for the most part it is laughably entertaining. Nevertheless, the gimmick is starting to wear thin and the need to bring this franchise in for a smooth landing grows with each passing scene. We love mindless explosions and cliche musings on family as much as the next person, but it starts to make you feel numb after a while. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a stunning A/V presentation and an impressive array of supplemental features. If you are a fan of the series, this presentation should not let you down in the slightest. Recommended
F9: The Fast Saga will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray and DVD on September 21, 2021. The film is currently available to own on Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Universal 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.
