The world’s most lethal odd couple – bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) and hit man Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) – are back. Still unlicensed, Bryce is forced into action by Darius’s wife, the infamous international con artist Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek). As Bryce is driven over the edge by the volatile spouses, the trio get in over their heads in a global plot and soon find that they are all that stand between Europe and a vengeful and powerful madman (Antonio Banderas). Joining in the fun and deadly mayhem is Morgan Freeman as…well, you’ll have to see.
For in-depth thoughts on Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard offers a lovely uptick in quality over the already incredible accompanying Blu-Ray, making it one heck of a 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 production design that is 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 Lionsgate has delivered another demo-worthy transfer on this latest 4K release.
Audio Quality
This disc comes equipped with a wonderful Dolby Atmos presentation that, like its predecessor, 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 and crashes 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 shaking. The mix offers up the best experience for those with the home theater system to support it.
Special Features
- Ryan, Sam, Salma – One F’d Up Family: A nine-minute featurette which mixes clips from the film with interviews with the cast and crew in which they discuss the dynamics between the characters, the bonding nature of the set, the experience of shooting the film and more.
- Gone Soft – The New Michael Bryce: A seven-minute piece which takes a look at Michael’s arc in this new film and the experience of returning to the character.
- Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard – #stuntlife: An eight-minute featurette in which the cast and Stunt Coordinator Adam Horton discuss some of the various over-the-top set pieces in the film.
- On The Set of Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard: A four-minute featurette in which production designer Russell del Rozario gives a brief tour of the set including the interesting bar that marks one of the high points of the film. There are some fun tidbits within.
- Gag Reel: A nearly five-minute collection of alternate takes, flubbed lines and ruined moments.
- Theatrical Trailers: Two red-band trailers are provided here.
Final Thoughts
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is not striving to be high art, but it is one hell of a fun time that offers up copious over-the-top set pieces and ridiculously profane banter. The best part of this follow-up is the continued chemistry between the primary cast members. The sensibilities of the film will not appeal to everyone and it does not do much to try to step up from the original film, but those wanting a mindless fun time should be satisfied. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray with an amazing A/V presentation and a couple of decent supplemental features. Fans of the original movie should buy with confidence. Recommended
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-Ray and DVD on August 17, 2021. The film is currently available on Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Lionsgate 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.
