Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With the fate of the world at stake, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.
For in-depth thoughts on Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part 1, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part 1 offers a splendid display of quality that ranks favorably compared to other modern releases on the format, but the exact level of improvement is difficult to judge given this release does not come with a Blu-Ray version of the feature film. The Dolby Vision/HDR imbues the colors with a brilliance that is hard to top on a less formidable format, especially when it comes to nuance and vibrancy. This is an international endeavor, and each breathtaking environment throughout the film is replete with hues. The highlights in the film are impeccably defined with whites pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Elements in the film taking place at night or in shadows are vivid and finely delineated. Black levels are as deep as you desire, staying deep and inky with great detail. Objects retain their edges even in the most unsparing environments with ease.
The level of detail on display is a true feast for the eyes, as each location offers so many distinct textures within the landscape, production design, and costumes. Skin tones appear incredibly natural with healthy amounts of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores and makeup. The one knock against this presentation is the fake grain that has been added. Previous entries were shot on actual film, but this outing goes the digital route. While still impressive, this is the least visually dazzling installment to date, and the fake grain looks a bit rough and unconvincing at various points. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is unfortunate. Otherwise, this 4K UHD presentation delivers strong showings in clarity and color. While there is little doubt the Blu-Ray is great, Paramount has provided audiences with a lovely 4K UHD presentation not to be missed.
Audio Quality
This disc comes equipped with the Dolby Atmos presentation that delivers the hard-hitting, pulse-pounding sonic experience you crave from a film like this. Ambient details are near-constant and immensely satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. The height channels typically take on a substantial amount of information while working in tandem with the other channels, which adds a dynamic sense of space to the mix. The low end is engaged in an impactful way that will have your room rumbling. The momentous score from Lorne Balfe engulfs the room in a way that elevates the narrative.
Dialogue is presented clearly without ever being overshadowed by any of the competing sonic elements. The momentous effects, gunfire, and explosions provide an immersive soundscape that pierces throughout all the speakers. Sounds are rendered with pinpoint directionality from the mounting kinetic action scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue. Paramount has not skimped when it comes to the audio for this marquee title. This disc provides a plethora of optional subtitles.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director Christopher McQuarrie and editor Eddie Hamilton provide an informative commentary track in which they guide you through the film discussing the motivations behind each scene, the challenges during production, how moments evolved, the impressive nature of the performances, the ambitious stunts, and more.
- Isolated Score Track: An option to watch the film with only the score from composer Lorne Balfe audible.
- Abu Dhabi: A four-minute look at the filming of the exotic desert airport sequence.
- Rome: A four-minute piece that explores the intricacy of filming the thrilling car chase sequence in Italy.
- Venice: A four-minute featurette that shows off the training and preparation that went into filming in Venice.
- Freefall: A nine-minute exploration of one of the most ambitious stunts the franchise has ever attempted and the years of preparation it took to execute it.
- Speed Flying: A four-minute look at the preparation that went into executing all of the flying stunts in the film.
- Train: A nearly six-minute look at the climactic train sequence that serves as an explosive ending for this entry.
Final Thoughts
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part 1 cannot quite match the peak of the franchise, but even a middling entry in this franchise is better than 90% of modern blockbuster filmmaking. This is due in large part to the unwavering dedication of Tom Cruise, who puts forth a fearless performance with each project that pushes the boundaries of modern filmmaking. Unfortunately, this entry does not have a script that completely supports its excellence in the crafts. The threat of artificial intelligence simply does not hold the same weight as the story wants it to have, and the female characters lack the depth that the excellent performances deserve. Paramount Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a grand A/V presentation and a decent array of supplemental features. If you love the franchise, this is an easy recommendation. Recommended
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part 1 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: Paramount 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.