NO TIME TO DIE returns Daniel Craig as Ian Fleming’s James Bond alongside OSCAR® winner Rami Malek. Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
For in-depth thoughts on No Time To Die, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of No Time To Die 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 various environments 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 Universal has delivered another demo-worthy transfer on this latest 4K release.
Audio Quality
This disc comes equipped with a wonderful Dolby Atmos presentation that packs one heck of punch from beginning to end. From the opening, the soundscape is set to deliver an expansive experience with gunfire and engines roaring from every direction. 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 knockout 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
- Anatomy Of A Scene – Matera: A nearly 12-minute featurette which dissects the pre-title action sequence including the shooting location, the distinct vehicles, the expertly staged stunts, the larger emotional depth and more. This is a good breakdown of events that fans should appreciate.
- Keeping It Real – The Action Of No Time To Die: A six-minute look at how director Cary Joji Fukunaga and the crew pull off the practical sequences in the film that are so visceral.
- A Global Journey: An eight-minute look at the numerous locations we get to visit throughout the film and what each place means for the larger story. There are some decent interviews with the cast and crew here.
- Designing Bond: An 11-minute featurette which explores the sets and stylish costumes featured in the film. It would not be a Bond film if you were not at least a little dazzled by the visual style.
- Being James Bond: An excellent 47-minute documentary that takes a look at the Daniel Craig era of bond and everything that entails. As one of the best Bonds we have ever seen on screen, there are a lot of interviews and insights provided that fans will really appreciate.
Final Thoughts
No Time To Die is an excellent sendoff for one of the best James Bonds we have ever had the pleasure of watching on screen. While not quite the apex of his era, this conclusion offers some awe-inspiring stunts and some really effective character moments. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga handles this franchise with care and provides a fresh voice that is welcome. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray which features a demo-worthy A/V presentation and a nice assortment of special features. Bond fans will cherish this release. Highly Recommended
No Time To Die will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray and DVD on December 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.
