In The Beekeeper, one man’s brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as “Beekeepers.”
For in-depth thoughts on The Beekeeper, please see my colleague M.N. Miller’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of The Beekeeper offers up visual perfection in its 2160p HDR10 debut. Considering that very few MGM films get a 4K UHD disc, you can count us especially grateful that this one made the cut. As has been the case for Warner Bros. distributed titles the past year or so, there is not an accompanying Blu-Ray to judge the level of upgrade this offers in comparison. The HDR enriches the natural colors of the environments and within the clothing and production design to incredible heights. The thoughtful application of HDR makes the film radiate off the screen. The distinct landscapes presented here never lack wonderful detail. Every setting is handled with impeccable precision which you expect from a modern disc.
The increased range of the color spectrum is such a benefit to this film. You cannot help but be impressed by the contrast, which shows off in the use of shadow and stylized lighting. These elements are vivid and precisely delineated. Black levels contain a world of depth, staying deep and inky with great detail. The highlights are controlled with whites pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Any instances of compression artifacts or banding you might see on the Blu-Ray are nonexistent with this 4K UHD Blu-ray. Warner Bros. has ensured this presentation does everything right.
Audio Quality
This 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with a stellar Dolby Atmos audio mix that is immersive and brings this world to life tremendously. There is a cavalcade of activity in the low end, especially when the hits are landing with such force. Dialogue emanates clearly and is never drowned out by any competing sounds. The height channels are used effectively as you get a more three-dimensional soundscape without ever sounding manufactured. The film deploys all manner of sound effects that go along with a score that settles you into the narrative. All of the sounds emerge from the intended directions, and there are absolutely no technical issues with the track. Warner Bros. has not skimped when it comes to the audio track. There are optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles provided.
Special Features
There are no special features provided on this disc.
Final Thoughts
The Beekeeper delivers pretty much everything you want from a violent revenge thriller with a somewhat silly title. While many may feel the film takes itself too seriously, there is some decent deadpan humor to go along with the bone-crunching violence. David Ayer is a very inconsistent filmmaker, but he sticks to what he does best here as an artist when it comes to visual brutality. The film keeps things streamlined and never leaves the audience waiting impatiently for the next thrill. Jason Statham does not stretch himself in the slightest, but this feels in the realm of his days in The Transporter when he first impressed us as an action star. This is great popcorn fare. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a terrific A/V presentation but no special features. Recommended
The Beekeeper 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: Warner Bros. 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.