Writer-director James Cameron creates an exhilarating mix of non-stop action-adventure and romantic comedy. Secret agent Harry Tasker is a top spy in the ultra-secret Omega Sector — although to his wife Helen, he’s just a dull computer salesman. But while Harry’s been busy saving the world, Helen’s been gathering secrets of her own. When their two lives unexpectedly collide, Harry and Helen find themselves in the clutches of international terrorists, fighting to save not only their marriage, but also the world. True Lies stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold and Bill Paxton.

For thoughts on True Lies, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

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Video Quality

True Lies makes its long-awaited 4K UHD Blu-Ray debut with an underwhelming 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer that is sure to divide very impassioned fans. The big sticking point of this particular release is that, like The Abyss, this film never even received a proper Blu-Ray release, so this is the first opportunity for fans to upgrade from their ancient DVD release. Unfortunately, director James Cameron has succumbed to the allure of technology (oh, the irony from the man who made inarguably the best Terminator films) and has used AI technology to enhance the film to look closer to his original vision free of natural film grain. While we respect creative intent, the technology was not available in the ‘90s and now is not the time to rewrite history without at least providing an option to watch an unprocessed version, as well. Of the three Cameron releases dropping on the same day, True Lies is sadly the one that fares the worst overall. That being said, without a previous HD release, we cannot say you still shouldn’t upgrade.

To start with the positives, the UHD disc contains very deep, rich colors throughout which captures more of the natural splendor of the visual palette. The Dolby Vision makes a statement when it comes to the complexity of the black levels that allow for notable depth and control. From the beginning nighttime infiltration of the compound, the picture maintains a sizable amount of detail in darker, shadowy environments. The release is nearly completely free of black crush with elements resolving well. Highlights are much more brilliant and stable without veering into blooming. Skin tones are somewhat more problematic with a slightly sickly look to them, but this could be an issue with the digital enhancements. Other vibrant colors within the costumes, production design, and even explosions stand out in a way that really works wonders. For a studio that only uses Dolby Vision when it is forced upon them by someone like Cameron, we are grateful to have at least this positive as it pertains to his artistic vision.

There has been quite a bit of heated discourse ever since Cameron debuted his new vision for his movies on digital platforms back in December. As someone who was waiting on the discs to experience the remasters for the first time, it is impossible to say how the digital experience compares to the disc, but all indications seem to be that the difference is not night and day. Of course, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray has 100GB of space to play with on top of Disney’s already efficient encoding that consistently beats streaming, but those wanting something free of processing are in for disappointment. The release has been almost completely scrubbed free of the natural film grain for a flat, textureless appearance. The worst shots are typically medium or wide shots, as close-ups can more convincingly give the appearance of detail, even if you can still tell things look off from how they should in an ideal world.

For such an epic adventure, it is deflating to have the picture lack the depth it should have to make the space feel more three-dimensional. The picture is impeccably clear to be sure with absolutely nothing in the way of print damage, softness, or even compression artifacts. It just all feels lessened by the rather waxy facial features that are distracting to anyone who knows how humans should look. This seems especially exacerbated on this title in particular due to the prevalence of bright, sunny shots that give no room to hide the manipulation. The practical effects fare much better, along with some of the non-human elements such as helicopters and automobiles. For all that is misguided with this release, it is understandable that most will want to own this in HD in some form – this is still easily earning a spot in our collection even if it was not being reviewed. Yet, we will also pour one out for what could have been one of the releases of the year under different circumstances. This transfer expectedly bests the old DVD release, and that will be enough for most.

Audio Quality

The audio presentation fares better than the video side of the equation as the 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with an upgrade to Dolby Atmos along with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio stereo track. We are unsure if the stereo track is the original mix or a simple fold-down meant to accommodate those with soundbars. The Atmos track honors the intention of the original soundscape while fleshing out the action-packed adventure in welcome ways. From the opening moments of the Brad Fiedel score, you are planted in this world with every note permeating the room with peerless fidelity. Even if the additional channel allotment only expanded this element of the film, it would be a welcome upgrade. Don’t fret, as the addition of height channels brings magnificent life to various action set pieces and environmental elements such as the various helicopters and planes. These channels complement the main load carried by the core channels, and the results are great.

Dialogue flows through crisp and clear without sound effects or the score overwhelming important information. Even the handful of calm moments such as interactions in the van utilize distinct sounds that creep through the surrounds to provide some important ambient texture. All of the sounds in the mix seem precisely placed so that nothing ever feels unnatural. The subwoofer is in good shape from beginning to end with the plethora of explosions at hand. The destructive moments, screams, and other sounds are given substantial weight within the mix. The soundtrack always exhibits power while never sacrificing nuance. The film has been treated with respect from an audio standpoint. There are optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles provided.

Special Features

Fear Is Not An Option – A Look Back At True Lies: A nearly 44-minute retrospective piece in which the cast and creative team reflect on the development and production of the film, the casting of each of the characters, nailing the tonal balance, the construction of the momentous action sequences, and much more.

Archives – Script, Artwork, Marketing

- Theatrical Trailer (2:22)

- Original Script

- Storyboards

- Blueprints

- Unit Photography

- Location Photography

- Poster Gallery

Final Thoughts

True Lies is the type of action epic that many may try to replicate, but few will succeed in executing as effectively. James Cameron is a man of spectacle, and he brings his genius for large-scale entertainment to the spy genre with tons of impressive set pieces and destruction for days. Where he is not quite as effective is in his script, which is littered with dated lines and ideas more in line with a teenage fantasy – even if some lines are rightfully iconic. The film at least has a firm foundation with the relationship between Harry and Helen, which allows you to forgive some of the more juvenile elements. The performances from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis are perfect for their roles, and they give the movie the special quality it needs to have endured this long. 20th Century Studios has released a long-awaited 4K UHD Blu-Ray that offers up a mixed bag of an A/V presentation and a couple of cool new supplemental features. If you have been wanting to own this in a quality greater than DVD, here is your chance. Recommended

True Lies is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: 20th Century 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.