P/Q: The movie arrives on Ultra HD with a stunningly gorgeous, demo-worthy HEVC H.265 encode in Dolby Vision, which defaults to HDR10 for those not yet equipped for the newer format. The freshly-minted transfer is definitely more detailed than the Blu-ray, showing razor-sharp lines in the various cars, the buildings of several locales and the inside of Cipher's plane. The lettering in signs, windows and cars are also a bit more legible and clear, even as the camera zooms by, and the smallest object in the distance is plainly visible at all times. More astute viewers can even make out the most negligible imperfection in the vehicles, and fragments from collisions and rowdy wreckage remain extraordinarily detailed during the most vulgar of action sequences. The faces of the cast are also more revealing, exposing the tiniest pores, blemishes and individual beads of sweat while maintaining healthy, lifelike complexions for the most part.
In my opinion compared to its SDR BD counterpart, the Ultra HD version, once again, wins the race. The overall palette comes with a bit more of pop and intensity, especially the reds and blues of the various vehicles throughout. The scenes in Havana and New York are fantastic examples for showing the differences between the two formats. The screen just lights up with a kaleidoscope of colors that energise the action and animates the ridiculousness of the stunts to another level of absurdity and excitement. Secondary hues also receive a noticeable boost, making those scenes in Havana a tad more colorful and flamboyant due to the wide array of pastels in the clothing and some of the buildings. Presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the 4K presentation also rides with pitch-perfect contrast, providing the overall picture with a vivid, almost looking-through-a-window punch. From the clothing and computer monitors to the cars and buildings, the whole screen screams with a brilliantly crisp, crunchy displays of whites everywhere.
In HDR, spectacular highlights come with just a bit more pop, giving the metal and chrome edges of cars a realistic sparkle when driving through the streets of a sunny New York City. The ice crystals in the snow of the Russian Arctic are a tad punchier, and the fluffy clouds in the sky are a hair puffier with a bit more detailing and realism. Blacks are also slightly richer and velvety in HDR making brightness levels are absolutely exceptional — a massive jump compared to the SDR Blu-ray. The finer details within the darkest shadows remain plainly visible at all times, providing the image with an appreciable three-dimensional quality and a beautiful cinematic appeal. ***Note I don't have a Dolby Vision display so I can't comment on how it compares to HDR10.
A/Q The sound comes roaring to life thanks to a highly-satisfying DTS:X soundtrack(Also on the regular BD). From the opening drag race sequence, listeners are welcomed to this world of muscle cars, double-crosses and espionage outlaws as Dom races through the streets of Havana in a fiery blaze. With superb balance and separation, vehicles fluidly speed between all three front channels, noises convincingly move in the background and engines echo across the entire screen. Much of that activity also spreads into the front heights, generating an awesomely engaging half-dome wall of sound. The surrounds and back speakers are also often employed, expanding the over-the-top insanity into the entire room and plunging the viewers right smack in the middle of the action. Sometimes, cars fly through the air and a helicopter towards the end circles a trapped Dom, utilizing the overheads with excellent effectiveness.
Through all the vehicular carnage and destructive mayhem, the mid-range remains crystal clear with superb distinction and clarity between the various noises, providing the crunch and grind of metal against metal with astounding precision. Every conversation and interaction is discreet and unmistakable, never overwhelmed by the ear-piercing loudness of the rest of the action. The low-end also packs a terrific wallop in every crash and explosion while also providing a weighty rumbling boom to the rev of engines, giving each of them a cool realistic feel. Best of all, for those with the subwoofers that can handle it. This is my first DTS-X title and it was great.
