4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Review: FAST X

Home » 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Review: FAST X

Aug 06, 2023 Posted by Kyle Nolan in DVD/Blu-ray, Reviews | Comments

Dom and his family are back for another wild and crazy adventure as the massively popular Fast & Furious franchise heads down the home stretch after over two decades as it approaches its conclusion. This latest instalment is another over-the-top, action-packed adventure for Dom and his crew. Similar to previous installments, there’s some convenient retconning to introduce “new” characters from Dom’s past. This starts right from the start as we get a 10-year flashback to the events of Fast Five, as Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew execute the well-planned heist of a vault belonging to drug kingpin Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), who was killed shortly afterwards. Unbeknownst to Dom, Reyes had a son, Dante (Jason Momoa), who was nearly killed during their stunt of dragging the vault down the highway. The accident left Dante a changed and slightly insane man. For the past decade, he has been watching Dom and plotting his revenge. Simply killing Dom would be too merciful—he wants him to suffer, and so Dante sets out to destroy Dom, by taking away his reputation, his money, and most importantly… his family!

Fast X takes viewers on a wild ride, from one major action set piece to the next, constantly putting these characters in danger, and having them defy the laws of physics and gravity as they attempt to get out of it. Over the years, these Fast & Furious movies have gotten more and more ridiculous and insane, and Fast X is no different. Don’t expect things to make sense—just enjoy it for the fun popcorn movie it is! When I first saw this film in the theater, I found Jason Momoa’s campy and flamboyant performance as Dante a bit too over-the-top. However, upon my re-watch, I can now see why some people really fell in love with this performance and this character. Momoa just chews up the scenery, adding so much humor to this psychopath bent on revenge. Early on, Dom knows that he’s up against a formidable new threat when even his mortal enemy Cipher (Charlize Theron) shows up at his door, wounded and looking for help after her encounter with Dante.

This tenth installment of the franchise brings back Dom’s sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), brother Joakob (John Cena), and the main crew—Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Han (Sung Kang), who quickly find themselves on the run after becoming targets of Dante’s vengeance. The filmmakers have done a nice job of giving each of these characters a change to shine, grow and show off their unique personalities and action skills. It very much feels like an ensemble film.

There are also several other fun cameos from other familiar characters that pop up throughout. This is like the Infinity War of the Fast & Furious franchise, bringing together all of these great characters as they head into their own Endgame. There are also some other amazing actors joining the cast, including Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) as Mr. Nobody’s daughter Tess, who’s trying to help clear Dom and his crew; Alan Ritchson (Reacher) as Aimes, Mr. Nobody’s replacement at the Agency, who isn’t very sympathetic to Dom; Daniela Melchior (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) as street racer Isabel; and the legendary Rita Moreno as Dom’s Abuelita.

Fast X takes viewers all over the globe, from Rome to Rio to the Arctic and more, with some over-the-top action sequences, excellent fight scenes, and lots of fast cars. You can tell that director Louis Leterrier (The Transporter) is a super fan of the franchise, adding in lots of callbacks to the previous films, and even bringing back the quarter mile street race from the earlier films.

Unlike previous installments, Fast X ends on a cliffhanger, only giving the first half of this final chapter. While it was announced a while back that this would be the case, it would have been nice if it had been labeled as such in the title, like what Paramount did with the most recent Mission: Impossible film, in order to give viewers a heads-up. There’s rumors that this may even extend into a Part 3, so it may be a while before Dom’s battle to clear his name, save his family, and take down Dante are resolved. However, if the remaining installments are as fun and action-packed as this one, I can’t wait!

Universal’s 4K release looks and sounds amazing. The video is pristine, with a clean and clear picture that provides an excellent level of detail in textures and faces. The recreations of the Fast Five scenes at the opening of the movie were actually shot on film, using the same lenses as the original movie, while the rest of the film was shot digitally. The old and new Fast Five footage blend together seamlessly. The Dolby Atmos audio track provides clear dialogue throughout, plus a powerful, fully-immersive experience that puts the viewer right in the middle of the explosive non-stop action.

The 4K and Blu-ray discs come packed on either side of a standard 4K keepcase, along with an embossed carboard slipcover, and an insert containing both a code to redeem for a 4K MA digital copy of the film, as well as a code to redeem for Universal Rewards points towards a free digital movie. The discs also contain an interesting and informative director commentary, and over 60 minutes of bonus material, including a gag reel, music videos, and lots of behind-the-scenes featurettes with the cast and crew.

What’s Included:

Film: (2:20:50)

2160p / Widescreen 2.39:1
Dolby Vision / HDR10
Audio: English Dolby Atmos, French Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Blu-ray:

1080p / Widescreen 2.39:1
Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English DVS (Descriptive Video Service), French Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Digital (code may not be valid after 9/30/2024):

4K Digital Copy (Movies Anywhere compatible)
Universal All-Access Rewards Code (Offer may not be valid after 9/30/2024)
Code can be redeemed for points towards a free digital movie via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. The selection of a dozen free digital titles usually changes around the first of the month.

Extras:
Play All, or select from:

Gag Reel (4:56)
Laugh along with the cast as they deal with misbehaving props, flub and forget their lines, make each other crack up, and have fun on set.
This Is Family (5:13)
A look behind-the-scenes at the making of this latest installment of the franchise, which is the beginning of the end. The cast and crew discuss tying the story back to and recreating the events of Fast Five to generate a new villain, the new characters, and working with new cast members Jason Momoa, Rita Moreno, Brie Larson, Alan Ritchson & Daniela Melchior. They also talk about working with the director and his contributions to the film as a fan, filming/doing stunts in Rome & Portugal, the fight scenes, the vehicles, ending on a cliff-hanger, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Louis Leterrier, producers Jeffrey Kirschenbaum, Neal H. Moritz & Samantha Vincent, 2nd unit director/stunt coordinator Spiro Razatos, 2nd unit stunt coordinators Andy Gill & Jack Gill, stunt player Jeff Groff, 2nd unit director/supervising stunt coordinator Oliver Schneider, picture vehicles coordinator (U.S.) Dennis McCarthy, picture vehicles supervisor Alex King, and stars Vin Diesel (“Dom”/producer), Chris “Ludacris” Bridges (“Tej”), Michelle Rodriguez (“Letty”), John Cena (“Jakob”), Jason Momoa (“Dante”), Jordana Brewster (“Mia”), Joaquim de Almeida (“Hernan Reyes”), Charlize Theron (“Cipher”), Alan Ritchson (“Aimes”), Sung Kang (“Han”), Nathalie Emmanuel (“Ramsey”), Rita Moreno (“Abuelita”), Tyrese Gibson (“Roman”), Brie Larson (“Tess”) & Daniela Melchior (“Isabel”).
Fast Breaks: Scene Breakdowns With Louis Leterrier (7:46)
Director Louis Leterrier breaks down some of the film’s biggest action set pieces, including rolling a bomb down the Spanish Steps, through streets of Rome, and into the Tiber River causing a massive shockwave, and the street race/bomb explosion in Rio. Includes behind-the-scenes and planning footage.
Xtreme Rides of Fast X (12:54)
The cast and crew discuss the various vehicles in the film, some of the modifications that were done, and how they are like additional characters. Some of the vehicles include various versions of the Charger, Roman’s gold Lamborghini, Han’s GTV, Dante’s Harley, Jakob’s Mustang, the cannon El Camino, Dante’s Ford Fairway, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Louis Leterrier, picture vehicles coordinator (U.S.) Dennis McCarthy, producer picture vehicles supervisor Alex King, and stars Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Jason Momoa & John Cena.
Belles of the Brawl (7:14)
A look at planning and filming some of the actresses’ big action sequences, including Cipher taking on her 12 guards, Mia fighting off the agency home invasion, Tess’ bar brawl, and the big lab fight between Cipher and Letty. Includes behind-the-scenes, rehearsal, and pre-visualization footage, and interviews with director Louis Leterrier, fight coordinator Patrick Vo, 2nd unit director/supervising stunt coordinator Oliver Schneider, and stars Vin Diesel, Charlize Theron, Jordana Brewster, John Cena, Brie Larson & Michelle Rodriguez.
Tuned Into Rio (5:06)
The cast and crew talk about heading back to Rio de Janeiro for a bigger version of the classic quarter mile street race, and the party there on and off screen. Includes behind-the-scenes and interviews with director Louis Leterrier, picture vehicles coordinator (U.S.) Dennis McCarthy, 2nd unit stunt coordinator Jack Gill, picture vehicles supervisor Alex King, and stars Vin Diesel, Luis Da Silva Jr (“Diogo”), Daniela Melchior & Jason Momoa.
Jason Momoa: Conquering Rome (3:02)
Star Jason Momoa discusses finding his character, filming in Rome, and doing his own stunts on the motorcycle. Other cast and crew members talk about what it was like working with the actor. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Louis Leterrier, 2nd unit director/stunt coordinator Spiro Razatos, and stars Vin Diesel & Michelle Rodriguez.
Little B Takes the Wheel (3:05)
A look at the youngest member of the Toretto family, Little B, and his role in the family. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Louis Leterrier, and stars Vin Diesel, Leo Abelo Perry (“Little Brian”), Rita Moreno & John Cena.
A Friend in the End (1:29)
The cast and crew talk abut the franchise’s often surprising end-credit tags, and the big reveal/return in the one for this film. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Louis Leterrier, and stars Vin Diesel & Dwayne Johnson (“Hobbs”).
Music Videos (6:28)
Play All, or select from:
- “Toretto” by J Balvin (3:26)
  J Balvin performs “Toretto” while driving around the colorful cars on a shipping dock, and meets up with Dom.
- “Angel Pt. 1” by Kodak Black & NLE Choppa (Featuring Jimin of BTS, JVKE & Muni Long) (3:05)
  Clips of the musicians performing are interspersed with clips from the film.
Feature Commentary With Director Louis Leterrier (2:20:50)
Director Louis Leterrier provides an interesting and informative commentary, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about the production, discussing some of the changes that were made to the story and film, the stunts and action sequences, and more. You can tell that he is really a fan of this franchise, and knows its ins and outs very well.

Final Thoughts:

My Rating

Film:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Highly Recommended

Fast X is another great popcorn film that brings back everyone’s favorite family for non-stop, over-the-top action as they face their most formidable enemy yet. Yes the film takes a few liberties while retconning, but this is nothing new for the franchise, and helps to keep the films connected and fresh after 22 years. My only negative is that they should have put a “Part 1” in the title in order to warn fans that this latest installment is going to end on a cliffhanger. Universal’s 4K release looks and sounds excellent, and includes a solid selection of bonus material. This is a must own for any fan of the franchise, and highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun action movie.