7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A pilot lands work for the CIA and as a drug runner in the deep south during the 1980s.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright (VII), Jesse Plemons, Caleb Landry JonesBiography | 100% |
Thriller | 27% |
Crime | 5% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS:X
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS Headphone:X
Spanish: DTS 5.1
French (Canada): DTS 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Director Doug Liman's (The Bourne Identity) American Made is "based on" the story of Barry Seal, a man whose career as a TWA pilot took an interesting turn -- and dozens more -- after taking on a job flying reconnaissance for the CIA. The film, by all accounts -- Liman's included -- plays fast and loose with Seal's story. It's more "inspired by" than anything else. The core center of the film may ring more or less true, but careful window dressing and amplified drama are added in abundance throughout. The result is a film that may not be a straight retelling of an interesting story from the Reagan era but certainly a fun, efficient, crafty, and catchy movie that satisfies the itch for a zipping, zagging, high energy character and period film.
The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.
American Made's 2160p/HDR-enhanced presentation is sourced from an upscaled-from-2K digital
intermediate, but even so the
image soars above its Blu-ray counterpart, which is largely fine but unable to
handle the movie's
structural needs with the same precision afforded by the added muscle herein. The UHD brings a much more stable image,
where definition and detail
come enhanced a good deal over the Blu-ray. Facial textures are much more firm and overall image clarity enjoys a boost,
finding greater definition
from everything from Louisiana bayous to Central American jungles. Colors are boosted a great deal, on the verge of catching
fire with a few of the
most intensive reds and oranges, but the increased density and depth, added punch, and more robust saturation compliment
the movie very well.
Black levels please and flesh tones are fine within any given scene's lighting parameters. Fans will find this a much improved
watch over the 1080p
companion release.
American Made's DTS:X soundtrack is made to dazzle. It's an incredible listen, offering plenty of overhead engagement and wonderfully defined sound elements. Music delivers exceptional clarity, width and depth, and even through the track's additional hard-hitting pieces with which it must compete, it never gets lost or, on the flip side, overwhelms. The track is filled with bountiful sound effects, often of the big, booming variety. Planes power overhead with tremendous weight and zip; listeners will literally feel them powering above the listening area, traversing from one side to the next. Rumbles and rattles are so clearly defined, complex, and precise that the listening area is often transformed into a plane interior. Gunfire hits hard with sharp, authoritative claps, ripping through a plane 11 minutes in during which it almost feels like the shots are actually coming from down below and shredding everything from the theater floor and above. At every opportunity the track doesn't shy away exploding with incredible depth and full-on stage penetration. Ambient effects are likewise totally immersive, whether Central American jungle atmospherics or city din. Dialogue is, of course, clear, smartly positioned, and perfectly prioritized, even through the most intensive sonic chaos. This is a reference track from beginning to end and will likely remain as one of the top handful for years to come.
American Made contains a few featurettes and several deleted scenes on the bundled Blu-ray; the no extras are
included on the UHD disc. A
digital copy cod is included with purchase.
American Made is a fun movie that walks that fine line between taking itself seriously and bordering on total frivolity. It's a film based on a true story but that unapologetically takes plenty of liberties with its story. Its goal isn't to document; its goal is to recreate and entertain its audiences, and both Liman and Cruise have crafted it into one of the year's more entertaining escapes. Universal's UHD delivers solid video, exceptional DTS:X audio, and a decent little smattering of extra goodies. Highly recommended.
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Seal Team 6: The Raid on Osama Bin Laden / Code Name: Geronimo - The Hunt for Osama Bin Laden / Codename: Geronimo - The Hunt for Osama Bin Laden
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