Fast & Furious 6 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		2.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Fast & Furious 6 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 29, 2017

Universal has released 'Fast & Furious 6' to UHD Blu-ray in anticipation the new film's pending theatrical debut. The home presentation has been supercharged with a new DTS:X soundtrack and a video transfer that boasts both 2160p resolution and HDR-enhanced colors. No new supplements are added.

The original Blu-ray.com review can be found here.

Note that the UHD disc contains two cuts of the film: the Theatrical Version (2:10:06) and the Extended Version (2:11:02). Some technical discrepancies exist between the cuts; see the Audio section of the review for more information.

Fast & Furious 6 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.

Fast & Furious 6 was reportedly shot on film but finished at 2K, making this 2160p/HDR-enhanced release, presumably, an upscale from that 2K source. The image isn't particularly striking at any juncture, watching prior to an A-B comparison with the previously released Blu-ray. Detailing is certainly pleasing, with skin textures leading the charge. Freshly shaved stubble atop Vin Diesel's head and Dwayne Johnson's goatee and veiny, bulging biceps and the tattoos around them are textural playgrounds with practically tactile levels of definition. Environments are commendably sharp and detailed and clothing fabrics -- whether heavy-knit sweaters or very fine Under Armor shirts -- never miss a beat. The UHD does exhibit disappointing black levels, appearing glossy, lightly washed out, unable to hold true black at any point, even at night, not just in lower-light and shadowy areas. Flesh tones push slightly warm throughout, as does the entire palette, for that matter. There are also instances when the image looks incredibly artificial. The 41-minute mark is a good example; characters look like they're made out of plastic and seem to stand rather harshly and unnaturally against their backdrop.

Upon direct comparison with the 1080p Blu-ray (original review here), the UHD does demonstrate some improvements, never a substantial leap above an already great Blu-ray but enough that the added sharpness, raw textural resolution, and color depth are obvious. Facial definition sees an honest step forward in terms of clarity and intimate depth. The image is sharper overall and grain a bit more refined. Color saturation is firmer, with greater natural depth to a myriad of shades, including Jordana Brewster's pink sweater seen in an early film scene. Furious 6 stands as fairly typical of what the UHD format has delivered thus far, about a year into its lifespan. It's an improvement and a refinement, certainly the better overall image in terms of clarity and color, but black levels are flat-to-dull and the overall improvement over 1080p isn't significant.

Fast & Furious 6 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There appears to be a problem with this release's soundtrack. This space will be updated as more information becomes available. Please see the official forum thread here for the latest.

Note: The theatrical cut does not include a "DTS:X Master Audio" soundtrack; it is in "DTS:X" configuration only. Below is a review of that track. Also note that Universal has not changed the audio for the release that is found in the franchise 4K box set. Also, the extended cut still features a DTS 5.1 track only.

Fast & Furious 6 contains two cuts of the film, but only the Theatrical Edition features a DTS:X soundtrack. The presentation is expectedly exhilarating, even in this configuration. Overhead engagement comes regularly, not so much distinctly but in obvious support of the film's chaotic sound elements, including music and action. Outside of dialogue scenes, there aren't many times when it doesn't feel like the top end is engaged in some way, even if it's in rather small atmospheric support. It certainly carries a good bit of information when it comes to music and muscle. The former is prodigious, very aggressive and spilling from every speaker in the setup. It stretches the stage on both planes and the added top-end component makes for a terrific full-on assault. Bass is prominent in support, thunderous as necessary and every instrumental note and lyric alike are polished to a new car shine. Action is equally impressive. Car engines are throaty and very deep, engaging the low end regularly and muscularly. Vehicles further zip and zoom about the stage with distinction. Gunfire pops with impressive authority and presence around the stage. The deepest action elements and the most intensive explosions of bass are no challenge for this track. Supported by well prioritized, positioned, and clear dialogue, there's no stopping this bad boy, except for the end of the movie.

The extended cut's 5.1 track is no slouch either. While it lacks the dynamics and detail and super-wide and totally immersive presence the X track features, it's nevertheless a powerful, potent experience. But there's no excuse for Universal shortchanging listeners on these tracks. It's doubly shameful that the disc was not updated for the boxed set release. In a vacuum the audio tracks score about 4.0-4.5 (5.1 and X, respectively). The score above also factors in Universal's disappointing specs.

Fast & Furious 6 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Fast & Furious 6's UHD disc contains the Justin Lin commentary track, but all additional supplements (and the commentary) may be found on the included 1080p Blu-ray disc. For a full review, please click here. A UV/iTunes digital copy code is included with purchase.

Fast & Furious 6 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Unfortunately for the 4K boxed set, Universal has not upgraded the soundtrack. Shame, because the movie is an audio powerhouse and the UHD video presentation looks great. It's still a rocking track, particularly on the theatrical side, but fans will have to weight the plusses and minuses here for themselves.