Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Speed 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

UHD Isn't Everything (Yeah, Right).

Disney has released the superb 1994 Jan De Bont Action film 'Speed' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/HDR video. The disc includes the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack found on the 2008 Blu-ray. A smattering of extras that were not included on that 2008 disc are included here.

Speed 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from the included 1080p Blu-ray disc which features new video rather than a recycling of the old Fox disc.

Speed's 4K UHD presentation offers a good fundamental upgrade over the existing Blu-ray which is now over 13 years old. The 2160p/HDR specification brings the movie to the screen in full command of its visual wares, boasting an impressively filmic veneer by way of a pleasantly natural and consistent grain structure that's tighter and more finessed than that found on the old 1080p release. The result is a picture that is fresh and clean, straight out of theaters, essentially, looking not a day older than its debut in 1994. Textural output is exemplary in support. Close-ups yield superb facial definition while, as applicable, views of Howard Payne's burned and mangled hand show all of the gory prosthetic details for all they're worth. Inside the bus (and along its exterior, for that matter), viewers will note all of the little examples of wear and tear on the floor or the seats and the larger structure as well as the various clothes the passengers wear on the ride. It's all significantly sharper, more clear, more tightly defined, and more naturally occurring over the Blu-ray. The image's superiority is in evidence simply by watching and delighting in the resolution gains but on closer A-B comparison the differences are even more obvious and approach drastic in many instances.

Color output is equally improved in every scene. The HDR spectrum is expressive even as the film begins in the lower light elevator shaft interiors and as some of the action shifts to the warmer and richer building interior areas. But the palette does its best work outside, in the daylight, or inside the bus which is itself flooded with natural light. It is here where much of the movie takes place and there are ample opportunities for the image to shine, albeit even as it's often confined to a single location. The sequence that begins around the 27-minute mark where a bus explodes and the game between Jack and Howard begins anew is a fine example of the HDR's impressive color punch. The fiery explosion that envelops the bus is gloriously rendered on the UHD, offering a full spectrum of deep, vivid colors that the Blu-ray cannot touch. But just the finer command of color depth, accuracy, and vividness are enough in a general sense to delight. While the color timing doesn't yield truly dizzying color expressiveness -- contrast is a bit warm overall -- there's no mistaking that Speed's color output has never been so accurate and finessed as it is here. Add in firmer, brighter, crisper whites (such as Jack's t-shirt); superior black level depth (shadowy backgrounds inside the elevator shaft as the film begins); and freedom from any blatantly obvious print flaws or encode flubs and this is Speed as audiences have never seen it before at home.

Speed 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For this UHD release of Speed, it appears that Disney has simply repurposed the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. For a full review, please click here.

Speed 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Speed includes a slate of "new" extras, at least new to Blu-ray. They are all included on the 1080p Blu-ray disc. The UHD only offers the legacy commentary tracks. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with a slipcover.

UHD:

• Audio Commentary: Jan De Bont.
• Audio Commentary: Graham Yost and Mark Gordon.

• Audio Commentary: Jan De Bont.
• Audio Commentary: Graham Yost and Mark Gordon.
• NEW! Action Sequences: Bus Jump (480i, 9:38): An in-depth look at making one of the film's most memorable action shots.
• NEW! Action Sequences: Metrorail Crash (480i, 6:18): As with the above supplement, this piece explores the intricate and delicate processes involved in making the film's climactic action shot.
• NEW! Inside Speed: On Location (480i, 7:21): Looking at the functions of many of the dozen buses used to make the film.
• NEW! Inside Speed: Stunts (480i, 12:09): Building some of the most intense scenes that usually blend together human and automotive elements.
• NEW! Inside Speed: Visual Effects (480i, 9:14): Making key effects shots ranging from the opening title shots to the climactic finale.
• NEW! Inside Speed: HBO First Look: The Making of Speed (480i, 24:13): An all-encompassing feature that explores story, characters, action, technical details behind the shoot, and more.
• NEW! Extended Scenes (480i, 12:07 total runtime): Included are Jack Shoots Payne in the Neck, Payne Lives/Cops Party, Annie's Job, After Helen's Death, Ray's Crime, and Cargo Jet Explosion: The Airline Version.
• NEW! Trailers and TV Spots (1080p/480i, various runtimes): Included are Theatrical Trailer, Pop Quiz, Game, Get Ready, Go Faster, This Weekend, Ultimate Rush, Review, Movie of the Year, Critics, and Rescue Me Review Alt.
• Speed Music Video by Billy Idol (480i, 4:35).

Speed 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Speed's UHD presentation is excellent. The 2160p/HDR video presentation couldn't be much better. The resolution boost yields a sublime filmic feel and the HDR colors are bold and deep without altering essential tonal integrity. It's good stuff. There's no new audio, which may disappoint some, but the existing lossless 5.1 track is superb. Disney has included a few extras that were not on the original Fox release. Highly recommended, and be sure to check out the companion release SteelBook packaging variant.