TL;DR
Curious about Tony Scott's *Days of Thunder*? This review dives into its Ultra HD release, revealing a film born from *Top Gun* ambition but plagued by production chaos, resulting in a disjointed narrative despite strong performances. While the movie itself is a mixed bag, the 4K transfer is a stunner, boasting incredible picture quality with deep blacks and vibrant colors thanks to Dolby Vision HDR. The audio also delivers an immersive experience. However, bonus features are sparse. Is this UHD release worth it for a flawed but visually impressive film? Read the full review to find out!
Director Tony Scott (1944-2012) has an impressive filmography that includes classics such as Top Gun, True Romance, The Last Boyscout and Deja Vù. However, his filmography also contains some less successful titles, and this review focuses on one of them.
I won’t delve deeply into the plot of Days of Thunder; instead, the focus will be on the Ultra HD release. Readers interested in plot details can find more information here.
The producers intended Days of Thunder to emulate the success of Top Gun, employing the same director and lead actor. However, this formula proved insufficient. The production of Days of Thunder was reportedly fraught with difficulties, including frequent disagreements between the director and producers. Sources indicate that significant delays occurred daily while these issues were resolved. The film’s disjointed nature reflects these challenges. It lacks a cohesive narrative, and while there are commendable performances from Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall and Michael Rooker, they don’t elevate the film to a memorable status.
The film’s portrayal of macho culture appears dated, and Nicole Kidman’s role is underdeveloped. While Days of Thunder has its weaknesses, let’s evaluate the quality of the new Ultra HD release.
Here, the improvements are apparent. The 4K picture quality is exceptional, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR. The presence of film grain is noticeable, a deliberate stylistic choice that contributes to the film’s authenticity. The audio, while not in Dolby Atmos, is presented in Dolby Digital HD 7.1. This still provides a fully immersive experience, with impactful sound during musical sequences and racing scenes. Regrettably, the bonus content is lackluster, consisting primarily of a short, recently produced documentary featuring the producer discussing his positive experiences with the late Tony Scott—a sentiment that may not entirely align with accounts of the actual production.
In conclusion, Days of Thunder is a moderately successful film that benefits significantly from the enhanced picture and sound quality of the UHD release. While the film itself may not warrant a strong recommendation, this particular release earns a favorable rating.
