TL;DR
Joseph Kosinski's F1 movie is a technical masterpiece, rivaling Top Gun: Maverick's visual and visceral impact with mind-blowing 4K visuals and Dolby Atmos sound that puts you in the driver's seat. While the plot treads familiar ground, the delivery of high-octane racing and Brad Pitt's performance are unforgettable. The UHD 4K Blu-ray is the definitive way to experience the film, offering unparalleled clarity and an immersive audio experience that streaming can't touch. Discover why this is a must-own for any cinephile with the right setup.
Joseph Kosinski achieved widespread acclaim with Top Gun: Maverick. He now aims to bring a similar level of impact to Formula 1, and the result is nothing short of a technical triumph that delivers a visceral and visually stunning experience. We have rigorously tested the UHD 4K edition.
It is difficult not to draw parallels between F1: The Movie and Top Gun: Maverick. Both share the same director, producer, and a strong commitment to practical effects—and, crucially, the same technical brilliance. However, where Maverick soared through the skies, F1 propels us into the asphalt, conveying G-forces that resonate throughout the viewer’s entire body. My initial cinematic viewing this summer left a profound impression, but the perennial question remains: can the home cinema release replicate that experience? The answer, unequivocally, is yes – provided you possess the requisite equipment.
Plot F1 The Movie
Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former F1 driver forced out of the sport after a 90s crash, is now competing in lower racing classes. He is enticed back to the elite circuit by an old friend and team principal (Javier Bardem) to mentor the prodigious Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) within the fictional, and significantly underperforming, team APXGP.
While employing classic sports film dramaturgy and revisiting the “old dog teaching young talent” trope (seen notably in Maverick itself), the film, much like Kosinski’s previous work, distinguishes itself not by what is told, but how. It is a narrative of ego, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of fractional time advantages, narrated with an unwavering intensity.
UHD 4K Picture
If you have been seeking new reference material to demonstrate the capabilities of your OLED TV, your search may well conclude. F1 was filmed with custom-built IMAX cameras mounted directly on the cars, and its transfer to UHD 4K is native 4K of unparalleled quality. As F1 – The Movie is partly financed by Apple, the film is available on Apple TV+, but it is important to note that this streaming version does not include the IMAX sequences; these are exclusive to the physical disc edition.
The sharpness is exceptionally precise on our new Panasonic Z95B OLED. Every pore in Brad Pitt’s weathered face, the texture of the Silverstone asphalt, and the carbon fiber weave of the chassis are rendered with astonishing clarity. The Dolby Vision implementation is dynamic and impressive; the contrast between the dark pit garages and the dazzling sun at Monza is at times remarkably effective. The colors of APXGP’s black-and-gold livery exhibit a vibrancy and depth unattainable by compressed streaming signals, thanks to the unrivaled bitrate on the physical disc. This is an unparalleled visual spectacle, completely free from digital artifacts.
Audio on the UHD 4K Edition
Prepare for an auditory revelation. If the visual presentation achieves a perfect score, the audio quality elevates the experience even further. We are presented with a Dolby Atmos track that establishes a new benchmark for the genre. Beyond just engine roars (though the hybrid engines sound substantially more robust here than on TV broadcasts), it constructs an almost 360-degree soundscape.
As the cars pass at speed, the sensation of rushing wind is palpable in the surround channels. The Atmos channels are extensively utilized to position crowd cheers, helicopters, and pit radio above the listener, creating an immersive soundfield. However, the bass is the undisputed highlight. The LFE channel excels at reproducing profound low frequencies with every gear change and impact. With a competent subwoofer, your system will deliver a palpable physical impact. This is sound mixing at its very best – dynamic, detailed, and forceful.
Bonus Features
Regrettably, a familiar disappointment for Nordic consumers resurfaces here. While the American and British editions boast hour-long documentaries detailing car construction and actor training, the Nordic edition is limited to a 15-minute “Making of” featurette and a selection of trailers. This represents a significant oversight for a film of this caliber. Nordic distributors must begin offering comparable content to the rest of the world, especially considering the premium price paid for physical media in our region.
Summary
F1 is an exhilarating audiovisual spectacle that solidifies Joseph Kosinski’s position as a preeminent director of modern blockbuster action. Brad Pitt delivers a compellingly charismatic performance, and the racing sequences are the most intense captured on film since Le Mans ’66. The UHD edition is nothing short of a technical marvel. Despite the meager bonus features, this is an essential acquisition for your collection. Streaming simply cannot do this film justice.
Maximize your audio system, optimize your viewing environment, and prepare to be immersed in the G-forces!
SF Studios sent review copies for this test. Material providers have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with you, our readers and consumers, in focus.
