According to IMDb, Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel, is scheduled to premiere in Sweden the day before Christmas Eve. The actual premiere date remains to be seen, given current global circumstances. In the meantime, we can revisit Tom Cruise’s iconic portrayal of pilot Maverick in the film that propelled him to superstardom.
This review will not focus on the plot or cast of Top Gun, but rather on the experience of viewing this classic film in its new Ultra HD edition. (For more information regarding the film’s synopsis, please refer here.) From the opening scene featuring the aircraft carrier and jet plane launches, it’s immediately apparent that Top Gun has never looked better. It’s arguable that it didn’t even look this pristine on the cinema screen during its 1986 premiere. This edition boasts Dolby Vision, resulting in exceptional color reproduction, particularly the stunning depiction of the golden-hour sun. While some film grain is present, as expected from a celluloid-based source, its preservation is appreciated as it contributes to the film’s authentic aesthetic. Furthermore, the updated soundtrack featuring Dolby Atmos provides an incredibly clear and dynamic audio experience, encompassing deep bass and crisp dialogue. The release also includes a wealth of bonus material, much of which is related to the sequel and features interviews with the new cast, alongside behind-the-scenes documentaries about the original film.
Are there any drawbacks? Within the context of UHD presentation, there are few significant criticisms. Any minor imperfections can be attributed to the film’s age of 34 years, and therefore its inherent limitations compared to modern productions. The primary drawback is that certain aspects of the film feel somewhat dated. The prevailing macho culture can seem borderline problematic by today’s standards, and some of the dialogue is undeniably cheesy. The somewhat glorified depiction of war may leave a slightly uncomfortable impression. However, these elements are characteristic of films from that era.
In conclusion, Top Gun remains a modern cinematic classic. If you can overlook its minor dated qualities and contextualize them within the cultural landscape of the 1980s, you will find this an entertaining film presented in an absolutely superb edition. Highly recommended.
