Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Following up the release of the standard HD Blu-ray by only two months, Warner Bros. has reissued Point Break in the 4K Ultra HD format. Not to be confused with the original 1991 Point Break starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, this new version stars two relatively unknown actors, Edgar Ramirez and Luke Bracey, in the central roles; and while it generally follows the same basic plot of the original, it also departs substantially from the pre-established formula.

This Point Break falls short in plausibility and compelling characters but it makes up for it in sheer presentation. I was hoping for flawless, but alas, even 4K apparently has its limitations. Taken from a 2K digital intermediate, there’s immediately noticeable improved resolution and color correction of the saturation level from the standard HD version. However, in certain sequences involving high-speed movement or rapid camera pans—and there are many—the picture is still slightly marred with unnatural image blur and digital strobing effects. But on the whole, the picture is stunningly crisp, the color contrast is consistently even, and the scenic vistas are quite impressive.

According to the press release, Warner teased us with the prospect of a Dolby Atmos surround mix to suitably complement the breathtaking visuals, but a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is the best we could hope for here. As deliciously immersive as a Dolby Atmos surround mix would have been, the DTS-HD Master Audio is demo worthy, with impossibly gargantuan waves crashing, motorcycles narrowly outracing an avalanche, car chases, and gunfire. I noted a moderate discrepancy between the pulsating surround content and the center-channel dialogue track. You may find yourself raising the volume a notch or two to better hear the dialogue in the quieter moments, but just be aware that the action will kick in again soon enough; the over- amped bass level will remind you in case you’d forgotten.

Extras appear on a bonus HD Blu- ray and include featurettes, deleted scenes, and trailers. A Digital Copy is included too.

I concede that my expectations for this 4K transfer may have been a trifle high, but I don’t think, for all 4K boasts, that was completely unreasonable. In con- trast to standard HD, at least as far as Point Break is concerned, the increased resolution of 4K is negligible at best and does not, in my opinion, merit the cost of an upgrade.

Blu-Ray
Studio: Warner Bros., 2015
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio Format: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Length: 114 mins.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Ericson Core
Starring: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Delroy Lindo