Fast X – 4K Blu-Ray review

I’m an unapologetic massive fan of the Fast and Furious franchise. These are films meant to kick back and enjoy, not question the laws of gravity and physics. The latest entry in the series, Fast X, doubles down on the amazing spectacle filled stunts, introduces the series’ most eccentric and scene-stealing villain and two very welcome shocking twists.

One of the surprising aspects of the series is how the story is so malleable to retcons and adding new layers to the established lore.

In this edition director Louis Leterrier and screenwriters Dan Manzeau and Justin Lin introduce Dante (Jason Momoa), a character who’s deeply linked to the event of Fast Five.

At this point in the series, the story is going to be very confusing to newcomers. For longtime fans, it’s fun seeing how stories were playing out just off camera during previous films.

Dante wants revenge on Dominic Torretto (Vin Diesel) and his family. This brings the whole gang back into action including Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman (Tyrese), Tej (Ludacris), Ramses (Nathalie Emmanuel), Han (Sung Kang) and Jakob (John Cena).

The cast’s embarrassment of riches extends to Oscar winners Helen Mirren, Rita Moreno, Charlize Theron and Brie Larson and newcomer Alan Ritchson and Daniela Melchior.

As flamboyant as he might be, Dante is a shrewd, calculating thinker who revels in creating maximum carnage. This leads to some of the boldest and wildest action set spectacles in the series’ history.

In another first for the franchise, the film ends on a stunning cliffhanger complete with two shocking post-credit scenes that threaten to upend everything all over again.

Is Fast X too much fan service? Maybe, but this is a series that continues to do right by the fan base that continued to make it such a box office sensation.

Video Quality: Whether viewing in an already high-quality Blu-Ray transfer or the even more spectacular 4K presentation, you’ll appreciate the work put into this release. As the films from various locations around the world the colors pop and details like Dante’s vibrant attire, the illumination of the cars during racing sequences and natural looking skin tones are at or near reference quality levels. 

The 4K has the advantage with blacks, which are sharper without murky backgrounds as characters pop in and out of lower light sets. This is to be expected and in choosing the options, 4K is definitely the best option.

Audio Quality: A major component of the series is the sound whether from the booming car engines or massive, colossal explosions. As Fast X has some of the bigger, showier action sequences in the series, there’s plenty of showcase moments for your sound systems smartly arranged to launch from multiple channels.

Dialogue isn’t droned out for the sake of the background noises with no strain necessary in hearing a lower speaking character like Dom compared to a Roman or Dante. 

Bonus Features:

• THIS IS FAMILY – Family bonds are always the strongest. Reunite with your favorite FAST family members as we introduce new characters, travel across continents, reveal intimate views of epic stunts, and get personal about the beginning of the end of the FAST franchise.
• FAST BREAKS: SCENE BREAKDOWNS WITH LOUIS LETERRIER* – Director Louis Leterrier gives insight into some of the magic that went into making FAST X, breaking down how he filmed these unforgettable action scenes in legendary locations around the world.
• XTREME RIDES OF FAST X – In FAST, we cast cars like we cast characters. Take a closer look at how classic FAST cars were rebuilt for FAST X, and which new vehicles are customized and introduced to enhance the lifeblood of the franchise.
• BELLES OF THE BRAWL – The women of FAST X are not to be messed with. Watch as they add their special talents to huge fight scenes, from rehearsal to the real thing.
• TUNED INTO RIO – Revisit FAST’s past as our story takes us back to Rio de Janeiro, where we’ll experience a non-stop party, exotic cars, and a classic FAST quarter mile street race.
• JASON MOMOA: CONQUERING ROME* – Jason Momoa joins the FAST franchise to portray a villain that pushes the team to the brink of disaster. Watch as Momoa discusses his approach to the character, biking down the narrow streets of Rome, and performing his own stunts.
• LITTLE B TAKES THE WHEEL – Get to know the youngest member of the Toretto family as we dive into Little B’s journey in FAST X and introduce Leo Abelo Perry.
• A FRIEND IN THE END – The FAST franchise has a history of shocking end-credit tags, and FAST X is no different. We take a special look at this scene and why, if you’re watching a FAST movie, you never want to get up before the end credits are finished!
• FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR LOUIS LETERRIER*
• GAG REEL*
• MUSIC VIDEOS
  • “TORETTO” BY J BALVIN
  • “ANGEL PT. 1” BY KODAK BLACK & NLE CHOPPA (FEATURING JIMIN OF BTS, JVKE & MUNI LONG)

Universal Pictures provided a free copy of this 4K/Blu-Ray for review purposes.