The
Fifth Element: 20th Anniversary Edition
(1997)/Leon
The Professional
(1994/both Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays w/Blu-ray sets)
Picture:
A/B+ Sound: A/B+ Extras: B Film: B+/A
In
the wake of the release of Valerian
and the City Of A Thousand Planets
(2017), Sony has upgraded two of Director Luc Besson's most
celebrated films, Leon
the Professional
(1994) and The
Fifth Element
(1997). Oddly enough, they also released these same two titles last
year in both detailed Blu-ray discs (the same ones included here),
which also sport the same Dolby Atmos 11.1 tracks and (mostly) the
same extras. However, the 2160p image is really the selling point
here and if these are two of your favorite films, then these are a
must have on the new format.
The
Fifth Element
No
doubt paving the way for Besson's new film Valerian
(2017), his sci-fi favorite The
Fifth Element
is another film that has been released so many times on so many
formats with so many special edition versions (a few of those
reviewed elsewhere on this site, as well as with Leon
for that matter) that it's hard to tell one from another. This one,
however, is the 20th Anniversary edition, which aside from one new
featurette and the 4K Ultra HD transfer (improving over last year's
Supreme Cinema transfer), doesn't have a whole lot new to bring to
the table.
In
the 23rd century, a New York City cabbie, Korben Dallas (Bruce
Willis), finds the fate of the world in his hands when Leeloo (Milla
Jovovich) falls into his cab. As the embodiment of the fifth
element, Leeloo needs to combine with the other four to keep the
approaching Great Evil from destroying the world. Together with
Father Vito Cornelius (Ian Holm) and zany broadcaster Ruby Rhod
(Chris Tucker), Dallas must race against time and the wicked
industrialist Zorg (Gary Oldman) to save humanity.
With
technical specs similar to Leon,
The
Fifth Element is
mastered for the first time in 4K 2160p high definition with HDR
(high dynamic range 10-bit color) and a widescreen aspect ratio of
2.39:1 and a lossless Dolby Atmos 11.1 track that are on both the 4K
UHD disc and the Blu-ray (also included). CGI effects do not look
bad for their age. A lossless Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track, both of which
push the original Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (aka SDDS) 7.1
soundmaster, is also included, along with a digital UV copy. Fans
who never heard the SDDS version will find the mix a revelation.
ALL-NEW
FEATURETTE: "The Director's Notes: Luc Besson Looks Back"
plus
The Visual Element
The
Digital Element
The
Star Element
The
Alien Element
The
Fashion Element
The
Diva
Imagining
The Fifth Element
The
Elements of Style
If
you need these for your 4K library or own older versions of the films
on another format, then this is the version you should upgrade too.
However, if you have last year's Supreme Cinema Series editions then
you won't get much new aside from the 4K presentation.
Leon
The Professional
This
will make the sixth copy of this film that I've owned over the years
on various formats (starting with VHS!. It is amongst my top ten
favorite films of all time and it never gets old to me. However,
I've never seen it look THIS good before. Captivating, action
packed, and dramatic, it will be hard for Besson to ever match what
he pulled off with this film. It kickstarted Natalie Portman's
career and didn't hurt Gary Oldman's either... I just wish we saw
more Jean Reno in recent years (though he's had his fair share of
enjoyable flicks). If for some reason you haven't seen this
groundbreaking action classic, then I would highly suggest checking
it out in 4K UHD.
Mathilda
(Natalie Portman) is only 12-years-old, but is already familiar with
the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt
police officers, and her mother neglects her. Leon (Jean Reno), who
lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired
hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). To say that Leon is good at
what he does, is an understatement. He is a disciplined and trained
individual with not much room in his life for friendships or
relationships. When Mathilda's family is murdered by crooked DEA
agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a
reluctant Leon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family's
deaths. More happens then either expects, giving the audience one of
the best third acts ever put on film.
Mastered
in 4K 2160p high definition with HDR (high dynamic range 10-bit
color) and a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and a lossless Dolby
Atmos 11.1 track that are on both the 4K UHD disc and the Blu-ray
(also included), of which we were able to access from a solid,
lossless Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track, both of which push the original Sony
Dynamic Digital Sound (aka SDDS) 7.1 sound master will make your
neighbors think a gun battle is going on in your home. This was one
of the first films to offer the full SDDS treatment theatrically and
the sonics hold up well, most apparent in Atmos. Skin textures are
more defined than before and shots have more contrast, making this a
big step up from even the Blu.
Special
Features are the same as the previous release that was issued last
year...
Theatrical
and extended versions of the film
Cast
and Crew Look Back
Jean
Reno: The Road To Leon
Natalie
Portman starting young
Fact
Track (Extended Version) and the Original Theatrical Trailer.
and
Digital UV copy
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
