F1: The Movie 4K Ultra HD

In "F1: The Movie," Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), dubbed “the greatest that never was,” was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition — and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone. (Gary Reber)

Special features include nine featurettes: "Inside The “F1: The Movie” Table Read" (HD 05:05), "The Anatomy Of A Crash" (HD 06:23), "Getting Up To Speed" (HD 05:00), "APXGP Innovations" (HD 05:21), "Making It To Silverstone" (HD 05:04), "Lewis Hamilton: Producer " (HD 05:14), "APXGP Sets And Locations Around The World" (HD 0917(, "APXGP and F1: How It Was Filmed" (HD 05:53) and "Sound Of Speed" (HD 05:10) and a Movies Anywhere.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10/Dolby Vision picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally in anamorphic Panavision® using the DJI Ronin 4D, Red Komodo, Sony CineAlta Venice 2 Rialto Mini, Sony CineAlta Venice 2 and Sony CineAlta Venice camera systems and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture was shot during actual Grand Prix weekends around the world as the team competed against the titans of the sport. Realism is superb. The color palette exhibits natural hues with well-balanced saturation. The coverage of the race tracks is exciting with numerous perspectives, including from the driver's perspective. There are a few instances in which hues pop but overall everything is perfectly natural and realistic. Flesh tones are natural throughout. HDR contrast is well balanced. Black levels appear naturally deep. Shadow delineation is revealing. White levels appear perfectly natural with excellent illumination. Resolution is excellent, day or night. Facial features are detailed including complexions, skin pores, lines, beard stubble, beards and hair. Clothing textures are revealing, The smoothly paved race tracks and viewing stands as well as objects appear realistic, such as the attributes of the race cars. This is an extremely natural visual picture throughout. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack sounds dynamic with lots of sound effects during the numerous racing sequences supported with loud transient bass, including .1 LFE energy. The sounds of the refresh crews actions in the pit is realistic as well as the roar of crowds. Panning effects are effectively crafted of the racers battling for position on the track. Foley sound effects are perfectly synced. Hans Zimmer's music score is extremely active and rhythmic. The music occupies a wide and deep soundstage with an aggressive surround presence. Dialogue is a very active element, including loud narrating announcer PAs, which sounds generally well integrated spatially.

The Immersive Sound element consists of drum solo extension at the front of the presentation to the height layer, sporadic loud racing announcements during the various Grand Prix races, occasional nuanced sound effects and music during the end credit roll. This is not a particularly effective height layer except for the PA announcements. Far more could have been accomplished.

This is a very exciting ear-level Formula 1 holosonic® experience with loud, roaring sound effects and music that activates the adrenaline level. (Gary Reber)