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Days Of Thunder 4K UHD Review

“Days Of Thunder” is absurd, but strangely enjoyable.

For 1990’s “Days Of Thunder,” Tom Cruise reteamed with director Tony Scott and producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer for a NASCAR centric film. Cruise stars as Cole Trickle- a hotshot driver who dreams of winning the Daytona 500. In order to achieve his dream, he needs a car. Enter Harry- a car maker/crew chief/mentor. Initially, the two clash, but Cole eventually learns to trust Harry. Unfortunately, the reckless Cole gets in an accident with his main rival Rowdy Burns which could jeopardize his career. Amidst all of this, Cole winds up falling for a Doctor (Claire) who also helps Cole find his way.

“Days Of Thunder” is essentially “Top Gun” in the NASCAR world only it’s a much dumber film. Cole is certainly no Maverick mainly because Cole is less sympathetic and more reckless. His actions are selfish to the point that you wonder how on Earth he is able to still race in NASCAR. Secondly, the rivalry between Cole and Rowdy is downright cartoonish and bonkers. Everything is competitive between the two. They even race wheelchairs in one of the most ridiculous scenes I’ve ever seen ina  big budget film. The film’s view of NASCAR as a sport is also very goofy and may anger purists (to say the least).

I could go on about the shortcomings of the film including Hans Zimmer’s cheesy score and the outlandish crashes, but I do have to say the movie still manages to be entertaining in spite of everything. Director Tony Scott embraced the ridiculous nature of it all and goes for broke from the start. It’s a fast paced movie with exciting racing action that wastes no time and I respect that. 

The cast also helps the movie. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman may be the biggest names on the credits, but it’s really Robert Duvall and Michael Rooker who steal the show. Duvall truly classes up the joint and carries the film as Harry while the always underrated Rooker revels in being Cruise’s racing rival Rowdy. The two have so much energy on screen. Keep an eye out for a young John C. Reilly in a small role as well!

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p with HDR10. How does it look? Expect another stunning upgrade here from Paramount.

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? A truly thunderous track (pun intended). 

The lone extras are an isolated score track, a digital copy and a “Filmmaker Focus” featurette with Jerry Bruckheimer talking about ‘Thunder.’

May 16, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Days Of Thunder 4K Review, Days Of Thunder 4K UHD Review, Daytona 500, Hans Zimmer, John C. Reilly, Michael Rooker, NASCAR, Nicole Kidman, Racecar Movie, Robert Duvall, Tom Cruise, Tony Scott