F1: The Movie 4K UHD Review
“F1: The Movie” offers up exciting racing sequences, but little else.
Formula One is an enormously popular global sport so it’s not surprising to finally see a movie based in that world (albeit a fictional one). Written by Ehren Kruger, “F1: The Movie” revolves around a loner veteran driver named Sonny who literally crashed out in a race in the 90s. 30 years later, he earns a living as a freelance racer. Sonny is approached by former teammate turned F1 team owner of APXGP (Rubén) to join his team for financial reasons. The team is composed of a cocky rookie (Joshua) and technical director (Kate) who helps alter and upgrade the cars. Sonny and Joshua don’t exactly get along at the start and Sonny’s risky moves on the track prove to be problematic. Can the two work through their issues? Can Sonny get a second chance at glory in F1?
“F1: The Movie” (AKA “F1”) is helmed by the enormously talented filmmaker Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Tron: Legacy” fame. Kosinski has quietly become the go-to director for cinematic spectacles and “F1: The Movie” certainly fits that bill. The sports drama is nothing short of thrilling when it comes to the Formula One racing sequences thanks to creative shots, authenticity, brilliant sound design, and essentially putting the viewer in the driver’s seat. Unfortunately, the film is let down by a hackneyed script.
Perhaps the biggest mistake “F1: The Movie” makes is that it’s not a biodrama, but a manufactured tale filled with sports movie cliches, a tossed in romance, a rivalry, ridiculous scripted drama (see some of the crashes), and an overdone redemption story. It feels like a Hollywood story of F1 and the film suffers for it as it’s hard to invest in any of these characters. Really, “F1: The Movie” should have gone the route of something like the recent “Gran Turismo” (a far superior film) that was based on a wild true story and had great characters at the center.
What “F1: The Movie” does get right is showing a behind-the-scenes look at an F1 team from the meetings to fixing up the car. There may be a single driver in a car, but it’s a real team effort as the film shows.
As bland as the characters tend to be, the performances are still solid by Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, and Kerry Condon (who turns in the best work here).
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? To no surprise, this is a crystal clear 4K transfer.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos Atmos. How does it sound? Atmos was made for films like this. The car engines and Hans Zimmer’s score will have your speakers blaring in the best way imaginable.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* “Inside The F1: The Movie Table Read”- Cast and crew table read footage mixed with interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and a whole lot of back patting
* “The Anatomy Of A Crash”- A behind-the-scenes look at the making of a crash sequence.
* “Getting Up To Speed” covers Damson Idris and Brad Pitt learning to drive with experts.
* “APXGP Innovations” focuses on the cameras and sound equipment used.
* “Making It To Silverstone” is all about the iconic race track.
* “Lewis Hamilton: Producer”- The title says it all.
* “APXGP Sets And Locations Around The World”- A featurette on location shootings and tracks.
* “APXGP And F1: How It Was Filmed” features F1’s involvement and the filming experience.
* “Sound Of Speed” revolves around Hans Zimmer’s score.
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