Top Gun 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Paramount has expertly upgraded Top Gun to 4K UHD using a native 4K master that authentically preserves Tony Scott's distinct filming style. The film maintains its signature aesthetic with heavy grain and varying shades of yellow that offer a weathered look. The native 2160p resolution accentuates the textures of the original 35mm film stock, making facial details exceptionally sharp—every bead of sweat and scrape is more evident than ever before. Despite a few grain spikes, likely source-related as they appear on the older Blu-ray too, the overall grain structure is consistent and adds to the film's visual richness. The HDR and Dolby Vision processing further enhance the inky blacks and vibrant hues, bringing unprecedented detail to shadow-drenched scenes, such as the iconic ice cube moment.

This UHD upgrade may not possess the flashiness of modern digital films like Transformers, but it breathes new life into Top Gun with a faithful representation of its source material. Scott's preference for burnished, warm colors are impeccably amplified, providing a nostalgic yet richly colored visual experience. Aerial shots present a more natural look, contrasting with scenes aboard the ship that emphasize the weathered and aged aesthetic. The film benefits greatly from this meticulous upgrade, making it a must-have for fans looking to see Scott's stylized visual cues as intended. While some technical quirks remain, this 4K UHD version is an impressive leap forward from the worn Blu-ray, making Top Gun look more compelling and vibrant than ever before.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Top Gun" stands out for its impeccable Dolby Atmos track that brings the iconic 80s soundtrack and thrilling aerial sequences to life with pulsating energy and robust surround usage. The soundscapes feature the roar of fighter jets that resonate through the room, accompanied by dynamic blaring guitar riffs and enthusiastic pilot cheers. The surround channels are exceptionally active, creating an immersive auditory experience that truly enhances the film's high-octane scenes. While the heights may feel somewhat constrained compared to other releases, likely a result of adapting the original 5.1 mix to the Atmos format, the overall audio enriches the viewing experience significantly, surpassing even the impressive Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track that fans have enjoyed for years.

The overhead elements in the Atmos mix are deployed as a single layer, providing mono overheads that, while not as extensive as modern films designed with Atmos in mind from inception, still add a notable layer of depth to the soundstage. Fighter planes shrieking overhead and bone-rattling bass add to the impact, though some minor audio sync issues around the 1-hour 26-minute mark are present, but these disappear quickly and do not detract from the overall experience. Additionally, there are occasional pitch inconsistencies, but these are brief and infrequent. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Dolby Atmos track elevates "Top Gun" to new auditory heights, doing justice to its legendary mix and score.

Paramount's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Top Gun offers a comprehensive and engaging array of extras that will satisfy both die-hard fans and those new to this iconic film. The supplemental offerings delve deep into the film’s production, legacy, and the real-life parallels with naval aviation training. Highlighting original interviews with Tom Cruise and engaging multi-angle storyboards, the extras paint a vivid picture of the film's enduring impact and meticulous craftsmanship. The audio commentary featuring naval experts and filmmakers provides insightful perspectives, enhancing the viewing experience with technical and historical context. A well-crafted SteelBook edition, it maintains a sleek aesthetic while protecting against fingerprints, offering both visually appealing and functional design for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Legacy of Top Gun: Featurette exploring the film's impact.
• On Your Six - Thirty Years of Top Gun: A reflection on the film’s lasting influence.
• Audio Commentary: Naval experts and filmmakers provide insightful perspectives.
• Danger Zone - The Making of Top Gun: A detailed six-part documentary.
• Tom Cruise interviews: Original interviews with the film's star.
• Multi-angle storyboards: A look at the creative process behind key scenes.
• Best of the Best: Inside the Real Top Gun: Insights into real naval aviation training.
• Behind the scenes featurette: A deeper look into the film's production.
• Survival training featurette: Exploration of real-world pilot preparation.

Paramount's SteelBook re-release of "Top Gun" maintains the technical excellence seen in its first 4K UHD release, with both video and audio quality remaining top-notch. The SteelBook merely adds collectible value with its stylish new cover art. The film, now iconic, has retained its cultural significance since its 1986 debut. Its impact reaches beyond just the movie scene, with numerous pop culture references blossoming from its dialogue and memorable soundtrack.

At the heart of "Top Gun" is Tom Cruise as Pete Mitchell, call sign Maverick, who delivers a quintessentially 80s performance dripping in machismo and swagger. The narrative is packed with high testosterone levels that reflect its era, featuring unforgettable aerial combat maneuvers that remain visually impressive even today. These sequences were groundbreaking during their release and still captivate modern audiences. While the storyline is saturated with cliché melodrama and exaggerated machismo, it is precisely these elements that contribute to the film's enduring entertainment value.

Supporting characters, like Val Kilmer's antagonist Iceman and Kelly McGillis' love interest Charlie Blackwood, contribute significantly to the narrative’s dynamic. Despite its age, "Top Gun" remains a fascinating blend of romance, competition, and personal growth set against the backdrop of elite naval aviation. Cameos by then-unknown actors such as Meg Ryan and Adrian Pasdar add to the film's retrospective charm. Undoubtedly, it is a product of its time but continues to be celebrated for its nostalgia-driven appeal and timeless action sequences. "Top Gun" persists as a cult classic, defining 80s cinema with its distinctive style and unforgettable quotes.

Review: "Top Gun" 4K UHD Blu-ray

"Top Gun" has received an impressive upgrade with this 4K UHD Blu-ray release, showcasing Paramount's commitment to honoring a cinematic classic. As a staple of 80s cinema, this edition features a brand new 2160p remaster, beautifully translating Tony Scott's raw, kinetic film style. The video quality is outstanding, with lush detail and vibrant colors that breathe new life into the iconic aerial sequences. The disc also includes a remastered Blu-ray, ensuring those yet to upgrade to 4K can enjoy enhanced visuals.

On the audio front, the Dolby Atmos track adds a compelling layer of immersion, making the classic dogfights and Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone" more impactful. The Atmos track's precision ensures dialogue is clear, while the iconic soundtrack envelops the viewer, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the disc offers a comprehensive range of subtitle options catering to various languages and hearing requirements.

The release also boasts an array of extras, combining old favorites with new content that dives deeper into the film’s production. For collectors, the steelbook packaging adds a touch of elegance, although content-wise, it aligns with the earlier 4K release of the year. This version doesn't offer new encoding or significantly altered special features but streamlined presentation for steelbook enthusiasts.

Recommendation: Good Watch

"I'm not so sure that Top Gun has aged that well over the years, but is a FUN bit of 80s cheese nonetheless. It’s been iconicized in American cinema and has been a staple release for Paramount over the years. The 25th and 30th anniversary editions that came out were a solid Blu-ray disc, but Paramount went the extra mile and finally gave it a brand new remaster (which is also included on the Blu-ray disc in this combo pack, and not just relegated to the 4K UHD disc), as well as cramming in a FEW more extras and decking it out with a nice Dolby Atmos track. I’ve seen literally EVERY version of this film on home video from VHS to 4 different variants of the Blu-ray format, and this upgrade is very much worth it as Tony Scott’s raw filming style translates well to 2160p. The new 4K remaster of the Blu-ray itself is also a welcome addition for those who haven’t upgrade to 4K yet and the new extras are revealing. As with all these steelbook re-releases, the choice to upgrade will totally be dependent on how much you like steelbooks. All the discs are identical to the May 4K release earlier this year, just with the inclusion of a snazzy new steelbook case. No extras are changed, no re-encoding, simply a different package geared towards steelbook collectors, so my recommendation will still be the same. Good watch and a great pickup for fans of Tom Cruise and 80s cheese."

This release reiterates why "Top Gun" remains beloved and ensures its legacy continues in high-definition glory. Very highly recommended.