AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on August 24, 2026, 05:51:31 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/3ccnIpp.jpeg)
Studio: Universal
Release Date: August 25, 2026
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4.5/5
Plot
Dominic Toretto enjoys the adrenaline of street car racing and his fans treat him like a rock star. After a blazing encounter with the ruthless Johnny Tran, Dom decides to take Brian, a newcomer to street racing, under his wing. Dom's sister Mia sees something she likes in Brian, too. Trouble is, neither of them realize he's an undercover cop, and Dominic and his rival Johnny Tran are both the prime suspects in a case involving dirty money and big-rig hijacking.
My Thoughts
I’m not sure anyone in 2001 would have predicted that this modest street-racing crime film would spawn a global franchise earning over $7 billion worldwide. Yet here we are, 25 years later, revisiting the movie that started it all and surprisingly, holds up quite well.
This remains my favorite of the bunch. It’s simple premise is easy to follow, the characters are compelling, and the story is grounded in a way the later entries simply aren’t. While the franchise eventually jumped the shark by turning the crew into globe-trotting super-spies (and spacemen), the original keeps things simple and fun: fast cars, beautiful women, and characters to gravitate to.
It’s also bittersweet watching Paul Walker in the role that made him a star, knowing he passed away in 2013 in a tragic car accident in Santa Clarita, CA. His presence in this film is a reminder of how effortlessly he fit the character of Brian O’Conner and how central he was to what made the first film so special.
I own the previously released UHD Blu-ray, and visually, this new 25th Anniversary disc looks virtually identical. The encode is about 15% larger, but in reality, I couldn’t see (or hear) a meaningful difference. The big change is the upgrade from DTS:X to Dolby Atmos, along with the addition of Dolby Vision (the original disc was HDR10 only). Since I use a front projector, HDR10 is all I can take advantage of, but those with DV‑capable displays may see improvements in highlight precision and overall tone mapping.
The Dolby Atmos track is outstanding. Bass is deep and powerful, pans through the soundstage are seamless, and the mix handles the film’s heavy action with ease. Engines roar, tires screech, and the LFE hits with authority. It’s a reference‑quality track that elevates the film’s already strong sound design.
Video 9/10
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- Riding a Legacy: 25 Years of Fast (New! Available on Digital & Disc)
- Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, producer Neal Moritz and Meadow Walker reflect on 25 years of The Fast and The Furious in Cannes.
- Deleted Scenes
- Brian and Mia Walk to Her Car
- Tanner and Brian in Police House
- Brian and Jesse Outside Toretto's Garage
- Trading Driving Stories
- Hector and Brian at the Racer's Edge
- Brian and Mia at the Beach
- Original Edit of the Ferrari Scene (Extended Scene)
- Extension of Race Wars Fight Scene (Extended Scene)
- Hot Off The Street
- The Fast and the Furious
- Inside info on cast, crew and cars.
- More Than Furious
- Alternate ending for The Fast and the Furious.
- Hot Off the Street
- Brian and Mia at Lunch Counter
- Leon, Jesse and Dom at Toretto's House
- Toretto House BBQ
- Toretto's Garage Post Race Raid (Alternate Version)
- Ferrari and Supra Race
- Dom's Charger
- A look at the role Dom's Charger played in FAST 1 and its rebirth in FAST 4.
- Quarter Mile at a Time
- History of street racing from the 1920s to today.
- Tricking Out a Hot Import Car
- Craig Lieberman modifies a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, covering speed, style and sound.
- Multiple Camera Angle – Stunt Sequence
- Movie Magic Interactive – Special Effects
- Featurette on Editing for the MPAA
- How to edit graphic content while maintaining scene integrity.
- Visual Effects Montage
- From storyboards to green screen effects.
- Storyboards‑to‑Final Feature Comparison
- View storyboards in real time for “The First Race” and the “Final Crash Stunt.”
- Ja Rule “Furious” Music Video
- Speed News Wrap
- Feature Commentary with Director Rob Cohen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJdNBEHTGPg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJdNBEHTGPg)
Conclusion
This 25th Anniversary UHD release is a strong package. While the video improvements are minimal, the addition of Dolby Vision and the upgrade to a superb Dolby Atmos track make it worthwhile for fans — especially those with DV‑capable displays or Atmos‑equipped theaters. The film itself remains a blast to watch, and revisiting it 25 years later only reinforces how well it holds up. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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Wish the whole franchise stayed true to this formula instead of dog getting absolutely ridiculous lol
Thanks for the review!
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Wish the whole franchise stayed true to this formula instead of dog getting absolutely ridiculous lol
Thanks for the review!
What...you mean sending a car up into space is a bit too much? At least they had some fun with it by having the cast say "we can't die. Nothing will kill us."