Hell or High Water (UHD Blu-ray) review (Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook)

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: May 17, 2022
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5

Plot
 When a desperate father (Pine) learns that the bank is going to take his family’s land, he and his ex-con brother (Foster) are left with no choice. They decide to rob the bank’s branches, putting themselves in the crosshairs of an aging Texas Ranger (Bridges) in a riveting story of crime, punishment, and brotherly love.

My Thoughts
 This is the third time I’ve watch this, the first being on Blu-ray in late 2016, the second in 2018 when the UHD came out, and now for the Steelbook. The first act starts a bit slow, but as the film goes along and you realize why the brothers are robbing the banks you begin to have sympathy for their plight, especially Pine’s character. Bridges is outstanding as the soon to be retired Texas Ranger and his interaction with his partner is hilarious and very Trump-like—not the least bit politically correct.

The film is written by Taylor Sheridan whose resume as a writer is starting to fill-up with fantastic titles including Sicario and one of my favorite films from the past 10 years, Wind River—which he also directed. And of course, Yellowstone, the most watched cable TV show. 

 Video 9/10 (MVC)

Audio 9/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)

 
 Special Features:

·        “Enemies Forever: The Characters of Hell or High Water” Featurette
·        “Visualizing the Heart of America” Featurette
·        “Damaged Heroes: The Performances of Hell or High Water” Featurette
·        Red Carpet Premiere
·        Filmmaker Q&A
·        Blu-ray + UV Digital Copy

         
 


 Conclusion
This is a movie that gets better and better the more times you watch it. The character driven drama is outstanding, and Sheridan really knows how to craft a realistic tale of two brothers who are out for their pound of flesh. The Steebook packaging  is pretty spiffy so collectors should be happy with it.

Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
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
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Dual JL Audio F-110 (stacked and treated as one sub)
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

Love this movie. Already have it so no need for the steel book

[AVSCraig]

Great movie, but I'm still on the fence on upgrading to the 4K version from the Blu-ray. But I should watch it again.