Training Day (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: February 28, 2023
Rating: R
Film: 4.5/5

Plot
Denzel Washington delivers an Academy Award-winning performance opposite Ethan Hawke in this gritty drama set in the morally ambiguous world of undercover police work. Every day a war rages between drug dealers and cops on the streets of America's inner cities. With every war come casualties, none greater than 13-year veteran Los Angeles narcotics officer Alonzo Harris (Washington), whose questionable methods blur the line between legal and corrupt. Today Alonzo gets a new partner, idealistic rookie Jake Hoyt (Hawke), and Jake has one day--and one day only--to prove his mettle to his fiercely charismatic superior. Over 24 hours, Jake will be dragged into the ethical mire of Alonzo's logic as both men risk their careers and their lives to serve conflicting notions of justice.

My Thoughts
This is a film that’s hard to watch in my house because my wife didn’t like it the first time she watched it and refuses to watch it again. She hated Washington’s character and didn’t like seeing one of her favorite actors playing the bad guy. So with this in mind, I had to ensure she was out of the house for a couple of hours so I could enjoy the movie in peace.

The last time I watched the film in its entirety was when it was released on HD DVD back in 2006. While I remembered the overall plot, I had forgotten how intense the film’s dramatic sequences are and I was riveted to the screen throughout its two-hour runtime. Washington delivers one of his finest performances of his career and definitely deserved the Oscar. Hawke was nearly impressive as his co-star and was nominated for a supporting Oscar but didn’t take home the trophy.

I honestly don’t remember what the HD DVD looked like back in 2006 but I will say that this new 4K remastering job from Warner is damn-near perfect. Detail is off the charts and the depth of image is fantastic. Some of the darker scenes could have a tad more detail, but I really don’t have any major complaints at all. On the audio front, the newly minted Dolby Atmos track kicks-ass—the LFE is outstanding, dialog is clear and concise, and the overheads are put to good use throughout the film.
   
Video 9.5/10 (AVC)

Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)

Special Features:

• Pharoahe Monche’s “Got You” music video
• Nelly’s “#1” music video
• Deleted Scenes
• Commentary by director Antoine Fuqua
• Training Day: Crossing The Line Featurette
• Alternative Endings
• UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy

Conclusion
While I remember enjoying the film the first time I watched it, I didn’t give it the credit it was due. This is a great, but dark, film and it has all the elements—excellent writing, directing, and of course, acting. The two co-stars shine from beginning to end and it’s a movie that can be seen more than once and still keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended.

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 110” Scope 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
SVS SB3000
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

Wholeheartedly agree 

[AVSCraig]

Can't wait for my copy to arrive. David, I take it your wife hates American Gangster then too. 

[David Vaughn]

Can't wait for my copy to arrive. David, I take it your wife hates American Gangster then too.

Yep.

[bmoney]

Usually if you hate the character. The actor is doing a great job

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Totally agree Dave... 


Regards,

[AVSCraig]

Finally had a chance to watch the 4K disc of this movie with a couple of friends tonight. Forgot how intense this film was - great movie. Look very good too.