The Fugitive (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: November 21, 2023
Rating: PG-13
Film:  5/5

Plot
The chase is on…and as exhilarating as ever! For Dr. Richard Kimble, a wrongfully convicted fugitive, the trail leads toward the one-armed man he believes murdered his wife. For U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard, the hunt will end with the capture of escaped prisoner Kimble. Filled with tension, twists and an unforgettable train wreck, this critically acclaimed thriller remains one of the greatest cat-and-mouse pursuits of all time.

My Thoughts
When the press release landed in my inbox a few months ago for this catalog 4K release, I was extremely happy. This is one of my favorite films from the 1990s and frankly, it’s one of the best films of the decade as far as I’m concerned. It’s a gripping and adrenaline-fueled thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Harrison Ford delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Richard Kimble and Tommy Lee Jones’ tenacious U.S. marshal character was so memorable, he ended up playing the role again in a stand-alone film a few years later. The film features intense action sequences, clever plot twists, and fabulous acting. It really doesn’t get any better than this.

It's hard to believe that this film is celebrating its 30th Anniversary, but here we are. The video encode is a brand new 4K encode that was sourced from the original camera negative and the restoration was overseen by director Andrew Davis. The results are pretty damn impressive with a clean print, excellent depth of field, and improved color saturation over the previously released Blu-ray that I own. HDR effects add some added dimension to the image and it comes across as very lifelike and inviting. The Dolby Atmos track does a good job of updating an older soundtrack and gives it a modern flair. Dialog is always intelligible and as expected, the train crash sequence will certainly test the dynamic range of your system.

Video 9.5/10
Audio 8.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)

Special Features:

Introduction by Andrew Davis and Harrison Ford
Commentary by Andrew Davis and Tommy Lee Jones
The Fugitive: Thrill of the Chase
On the Run with The Fugitive
Derailed: Anatomy of a Train Wreck
Theatrical Trailer
4K UHD + Digital Code



Conclusion
I can’t count how many times I’ve watched this film over the years and it never gets old. Tommy Lee Jones Oscar-winning role as the U.S. Marshall trying to get his man made him one of my favorite actors at the time and I still love his work to this day. Frankly, this is how movies should be made—give us great characters, an intriguing script, and a believable concept that we’ll keep us coming back for more. Highly recommended.

Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 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
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Barry]

Thanks Dave. I had the Blu Ray an I am stepping up!

[bmoney]

Yup. Also time for an update 

[SRW1000]

Do I remember correctly that this movie was originally included as a promo when DVD players were first released?

I don't think we ever upgraded to Blu-ray, so we'll definitely be adding the 4K version to our collection.

Thanks for the review, David.

[bmoney]

Do I remember correctly that this movie was originally included as a promo when DVD players were first released?

I don't think we ever upgraded to Blu-ray, so we'll definitely be adding the 4K version to our collection.

Thanks for the review, David.

Very possible. Although that might have been DvD 

[David Vaughn]

Do I remember correctly that this movie was originally included as a promo when DVD players were first released?

I don't think we ever upgraded to Blu-ray, so we'll definitely be adding the 4K version to our collection.

Thanks for the review, David.

I think you're right...it was the Train Crash sequence of this film and the tornados in "Twister" that were constantly running on demo loops in Circuit City!

[Barry]

I think you're right...it was the Train Crash sequence of this film and the tornados in "Twister" that were constantly running on demo loops in Circuit City!

So many places had Top Gun running all day too!

[bmoney]

When I worked at record town we played Austin powers over and over again. Lol. We don’t have a theater room obv.  But it’s what got me into DVD 

[David Vaughn]

When I worked at record town we played Austin powers over and over again. Lol. We don’t have a theater room obv.  But it’s what got me into DVD

That had to have been torture after a few days!