Red One (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: PG
Film: 3.5/5
 
Plot
After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas. 
 
My Thoughts
Red One is a delightful surprise that blends action, comedy, and holiday cheer into a wildly entertaining package. The two leads deliver a dynamic duo performance, their chemistry sparking with every quip and punch. Johnson’s larger-than-life charisma as the North Pole’s head of security is perfectly balanced by Evans’ sly, reluctant hero energy.
 
The film’s premise—Santa gets kidnapped, and a misfit team must save Christmas—could have been gimmicky, but director Jake Kasdan keeps it fresh with clever twists, touching moments, and fun action sequences. The sets are also well done, from the snowy wonderland of Santa’s HQ to the high-octane chase scenes. Add in a supporting cast like J.K. Simmons as a tough-as-nails Saint Nick and Lucy Liu bringing her A-game, and you’ve got a holiday blockbuster that’s equal parts fun and festive.
 
The 4K presentation ups the ante from what I streamed from Amazon over the holidays. There’s more depth in the image and the colors are a bit punchier. When streamed, I found it to be somewhat bit compressed, especially in the backgrounds, which is completely absent on the disc. The Atmos track is a massive improvement over the lossy sound from streaming with clean dialog, plenty of discrete effects flying around the room, and robust LFE.
 
Video 8.5/10
 
Audio 9/10 (Dolby Atmos)
 
 
Special Features:

• 4K + Digital Code

 

 
 
 
Conclusion
I’m a sucker for holiday films and generally like Johnson’s film roles, so it’s no surprise I liked this one more than a lot of people. Is it flawed? Sure, but what film these days isn’t? That being said, it’s a fun ride and the sum of its parts leads up to an entertaining experience and I’m happy to add the film to my collection.
 
 
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
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 controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

 

[bmoney]

Was a decent watch. I’m a bit lower on it than you. But your reasons make sense 

[SRW1000]

We haven't watched this yet, but my nieces loved it, watching it multiple times.  (And yes, they're middle-aged adults.)

We'll have to catch it next Christmas.

[David Vaughn]

We haven't watched this yet, but my nieces loved it, watching it multiple times.  (And yes, they're middle-aged adults.)

We'll have to catch it next Christmas.

Another good movie where Simmons plays Santa Claus is "Klaus," which is a Netflix animation title. It's an excellent film. 

[Barry]

Was a decent watch. I’m a bit lower on it than you. But your reasons make sense

Feel just like you!