The Bourne Supremacy

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Bourne Supremacy" delivers a mixed but respectable video presentation, an upgrade over its Blu-ray counterpart yet not without its disappointments. According to IMDB, the film was originally finished at 2K, necessitating an upscale to 4K for this release. This process results in a video that, while not reaching the pinnacle of what the format can offer, presents an image that's markedly improved over previous versions. The grain structure maintains a film-like aesthetic that's pleasing to the eye, with a level of fine detail that, though varying across the board, enhances textures from skin to clothing and environments more so than the significantly smoother Blu-ray version. However, it falls short of delivering the kind of raw textural intimacy and stitch-level clarity seen in the best examples of 4K content.

The HDR color grading stands out as a strong point, offering viewers a less saturated, more nuanced palette that fits well within the film's aesthetic—a colder and darker look that feels appropriate for the movie's diverse locales and thematic shifts. Flesh tones appear more natural, devoid of the pasty or greenish tint witnessed in other versions. Nevertheless, occasional soft images and some digital noise don't entirely escape notice but don't significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. The shift in visual atmosphere as the narrative moves from the warmer climates of Goa and India to the colder settings of Germany and Russia is commendable, though the execution sometimes results in visual inconsistencies that range from overblown to starkly unattractive scenes, particularly in the Berlin hotel sequence.

While this 4K UHD release does not reach the excellence achieved by the finest instances of the format or even the best 1080p Blu-ray discs produced from a 4K scan, it represents a sizable step up in quality from previous releases. Its strengths in enhanced fine detail and a more accurate color presentation contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, even if it does not fully overcome its source material limitations. Consequently, it lands at a solid yet unexceptional middle ground with a rating that could justifiably vary between 3.0 to 4.0, ultimately settling at a 3.5 for its achievement in elevating "The Bourne Supremacy" beyond its Blu-ray incarnation while acknowledging the inherent challenges in upscaling to 4K.

The audio presentation of "The Bourne Supremacy" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray elevates the auditory experience with its DTS:X soundtrack, seamlessly integrating with a more restrained, yet powerful DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, alongside a varied selection including a DTS Headphone:X track and multiple language DTS 5.1 tracks. This blend caters to a wide spectrum of audio enthusiasts, offering an engaging mix that complements the high-paced action and intricate storylines. The soundtrack's strength lies in its dynamic range, from the nuanced ambient effects that effortlessly recreate intricate environments, whether it's the subtle hum of passing traffic or the pronounced roar of a jet engine, to the precision and vitality of more intense sequences.

The mix masterfully balances the spacious and energetic music scores with back-channel information, presenting an immersive field that’s both lively and detailed without succumbing to imbalance. Despite its robust use of bass and extensive width, the track avoids becoming overwhelming, instead offering a complimentary layer to the on-screen action. However, it occasionally underutilizes the overhead channels, missing some opportunities for a fully enveloping experience, particularly with ambient sounds like public announcements that could benefit from enhanced spatial positioning.

Key to this presentation is the track's clear, center-focused dialogue, ensuring that every line of conversation is comprehensible amidst the barrage of auditory stimuli. While combat scenes are conveyed with palpable intensity—thanks to the realistic rendering of physical impacts and gunfire—the mix never loses its sense of direction, maintaining a coherent soundscape even in its most boisterous moments. This rigorous attention to detail ensures a satisfying auditory journey that immerses viewers deeply into the world of "The Bourne Supremacy," offering an audio experience that is as thrilling and nuanced as the film itself.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Bourne Supremacy" primarily includes an audio commentary by Director Paul Greengrass as its sole extra feature on the UHD disc, offering insightful details on the development of the story and some production specifics. However, the bulk of the supplemental content is found on the accompanying 1080p Blu-ray disc, which is packed with a variety of extras that delve deeper into the making of this spy thriller. These include everything from detailed featurettes on casting, fight training, and the logistics of filming action-packed scenes without CGI, to more thematic content such as the psychological underpinnings of Jason Bourne's amnesia. While some deleted scenes offer additional context to the complex narrative, others, particularly a meeting among the CIA team, provide crucial insights that could aid viewers' understanding of the film's intricacies. The supplementary materials strike a balance between celebrating the technical achievements of the film and exploring its storytelling and character development.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Paul Greengrass
• Explosive Deleted Scenes
• Matching Identities: Casting
• Keeping It Real
• Blowing Things Up
• On the Move With Bourne
• Bourne To Be Wild: Fight Training
• Crash Cam: Racing Through the Streets of Moscow
• The Go-Mobile Revs Up the Action
• Anatomy of a Scene: The Explosive Bridge Chase Scene
• Scoring with John Powell
• The Bourne Mastermind (Part 2)
• The Bourne Diagnosis (Part 2)

Universal's release of 'The Bourne Supremacy' on 4K UHD Blu-ray, coinciding with the latest film in the Bourne series, offers an intriguing opportunity to revisit this sophomore outing. The movie, stepping in just two years after its predecessor, treads a familiar path, banking heavily on the foundation laid by 'The Bourne Identity'. This time, however, the tables are turned: Jason Bourne is no longer just the target; he's out for vengeance. With his ally murdered and framed for crimes he didn't commit, Bourne's journey spans the globe, from the bustling streets of India to the chilly confrontations in Russia, showcasing a man not just running, but hunting for the truth behind his framing, and ultimately for peace.

The sequel, while entertaining and rich with action, lacks the fresh allure and cohesive storytelling of its forerunner. The introduction of Paul Greengrass as director brings a stylistic shift with his kinetic, often shaky camera work, marking a departure from Doug Limon's steadier, more atmospheric approach. Despite a memorable performance by Matt Damon and an exhilarating car chase that rivals the original's, 'The Bourne Supremacy' falters slightly in its execution of villains and narrative depth. The reduction of Marie's (Franka Potente) role removes a layer of emotional grounding, leaving Bourne's motivations feeling a bit more scattered and less personal.

The 4K UHD presentation is worthy of note, promising an upgraded visual and auditory experience. The new 2160p transfer and DTS:X sound aim to immerse viewers deeper into Bourne's globe-trotting adventure. While maintaining the technical achievements of the original Blu-ray release, these enhancements are designed to breathe new life into the viewing experience, offering both long-time fans and newcomers alike a fresh perspective on this second chapter of the Bourne saga.

The Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "The Bourne Supremacy" by Universal presents a significant improvement over its predecessor, "The Bourne Identity," particularly in terms of picture quality and a more dynamic audio experience. While the film itself serves as a bridge within the series, boasting some of the most memorable and much-imitated action sequences, especially those set in Moscow, this release brings those moments to life with greater clarity and impact. The inclusion of HDR10 enhances the picture quality substantially when compared to the standard Blu-ray version, offering viewers an appreciably richer visual experience. However, it's important to note that while the improvement is notable and makes for an honest upgrade from Blu-ray, when placed within the wider context of UHD releases, it registers as merely good.

On the audio front, the release introduces a new DTS:X track that is described as aggressive, adding a level of immersion to the film's action-packed sequences that was previously unattainable. Despite these improvements, the release does not feature any new extras, which might be a downside for collectors or fans looking for added value in terms of content. Nevertheless, this release stands out as a significant enhancement over the Blu-ray version, mainly due to the upgraded picture and sound quality.

In conclusion, "The Bourne Supremacy" on Ultra HD Blu-ray offers an undeniable upgrade in both visual and auditory experiences for fans of the series or film enthusiasts looking to enjoy one of the genre's more iconic entries in the best quality currently available. However, it falls short of setting a new standard for UHD releases, landing it in the realm of "recommended" rather than "essential." For those invested in witnessing the evolution of action cinema in higher resolution and more immersive audio, this release is certainly worth considering, even if it doesn't include new special features.