Top Gun is a wildly entertaining action-romance featuring the ever so charming Tom Cruise, surrounded by a solid supporting cast including McGinnis, Edwards and Kilmer, directed by the late Tony Scott.
Top Gun
(1986)
Genre(s): Action, Drama, Romance
Paramount | PG – 110 min. – $29.99 | May 19, 2020
Date Published: 05/13/2020 | Author: The Movieman
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Paramount provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
Note: The screen captures were taken from the Blu-ray disc and do not represent the 4K Ultra HD transfer.
THE MOVIE — 4.0/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick (TOM CRUISE) is sent to the school, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanor put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (VAL KILMER). But Maverick isn’t only competing to be the top fighter pilot, he’s also fighting for the attention of his beautiful flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood (KELLY MCGILLIS). Quick Hit Review: Top Gun is a movie I’ve seen probably a handful of times over the past decade and every time, and this Tony Scott directed action-drama has held up so well. The action itself, utilizing practical effects and real footage up in the air, is incredible (and thankful this wasn’t made in the late 90s and utilize poor CGI). Beyond that, the acting from Tom Cruise to Anthony Edwards to Val Kilmer were all excellent, Cruise excels and showcases his charisma that has carried him to this day. This is not to say there aren’t a few cheesy moments, along with great, quotable lines (“I feel the need…the need for speed”), but it all works. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 5.0/5 |
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This two-disc release comes with a glossy slip cover and inside is a Digital HD copy. Audio Commentary — Director Tony Scott, Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Co-Screenwriter Jack Epps Jr. plus a few of the technical advisors. (also available on the 4K disc) The Legacy of Top Gun (5:39) is a retrospective featurette with interviews by the current cast of the sequel. The last part serves as an advert for it. (also available on the 4K disc) On Your Six: Thirty Years of Top Gun (29:54) — Split into five parts, this featurette was made for the 30th Anniversary Blu-ray release and does feature comments by the cast (including Tom Cruise) and crew (Jerry Bruckheimer) looking back at this 1980s classic. (also available on the 4K disc) Danger Zone: The Making of Top Gun (2:27:44) — A massive 6-part, feature-length making-of documentary chronicling every step from pre-production to release. Extremely in-depth and well worth a watch. Multi-Angle Storyboards (6:54) —Comparing the final scene with storyboard art. Includes optional commentary with Tony Soctt. Best of the Best: Inside the Real Top Gun (28:46) — This featurette takes a look at the real Navy guys of Top Gun. Music Videos
Original Theatrical Promotional Material
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VIDEO – 5.0/5 |
| Top Gun has been released on all major formats (VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray and now 4K UHD) and in this latest one, it likely looks the best it ever has. Detail is incredibly sharp and excellent definition with the natural film grain and noise has been retained. Colors appear to be well balanced and, at least based on comparing the 2016 Blu-ray with the new Blu-ray (and it is a new codec), the color grading is certainly different. In any case, both the 4K and Blu-ray look great, so even if you go for the new Blu-ray release coming out the same day, you can’t really go wrong. |
AUDIO – 5.0/5 |
| The audio has been given a Dolby Atmos track and not that the previous Blu-rays didn’t already sound good, this one still was fantastic, the roaring of the jet’s engines thrusting up, with the LFE kicking on for a nice little rumble, but not overtly strong. Dialogue comes through with nice clarity via the center channel and there is some non-action ambient noises, so the track has some very respectable depth. |
OVERALL – 4.5/5 |
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Top Gun is a wildly entertaining action-romance featuring the ever so charming Tom Cruise, surrounded by a solid supporting cast including Kelly McGinnis, Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer, directed by the late Tony Scott. This 4K/Blu-ray combo pack offers up outstanding video and audio transfers to go along with a great set of bonus material, ported over from previous releases. |
The screen captures came from the Blu-ray copy and are here to add visuals to the review and do not represent the 4K video.