The famous actor who played an agent in a long-running franchise is back with a new sequel that comes in ultra-high definition in a specially packaged three-disc set for fans of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One, Limited Edition SteelBook (Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, rated PG-13, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, 163 minutes, $44.99).
Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) to stop a sentient computer program that has become self-aware and is threatening to take over humanity, performing many of the movie’s stunts.
In the movie, Ethan teams up with tech specialists Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), and thief Grace (Hayley Atwell) to battle the entity’s chosen avatar, assassin Gabriel (Esai Morales), who used to be Ethan’s nemesis before joining the IMF.
As the story unfolds, a conspiracy to steal the keys takes Ethan to various locations around the world, delivering director Christopher McQuarrie’s action-packed scenes such as a car chase on the streets of Rome, a ride atop the Orient Express, a close quarters combat in the Austrian Alps, and a skydiving cliff jump from a motorcycle.
However, the movie’s major flaw is its lack of resolution, leaving audiences with unanswered questions until 2025. Additionally, the longer run time includes extended dialogue scenes that disrupt the film’s pacing.
4K in action: The visual presentation in 2160p offers stunning detail and colors, taking viewers around the world to appreciate various locations and action scenes.
Unfortunately, the movie does not take advantage of IMAX-sized, screen-filling moments tied to the bigger action scenes, maintaining a widescreen aspect ratio throughout.
Best extras: The 4K and Blu-ray disc include an optional commentary track with director Christopher McQuarrie and editor Eddie Hamilton, providing in-depth analysis of the film’s technical and aesthetic aspects.
The second Blu-ray disc includes seven featurettes that briefly cover scenes in Abu Dhabi, Rome, and Venice, as well as Mr. Cruise’s speed flying and his insane motorcycle jump from a mountainside.
The steel packaging features a glossy orangish-red background with black lettering and illustrations of action scenes.
The inside of the packaging features a larger image of Ethan in action.
