Drive (2011) - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook

Based on the James Sallis novel of the same name, Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is a remarkable technical achievement, starting with Hossein Amini's extraordinarily tight and succinct script taking a minimalist, high-concept plot that Refn fashions into an atmospheric arthouse piece. The first ten minutes alone demonstrate the writing and directing talents behind this production, delivering a brilliant cinematic experience that's been imitated but not replicated. The opening sequence is a prime example of the importance of good beginnings, showing everything we need to know about our protagonist — a nameless stunt driver moonlighting as a getaway driver played to perfection by Ryan Gosling. His skill behind the wheel visually conveys that he is methodical, highly disciplined and above all else, absolutely cool under pressure, anticipating the moves of others and quick to make decisive, measured decisions without breaking a sweat. 

The masterfully done sequence beautifully ends with the plot's central theme as the driver opens the door to an empty, lonely and dispiritingly dark studio apartment. Silently turning back to the cold night and driving aimlessly through the streets perfectly epitomizes the futility of his life, a void he wants to fill but doesn't know how, or at least not until the catalyst shows up in the form of single mother Irene (Carey Mulligan). The neo-noir crime drama is primarily told in visual metaphors, such as the shot of the exit sign behind the driver while in front of him, a welcome home banner hangs above a wistful Irene. The story is ultimately a character study of the classic Hollywood anti-hero who is unapologetically driven by a strict moral code that informs his wants and decisions at the moment but now battles with the external forces that push him towards what he needs. However, the repercussions of his choices complicate his ability to achieve that need. (Movie Rating: 4.5/5)

For another take on this favorite action drama, check out Luke Hickman's review of the 2012 Blu-ray HERE and Billy Russell's review of Second Sight's 4K UHD special edition HERE.

Vital Disc Stats: The Ultra HD Blu-ray
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray as a two-disc SteelBook with a flyer for a Digital Copy, unlocking the HDX version with Dolby Digital 5.1 Plus audio, which could change on the official release date. A dual-layered UHD100 disc comfortably sits atop a Region Free, BD50 copy with the bonus features as the previous release. Both discs are housed inside an attractive blue & pink neon-colored SteelBook with an 80s retro artwork design. At startup, the UHD disc goes straight to a static main screen with the usual options along the bottom while music plays in the background.

The ultra-cool action drama drives into the 4K Ultra HD garage souped up in a Dolby Vision HDR grading that perfectly showcases the gorgeous teal-orange cinematography of Newton Thomas Sigel, delivering an excellent upgrade over its Blu-ray counterpart. 

Nighttime sequences are bathed in a vibrant, dazzling array of marigold yellows, rich amber oranges and sapphire teals while daylight scenes boast deep, sumptuous primaries, from the lively emerald greens and spirited cobalt blues to the crimson, cherry reds. Facial complexions appear healthy with highly revealing, lifelike textures in the cast. The HEVC H.265 encode also arrives with a notable improvement in black levels, displaying exceptional gradational differences between the various shades and washing over the action in inky, stygian shadows without sacrificing the finer details within the darkest corners. The aerial shots of the L.A. skyline at night are remarkably stunning on their own and easily reach the level of demo-worthy. Contrast balance is somewhat restrained but nonetheless spot-on, flaunting intensely vivid whites throughout while crisp, radiant specular highlights furnish various metallic surfaces with a realistic sheen and the L.A. streets with a tight, narrow glow at daylight. The 4K transfer also enjoys a welcomed uptick in overall definition and resolution, showing slightly sharper details in the various vehicles and costumes while also exposing a bit more of the apartment and pizzeria. 

As of this writing, it is unknown if this encode comes from a new remaster of the original digital elements or if it is an upscale of the 2K digital intermediate. UK-based distributor Second Sight performed a remaster for their 2022 UHD special edition, which was approved by director Nicolas Winding Refn. But it's unclear if Sony, which also claims to have received the approval of the director, performed their own remaster or simply repurposed that new 4K digital intermediate for this release. Doing a back-and-forth comparison between the two versions has not revealed any significant or noteworthy differences, suggesting that this transfer is likely the result of the latter. Whatever the case may be, this highly-stylized 2.39:1 presentation is simply a gorgeous, cinematic-like sight to behold in 4K HDR. (Dolby Vision HDR Video Rating: 92/100)

Riding shotgun is an equally awesome Dolby Atmos soundtrack that dramatically improves upon its DTS-HD MA counterpart, nicely enhancing the original, intentionally understated sound design. The euro synth-pop score of Cliff Matinez and the electro song selections fill the entire room and surround the listening area to create a subtle but amazingly immersive soundscape that not only enhances the visuals but also sucks the viewer into this dark, seedy world. For most of the runtime, various atmospherics faintly pan from the surrounds into the overheads with the exception of action sequences when the ceiling channels are more heavily employed, like the opening car chase with the police helicopter flying directly above. Imaging continuously feels wide and spacious even during quieter, more character-focused moments, as the silence itself carries an ominous sense of presence that seems to hover all around. An extensive and dynamic mid-range maintains superb distinction and clarity in the higher frequencies while vocals remain crystal-clear and well-prioritized at all times. The low end is surprisingly robust and palpable, providing some oomph and weight to the growling engines, and a couple of spots dug deep into the ultra-low depths, shaking the couch and energizing the room. (Dolby Atmos Audio Rating: 90/100)

Sadly, none of the special features from the Second Sight 4K package made the cut for this stateside UHD edition, but Sony makes up for that with one new exclusive featurette available on the 4K disc. The accompanying Blu-ray copy houses all the same bonuses as before.

4K DIsc

• NEW Back in the Driver's Seat (HD, 13 min) is a recently-produced EPK-style piece made of various cast & crew interviews edited in between tons of film clips and BTS footage.
• Trailer (HD)

Blu-ray Disc

• Drive Without a Driver (HD, 26 min)
• Under the Hood (HD, 12 min)
• Driver and Irene (HD, 6 min)
• I Drive (HD, 5 min)
• Cut to the Chase (HD, 5 min)
• Previews (HD)

Based on the James Sallis novel of the same name, Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is a remarkable technical achievement, from Hossein Amini's script, the editing, music and synth score to Newton Thomas Sigel's gorgeous photography and Refn's directing. Starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman and Albert Brooks, the neo-noir crime drama is a fascinating and highly engaging character study of the classic Hollywood anti-hero, making the film a beloved classic in its own right. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings the action drama to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray equipped with a stunning Dolby Vision HDR presentation and an outstanding Dolby Atmos soundtrack, both of which offer an outstanding upgrade over its Blu-ray predecessor. The same set of bonuses from the BD release are ported over but joined by one new exclusive featurette. Overall, the two-disc SteelBook makes for a Highly Recommended addition to the 4K action library.

All disc reviews at High-Def Digest are completed using the best consumer HD home theater products currently on the market. More about the gear used for this review.