Review: 'The Final Countdown' Gets a Stellar 4K Upgrade From Blue Underground

There's a long, long history of film productions using military resources to aid a narrative. Like many of the WWII and Pearl Harbor recreations on film, naval warships, jet fighters, and other miscellaneous armaments were used to help produce Don Taylor's 1980 sci-fi drama "The Final Countdown." Similar to films like "Tora, Tora, Tora," which put all this advanced weaponry fully on display, Taylor's film shows its narrative weaknesses amidst all the bluster and bombast of a military exercise. That being said, it's still an interesting work that flexes as much of its minuscule budget as it can. Plus, it's anchored by game performances from Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, Ron O'Neal, and other Hollywood stalwarts.

Blue Underground has upgraded their previous Blu-ray release of "The Final Countdown" to 4K Ultra HD with the aid of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, resulting in a stellar edition that continues the trend of BU giving oddball genre films the best home entertainment releases possible. There's also a swath of special features to enjoy, including trailers, interviews, poster galleries, and even a collectible booklet with writing on the film. While "The Final Countdown" may not be the best work that Blue Underground has in its catalogue, it's still very pleasing to see such a film get the proper 4K Ultra HD treatment at home.

The U.S.S. Nimitz, America's mightiest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is maneuvering in the Pacific Ocean when a freak electrical storm engulfs the ship and sends it back in time to December 6, 1941, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Captained by the steadfast Matthew Yelland (Kirk Douglas), the crew must choose betwen unthinkable options: Do they intervene and stop the attack on Pearl Harbor, or let history carry on as it was written?

The most frustrating thing about "The Final Countdown" is that despite its harebrained plot (seemingly set for the midnight movie circuit), much of the film is filled with rote dialogue that even talented performers can't add any life to. The multiple sequences of jet fighting and other high-flying action serve as a respite from the tired proceedings.

But again, it should come as no surprise that the film looks so much better thanks to Blue Underground giving it the 4K treatment. Color depth looks incredible, as does the natural film grain overlaying the picture. Even when there are fluctuations in the picture because of the special effects work, there's a terrific and filmic balance to the presentation. The soundtrack by John Scott is also included on a CD, as is a limited-edition lenticular slipcover with some fun art.

While I'm in no way a fan of "The Final Countdown," it's worth noting here that Blue Underground has hit it out of the park again with upgrading their popular releases to 4K Ultra HD.

Special features include:

� Audio commentary with director of photography Victor J. Kemper
� "Lloyd Kaufman Goes Hollywood" - Interview with associate producer Lloyd Kaufman
� "Starring the Jolly Rogers" - Interviews with The Jolly Rogers F-14 Fighter Squadron
� Theatrical Trailers
� TV Spots
� Poster & Still Galleries

"The Final Countdown" is now available in a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and CD combo pack from Blue Underground.