Kingsman: The Secret Service [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray] [2015]

When I first heard of Matthew Vaughn's newest film, I didn't think much of it. It was another comic book film, which was released concurrently with the release of the film, that had a big star in a supporting role and a young up-and-comer in the lead. So it was pretty much like Kick-A**, and was hoping it would be different. After seeing a few trailers, skipping it out in theatres (Too busy most of the time for a night at the movies, unfortunately) and seeing it got a ton of rave reviews (Along with a ton of controversy) and a hefty chunk of change at the box office, I decided to give this one a view. Boy am I glad I did! This film is filled with a story lifted from Bond (A billionaire decides to rid of most of Earth's populace with tampered SIM cards that produce a frequency that instantly makes everyone violent to the point of murderous rage) that has tons of callbacks to the 60s Bond era (Like Vaughn's previous film X-Men: First Class) and loads of style to choke a playboy. The cast is exceptional, with great turns by Colin Firth (He is surprisingly awesome as an action star!), Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, Mark Strong and the big breakthrough performance by Taron Egerton as the hero, Eggsy Unwin. Just a total must-see, no matter if you view it in theaters, rent the DVD, buying the BluRay, or even a rental on CinemaNow, this is a must own, unless you are against a very-hard R film filled with brutal violence, coarse language, and some sensual scenes that contain nudity, but still buy it! The BluRay's PQ/AQ is a top notch presentation, with sharp, detailed picture sourced from a digital shoot, that is very filmic and colorful with details that range from wrinkles in the face to the very fabric of the Seville Row-suits being easily countable to the stitch, and very loud and accurate sound that surrounds the viewers in a wash of bullets, explosions and blows to the face with fists and/or feet. The extras, are a bit disappointing (with an early press release stating there would be an unrated cut and a commentary), but still contains some goodies. The big extra is a 90-minute documentary, split up over several featurettes which can be viewed together or in chunks, that is very detailed and BTS-oriented that covers everything from inception of the comic book to release. All in all, a very good documentary. Also of note is several photo galleries and some trailers to complete the mediocre, but still decent extras. Also included is a Digital HD copy of the film (Wished it had a DVD so I can view on the go without having to download a version on my phone so I don't waste data) and since it is a Best Buy exclusive, has the first issue of Kingsman, in mini-comic book form, a nice touch BBY. All in all, a very good release, that is not for all tastes, but has enough action and humor to satisfy fans of either genre, demo worthy PQ/AQ and some decent extras to make it a must buy. Of course, if you have a 4K TV, wait until March 1st to pick up the 4K release (Also includes the standard BluRay) to really show off your setup!!!

I wrote this review when the movie remake of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. came out in theaters. I have to say that THAT movie WISHES it could be THIS one. [And I think the reviews and box office data support it.] This movie is the big-screen adaptation of a graphic novel by Mark Millar, and has a general quirkiness like the Kick-A** graphic novel [which Mr. Millar also wrote...and which I can't spell out properly on this web site due to "inappropriate language"]. This flick has: --some cool Watchmen-style slow-motion action sequences --some fast Black Widow-meets-Kill Bill fight scenes --humor --style --subtle elegance --good, old-fashioned gentleman spies and their cool toys --a Bond-style henchwoman with a unique, deadly gimmick [in this case, lethal prosthetics from the knees down...each of which oddly reminds me of a sewing machine needle assembly for some reason] --a deliciously zany Samuel L. Jackson playing a semi-serious [and smarter] Dr. Evil-type with nerdy glasses, a lisp, and a gangsta-style baseball cap with oversized bill The movie is an amalgam of older spy genre movies and TV shows-- back when they were actually FUN to watch. It has its serious aspects, but is not the darker fare we've received since 1987 [when Timothy Dalton took over the James Bond role]. This one is definitely intelligent and entertaining in an offbeat and refreshing manner. The disc's extras [special features] take an extensive look behind the production of the movie. They're interesting, if lengthy and tedious at times.

Kingsman: The Secret Service is just another reason why Matthew Vaughn is one of the most original directors today. This time our story shows how a young thief with skill and heart of gold finds his way into joining secret organization very much in leu of Ian Flemming's MI6. You can't help but use the word "romantic" for this movie: it's truly a love note to the quirky and suave elements to some of the first James Bond films of the 60's. It even has the balls to take the silly 70's bits and top them for visual fun... and actually be good! Pair that with Guy Ritchie like action and stylized fights you might find in Sherlock Holmes, and the VERY SMOOTH and Bad A$$ Colin Firth... and what has been created is the best spy film in years. It's pure fun that's fresh for new audiences and also tips it hat to older viewers that loved everything from 007, I Spy, and even the original Get Smart. It delivers heart, laughs, and a splendor of fights that are unparalleled to most in the last decade. Can't wait for the Golden Circle, this is a lovely film: I suggest the Quarter Pounder and glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with any viewing... you'll get that if you saw the movie or will!

What a ride! This was entertainment at it's best, a kind of James Bond meets Kill Bill meets Harry Potter. The premise is simple: Eggsy, the main younger character, and a talented yet troubled youth of sorts is invited to try out for the Kingsmen. The first part of the movie is primarily training, interaction with the inevitable entitled bullies, etc. Of course, there is a mentor, played by Colin Firth, who is absolutely amazing in this role - stiff upper lip and all, but who does let his emotional side come through occasionally in his interactions with young Eggsy as he learns and grows. No spy movie is complete without a super villain intent on world domination, and Samuel L Jackson plays this to the hilt, along with being quite squeamish about blood and violence. His outfits alone are worth watching. This entire movie feels like an homage to the spy movies of the past, with top notch acting, believable character interactions, and some incredible frolicking fight scenes.

I have the new Samsung 4K UBD-K8500 Blu-ray player connected to 65 inch 4K television. ("Element" is the brand, bought from Costco.) While the television doesn't have HDR take advantage of this movie, this movie is notably clearer than the regular Blu-ray version. I forwarded to the spot where all the youngsters met the trainer for the first time and looking at a character who was wearing a patterned sweater in the middle of the screen, the 4K version is twice is clear as the Blu-ray version. However when I sat on the sofa which is about 10 feet away, the difference is, if I may say this, "slight". I am extremely happy with UBD-K8500, and even with my television, so at this time I am not sure if a 4K Blu-ray is worth the extra expenses. One sure thing is whatever the movies that I have on Blu-ray will not be replaced with the 4K version unless the price is lower. This can happen if the manufacturers and the studios want to capture the market share. They are many Blu-ray movies nowadays that can be bought for $5 to $10 (they may not be new releases of course), but it is possible. I will most likely by the 4K version for those that I do not have in regular Blu-ray version. About the movie, it is fun to watch!

I remember seeing the trailer for this film, but missed it in the theaters (ya know how life gets in the way). It wasn’t until I saw the movie on store shelves that I remembered I liked the trailer and wanted to check it out. Normally, if I didnt see a film Im the theater, I’ll hear from a friend who has seen it, and look into it from there. Or, I’ll just wait until it’s on Netflix. I normally do not just go out and buy a film on Blu-Ray when I don’t know much about it. In the case of The Kingsman, something told me I should get it even without knowing much about it. I’m so glad I did. This was one of the most fun movies I’d seen in a long time. You have to go into the movie realizing you are not supposed to take it seriously, but just to enjoy the experience. The film makers did a great job of mixing great/fun (if not over the top) action sequences with a sense of humor. They took the action seriously, but not themselves. They went for a fun popcorn action film and got it right.

The movie itself was full of action and fun fight scenes, but the story left a lot to be desired. It was rank with juvenile humor and while often amusing, sometimes left me with the feeling that since I'm not in middle school, I'm just too old. Though, I have to say regardless of the script, Samuel L. Jackson was hilarious. It's also not my faviorite performance, but you can tell the Collin Firth had lots of fun with this role. He was also quite funny. It was a shame really that it seemed like so much of the movie was obvious CG. It looked like the quality I'd have expected to see 8-10 years ago, not top of the line by any means. For a film so reliant on it, they should have gone to ILM or someone who could make it look more real. Then again, maybe that was a stylistic choice. Either way, there was a great deal of it and when they swtiched back and forth you could easily tell. All in all, it's a fun movie well suited to the disaffected tweens who will no doubt love it.

Good upgrade from Blu-ray, Picture quality is nice, unfortunately the audio is the same blu-ray source which is not bad but we always feel disappointed when the UHD disc do not feature upgraded sound as well. Digital code DOES NOT redeem for UDH digital. Standard for Fox movies, and we really hate that they will not redeem for 4k digital. Far as the movie goes this is for James Bond fans, the director snubbed by the Bond producers wanted to show he had what it takes to bring the magic of Bond to the big screen, X-men First class and now his own spy series which does go over the top however the director knows exactly what is too much and how far is too far. All the fun drained out the the official Bond series long ago, this series manages to recapture some of the magic.