An opportunity was somewhat given to check out Fast X in its home release format and I’m here to tell you what I can about it.
In the interests of full disclosure, I should start this review by informing you that I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to check out the physical copy of Fast X prior to its release earlier this week. I did, however, have the opportunity to revisit the film on digital which, while not quite the same as popping the disc in, was still quite the enjoyable experience.
I’m happy to report that Fast X is just as awesome on the small screen as it was in theaters. I’d actually forgotten how quickly the film drops you into the action, looping the story back to the events of Fast Five in a way that continues to impress me on rewatch. Everything F9 fumbled with the introduction of Jacob, they completely nailed with Dante’s introduction in this film. My only regret is that Jason Momoa didn’t join the franchise several installments ago because he remains the best part of this film by a solid mile.
One thing that continues to delight me about Fast X is how many funny moments are scattered though the film. Given what’s at stake, you wouldn’t expect that much humor and yet, it works. Oddly enough, quite a few of those moments come from Cipher, a performance I appreciate much more the second time around.
Upon rewatch, I also appreciate even more how the film makes a solid effort to run a line through the entire franchise from beginning to end. Of course, being reminded that our heroes started as small time crooks does make where we are now seem especially ridiculous, but it’s still nice to see the past acknowledged. And, somehow, I don’t mind how crazy the story has gotten because it’s so much fun to watch.
Unfortunately, while the home release does have a slew of great bonus features, I wasn’t able to access them here. However, I will include them below for reference as they really did include quite a lot for this release.
BONUS FEATURES ON 4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL:
• THIS IS FAMILY – Family bonds are always the strongest. Reunite with your favorite FAST family members as we introduce new characters, travel across continents, reveal intimate views of epic stunts, and get personal about the beginning of the end of the FAST franchise.
• FAST BREAKS: SCENE BREAKDOWNS WITH LOUIS LETERRIER* – Director Louis Leterrier gives insight into some of the magic that went into making FAST X, breaking down how he filmed these unforgettable action scenes in legendary locations around the world.
• XTREME RIDES OF FAST X – In FAST, we cast cars like we cast characters. Take a closer look at how classic FAST cars were rebuilt for FAST X, and which new vehicles are customized and introduced to enhance the lifeblood of the franchise.
• BELLES OF THE BRAWL – The women of FAST X are not to be messed with. Watch as they add their special talents to huge fight scenes, from rehearsal to the real thing.
• TUNED INTO RIO – Revisit FAST’s past as our story takes us back to Rio de Janeiro, where we’ll experience a non-stop party, exotic cars, and a classic FAST quarter mile street race.
• JASON MOMOA: CONQUERING ROME* – Jason Momoa joins the FAST franchise to portray a villain that pushes the team to the brink of disaster. Watch as Momoa discusses his approach to the character, biking down the narrow streets of Rome, and performing his own stunts.
• LITTLE B TAKES THE WHEEL – Get to know the youngest member of the Toretto family as we dive into Little B’s journey in FAST X and introduce Leo Abelo Perry.
• A FRIEND IN THE END – The FAST franchise has a history of shocking end-credit tags, and FAST X is no different. We take a special look at this scene and why, if you’re watching a FAST movie, you never want to get up before the end credits are finished!
• GAG REEL*
• MUSIC VIDEOS
o “TORETTO” BY J BALVIN
o “ANGEL PT. 1” BY KODAK BLACK & NLE CHOPPA (FEATURING JIMIN OF BTS, JVKE
& MUNI LONG)
• FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR LOUIS LETERRIER*
* Included on all formats including DVD
If you missed seeing Fast X in theaters, I highly recommend picking up a copy to watch at home, it really is a return to form for the franchise that is not to be missed.
