A twist on WWII, the movie The Final Countdown has been released on 4K Ultra HD for the first time. It was originally shown in theaters on the big screens in 1980, and with this 2021 pressing the film has been totally upgraded for home viewing by those who have the 4K player system. Compared to streaming platforms and regular blu-ray, this presentation really makes a big difference.
If you are into sci-fi, the movie features a premise that brings the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Nimitz into the fray the day before of the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Nicely depicted, considering the lack of CGI back in the early 80’s, the movie makers keep the action on edge as the carrier goes through a time warp. With all the jets in the air, they get attacked by the Japanese on their way to cause the destruction to the basses and ships near Honolulu, Hawaii. With time running out on the flash to the past anomaly, Captain Mathew Yelland (Kirk Douglas) and government official Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen) are faced with making possible future altering decisions.
The 4K Ultra HD presentation is very good and clear with no noticeable grain. The movie really plays a lot better than the Blu-ray release from November 4, 2008. The Dolby Atmos sound quality makes the war action, jets and the time warp exciting and adventurous. This exclusive Limited Collector’s Edition includes 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Soundtrack CD, Collectible Booklet, and 3D Lenticular Slipcover (First Pressing Only)
Extras:
- 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
BONUS! THE FINAL COUNTDOWN Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD by John Scott
BONUS! Collectible Booklet featuring The Zero Pilot Journal
BONUS! 3D Lenticular Slipcover (First Pressing Only)
It’s a fun film even if is a bit predictable and the twist works in spite of it. I enjoyed seeing Martin Sheen (Apocalypse Now), James Farentino (Bulletproof), Katherine Ross (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) and Kirk Douglas in this 1980 film. The film has been rated PG but, there is some violence, sexuality, language and smoking.
IMPORTANT: The stills and the trailer displayed in this article are NOT from the 4K restoration, Due to unavailability they are screenshots and trailer from the previous Blu-ray edition.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, Katharine Ross, James Farentino, Charles Durning
Directed by: Don Taylor
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 1 hr. 43 min
Video Release Date: May 25, 2021
Original Theatrical Release Date: August 1, 1980
Language: English
Reviewed Format: 4K
Audio: Dolby Atmos
Video: 2160p Ultra HD
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Distributed by: MVD Entertainment Group
