The Final Countdown (Limited Edition): 4K UHD Review
Arriving this week on a Limited Edition 3-disk set, is the 1980 sci-fi cult classic, The Final Countdown. Included is the Ultra HD disk, Blu-ray and Soundtrack CD, courtesy of Blue Underground. This was director Don Taylor’s final theatrical release before moving on to a career in TV movies. However, he did helm Damien: Omen II and The Island of Dr. Moreau prior to The Final Countdown. One of the most surprising things about the film is that it was produced by Troma founder, Lloyd Kaufman.
For those who have never seen The Final Countdown, the story follows the crew of the USS Nimitz naval aircraft carrier as they enter a mysterious vortex storm at sea. The ship is transported from the year 1980 to 1941, right before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Although Captain Yelland (Kirk Douglas) at first thinks this is some sort of elaborate prank, civilian observer Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen) begins to believe that they have traveled through time.
Now, here comes the film’s big question, does the crew of the U.S.S. Nimitz intervene and alter history or do they stay clear of the events that they know are about to unfold. Well, you will have to watch the film if you want to know how things play out. The question is, do I think The Final Countdown is worth watching? When it comes down to it, this isn’t a very good movie. Not a whole lot happens, and the action is seriously lacking. Having said that, I will say one of the things that I like is that the Navy fully supported the production, and it was shot on an actual aircraft carrier, not a set. The new 4K transfer which was taken from the original 35mm camera negative looks truly, stunning. Blue Underground put in a lot of work restoring the film and it shows. The scenes that take place on the carrier surface look the best.
Out of the various audio choices, I went with the Dolby Atmos and I was blown away. I could feel the vibrations as a couple of jets flew over a yacht at sea. This track definitely, takes full advantage of The Final Countdown sound design. While I am not a fan of the film, this is a fantastic release for those who love it. There is also a 10-page illustrated booklet that is a nice addition.
By: Marc Ferman