An already great sci-fi action-thriller by Duncan Jones looks even better presented in 4k!
“Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this mind-bending action-thriller about an experimental government program used to prevent a deadly terrorist attack in downtown Chicago.”
When Captain Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) awakens on a train bound for Chicago, he immediately senses something isn’t right. Not recognizing anyone around him or his surroundings, he is visibly shaken as a woman in front of him he later learns to be Christina (Michelle Monaghan), continues to call him by a different name. Trying to get his bearings in the bathroom, he then notices his reflection isn’t his, and before he can do much else to investigate, the train explodes.
Captain Stevens then wakes in a small pod-like machine with monitors surrounding him broadcasting the image of Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga), a member of the military trying to get him to give a report. After a bit of time, Capt. Stevens begins to recall certain things about his mission and those involved, but still insists on answers which Goodwin is not permitted to give him. What he does learn is that he is part of an experimental mission in which he matches the criteria for exactly. This technology allows him to relive the last eight minutes of another man’s life right before the terrorist bombing of the train, with his mission to find the identity of the bomber and potentially his next target.
As Capt. Stevens follows different leads among the eight minutes he has, questions start to form, such as looking up information about himself on the outside, and learning if his actions in these eight minute jumps have any effect on the timeline. Although he is assured that while in the Source Code, his actions can only effect different universes and versions of reality, Capt. Stevens refuses to believe he cannot save Christina, who he has grown quite fond of in their brief interactions. With the threat of a second attack growing closer and closer, Capt. Stevens must face difficult realizations while racing the clock to discovering the identity of a terrorist capable of taking thousands of lives.
Source Code is an example of a perfect balance between sci-fi, action and mystery. I’ve been a fan of Duncan Jones since his brilliant debut with one of my favorite recent sci-fi films, Moon. With his second film he proves that he isn’t a one hit wonder; he knows the genre well and creates a fantastic story filled to the brim with entertainment and thrills. One of the better things about the film is that it’s easily accessible to both fans of the science fiction genre and others who only enjoy pure action. With the story basically boiling down to several eight minute adventures with a B-story intertwined, it is a film where you don’t find many dull moments.
It had been years since I’d seen the film, but I remembered the twist ending right away, which I suppose is a good thing. The mystery behind Capt. Stevens is indeed intriguing, and I will avoid any spoiler territory for anyone who hasn’t seen it. I do however have an issue with the ending, as it is kind of left to the discretion of the viewer and open to interpretation how to judge what happens. My problem is that the one of two ways that I can take it leaves a pretty bleak impression, leaving either a scientific or philosophical debate on the implications of what happened in the last few minutes of the film. Unfortunately, I’ll have to dwell on those thoughts myself, as I won’t risk spoiling such an interesting topic from the takeaway of the film. Films that can make you think about them that much usually leave a lasting impression, as does Source Code, something you will want to discuss with fellow movie-goers afterwards, always indicative of a film that takes an unconventional approach.
Video
Source Code is presented in a new 2160p Ultra High Definition 1.78:1 transfer, which looks fantastic. From the very opening scene with bright and vivid colors, the high dynamic range really brings out those brilliant brights and deep darks. The colors are impressively balanced, with this 4k transfer really shining, an impressive display of an relatively recent film cycling through to a new format. Grain is consistent throughout the film, giving it a much more organic feel. If your television has the capability to play Dolby Vision, this is included on the disc, brining an even greater picture thanks to Dolby’s dynamic metadata.
The Blu-Ray disc is also included, coming in at the normal 1080p High Definition Widescreen format, same as the previous Blu-Ray release.
Audio
The audio on the 4k disc is presented in Dolby Atmos, an impressive upgrade from the original Blu-Ray release of 5.1. There is a lot of action going on, a real workout of the surrounds, making this a impressive display of the Dolby Atmos potential. The balance in the channels is well done, despite the explosions and hectic goings on, dialogue is always clear and concise. The soundtrack sounds great as well. Jones didn’t go with Clint Mansell this time, which he did on Moon and his most recent film Mute. As good as it is, I have absolutely loved Clint Mansell’s scores, and can’t help but wonder what this would’ve sounded like if he went with his go-to guy who is responsible for some exceptional scores.
Special Features
Quite a few extras on this set, spanning both the 4k disc and Blu-Ray. On this set you’re going to see:
- Audio Commentary with Director Duncan Jones, Writer Ben Ripley, and Actor Jake Gyllenhaal
- 5 Crazy Details You Might Have Missed (4K Only)
- Get the Ultimate Insider’s Look at Source Code with Access: Source Code, Where You Can Activate a Variety of Dynamic “Scene Specific” Features: Listen to Interviews with Cast and Crew, Hear an Expert’s Comments on Time Travel, Go Behind the Science with Animated Documentary Shorts on Time Travel, and Enjoy Trivia and Facts As You Watch The Movie.
Source Code is a great combination of multiple genres that will be sure to please fans of any or all. This 4k release is an impressive display of an already great film, and with the low price tag compared to new 4k releases, this is a great buy for fans.
