Title: Just watched The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) in 4K – Underrated Sony release.
Body:
I rarely see this mentioned in "best 4K transfers" lists, but Sony knocked it out of the park.
Verdict: If you like sweaty, tense thrillers, grab it. Currently $17.99 on Amazon. Way better than the streaming version.
While 4K video gets the headlines, the unsung hero of the UHD format is object-based audio (Dolby Atmos and DTS:X). The 2009 Blu-ray featured a thunderous 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, but The Taking of Pelham 123 4K deserves a full spatial remaster.
Consider the soundscape: The screech of the train wheels on the rails, the muffled echo of dialogue inside the tunnel, the chaotic rainstorm during the finale, and Harry Gregson-Williams’ pounding electronic score. In Dolby Atmos, the vertical space of the subway stations would come alive. You would hear the pitter-patter of police footsteps on the street above you while the hostages breathe in fear below. The bullet whiz-bangs in the final shootout would track seamlessly through the overhead channels. For home theater enthusiasts, an Atmos track would be the difference between watching a movie and riding a train.
Summary
Story & Pacing
Performances
Direction & Tone
Cinematography & 4K Presentation
Sound & Score
Strengths
Weaknesses
Verdict
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The Taking of Pelham 123: A Gripping Thriller Revisited in 4K the taking of pelham 123 4k
The 2009 film "The Taking of Pelham 123" is a tense, gripping thriller that pits a group of desperate and well-armed commuters against a cunning and ruthless leader, played by Denzel Washington. The movie, directed by Tony Scott, is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name, and it brings a fresh, modern spin to the classic tale of a hijacking on a New York City subway train.
The Plot
The movie takes place on a typical Monday morning in New York City, as a packed subway train, Pelham 123, departs from the 34th Street station. Among the commuters are a young mother, a businessman, and a few workers heading to their jobs in the city. But their ordinary day takes a dramatic turn when the train is hijacked by a group of heavily armed men, led by the charismatic and calculating leader, T.W. Ranger (Denzel Washington).
Ranger, a former commuter himself, has a simple yet bold demand: $10 million in cash, which he wants to be delivered to him within a few hours. If his demands are not met, he threatens to kill one hostage every 10 minutes. As the standoff unfolds, the authorities, led by the NYPD and a determined transit cop, Lt. Denny (John Travolta), work tirelessly to negotiate with Ranger and his crew.
The Cast
The cast of "The Taking of Pelham 123" is impressive, with standout performances from Denzel Washington and John Travolta. Washington brings his signature gravitas and charm to the role of Ranger, making him both a compelling and intimidating figure. Travolta, as the seasoned Lt. Denny, provides a solid counterbalance to Washington's performance, bringing a sense of urgency and empathy to the negotiations.
The supporting cast, including Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, and Chris Meloni, add to the tension and drama of the film, bringing their own brand of intensity and unpredictability to their roles.
Visuals and Sound Design
The film's visuals are stunning, with a blend of practical and CGI effects that create a believable and intense atmosphere. The cinematography by Mauro Fiore captures the claustrophobic feel of the subway train, making the viewer feel like they are trapped alongside the hostages.
The sound design is equally impressive, with a pulsating score by Harry Gregson-Williams and a jarring use of sound effects that heighten the tension and anxiety of the situation. The 4K Ultra HD release of the film brings a new level of visual fidelity to the movie, with crisp and detailed images that immerse the viewer in the action.
Themes and Social Commentary
Beneath its surface-level thrills, "The Taking of Pelham 123" explores several thought-provoking themes and social commentary. The film touches on issues of class, economic disparity, and the effects of globalization on American society.
Ranger's character, in particular, serves as a symbol of the disillusioned and disaffected individual, who feels disenfranchised by the system and seeks to take matters into his own hands. The film also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with complex, high-stakes situations like the hijacking.
The 4K Ultra HD Release
The 4K Ultra HD release of "The Taking of Pelham 123" is a significant upgrade from the original Blu-ray release. The film's new transfer, supervised by director Tony Scott, brings a level of detail and color accuracy that was not possible with the previous release.
The 4K release also includes a range of special features, including behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and a detailed making-of featurette. These extras provide a fascinating glimpse into the film's production and highlight the craftsmanship and dedication that went into creating the movie. Title: Just watched The Taking of Pelham 123
Conclusion
"The Taking of Pelham 123" is a gripping, intense thriller that benefits from a strong cast, impressive visuals, and thought-provoking themes. The 4K Ultra HD release is a must-have for fans of the film, offering a significantly upgraded viewing experience that brings new levels of detail and immersion to the movie.
If you're a fan of tense, well-crafted thrillers, or if you're simply looking for a compelling movie experience, "The Taking of Pelham 123" in 4K is an excellent choice. With its gripping plot, strong performances, and impressive visuals, it's a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The 4K Ultra HD release of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
(1974) is widely regarded by reviewers as a definitive upgrade for fans of this gritty 1970s thriller. Released by Kino Lorber Studio Classics in the US and Arrow Video in the UK, the restoration breathes new life into the film's "scuffed-up" New York City aesthetic. Restoration and Visual Quality
The 4K presentation is sourced from a new 16-bit 4K scan of the original camera negative.
HDR and Dolby Vision: Critics note that the addition of Dolby Vision and HDR10 is the biggest game-changer, providing a "vibrant boost" to the color palette. While the film remains naturally muted with earthy browns and police blues, specific elements like Lt. Garber’s yellow tie and the red bulbs on the control board now "pop" with intensity.
Resolution and Detail: Reviewers at The Digital Bits highlight a significant uptick in fine detail, revealing textures in clothing, facial features, and the grime of the subway tunnels that were previously obscured.
Grain and Texture: The image maintains a "filmic" look, preserving the original camera negative's grain structure without excessive digital noise reduction (DNR). Audio Options The release offers two primary lossless audio tracks:
DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Mono): Many purists recommend this track as it is more authentic to the original theatrical experience.
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Remix: This track provides a more dimensional sound stage, with surround channels mainly handling David Shire's propulsive, jazzy score and ambient subway noise like screeching rails. Key Special Features Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The (1974) (4K UHD Review)
This restoration, available from Kino Lorber in the US and Arrow Video in the UK, was scanned from the original camera negative.
Dolby Vision & HDR10: These additions are the biggest game-changers, particularly for the dimly lit subway tunnels. Shadows are deeper and more natural, moving away from the grayer, "crushed" blacks of older Blu-rays.
Clarity: The 4K resolution reveals fine details like clothing textures (lots of 70s tweed) and facial grime that were previously blurred.
Color Palette: While it maintains its "gritty 70s" aesthetic of browns and dark reds, specific colors—like Walter Matthau's bright yellow tie—now "pop" with authentic vibrancy. Audio Upgrades The 4K releases typically offer two main audio options:
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1: A lossless remix that adds immersion to the echoey subway tunnels and the hectic operations center. I rarely see this mentioned in "best 4K
Original Mono: For purists, the original lossless mono track is often included, providing a propulsive and authentic experience for David Shire’s iconic jazzy score. Why This Version Matters
Reviewers often cite this as the definitive way to watch a film that heavily influenced modern heist cinema, including the color-coded aliases in Reservoir Dogs. Reviews & Perspectives “74 captures the entire vibe that is NYC in the 70s.” Reddit · r/movies · 2 years ago
“This original thriller is steeped in a brash, cold, heartless decade, spilling over with cynicism and anger around a changing social structure, work, and general misery.” DoBlu.com · 3 years ago
“The 2160P video has quite a bit of softness and untoward waxiness at times. It doesn't resemble film thickness to me.” DVDBeaver · 3 years ago
Are you looking to buy the 4K disc, or are you more interested in the differences between the 1974 original and the 2009 remake?
The Ultimate Ride: Analyzing "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" in 4K
Joseph Sargent’s 1974 classic, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, has long been celebrated as a quintessential New York thriller. Recently, it has received a definitive physical media upgrade, with releases from Kino Lorber Studio Classics in the U.S. (December 2022) and Arrow Video in the UK (June 2025). Both editions utilize a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative, offering a gritty, high-definition look at the 1970s subway system. Visual Restoration: Gritty but Gorgeous
The 4K transfer, featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10, is a significant leap over previous Blu-ray versions. While the film maintains its naturally soft, grain-heavy 70s aesthetic, the restoration provides several key improvements:
Color Depth: HDR brings out the rich, earthy tones of the 1970s, making Walter Matthau’s iconic yellow tie pop against the grimy subway backdrop.
Shadow Detail: Improved contrast helps resolve detail in dark tunnel sequences, which previously suffered from "crush" or muddy blacks.
Clarity: Fine textures in clothing (lots of tweed) and facial features are far more resolved. Audio: Immersive and Authentic Viewers can choose between two primary audio experiences: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) 4K Blu-ray Review
The 4K restoration of Joseph Sargent’s 1974 masterpiece, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
, serves as more than just a technical upgrade; it is a high-definition preservation of a New York City that no longer exists. While the 2009 remake offered modern spectacle, the 4K release of the original film highlights why the 1974 version remains the definitive portrayal of urban tension. The Technical Transformation
The 4K UHD release, handled by distributors such as Kino Lorber and Arrow Video, features a restoration from the original camera negative.
Visual Grit & Clarity: The 2160p resolution reveals previously obscured details—the grime on subway tiles, the texture of Walter Matthau’s rumpled suit, and the sharp layers of 1970s graffiti.
HDR and Dolby Vision: These enhancements provide better balance in the dark, cavernous subway tunnels, making the blacks deeper without losing shadow detail.
Audio Fidelity: Modern releases include a lossless 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio remix alongside the original mono track, preserving David Shire’s iconic, brass-heavy jazz score. Themes of Solidarity and Urban Decay The Taking of Pelham One Two Three Limited Edition 4K UHD