I presumed, going in, that Michael Bay’s Ambulance, produced for a paltry 40 million or thereabouts, might not measure up to his other works.
In an odd way, and as pure popcorn entertainment, it does.
The entire film is filled with dizzying, flying, swooping, fast-moving camera work, courtesy of Roberto De Angelis (Baby Driver), and those with optical disorders that might lead to nausea should take note.
As I was watching the film, a single thought kept returning – never could have been done in 3-strip Technicolor.
Much of it makes no sense, but who cares. It’s basically a classic “bank heist goes wrong” drama, with more damage and destruction to personal properly than ever plagued The Blues Brothers in Chicago.
I don’t recall any film in which so many police vehicles were trashed.
Photographed in 6 and 8k, (there were no 3-strip cameras on the shoot), and finished as a 4k DI, the resultant 4k UHD disc from Universal is magnificent in every detail.
The audio track, presented in Dolby Atmos, is not only huge, with thundering bass, but places sound beautifully in specific areas around one’s theater.
One very minor point that I found odd. They make a point, early on, of letting the audience know that an FBI agent, played by Keir O’Donnell is gay. I saw zero relevance in this detail to the story.
Image – 5 (Dolby Vision)
Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Beautifully
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 5
Recommended
RAH
In an odd way, and as pure popcorn entertainment, it does.
The entire film is filled with dizzying, flying, swooping, fast-moving camera work, courtesy of Roberto De Angelis (Baby Driver), and those with optical disorders that might lead to nausea should take note.
As I was watching the film, a single thought kept returning – never could have been done in 3-strip Technicolor.
Much of it makes no sense, but who cares. It’s basically a classic “bank heist goes wrong” drama, with more damage and destruction to personal properly than ever plagued The Blues Brothers in Chicago.
I don’t recall any film in which so many police vehicles were trashed.
Photographed in 6 and 8k, (there were no 3-strip cameras on the shoot), and finished as a 4k DI, the resultant 4k UHD disc from Universal is magnificent in every detail.
The audio track, presented in Dolby Atmos, is not only huge, with thundering bass, but places sound beautifully in specific areas around one’s theater.
One very minor point that I found odd. They make a point, early on, of letting the audience know that an FBI agent, played by Keir O’Donnell is gay. I saw zero relevance in this detail to the story.
Image – 5 (Dolby Vision)
Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Beautifully
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 5
Recommended
RAH
Post Disclaimer
Some of our content may contain marketing links, which means we will receive a commission for purchases made via those links. In our editorial content, these affiliate links appear automatically, and our editorial teams are not influenced by our affiliate partnerships. We work with several providers (currently Skimlinks and Amazon) to manage our affiliate relationships. You can find out more about their services by visiting their sites.
Published by
Ernest
Supporting Actor
- Joined
- Dec 21, 1998
- Messages
- 842
Very good review I enjoyed the movie based on a bank job that goes wrong. The movie is esentially a 2 hour chase with zillions of vehicle wreckage. The shootout at the bank reminded me of Heat though not as thrilling. If you are looking for a movie with a simple plot and a lot of fast action then Ambulance is for you.
Worth
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2009
- Messages
- 4,563
- Real Name
- Nick Dobbs
If this can be made for $40 million, by Michael Bay no less, most movies are ridiculously overpriced.
Thomas T
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2001
- Messages
- 9,047
I must confess I've never seen a Michael Bay movie. I can't count Armageddon because I fell asleep. But this one sounds like it might be fun.
TravisR
Senior HTF Member
I always say it but Bad Boys II is basically a $150 million exploitation movie. If that sounds like something that interests you, watch it.
- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 15,555
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
A wonderful payday for all involved.
Colin Jacobson
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2000
- Messages
- 11,649
That scene exists so Bay can get in his 90s-era gay mockery.
The scene casts the agent's partner as very stereotypical and intends to derive humor from this.
Bay's not matured since 1998 and that scene's very much part of his oeuvre.
Colin Jacobson
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2000
- Messages
- 11,649
No, it's not. It's frantic and annoying and stupid.
I liked Bay circa "The Rock" and "Armageddon" - they were dumb fun.
This one's just dumb. It's so hyperactive that it's irritating and off-putting.
Bay became a self-cliche years ago.
YanMan
Stunt Coordinator
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2012
- Messages
- 160
- Real Name
- Yannick
I envy you.
Malcolm R
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2002
- Messages
- 21,824
- Real Name
- Malcolm
It's been years, but I recall liking The Island and thinking that was a decent Michael Bay film (Roger Ebert gave it 3 stars). It was released between Bad Boys II and the first Transformers. Pretty good cast, too:
Ewan McGregor
Scarlett Johansson
Djimon Hounsou
Sean Bean
Michael Clarke Duncan
Steve Buscemi
Ewan McGregor
Scarlett Johansson
Djimon Hounsou
Sean Bean
Michael Clarke Duncan
Steve Buscemi
RAH, I believe you have misspelled the title. According to the poster, it is AmbuLAnce. Because apparently it is absolutely critical that the audience must know the movie is set in L.A., and there was no other possible way to convey that information via either the filmmaking or marketing.
titch
Screenwriter
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2012
- Messages
- 1,582
- Real Name
- Kevin Oppegaard
The Island I recall seeing very well, because it was the last time I suffered a severe migraine and had to leave the theatre before the end - something I've only done twice in my lifetime.
mackjay
Stunt Coordinator
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2013
- Messages
- 95
- Real Name
- Jay
I rather liked THE ISLAND--strictly as a popcorn movie. It's the only MB film I've ever seen (I think). I do intend to see AMBULANCE, though (can't resist heist movies).
Richard Kaufman
Stunt Coordinator
I've had nightmares about being stuck on that Island, having to rewatch The Island, about being stuck on that island.
madfloyd
Stunt Coordinator
- Joined
- May 18, 2017
- Messages
- 81
- Real Name
- Ian
I bought this blind because of Baby Driver.
The only thing the idea of watching this movie does is make me want to watch Heat.
How about the disk instead as it's reference quality and significantly better than a compressed stream?
I specifically waited for the disk so I can watch in the highest quality possible.
It's a pity people like you stream it instead of watching the disk for maximum enjoyment.
Not cool telling another person how to spend their monies or how they should enjoy their movies, especially in these economic tough times with high inflation.
Similar threads
