Why you need to own all of The Fast & Furious films on Physical Media

Why you need to own all of The Fast & Furious films on Physical Media

The Fast & the Furious began as a clear rip-off of Point Break, except you replace surfer dudes with car dudes. In all seriousness, the franchise has become more successful than anyone could have ever imagined. Fast Five back in 2011 showed audiences that the films could transcend being just about cars, with it becoming a heist film and then with each sequel, our characters were thrust into more insane situations and environments. We are now 10 films and one spinoff into Fast saga as it’s become known by friends, with Fast X making its way to DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K UHD on 10 August. With 11 films, over $6 billion at the worldwide box office and hundreds of millions of fans worldwide, it's safe to say, the franchise is among one of the biggest in Hollywood. To celebrate the Fast X being available for Pre-order through Sanity’s online store, what better time to highlight just why you need to own all 11 Fast and The Furious films in your collection. So, without further ado, let’s ride!

“Never turn your back on family” – the characters –

Family is a word that is thrown around a lot in the Fast and The Furious films. Usually uttered by the films main character, Dom Toretto, played by the wickedly charismatic Vin Diesel. These characters have become a pseudo family of sorts, usually forgiving past grievances and grudges to accept each other as a family. We’ve seen villains, become allies, with Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw, once a villain to the Fast crew, now a friend, and family member to the Fast crew and Jacob Toretto, played by John Cena, who was the main antagonist in Fast 9, now also a part of the pseudo family and Fast crew. The characters in these films are a huge drawing card for audiences, with many talented Hollywood A-listers being involved throughout the franchise, including Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson, the late great Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Brie Larson, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell, Jason Statham, Idris Elba, Gal Gadot, Scott Eastwood, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Charlize Theron, Jason Mamoa and many more. Each character this talented cast play, all have their own traits, their own unique backstory, and their own motives, making them feel more fleshed out and real than most characters in a franchise of this scale.

“I live my life a quarter mile at a time” – the action set-pieces –

Another big drawing card for the Fast Saga is the impressive action set-pieces. Each film seems to one-up the previous instalment, with insane and unbelievable set-pieces populating each instalment. Some of the highlights include the highway truck heist from Fast and Furious, the exciting Rio heist sequence from Fast Five, the entire third act from Fast and Furious 6, the building escape in Furious 7, the Submarine chase in Fate of The Furious and the space launch, yes space launch, from Fast 9. The laws of physics don’t exist in this franchise and the audience is better off for that. A lot of the stunt work is done practically, which is quite impressive, with the Fast 5 Rio Heist using practical effects and stunt work in the film, creating an impressive and very memorable action set piece.

“Find the line, feel the air, and let it fly” – The running story –

Whilst the big drawing cards remain the stars involved in each film and the action set-pieces, one of the most important elements for me is the running storyline and themes of family. The Fast Saga has predominantly followed the adventures of Dom Toretto. Whilst he didn’t appear in 2 Fast 2 Furious and Tokyo Drift, he has appeared in each of the other sequels. The running story and the elements of family still remain to be one of the strongest elements of the franchise. The relationships built and the progression of our characters makes this franchise feel like it does have continuity that matters. I enjoy the references in each of the films to the growing absurdity of the situation that our characters find themselves in and I also enjoy the in-jokes between our characters, that make it feel like there truly is a history between them. It adds to the overall enjoyment of the franchise as a whole and is a large reason as to why I have kept coming back to it for now over 20 years. I anticipate each instalment and find myself watching my 4K UHD copies of each of the films regularly.

The Fast and Furious franchise or Saga, is one of the biggest in Hollywood history. How the franchise has managed to adapt, change and endure should be used as an example of how to appropriately manage your franchise. It's fun, action-packed and full of talented A-list actors and actresses. Fans of this beloved franchise come for the cars, but stay for the characters, action set-pieces and the story. The Fast Saga is one of a kind and if you’re a fan of action films, you need to own each of these titles as a part of your collection. Pick-up each entry of the Fast Saga on DVD, Blu-Ray or 4K UHD today and also pre-order your copy of Fast X, you won’t want to miss. Link below.

Shop all Fast and Furious Movies on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here