Goodfellas

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray video presentation of "Goodfellas" offers a subtle yet discernible improvement over its 1080p Blu-Ray predecessor, particularly benefiting from a 4K scan of the original camera negative also used for the 25th Anniversary Edition. This rendition marks Warner Brothers' foray into enhancing deep catalog releases from the analog era for the 4K HDR format, a worthwhile endeavor despite the nuanced upgrades. The HDR grading, available in HDR10, brings minor enhancements in depth, clarity, and color nuance, particularly in low-light scenes and the rich textures of 1970s decor. However, despite these improvements, challenges with black levels and contrast hinder the potential for a more striking visual upgrade. Blacks appear slightly deeper, but shadow delineation remains less than ideal, resulting in some details being obscured in darker sequences.

The presentation showcases a stable and clean image, preserving the film's organic look with tight grain levels and improved detail in darker areas of the frame. Skin tones are rendered more naturally, and the use of colors, especially reds and blues, appears slightly intensified. Despite these positive aspects, the video suffers from black-level issues that lead to overbrightening across scenes, noticeably diminishing the intended atmospheric depth. This issue is most pronounced in dimly lit settings such as bars and clubs, pivotal locations throughout the film, where the lack of proper black levels softens details and fades out characters into the background.

Goodfellas' 4K UHD release, while not unwatchable, doesn’t quite deliver the dramatic visual improvement one might expect from the format. The movie's inherent cinematographic style, characterized by Michael Ballhaus's somewhat flat palette and controlled tones, doesn't significantly benefit from HDR enhancement. Although colors are more natural and minor details are more discernible, the overall impact is undermined by persistent black-level and contrast limitations. This presentation serves as a reminder that HDR does not automatically elevate a film’s visual experience and suggests a cautious approach towards applying this technology to classic cinema pieces, where preserving the original aesthetic might be preferable over attempting to modernize visual elements.

The Goodfellas 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation, built on the DTS-HD MA 5.1 channel mix, offers an exceptional auditory experience, enhancing Martin Scorsese's classic with a significant upgrade from previous editions. The mix excels in delivering clear, well-defined dialogue, letting every conversation and narrative detail come through with great clarity; from the bustling noises of a crowded nightclub scene to the tension-filled quiet of more intimate conversations. This clarity in dialogue is matched by a careful balance and prioritization that ensures the narration stands out just a tad more, enveloping the viewer into the story's world seamlessly.

On the technical side, the soundtrack impressively reproduces a wide range of frequencies, with mid to upper level bass providing a solid foundation for effects without tipping into the realm of being overprocessed or unnatural. This lends a rewarding solidity to the film’s various soundscapes, from background atmospherics subtly spilling into the surrounds to give scenes more depth, to the authentic musical selections from the film’s era, which are spread evenly across the channels, creating an immersive listening experience. Despite its largely front-oriented design, the presentation manages to feel expansive and dynamic, offering an enveloping experience thanks to well-implemented channel separation and atmospheric extension.

Further enhancing the auditory experience, sound effects and environmental ambiances are precisely staged within the mix, contributing to a soundfield that is rich with detail. Whether it's the eerie roll of Billy Batts in the trunk or the ambient sounds of a local diner, each element is carefully placed to enrich the scene without overshadowing dialogue or music. The soundtrack doesn't aim for showiness; instead, it opts for realism enhanced with occasional bursts of intensity from gunfire or explosions, perfectly punctuating the narrative at just the right moments. This lossless version of Goodfellas' soundtrack not only respects but elevates the original source material, delivering an impeccably clear, engaging audio experience for viewers.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Goodfellas" not only offers viewers a masterful cinematic experience but also enriches it with a substantial collection of extras spread across three discs, intricately delving into both the making and the legacy of this iconic film. The highlight is undoubtedly the two distinct commentary tracks that provide both professional insights from Scorsese and the cast, as well as the riveting real-world context by the actual figures portrayed, Henry Hill and Ed McDonald. The documentary "Public Enemies: The Golden Age of the Gangster Film" offers an in-depth exploration of the genre, while featurettes like "Getting Made", "Made Men: The Goodfellas Legacy", and "Scorsese's Goodfellas" collectively offer a plethora of retrospectives from cast, crew, and admirers of the film. Additionally, "Paper is Cheaper Than Film" provides a unique look at Scorsese’s vision from script to screen. The inclusion of classic gangster-themed animated shorts adds a lighter touch to the comprehensive collection, rounding off the extras with a nod to the broader cultural impact of gangster films. Missing from this UHD edition are only the 36-page book and director’s letter that were present in the 25th Anniversary Edition, but the digital copy remains, despite its expired code.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentaries tracks: Cast/Crew and Cop/Crook insights.
• Getting made featurette: A deep dive into the making of Goodfellas.
• Made men: The Goodfellas legacy: Examining the film's influence on contemporary filmmakers.
• Paper is cheaper than film: Script-to-screen comparison.
• The workaday gangster: Discusses the film’s accuracy regarding mob life.
• Public Enemies – The golden age of gangster film: A comprehensive documentary on the genre.
• Animated shorts: Classic Looney Tunes and Merry Melodies cartoons with a gangster twist.
• Scorsese's GoodFellas: Recent retrospectives with cast and crew.
• Digital HD Copy: Although expired, originally included for digital convenience.

Martin Scorsese’s "Goodfellas," adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book "Wiseguy," encapsulates an enthralling slice of American crime history through the exploits of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his life in the mafia alongside characters like Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro). This film, spanning three decades, delves into the intimate workings and the eventual downfall of their gangster lifestyle. As a piece of cinema, it emerges as a masterclass in storytelling, with Scorsese’s signature dynamic direction, complemented by stellar performances from its cast and a meticulously chosen soundtrack that enhances every scene. Its narrative, punctuated with both iconic and improvised dialogue, exudes a raw realism that captures the viewer's imagination, making "Goodfellas" not just a movie but an experience to be revisited time and again.

However, the transition of "Goodfellas" to 4K UHD Blu-ray has been met with mixed reactions. Initially encoded for 4K with HDR, its release on the UHD platform was anticipated to bring about a visual enhancement that could redefine its viewing experience. Despite these expectations, the 4K UHD presentation appears to falter, especially when compared to its 25th Anniversary Blu-ray counterpart. The challenges of accurately calibrating for 4K and HDR have underscored the delicate balance required to preserve the cinematic integrity of such a classic film. While the ambition to present "Goodfellas" in the highest possible quality is commendable, the execution seems to have resulted in a viewing experience that might not meet the lofty expectations set by previous releases.

The influence and legacy of "Goodfellas" are undeniable, continuously setting benchmarks for the mob genre while holding its ground against classics like "The Godfather." Its portrayal of mob life is unglamorized yet captivating, offering a stark contrast to earlier mob films through its realistic depiction of gangster life. Despite the technical setbacks in its 4K UHD presentation, "Goodfellas" remains an enduring testament to Scorsese's directorial prowess and its pivotal role in shaping modern cinema. As it stands, the film encapsulates a cinematic journey that continues to inspire and resonate, cementing its place as a timeless piece amidst the ever-evolving landscape of film.

"Goodfellas," Martin Scorsese's seminal masterpiece, receives its Ultra HD Blu-ray treatment, marking the film's transformative journey into the 4K realm. This release, presented by Warner Brothers Home Entertainment, has stirred a mixed bag of receptions due to its upgrade from the previous 25th Anniversary Blu-ray edition. The transition to 4K Ultra HD primarily promises an enhanced video experience, with some reviewers noting it as akin to watching the film anew. This is attributed to the meticulous application of HDR, which brings a fresh visual depth and authenticity to the cinematic classic. However, opinions diverge on the magnitude of the upgrade, with some arguing that the improvements, while present, do not justify an additional purchase for those already owning the 25th Anniversary release. Nonetheless, the consensus leans towards a positive reception of the video quality enhancement.

The audio presentation maintains its excellence from previous editions, without any significant upgrades in this release. Supplemental materials are largely unchanged, repackaging content from last year's two-disc Anniversary Edition. Fans might feel a slight letdown by the absence of new extras or the exclusion of previously included special items like the accompanying booklet and Scorsese’s autographed letter found in the 25th Anniversary edition. Moreover, the insistence on keeping the same set of supplements could have been mitigated with the inclusion of new features or insights into the film’s impact and legacy.

In conclusion, the Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "Goodfellas" presents a bit of a conundrum. Highlighted by a notable improvement in video quality thanks to HDR implementation, it compels through its visual presentation. However, the lack of substantial new additions or an audio upgrade may not warrant an immediate buy for those who possess earlier versions. Ultimately, enthusiasts and purists of cinema will find value in this release for its ability to bring Scorsese's vision closer to its intended aesthetic brilliance. For those debating an upgrade or new purchase, it boils down to how much one weighs visual enhancements against the absence of fresh supplemental content.