Goodfellas Blu-ray Review

The newly remastered Blu-ray release of "Goodfellas" delivers a visually sumptuous experience that is a significant upgrade from previous editions. Directed by Martin Scorsese and captured by cinematographer Michael Ballhaus, the film benefits from a meticulous 4K scan of the original camera negative (OCN) supervised by Scorsese himself. The result is a presentation marked by exceptional clarity, sharpness, and color fidelity. Black levels are impressively deep, providing excellent contrast and enhanced depth to nighttime scenes. Key moments, including the opening sequence and large crowd scenes, retain intricate details even in long shots, immersing viewers into Scorsese’s richly detailed world.

The transfer preserves a natural grain structure that adds texture without distracting the viewer. This is achieved thanks to Warner's decision to move all extras to a second disc, allowing for an average bitrate of 27.33 Mbps on the main feature. The improvement over the previous 2007 release is immediately apparent; gone are the high contrast and overbrightened images. Instead, the new transfer offers a more faithful representation with accurate black levels and contrast, enhancing the transparency and depth of the film.

This edition's vibrant color palette is another standout feature. Colors are wonderfully saturated, particularly reds, yet avoid bleeding. The meticulous restoration ensures consistent and accurate skin tones while maintaining a fine layer of grain that film purists will appreciate. Despite a minor instance of visual noise in a specific scene, the overall quality remains consistently high. Additionally, notorious defects from earlier releases, such as shaky opening credits and distracting vertical lines, have been corrected. This Blu-ray release of "Goodfellas" stands as a testament to the value of filmmaker involvement in preservation, providing an experience that is as visually engaging as it is faithful to Scorsese’s artistic vision.

The audio presentation of "Goodfellas" on the new Blu-ray release is a marked improvement over prior editions. Now equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, the film's intricate soundscape is delivered with impressive fidelity. Overseen by the esteemed sound editor, Skip Lievsay, the mix features a meticulous balance of dialogue, impactful sound effects, and an authentic score from the film’s eras. The clarity of the stereo separation is notable, especially given that the music, comprising songs from the sixties and seventies, was recorded with varying quality. The film's lack of an original score is compensated by its rich selection of period music which is presented with an open and spacious sense thanks to the multi-channel format.

The audio dynamics are particularly well-handled, with solid bass extension enhancing key moments of violence—gunshots and explosions reverberate convincingly through the sound array. Scenes notorious for their overlapping dialogues, like the wiseguys' banter, are remarkably clear, ensuring that no piece of conversation is lost. The front channels are dynamically active whenever a chosen song emerges from the soundtrack, embellishing scenes like the brutal assault of an innocent mailman set to "Hearts of Stone" by Otis Williams or Henry escorting Karen into a nightclub to the tune of “Then He Kissed Me.” While the rear surround channels remain subtle, mainly contributing slight echoes and environmental ambience during busier scenes, their presence still supports an immersive listening experience.

The Blu-ray also features multiple commentary tracks and foreign language options in Dolby Digital mono or stereo. For those with hearing impairments, subtitles are available in a broad array of languages. Overall, this release emphasizes robust low-frequency effects, tight synchronization between on-screen actions and their corresponding sounds, and a practical yet engaging utilization of surround sound to captivate the audience effectively.

The Blu-ray extras of "Goodfellas" offer a comprehensive look into the film's production and legacy, making it a must-have for any fan. The highlight is the newly produced documentary "Scorsese's Goodfellas," though it lacks some promised interviewees, it effectively captures the essence of the film with insights from key cast and crew members, including Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and Ray Liotta. The inclusion of the original Henry Hill’s and FBI agent Ed McDonald’s commentary provides a unique real-world perspective that enriches the viewing experience. Additionally, the assorted featurettes delve into various aspects of the film’s production, from storyboards to modern-day tributes by filmmakers. The 36-page booklet and Scorsese’s personal letter augment the historical and artistic value of this Blu-ray edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Scorsese's Goodfellas: New retrospective documentary.
• Getting Made: Original making-of featurette.
• Made Men: Directors discuss the film's legacy.
• The Workaday Gangster: Real-life insights from Henry Hill.
• Paper Is Cheaper Than Film: Comparison of storyboards to film.
• Public Enemies: The Golden Age Of The Gangster Film: Comprehensive look at 1930s gangster films.
• I Like Mountain Music: Merrie Melodies cartoon.
• She Was An Acrobat’s Daughter: Looney Tunes cartoon.
• Racketeer Rabbit: Looney Tunes cartoon.
• Bugs And Thugs: Looney Tunes cartoon.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer.
• 36 Page Book: Retrospective with essays and photos.
• Letter from Scorsese: Director’s insights and acknowledgments.

Goodfellas is a masterclass in modern American cinema, capturing the gritty allure and peril of gangster life through the eyes of Henry Hill, brilliantly portrayed by Ray Liotta. The film, based on Nicholas Pileggi's book "Wiseguy," is a mesmerizing dive into the world of organized crime, enhanced by Scorsese's dynamic direction. Utilizing voiceover narration, freeze-frames, and abrupt camera movements, Scorsese captures the chaotic energy of Henry Hill’s life. Notable are Joe Pesci's Oscar-winning performance as the volatile Tommy DeVito and Robert De Niro's calculated portrayal of Jimmy Conway. The expressive cinematography by Michael Ballhaus and the meticulous editing by Thelma Schoonmaker punctuate a riveting narrative that enthralls viewers from start to finish.

The film's structure is a memorandum of the rise and fall of Hill, moving from his youthful infatuation with mobsters in Brooklyn to his eventual downfall through drugs and crime. Scorsese effectively depicts Hill’s addiction to the gangster lifestyle mirrored by his literal drug addiction, showcasing a precipitous descent culminated by frenetic paranoia and desperation. The narrative’s rapid pacing, punctuated by a soundtrack of era-specific pop songs, enhances the authenticity and emotional depth. Scorsese's technique not only visualizes Hill's tumultuous life but also underscores the intoxicating yet destructive nature of the criminal underworld.

Comparisons to "The Godfather" series are inevitable, but unlike Coppola’s romanticism of mafia royalty, Goodfellas delves into the blue-collar milieu of crime with an unsentimental eye. Scorsese’s depiction is raw and unvarnished, portraying both the camaraderie and the brutal violence without glamour. “Goodfellas” stands out as an enduring piece of cinematic artistry that continues to influence filmmakers and remains a benchmark in its genre. Its potent blend of electric storytelling, compelling character arcs, and technical finesse ensures its place as a landmark film that resonates beyond its initial release.

The newly released Blu-ray edition of "Goodfellas" is a significant improvement over previous versions. This edition features a brand new transfer overseen directly by Martin Scorsese, ensuring that every frame looks as it was intended. Coupled with this, the release includes an insightful new documentary that delves into the film’s creation and the director's personal connection to the story, adding yet another layer to its rich narrative tapestry. The packaging is also noteworthy, offering a visually appealing and functional design that collectors will appreciate.

Technically speaking, the transfer quality is exceptional, providing greater detail, richer colors, and enhanced depth compared to prior releases. The sound quality has also been meticulously improved, creating an immersive audio experience that matches the visual upgrade. These enhancements make this edition a substantial upgrade for those who already own previous versions of the film and an absolute must-have for new collectors.

In conclusion, "Goodfellas" in this Blu-ray edition achieves a remarkable blend of artistic integrity and technical excellence. The film itself remains a landmark in American cinema, balancing entertainment with profound storytelling. The director’s intuitive grasp of this world, highlighted in the accompanying documentary, brings depth to the narrative’s celebration and warning dichotomy. For these reasons, this edition comes with the highest recommendation.