City of Industry Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "City of Industry" features the film in 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition, maintaining its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. This presentation is a mixed bag and derived from an old, weak master, likely the same one used for the DVD release in 2001. While the black-and-white title sequence offers a strong start with its distinctive and stylized simplicity, the overall transfer has inconsistencies. Daylight scenes fare better, with decent rendering of the gritty LA environments, capturing details such as the smog-haze and the nuanced weathering of Keitel’s face.

However, darker sequences suffer significantly. The poor encoding introduces additional softness and mushiness, resulting in smeary dark patches and prominent black crush, which stifles detail in shadowed segments. The color scheme remains natural during daytime but adopts a more stylized neon palette at night, though black levels are disappointing and the image exhibits a dated 90s look with faded colors. Furthermore, the absence of grain suggests heavy-handed DNR implementation, giving mid-range shots a somewhat plastic-like appearance. Despite its flaws, the image stability is commendable, and there are no large distracting debris or damage marks. Overall, while not a deal-breaker, this presentation doesn't reach its full potential due to inherent master issues and problematic encoding.

In summary, Kino Lorber's effort brings "City of Industry" to Blu-ray in what could be considered its best possible shape given the available source material. Color stability is generally good, though the film lacks robust primaries and a healthy range of nuances. The transfer does deliver a reasonably faithful presentation with some evident limitations that aficionados of the film might need to overlook. This Region-A locked release is a welcome addition for fans, even if it remains imperfect.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on the Blu-ray release of "City of Industry" is a compelling auditory experience that elevates the film's gritty atmosphere. The song-dominated soundtrack impresses with selections like Massive Attack's "Three," creating an immersive and period-authentic soundscape. Dialogue is well-prioritized in the frontal array, delivered with clarity and cohesion, even capturing Keitel's nuanced vocalizations. While effects are somewhat limited, they still contribute to the film's ambiance with impactful elements like screeching car noises, alarms, sirens, and a dynamic range of weapon sounds, including shotguns, machine guns, and handguns. A thunderous explosion adds to the mix, and although the surround channels could be more active, the LFE makes its presence felt.

Despite the track’s strengths, occasional flatness in the sound can be noted, but there are no significant distractions such as dropouts, background hiss, pops, or distortions. If fully remixed, there could be room for further enhancements. While optional English SDH subtitles are not provided, the overall audio remains robust and engaging, benefiting from a soundtrack that defies expectations for a low-key film like this. The combination of impactful effects and a superior score ensures that it stands out in the genre.

The Blu-ray disc for "City of Industry" provides a focused, but enriching, collection of extras. The standout feature is the Audio Commentary by Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, both of whom bring valuable insights and discuss the film’s unique stylistic choices and production history in great detail. Their commentary sheds light on aspects of the film that casual viewers might miss, making it an essential listen for fans and film historians alike. Additionally, the disc includes the Original Theatrical Trailer, which offers a nostalgic glimpse back at how the film was marketed during its initial release. A reversible cover is also included, adding a nice touch for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson discuss the film’s production history and unique style.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The nostalgic original trailer in English.
• Reversible Cover: A reversible cover, perfect for collectors.

John Irvin's 1997 noir thriller "City of Industry" underscores the compelling talent of Harvey Keitel, who delivers a powerhouse performance as a retired thief seeking vengeance. The film is a straightforward yet gripping revenge thriller, echoing the raw intensity of classic noir while infusing modern elements. Keitel, akin to Lee Marvin in "Point Blank," leads with a brooding, relentless drive that is both captivating and unnerving. He is supported by a formidable ensemble cast, including Stephen Dorff, Timothy Hutton, and Famke Janssen, each adding depth and tension to the storyline.

The narrative unfolds intricately, beginning with a meticulously planned heist that violently unravels. Keitel’s character, Roy, finds himself betrayed and on a mission to hunt down the traitorous Skip (Dorff). The plot skillfully balances character development and action, maintaining a taut and engaging pace. Roy’s journey is fraught with confrontations with Chinese mobs and local gangs, amplified by Burstyn’s atmospheric cinematography. The film captures the gritty underbelly of urban life with a stylish visual aesthetic reminiscent of Burstyn's earlier work in "Crying Freeman."

"City of Industry" benefits from a pulsing soundtrack featuring Massive Attack, Tricky, and Death in Vegas that elevates its tonal quality. The music intertwines seamlessly with the film's mood, enhancing both tension and emotional depth. This soundtrack, combined with a punchy script and claustrophobic atmosphere, makes the film a standout in Irvin's filmography. Although the film treads familiar ground, its execution—driven by Keitel’s ferocious performance and Irvin’s deft direction—cements it as an underrated gem deserving of cult status.

Kino Lorber's release of "City of Industry" on Blu-ray presents a mixed bag for enthusiasts of this 1997 crime film. Starring Harvey Keitel in a role reminiscent of Lee Marvin's character in "Point Blank," this long-anticipated release has both merits and significant drawbacks. On one hand, the Blu-ray offers acceptable video quality and very good audio fidelity, which may be the best presentation we can expect given the protracted wait for this title to reach high definition. The inclusion of a few extras further sweetens the deal for dedicated fans. However, detractors argue that the source material, an old master, detracts from the viewing experience by making large portions of the film appear upscaled.

Critics have been vocal about Kino Lorber's handling of catalog titles, pointing to an apparent lack of effort in ensuring that older films transition effectively to Blu-ray. When compared to smaller labels like Vinegar Syndrome and ClassicFlix, which have established higher quality benchmarks for Blu-ray releases, Kino Lorber’s shortcomings become glaringly evident. Specific technical failures are noted in this release: the weak old master used as the source material diminishes the overall visual experience, undermining what could have been a noteworthy debut for this underrated gem by John Irvin.

In conclusion, while "City of Industry" is a must-watch for fans of Harvey Keitel and '90s crime cinema, the Kino Lorber Blu-ray release leaves much to be desired in terms of video quality. Though the audio is commendable and some extra features are appreciated, the release fails to meet modern Blu-ray standards. The hope remains that another company will pick up this title, remaster it appropriately, and provide a Blu-ray edition worthy of its pedigree.