Bringing Out the Dead 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bringing Out the Dead" by Paramount is a significant visual upgrade, meticulously remastered from the original camera negatives and overseen by the legendary Martin Scorsese, cinematographer Robert Richardson, and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. The film's highly stylized and moody atmosphere is captured with remarkable precision. The Dolby Vision HDR presentation enhances the inky blacks and highlights, keeping the image faithful to its original melancholic tones. Although the film features a desaturated and sickly color palette by design, this 2160p 4K transfer brings out primary colors that stand out strikingly without overwhelming the senses. The organic film grain is consistent and fine, offering excellent detail and texture across various scenes, from the gritty streets of New York to the close-ups on actors' faces.

With an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and HEVC H.265 encoding, this UHD Blu-ray excels in nuances. The skin tones are intentionally pale and clammy, adhering to the film's stylized aesthetic. Contrast and saturation are deliberately low-key, with stark whites providing sharp contrast where necessary. The high-definition grading reveals more than its HD SDR counterpart, enhancing the overall viewing experience. While some scenes may appear brighter or more chaotic due to stylistic choices, the transfer maintains stability without digital artifacts such as banding or blocking.

Overall, "Bringing Out the Dead" in 4K UHD offers a visually compelling experience, staying true to the filmmakers' vision. Even though it might not offer the razor-sharp clarity of some other 4K releases, its faithful reproduction of the film's unique visual style makes it an essential addition for fans and cinephiles alike. The attention to detail in both dark, shadowy scenes and glaringly bright moments creates a visually arresting presentation that fully immerses viewers in Scorsese's hauntingly atmospheric world.

The Dolby Atmos track for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bringing Out the Dead" presents an exemplary auditory experience, evident in its immersive and technically proficient sound design. Dialogue is clear and intelligible, though naturally leveled to harmonize with the chaotic but meticulously crafted soundscape. The front-heavy audio presentation is vivid, with noise and commotion seamlessly transferring between the front channels and the height elements. This creates a compelling half-dome soundstage. Elmer Bernstein's haunting score pervades the soundfield, subtly enhancing the narrative without overshadowing key audio elements. The soundtrack dynamically supports scenes ranging from bustling city streets to contemplative, intimate moments, maintaining coherence throughout.

Moreover, the film benefits from precisely managed directionality, with slick pans and a genuine sense of spatial realism. The surround channels are lightly employed but become pronounced during Frank's surreal delusions, effectively enveloping the listener. Low-frequency effects (LFE) are powerful yet controlled, adding depth to both action sequences and the protagonist’s emotional turmoil. The soundtrack incorporates diverse musical selections from bands like 10,000 Maniacs, which complements the film’s pacing and tones. Overall, the Dolby Atmos mix delivers a neatly balanced auditory experience that does justice to the filmmakers’ artistic vision, ensuring a profoundly engaging auditory journey for home viewers.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Bringing Out the Dead" offers an array of new and vintage extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience. This stack of supplements provides in-depth insights into the production process, from casting to cinematography, thanks to input from key figures like Martin Scorsese, Nicolas Cage, Paul Schrader, and Robert Richardson. Each featurette delves deep into the intricacies of the film's creation, serving both as an educative source for cinephiles and a treasure trove for fans. Archival interviews have been upscaled and include valuable behind-the-scenes footage, contributing to a well-rounded and informative extras package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Focus: Martin Scorsese on Bringing Out the Dead: Martin Scorsese discusses the production's intricate details.
• A Rumination on Salvation: Nicolas Cage on Bringing Out the Dead: Nicolas Cage shares his experiences and approach to his role.
• Cemetery Streets: Paul Schrader on Bringing Out the Dead: Paul Schrader talks about his screenplay adaptation and collaboration with Scorsese.
• City of Ghosts: Robert Richardson on Bringing Out the Dead: Cinematographer Robert Richardson delves into his artistic vision for the film.
• On Set with Patricia Arquette: Insights from Patricia Arquette on her role and working with the director.
• On Set with John Goodman: John Goodman discusses his intense portrayal of a paramedic.
• On Set with Ving Rhames: Ving Rhames shares his perspective on Scorsese’s depiction of New York City.
• On Set with Tom Sizemore: Reflections from Tom Sizemore on his role in the film.
• On Set with Marc Anthony: Marc Anthony talks about portraying real-life hardship through his character.
• Exclusive Cast and Crew Interviews: Additional archival interviews with cast and crew.
• Theatrical Trailers: Original promotional material for the film.

"Bringing Out the Dead" is a fascinating and perplexing entry in Martin Scorsese's filmography. Starring Nicolas Cage as Frank Pierce, a Manhattan EMT on the verge of a complete mental breakdown, the movie unfolds over three intense night shifts. Frank, haunted by hallucinations of a girl he failed to save, spirals deeper into his psychological and emotional turmoil. Through the lens of Scorsese and screenwriter Paul Schrader, the film serves as a nihilistic meditation on urban decay and the emotional toll of emergency services. The influence of neo-noir and manic visual styles, akin to "Fight Club," adds layers of surrealism and disorientation.

The performances elevate the film's chaotic energy. Cage delivers an absorbing portrayal of a man teetering on the edge of sanity, while his rotating partners—played by John Goodman, Ving Rhames, and Tom Sizemore—each offer unique reflections on coping mechanisms within the EMT profession. Patricia Arquette as Mary, a former junkie seeking redemption, brings a vulnerable yet fluctuating dynamic to Frank’s deteriorating mental state. Additional notable performances from Cliff Curtis and Marc Anthony add to the film’s repertoire of dark, eccentric characters.

Despite its high-caliber cast and directorial prowess, "Bringing Out the Dead" is infamous for its lackluster reception and forgettable nature. The jarring oscillation between dark comedy and outright melodrama often leaves viewers disoriented rather than captivated. This tonal inconsistency dilutes its potential impact, making it a curiously fragmented experience. However, Scorsese's vibrant yet bleak portrayal of New York City nightlife intertwined with Schrader's introspective screenplay renders the film a mesmerizing yet flawed piece. Perhaps misunderstood in its time, it remains an underappreciated gem that vacillates between brilliance and indulgence.

"Bringing Out the Dead" remains one of Martin Scorsese’s more unheralded and divisive films, often overshadowed by his critically acclaimed masterpieces such as "Goodfellas" and "Taxi Driver." Starring Nicolas Cage as a paramedic grappling with existential despair and professional burnout, the film offers a unique blend of surrealism, dark humor, and intense drama. Paramount’s 4K UHD release brings fresh life to this misunderstood gem. The visual presentation is stunning, showcasing a meticulously remastered Dolby Vision HDR transfer that enhances the film’s stylistic flourishes, while the Dolby Atmos soundtrack delivers an immersive audio experience.

Paramount has complemented the technical excellence of this release with a robust collection of new bonus materials, making it a must-have for aficionados of the film. Despite the film’s initial poor reception and misleading marketing that promised an action thriller, it has maintained a strange allure over the years. The package also boasts an impressive array of subtitles and multiple audio configurations, catering to a broad spectrum of viewers.

According to everything I dug up on the film, it seems that film-goers felt catfished back in 1999. They were sold a trailer that hinted at being an action thriller with Nic Cage, only to get a neo-noir surrealist dramedy that left most feeling cheated. The flick didn’t exactly make much at the box office for a Scorsese film, and I can sort of see why. I haven’t paid attention to the film for over 25 years, but I felt the same way after watching the trailer and then watching the film right after. It’s a bizarre flick that can SORT OF work but feels like Oliver Stone and Darren Aranofsky tried to collab together, with the same results. As for the 4K UHD set, this is quite the stunner. Paramount went all out with the video remaster and Atmos track, and the extras and collectible packaging are very solid. If I liked the film better, this would be a must-buy release (and it most certainly is for fans of the film), but because I couldn’t really mesh well with what I saw, I’m going to recommend people check out the film first before committing to a blind buy.

Recommendation: Interesting Watch