The Long Good Friday 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Long Good Friday" presents a remarkable restoration effort that vividly enhances the film's original visual essence. Based on a 4K scan of the original camera negative, the digital restoration, overseen at Silver Salt Restoration in London, retains a faithful filmic quality with a native resolution of 3840 x 2160p. The presentation showcases HDR enhancements with both Dolby Vision and HDR10 compatibility, utilizing a 10-bit video depth and a wide color gamut. The blu-ray’s matted 1.85:1 aspect ratio ensures alignment with its intended theatrical exhibition, approved by the original Director of Photography, Phil Méheux.

The UHD presentation delivers impressive picture quality that elevates the viewing experience far beyond its previous iterations. Despite originating from older film stock, the release maintains an authentic grain structure, preserving the integrity of its 35mm origins. The visual intricacies, such as clear skin textures and finely detailed clothing weaves, unfold meticulously in mid-range and long shots. Special attention is given to dynamic black levels and vibrant color representation where Dolby Vision adds significant depth and vibrancy—deep, lush greens, and vibrant reds stand out, complementing the natural flesh tones beautifully.

Notably, highlights like bright whites and varied explosions reveal no signs of clipping, showcasing a stable image without compression issues. The testament to this restoration is the seamless blending of contrast and vibrancy, with deep orange bursts of explosions almost radiating palpable heat. The atmospheric brightness captured during key scenes lends to an immersive experience where even shade differences contribute to enhancing scene compositions with pronounced detail and remarkable stability. This restoration successfully caters both to cinema enthusiasts and newcomers, ensuring "The Long Good Friday" retains its gripping visual storytelling in modern high definition.

The audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Long Good Friday" offers both LPCM mono and Dolby Atmos tracks, each with distinct characteristics worth exploring. The LPCM mono track is well-executed given its source limitations, delivering clean, clear, and precise audio. Dialogue remains sharply defined with decent layering, albeit restricted in scope typical of mono presentations. Effects and the musical score are adequately delivered, though the bass is lightly handled.

Transitioning to the Dolby Atmos track, there's an appreciable enhancement in soundscape and depth. The soundstage benefits from wider separation and a more immersive experience, particularly from the ceiling array capturing effects like explosions and falling debris. The track does, however, concentrate heavily towards the front, offering minimal surround involvement. Despite this limitation, clarity and precision are maintained with dialogue being prioritized. The bass here has a notable presence, which coincides with enhanced three-dimensional separation of Francis Monkman’s score, originally recorded in mono yet gaining renewed vibrancy in this mix.

Both tracks have their merits; the mono track retains its original charm while the Atmos track offers a modern twist that enhances specific elements. For those seeking an auditory experience beyond the confines of traditional mono mixes, the Atmos track should certainly not be overlooked. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on personal preference, but sampling both provides an engaging insight into how modern techniques can revitalize classic soundscapes.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "The Long Good Friday" provide an extensive look into the film's production and legacy, catering to both technical enthusiasts and general fans. The audio commentary by director John Mackenzie offers deep insights, originally recorded for the 2002 DVD release. Mackenzie details the film’s evolution through multiple drafts and highlights key moments like the intricate abattoir scene and Bob Hoskins' memorable ad-libs. The collection ensures a comprehensive exploration of the film’s historical context and its impact, retaining a balance between scholarly analysis and entertaining anecdotes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion with director John Mackenzie.
• Bloody Business: Documentary featuring interviews with key cast and crew.
• Hands Across the Ocean: Comparison of UK and US soundtracks.
• Q&A with Bob Hoskins and John Mackenzie: Discussion moderated by Richard Jobson.
• Interviews: Conversations with producer, cinematographer, writer, and more.
• Original Trailers
• Reversible Sleeve: Features artwork by Hannah Gillingham.
• Double-sided Foldout Poster: Artwork by Hannah Gillingham.
• Illustrated Collector's Booklet: Includes writing on the film, an excerpt about Handmade Films, and contemporary reviews.

"The Long Good Friday" is a timeless example of British cinema that masterfully captures the gritty essence of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Directed by John Mackenzie and penned by Barrie Keeffe, the film unfolds against the backdrop of a changing socio-political landscape, post-economic turmoil, and the emergence of a new era in conservative Britain. The tight, action-oriented script weaves a complex narrative with precision, pulling audiences into a labyrinthine tale of power, ambition, and betrayal. The production’s modest budget underscored the need for compelling storytelling over flamboyant set pieces, relying heavily on actors' performances to drive the plot—much like a stage play. Notably, Bob Hoskins as Harold Shand and Helen Mirren as Victoria deliver larger-than-life performances, filling every frame with depth and intensity.

The film is further elevated by Francis Monkman's evocative score, which seamlessly blends with the narrative to encapsulate the raw energy and impending doom that shadow Harold Shand's empire-building endeavor. The musical themes are as integral to the film’s storytelling as Keeffe's dialogue, capturing the protagonist's internal turbulence through a blend of joyful yet ominous harmonies. Intricately drawn characters populate the narrative landscape, each with their unique motivations and backstories, rendered with exceptional skill.

"The Long Good Friday" is punctuated by its opening and closing symmetries, both times focusing on Harold Shand as embodied by Hoskins. From his confident arrival to his resigned departure, these scenes bookend Harold’s journey from dominance to downfall while retaining an unwavering grip on viewers' attention. The climatic final scene is a powerful crescendo that epitomizes cinematic grandeur within the gangster genre—a two-minute tableau of complex emotions that distills the film’s underlying themes of power and vulnerability into an unforgettable viewing experience.

The Long Good Friday's 4K UHD release by Arrow Video is a commendable improvement over previous iterations, providing a definitive home-viewing experience that enhances the classic film’s renowned grit and narrative complexity. Bob Hoskins delivers an exceptional lead performance, encapsulating the raw intensity of the gangster genre with a compelling and complex storyline. The 4K transfer, based on Arrow's impressive 2015 restoration, presents clean, clear detailing and robust color grading thanks to Dolby Vision HDR, delivering an impressive visual feast with solid black and white levels.

The Dolby Atmos audio track, while slightly more front and height-focused rather than immersive, provides a dynamic listening experience enriched with good bass and well-separated sound elements. For purists, the original mono audio remains an option. Accompanying the film is a comprehensive package of extras that includes most of the content from Arrow’s previous offerings. Although the educational short Apaches and The HandMade Story featurette are missing, the enrichment in this collection largely complements this release as an essential addition to any cinephile’s library.

Conclusively, The Long Good Friday on 4K UHD upholds its legendary status in the crime film canon enhanced with modern technological finesse. Arrow Video's dedication to preserving and presenting this iconic film in its best form is evident, making it highly recommended for both fans of the genre and newcomers looking for a pristine cinematic experience. This release not only honors the film's legacy but ensures its longevity as a masterpiece of its era.