Hustlers 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 78
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
Hustlers dazzles, defies norms, and delivers in 4K; Men in Black flops despite visual feast.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 90
Hustlers' 4K UHD release dazzles with flawless native 4K clarity, vibrant HDR colors, and detailed textures, transforming home viewing into a cinematic experience.
Audio: 89
The Dolby Atmos soundtracks deliver immersive, high-quality audio experiences with energetic music, clear dialogue, and dynamic atmospherics, enriching the viewer's engagement with each film.
Extra: 43
The Hustlers 4K set includes a Blu-ray, digital code, commentary by Lorene Scafaria, and two trailers, but lacks the expected extra features.
Movie: 65
Hustlers, led by Jennifer Lopez, shines with a stylish portrayal of a Scorsese-like tale of strippers scheming against Wall Street men post-2008 recession.
Video: 90
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Hustlers" delivers a visual presentation that is not just an upgrade but a transformative viewing experience. Sourced from a native 4K digital intermediate, this release boasts impeccable sharpness and an astonishing increase in image clarity. Viewers can expect to see the textures of characters' skin, the intricate details of their attire, and even the finest glitter applications with a new level of depth and precision. Recorded on an array of Arri Alexa cameras, the resolution presents a 3840 x 2160p image that maintains the film's original 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio, enhanced with HDR and Wide Colour Gamut for a stunning spectrum of colors. While the color reproduction adheres to the film’s distinctive sepia tones and grading, leading to some sequences that are visually more subdued, the overall effect remains vibrant, particularly in scenes showcasing the rich club environments where the neon intensity truly shines.
The disc employs the HEVC (H.265) codec, ensuring that every aspect of the film's unique aesthetic is rendered with fidelity, from the differentiated hair and makeup styles down to the background details and textures that give the digital image a pleasantly filmic quality. As expected with high dynamic range (HDR) content, black levels are profoundly deep, whites are immaculate, and the color depth significantly enhances elements like skin textures, which stand out as markedly improved over its Blu-ray counterpart. This results in vividly bright apartments and sunny days that contrast strikingly against the rich inky blacks of night scenes or car interiors. Despite minor aliasing and softness in extreme wide shots—a negligible trade-off—the presentation achieves a near-perfect visual quality.
In terms of technical specifics, with 10-bit video depth and utilizing HDR10 (though Dolby Vision is notably absent), this release shines in its portrayal of the film's vivid world. From lavishly textured close-ups that reveal every pore to the dazzlingly crisp whites that enhance every scene, "Hustlers" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is undeniably demo material. Not only does this contribute to a more immersive cinematic experience, but it elevates the visual storytelling of this contemporary film. Despite slight variances in color grading between sequences, the consistency in color reproduction, especially with primaries and skin tones, presents a beautifully vibrant and lifelike picture that admirably respects the director's vision. Whether it's showcasing the glittering nightlife or the stark reality of its characters, this release ensures that the viewer is granted a superior visual feast.
Audio: 89
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation of "Hustlers" comes equipped with an outstanding Dolby Atmos soundtrack that significantly elevates the audio experience, making it a notable highlight of the home theater release. This audio track thrives on its dynamic mix, balancing crisp, clear dialogue with a robust and immersive club soundscape. The bass is intense and palpable, creating a tangible atmosphere that places the viewer smack in the middle of the film's bustling environments. From the soundtrack's foot-stomping, bass-laden tracks to the meticulously prioritized narration and dialogue, every element comes through with exceptional clarity and coherence. The use of the Atmos platform is effectively executed, with audio objects placed above and around the listener creating a truly immersive experience that enhances the film's energetic and dramatic moments.
Particularly impressive is the soundtrack's ability to maintain balance across various elements; the narrated montages and slow-motion shots are rendered with an energy that engages the audience, while ensuring dialogue remains clear and prioritized. The overhead channels are cleverly utilized, not just for discrete sound effects but also for extending musical tracks, adding a layer of auditory height that complements the on-screen action beautifully. Whether it's the booming beats of a Britney Spears song from the height channels or the subtle background ambiance, the Atmos mix showcases a thoughtful blend of atmosphere and discrete object placement that broadens the soundstage and pulls viewers deeper into the story.
Moreover, the low-frequency extension of the subwoofer brilliantly underscores the club scenes with deep, resonating selections, while the surround sound presentation enriches the viewing experience even during drama-heavy sequences. Dialogues are reproduced with loudness and clarity throughout, ensuring that no spoken word is drowned out by the soundtrack's dynamic range. This Dolby Atmos soundtrack not only complements but significantly enhances "Hustlers," making it a demo-worthy audio visual experience that is both capable and agreeable, drawing viewers into the film's rich narrative and evocative settings with outstanding precision and depth.
Extra: 43
The "Hustlers" 4K UHD Blu-ray extras package appears to diverge from the typical content-laden releases, focusing on a leaner compilation that emphasizes quality over quantity. Unique to this release is the inclusion of extras directly on the 4K disc, primarily featuring a detailed audio commentary by Writer/Director Lorene Scafaria and a pair of trailers. Scafaria’s commentary offers an in-depth look at the making of the film, covering a wide array of topics from casting to the selection of shooting locations like a real strip club, which provides fans with an engaging listen. The inclusion of two trailers adds a visual supplement to the commentary's insights. Furthermore, the package is complemented by a Blu-ray copy for viewing in 1080p and comes with a digital copy code for added convenience. This streamlined approach to extras, with the significant offering being Scafaria's commentary, presents a straightforward, yet informative package for both fans and newcomers to the film.
Extras included in this disc:
- Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Lorene Scafaria: A detailed look into the making of the film, including insights on story, cast, crew, and production challenges.
- Trailer 1: A 2:12 minute sneak peek into the movie's highlights.
- Trailer 2: A concise 0:57 second trailer offering another glimpse into the film's themes and visuals.
Movie: 65
Hustlers," directed by Lorene Scafaria and released theatrically in September, transcends its surface-level premise of a semi-heist drama to present a compelling narrative that delves deep into themes of greed, ambition, and survival. Drawing from a true story as reported in the 2015 New York magazine article "The Hustlers at Scores," the film chronicles the lives of New York strippers turning the tables on their wealthy Wall Street clientele amidst the 2008 financial crisis. Jennifer Lopez delivers a career-defining performance as Ramona Vega, a savvy and ambitious stripper who becomes a mentor to Destiny, played by Constance Wu, guiding her through the intricacies of their profession and later, their schemes against their affluent clients.
The film's portrayal is enriched by its technical prowess, manifesting a stylish and Scorsese-esque narrative framing complemented by an electric cast that breathes life into their characters with depth and authenticity. The dynamic between Lopez and Wu serves as the backbone of the story, showcasing their complex relationship against the backdrop of economic turmoil. Scafaria succeeds in marrying striking cinematography with a superb soundtrack, creating a narrative that is as mentally stimulating as it is entertaining. The film's focus on the socio-political narrative, covering the street-level impact of the Great Recession, provides a lens through which the audience can engage with the characters' journey on a more profound level.
Despite its predictable plot arc, "Hustlers" stands out for its character-driven storytelling and the performances of its leads. Both Lopez and Wu deliver nuanced portrayals that shed light on the internal and external battles faced by their characters. The film navigates through its themes with a steady cadence, rewarding audiences with a sophisticated exploration of its characters' rise and fall. Through its exploration of moral ambiguity and the search for empowerment in a male-dominated world, "Hustlers" offers a gritty yet captivating examination of ambition, friendship, and resilience.
Total: 78
Hustlers," released on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, emerges as an unsuspected gem from 2019, spearheaded by a stunning performance from Jennifer Lopez. The movie expertly navigates the fine line between glamour and greed, delivering a smart, focused narrative that deeply engages with themes of economic downturn and retribution. This narrative prowess is complemented by the high-quality video and audio presentations on the 4K UHD Blu-ray. Although it has been lamentably lacking in a wide array of bonus content, the technical merits—particularly the native 4K video and immersive Atmos track—heighten the film's thematic tone, making for an engrossing home viewing experience.
Drawing inspiration from Jessica Pressler’s 2015 viral article "The Hustlers at Scores," the film embarks on a Scorsese-esque journey from a predominantly female perspective, absolutely distinguishing itself from more manufactured Hollywood attempts. It’s an entertaining drama that doesn’t shy away from stylization yet remains utterly convincing thanks to its critical storytelling and excellent overall technical execution on the 4K UHD Blu-ray. Despite the limited supplemental content, the release's visual fidelity and audio quality do an exceptional job in amplifying the dynamics of the story and performances, particularly that of Lopez.
In conclusion, "Hustlers" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is undoubtedly a recommended addition to one’s collection, especially for those who appreciate a blend of gripping narrative with superior technical quality in home entertainment. While the release might fall short on bonus features, it triumphs with its excellent video presentation and compelling audio experience. Lopez’s remarkable role paired with the movie’s sharp narrative and aesthetic appeal, wrapped up in this technically proficient 4K UHD package, makes for a worthy purchase—at the right price, ideally around the $20 mark.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 100
Clarity is excellent, but the film never forgets its filmic edge, with a nice sense of grain giving the digital image - complete with a pleasant surprise of a full 4K Digital Intermediate - some significant,...
Audio: 100
The score is undoubtedly the absolute high point, booming out a succession of LFE-driven song tracks which will have your foundations vibrating even at lower volume levels....
Extras: 60
The extras package includes only a Commentary and a couple of trailers, but at least they make it to the 4K disc itself...
Movie: 80
"Charting the rise of a young and upcoming new stripper, Destiny (Crazy Rich Asians' Constance Wu), under the mentorship of veteran star Ramona Vega (Jennifer Lopez), through the 2007 financial crisis,...
Total: 90
It makes for a very effective companion-piece to Wolf of Wall Street Hustlers is certainly a surprise gem from 2019, defying its rather ineffective promotional campaign and riding high on critical reverence...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 100
It's a very sharp, natural picture, and even shot on digital the UHD nearly has the look and texture of film to it....
Audio: 100
The overheads don't offer explicit, discrete presentations, but they do help create a larger, more purposeful environment that proves to be a critical cog in creating the larger story as it evolves throughout...
Extras: 90
Hustlers' UHD disc is surprisingly bereft of the usual barrage of Universal mini-featurettes, gag reels, and deleted scenes....
Movie: 70
While the story is largely strong enough -- though certainly a bit predictable -- to stand on its own, stars Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu shine in their roles, embracing the highs and lows and realities...
Total: 30
Hustlers tells the story of economic downturn but marks an upturn for Jennifer Lopez, who shines in a role that challenges her to merge glamour and greed, sex and scam in the same performance....
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 100
But, like its HD SDR counterpart, the most impressive demo-worthy moments are The Twins appear in their true cosmic form, animating the scenes with a mesmerizing feast for the eyes....
Audio: 100
The fronts, however, are continuously layered with lots of background activity that convincingly moves between the three channels, to the top heights and into the off-screen space, creating a brilliantly...
Extras: 20
The MiB Meet the NBA (HD, 3 min): Hemsworth and Thompson in character investigate the world of professional basketball for aliens....
Movie: 40
Unfortunately, this reboot attempt, much like the aliens camouflaging themselves as humans, is ultimately a cleverly-disguised retread of the first movie....
Total: 80
Starring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson as the black-suited agents policing the planet from the scum of the universe, F. Gary Gray's Men in Black: International is the fourth entry in the series and...
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 94
It’s a stylish visual film, that adheres to sepia tones and color grading, which ultimately leaves some sequences appearing less visually engaging than others....
Audio: 88
There are a multitude of set pieces that show off the track’s blend of music and smaller object sounds that create an involving listening experience, that broadens the soundstage....
Extras: 30
Disc 1: Hustlers Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc 2: Hustlers Blu-ray Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Lorene Scafaria Trailers Digital Code...
Movie: 70
But when the 2008 economic collapse hits their Wall Street clientele hard, Destiny and Ramona concoct a plan with their fellow strippers to turn the tables on these greedy power players....
Total: 71
Inspired by journalist Jessica Pressler’s 2015 viral New York Magazine article “The Hustlers at Scores”, [i[Hustlers[/i] is a fairly entertaining albeit, overly stylized drama that sharply makes it point....
Why So Blu? review by Brian WhiteRead review here
Video: 90
Depth: Depth of field is also very clear to see as the foreground characters pop with the three-dimensional qualities leaving the backgrounds to appear vast and deep....
Audio: 90
This one is mostly front heavy due to it being a drama movie, but it’s the little things like the music, crowds and people in the club behind you that immerse you within the rear channels from time-to-time....
Extras: 20
Other than that there is a Blu-ray Disc inside this set, which enables you to view the feature presentation in 1080p as well as a redemption code for the equivalent Digital Copy....
Movie: 70
Although as you know with most movies of this subject matter sometimes all does not end well for all characters, but that’s a story for another day....
Total: 70
However, as long as you enjoy seeing women sticking it to guys (the reverse of the norm you’re programmed and condition to), I think you’re in for a great ride....
Director: Lorene Scafaria
Actors: Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles
PlotDestiny is an aspiring young dancer working at a New York strip club, trying to make ends meet and care for her grandmother. Struggling to earn substantial money in the competitive and often exploitative environment, she is taken under the wing of Ramona, the club's top earner and a seasoned dancer. Ramona introduces Destiny to the art of seduction and high-roller client management, teaching her how to navigate the lucrative sex industry. Together, they form a profitable partnership, creating a sisterhood amongst their colleagues and thriving until the financial crash of 2008 upends their opulent livelihood.
With the economy in recession, the club's clientele dwindles, and the dancers' income plummets. Desperate to reclaim their past prosperity, Ramona devises a risky scheme to target wealthy Wall Street clientele, seducing and drugging them to run up their credit cards at the club. Destiny, hesitant but driven by financial pressures, joins the plot, and they enlist a crew of fellow dancers to execute their plan. The group embarks on a dangerous game of deceit and manipulation, exploiting the greed and indiscretion of their rich marks. As the money flows in and their lives become entangled in excess and lawlessness, the risks they take begin to escalate, testing the limits of their alliance.
Writers: Lorene Scafaria, Jessica Pressler
Release Date: 13 Sep 2019
Runtime: 110 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, Russian