Casino Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Casino" stands out for its remarkable fidelity to the original source, presenting a 1080p/VC-1 re-encoded image that is both vibrant and true to life. The conversion harnesses the full potential of high-definition technology to deliver rich colors, fine detail, and a film-like resolution that honed on the glamour and grittiness of the '70s era Vegas portrayed in the film. The restoration work, with its roots in a 2007 standard-def DVD master, serves as a solid foundation for this high-def version, ensuring that everything from the glittery ambiance of casino floors to the intricate details like the dollar amounts on slot machines or the intricate designs of a blackjack dealer's bow tie are displayed with crystal clarity. Notably, skin tones are impeccably balanced, and even during scenes with complex lighting, the picture maintains its integrity, showcasing the darks and lights with a pronounced contrast that adds depth to every frame.

Director Martin Scorsese's mastery of visual storytelling is further amplified by the Blu-ray's technical prowess. In particular, cinematographer Robert Richardson’s work shines through each scene's composition, from aerial shots capturing the vast, dusty expanse of the desert to intimate indoor scenes where subtle uses of light play off the actors' performances to create a rich, cinematic texture. The treatment of both micro and macro details—be it in the evocative use of smoke in a barroom brawl or the nuanced color grading of the Las Vegas landscape—reveals an attentive and skilled transfer process. Even with minor issues such as occasional overly contrasted scenes or slightly crushed blacks, these do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

Certain scenes exemplify this technical excellence, like the desert meeting between Ace and Nicky which showcases an astonishing level of detail, from the geological layers of distant mountains to the balletic swirl of dust trails left by speeding cars. This clarity extends to indoor settings as well; take for instance the bar scene early on, where slow-motion and strategic lighting transform the atmosphere into something almost ethereal. The meticulous care in rendering these images results in a mesmerizing visual experience that complements and enhances Scorsese’s storytelling and Richardson’s artistic vision, ensuring 'Casino' not only meets but exceeds expectations on Blu-ray format.

The audio presentation of "Casino" on Blu-Ray, particularly through its DTS-HD Master Audio encode, demonstrates a notable effort to balance high-energy soundtracks with the cinematic nuances of a Scorsese film. While the treble might feel bloated, detracting from a purely faithful reproduction of the source material, the overall mix retains a commendable solidity, especially in the handling of vocals and primary instruments across the front channels. The sparing use of the surrounds for atmospheric reverb effects and the selective punchiness of the LFE channel during Scorsese's iconic camera bulb-popping scenes indicate a careful, albeit restrained, approach to dynamic audio staging. Unfortunately, this finesse doesn't always extend to louder noise elements like gunshots or explosions, which could use a more substantial low-end presence to match the impact of quieter, nuanced effects.

The upgraded English DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround track surpasses its predecessor, enriching 'Casino's soundscape with fuller mid-ranges and brighter highs that avoid distortion while enhancing clarity. In scenes bustling with casino activity, the audio blooms with a vibrant, all-encompassing soundfield, thanks to adeptly used songs and seamless directional pans that immerse the viewer in the film's environment. The mix excels in creating sustained ambiance, while effectively directing discrete sounds across the speakers for an engaging auditory experience. Despite its quieter moments being more front-focused, there remains a meticulously modulated atmosphere throughout, showcasing Scorsese's skill at combining and balancing sound elements in a manner that's both subtle and sophisticated, aptly suiting the film's narrative and visual style.

Dialogue remains crisply balanced within the mix, ensuring narratives are clear amidst the breadth of background sounds. 'Casino' may not boast the overpowering sonic force of larger action movies, but its audio presentation is a testament to how expertly crafted soundtracks can elevate the storytelling experience. The intelligent use of dynamic ranges and spatial audio places emphasis on subtlety over sheer volume, rendering it an exemplar of how precisely calibrated audio can serve as integral to the film's immersive quality as its visual counterpart.

The "Casino" Blu-ray extras serve as a mixed bag of treasures and missed opportunities. Despite the entire bonus content being presented in standard definition with Dolby Digital 2.0, fans will appreciate the repurposed features from previous editions, including the picture-in-picture (PIP) documentaries that offer a deeper dive into the film's creation and impact. These segments, including "Casino: The Story," and "The Cast and Characters," bring valuable insights to enthusiasts. However, some content like the “Vegas and the Mob” and “History Alive: True Crime Authors—Casino With Nicholas Pileggi” TV specials, though providing additional background, might feel somewhat dated and repetitive against the more comprehensive PIP documentaries. The added Universal-exclusive features such as BD-Live offer a modern touch, albeit with accessibility that isn't as exclusive as implied. Meanwhile, the deletion scenes, albeit short in length, present classic Scorsese outtakes that fans will find intriguing. This mix of extras, while uneven in places, extends the "Casino" experience beyond the main feature for those looking to explore the depths of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Casino: The Story: An insight into the film's narrative design.
• The Cast and Characters: Detailed explorations of the film's characters and their portrayals.
• The Look: Focusing on the film's visual style.
• After the Filming: Post-production insights.
• Moments with Martin Scorsese, Sharon Stone, and Nicholas Pileggi: An audio commentary track derived from snippets of interviews.
• Vegas and the Mob: An NBC documentary offering a simplistic overview of Las Vegas's history with organized crime.
• History Alive: True Crime Authors—Casino With Nicholas Pileggi: An A&E documentary featuring dramatizations of crime stories related to the film's background.
• Deleted Scenes: A compilation of cut content from the film.o

Universal's 1080p Blu-ray release of Martin Scorsese's "Casino" has been a visual delight, capturing the comprehensive scope and the intricate details of Las Vegas in the 1970s with stunning clarity. The collaborative genius of Scorsese and De Niro shines brightly in this epic tale of greed, power, and downfall within the neon-lit corridors of the Tangiers Casino. Robert De Niro's portrayal of Sam "Ace" Rothstein and Joe Pesci's portrayal of Nicky Santoro revisit their prolific partnership under Scorsese's direction, providing a compelling narrative that is both a visual and auditory spectacle. The film, based on the non-fiction book by Nicholas Pileggi, skillfully navigates the complex dynamics of mob infiltration in the casino industry, with Scorsese's direction elegantly complemented by Robert Richardson's sophisticated cinematography.

The performances are exceptional, with Sharon Stone's role as Ginger McKenna standing out, showcasing not just Stone's acting prowess but also the layered complexities of relationships within the volatile world of organized crime. The intricate camerawork, innovative lighting, and the vibrant yet poignant soundtrack elevate "Casino" beyond just its story, making it a feast for the senses. The opening credits set against the backdrop of casino lights and the kaleidoscopic visuals are indicative of the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into every frame of this movie, ensuring that its presentation on Blu-ray is unparalleled.

Critiques often draw comparisons between "Casino" and "GoodFellas," given their thematic similarities and shared creative forces. However, "Casino" stands out for its broader narrative arc, deeper exploration of character flaws, and a more extravagant portrayal of the excesses associated with Las Vegas' casino life. While some may argue about the necessity of its violent content, it's the authenticity and raw emotional power that "Casino" delivers which makes it a riveting watch. Moreover, the Blu-ray edition captures the essence of Las Vegas' shimmering allure and the dark underbelly of its gambling empire with remarkable fidelity, making it a valuable addition to any cinephile's collection.

The Blu-ray release of Martin Scorsese's "Casino" has rekindled interest in this iconic mob movie, offering an unparalleled visual feast that leverages the full potential of high-definition technology. The film's dazzling Las Vegas cinematography, under the expert eye of Richardson and Scorsese's visionary direction, benefits significantly from the 1080p resolution. Each frame of the movie is a testament to the artistry involved, showcasing a level of composition and picture quality that’s as impressive as the story and performances. Compared to its counterpart, "GoodFellas," "Casino" seems to be a more ambitious project both in scale and execution. The Blu-ray edition highlights these qualities with a dynamic picture and an enhanced high definition audio track, positioning it as a superior showcase for advanced home theater systems.

However, not everything about Universal’s Blu-ray package has been met with acclaim. Criticism has been directed at the menu design, described as uninspired due to its standard-definition video centerpiece and irrelevant musical selection, detracting from the overall experience. This oversight, while minor, points to a lack of attention to detail in the presentation of such a significant title in the studio's catalog. Despite this, the inclusion of a high-resolution audio track and better utilization of video capabilities over the HD DVD version have been positively noted, presenting an audible and visible improvement that fans of the film will appreciate.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Casino" represents a significant upgrade over previous versions, marked by exceptional visual and audio enhancements that breathe new life into Scorsese’s masterpiece. While it does suffer from minor shortcomings in its menu design, these do not detract from the overall enjoyment and high-quality presentation of the film. The inclusion of existing extras, though in a repackaged form, ensures that this edition remains well recommended for both longtime fans and newcomers to Scorsese's captivating exploration of mob dynamics in Las Vegas.