Scarface 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Scarface" showcases a commendable restoration effort, derived from a 35mm duplicate negative with a new 4K Digital Intermediate. The film is delivered in a native 3840 x 2160p resolution with a 1.35:1 aspect ratio. Despite the lack of HDR or Dolby Vision, the image quality is largely consistent, maintaining clarity and stability without digital artifacts. The restoration ensures the film remains free from damage such as nicks and tramlines, preserving the authenticity of its visual character.

The transfer reveals varied visual results; softness is present in some areas, potentially due to stylization or aging source elements, leading to limited close-up detail and texture realism. However, structural details like buildings, furnishings, and automobiles are notably well-defined. The grayscale presentation is strong, though density and contrast levels fluctuate slightly, leading to some scenes lacking deep blacks or blinding whites. Despite these limitations, midtones are well-represented, offering a classic noir aesthetic.

For large screen viewers, this native 4K release offers a perceptible leap in surface detail, shadow handling, and color integrity compared to its 1080p counterpart. While certain fluctuations in density reflect inherent source issues, overall delineation and depth achieve an impressive caliber. Shadows are finely balanced with visible background nuances and no crushing evident. While transitioning between scenes sometimes yields slight instability, image steadfastness otherwise holds firm. This presentation effectively respects the film’s historical context while enhancing its viewing experience for contemporary audiences with larger display setups.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Scarface" features an English LPCM 1.0 mono audio track that successfully maintains the authenticity of the original recording, despite inherent limitations. Dialog clarity is a highlight, with voices consistently clear and natural, although some lines may require a slight volume adjustment for optimal comprehension. While the soundtrack effectively captures the essence of the era with its centralized mid to high range, it reveals occasional thinness and a light hiss on the upper register, characteristics rooted in the original recording rather than degradation over time.

Musical elements within the soundtrack are adequately represented, offering sufficient warmth to complement the scenes without overshadowing spoken dialogue. Bass presence is understandably limited but manages to engage subwoofers when necessary, lending subtle support to deep voices and certain sound effects. Notably, the track avoids distortion and hiss anomalies commonly associated with older films, presenting a listening experience that resonates well with its vintage production values and maintains technical integrity throughout.

Overall, while the audio track might appear constrained by the original technology's limitations, it remains free of unintended modern artifacts and continually delivers a coherent and engaging auditory environment that effectively supports both dialogue and music. Optional English SDH subtitles are available to further enhance the viewing experience, ensuring accessibility and aiding comprehension where needed.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Scarface" offers a compelling selection of extras on the included Blu-ray, bridging historical insights with contemporary analyses. One standout feature is the conversation between author Megan Abbott and actor Bill Hader, which offers a fresh perspective on the enduring qualities of "Scarface." Additionally, film scholar Lea Jacobs provides a fascinating look at Howard Hawks's innovative use of sound and editing, shedding light on techniques that broke new ground at the time. For fans interested in the film's production history, the alternate ending presents an intriguing look at changes imposed by censorship, shot by co-director Richard Rosson. A leaflet featuring an essay by critic Imogen Sara Smith is also included, enhancing the disc's value with academic insights. The packaging features a new cover design by Mark Chiarello to round out this enriching supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Megan Abbott and Bill Hader: Discussion on the unique qualities of "Scarface."
• Lea Jacobs: Examination of Hawks’s techniques in editing and sound.
• Alternate Ending: Version mandated by Hays Office censors.
• Leaflet: Contains an essay by Imogen Sara Smith.

The 1932 version of "Scarface," directed by Howard Hawks, navigates the controversial portrayal of gangsters with a daring and rebellious spirit. With the oversight of producers like Howard Hughes, the film managed to push the boundaries of the Hays Code, cementing its place in cinematic history despite not being a runaway financial success. Loosely based on Armitage Trail's novel and inspired by Al Capone, the film cleverly integrates real-life events from the Chicago gang wars. Paul Muni delivers a searing performance as Tony Camonte, a ruthlessly ambitious figure whose lack of redeeming qualities makes him a character of morbid curiosity. Despite its vintage, the film utilizes immersive cinematography and poignant montages to chart the violent rise of Camonte with a modern narrative style.

Technically significant, the film's 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Criterion is complemented by new programs featuring critic Megan Abbott and actor Bill Hader, as well as film scholar Lea Jacobs. It also includes an alternate ending, enriching its historical and cultural context. The restoration underscores Hawks' sophisticated direction, capturing the moody atmosphere through stark visual storytelling and lighting that enhances Camonte's descent into power and eventual fall.

Parallel comparisons with the 1983 remake further highlight the intricacies of Hawks' original. While both films delve unapologetically into gangster life with vibrant storytelling, they also reveal distinct directorial choices reflective of their eras. Hawks immerses Muni's character in a less glamorous setting with documentary-like realism, contrasting starkly with De Palma's more opulent rendering. The thematic exploration of unbridled ambition and inevitable downfall remains a compelling through line, making "Scarface" timelessly provocative. Both films owe their gripping narratives to similar underpinnings but excel through unique interpretations of character arcs and societal commentary.

Criterion's 4K UHD release of "Scarface" ambitiously brings the 1932 classic to modern audiences with mixed results. The visual presentation, though lacking HDR, provides a competent greyscale with robust shadows and strong grain that hearkens back to its film origins. However, viewers may notice a soft image with slightly fluctuating density, and occasional digitizing of grain in highlights. The LPCM 1.0 mono audio track compensates with its clear, precise midtones and sufficient bass presence, maintaining the film's antique charm without veering into shrillness.

The film itself, directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Howard Hughes, remains a formidable fixture within the gangster genre. Its tale of ambition and downfall through the lens of violence and power stays compelling and relevant even decades later. The rebellious nature of its creation and its critique on gangster culture parallel Brian De Palma's later interpretation, yet each stands distinct in their probing of criminal underworlds. This duality underscores the film’s enduring capacity to trouble and fascinate viewers.

Overall, while Criterion's set may not fully capitalize on UHD technologies, it offers a satisfactory update to a seminal work. The extras package could be richer for such an iconic film, but for those invested in classic cinema, this release is still recommended. Scarface's legacy persists through quality restorations like this, ensuring its indelible mark on cinematic history remains vivid.