American Gigolo 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video’s 4K UHD release of American Gigolo showcases an impressive restoration that elevates the film's visual quality significantly. The original 35mm camera negative was meticulously scanned in 4K at Fotokem, Burbank, and subsequently restored and graded in SDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision at Dragon DI in Wales. Graded by Company 3, New York, and approved by director Paul Schrader, this remaster ensures a faithful yet enhanced viewing experience. The film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, encapsulating significant improvements in detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range.

The 4K HDR presentation offers commendable advancements over previous Blu-ray releases. Detail is noticeably enhanced, showcasing finer elements such as skin textures and background nuances. The preservation of the film's grain structure is particularly noteworthy; while it remains prominent throughout, it does not detract from the overall image quality. Instead, it reinforces a fine textured, filmic look. There are minor instances where grain becomes heavy-handed—especially during the opening credits and certain bright background scenes—but these are overshadowed by the near-consistent excellence elsewhere. Color implementation benefits from WCG, HDR, and Dolby Vision, providing rich, vibrant tones with exquisite depth and minimal bleeding or banding, notably excelling in darker scenes with intense hues.

Cinematographer John Bailey's original work is honored with deep and intense color representation, enhancing everything from the blues to the tactile warmth of skin tones. The grading process smooths out any discrepancies with a well-managed balance of saturation and dynamic contrast. Despite occasional variances in density and clarity, the overall visual presentation is significantly more consistent and compelling than previous iterations. Ultimately, Arrow Video’s handling ensures that this is undoubtedly the best American Gigolo has ever looked on home video.

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "American Gigolo" offers an impressive range of audio options, including LPCM Mono, LPCM 2.0 Stereo, and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Notably, the disc does not feature the Dolby Atmos mix erroneously mentioned in the booklet. This minor point aside, the available soundtracks provide a rich auditory experience, each with its distinct advantages. The LPCM Mono preserves the authenticity of the theatrical release, delivering tight and precise dialogue. The 2.0 Stereo track enhances this with greater depth and fidelity, especially impacting Giorgio Moroder’s iconic score and overall song quality, making the film's music far more propulsive.

Switching between the audio tracks illuminates their respective differences vividly. The leap from Mono to Stereo is considerable, with the latter enriching not only the music but also ensuring dialogue retains clarity and heft. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track introduces more spatial elements, beautifully opening up Moroder's score and adding ambient environmental effects that situate outdoor scenes more naturally within the viewer’s space. Despite some hollowness in dialogue reproduction on the 5.1 mix, it remains an expansive choice that heightens the auditory immersion without overwhelming bass or excessive surround activity.

Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 does stand out for those seeking a fuller surround experience, the 2.0 Stereo track emerges as a balanced middle ground that retains both fidelity and added depth, particularly benefiting the film's music. Audio enthusiasts and casual viewers alike will find value in toggling between these tracks to suit personal preference, ensuring an enriched viewing experience of "American Gigolo."

The "American Gigolo" 4K UHD Blu-ray from Arrow offers a comprehensive and engaging array of brand-new extras, all conveniently included on the single disc, making it accessible for international audiences. The physical packaging is meticulously crafted, featuring an O-ring encasing a slipbox, which houses a keepcase with a reversible sleeve, all of which celecbrates the film's original and newly commissioned artwork. Inside, viewers will find a booklet with fresh writings by Neil Sinyard and archival articles, alongside postcard-sized reproduction art cards and a foldout poster. The highlights of the extra features include an insightful audio commentary by Adrian Martin, various interviews providing unique perspectives from cast and crew members, and a compilation of high-quality image galleries.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film critic Adrian Martin offers a deep dive into the movie's themes and production nuances.
• Below the Surface: Interview with Paul Schrader on the film’s origin and casting.
• Six Ways to Sunday: Hector Elizondo offers insights into his character.
• The Business of Pleasure: Bill Duke discusses his role and thoughts on the film.
• Montages and Monologues: Richard Halsey speaks on the film's editing.
• The Non-Conformist: King Baggot gives a unique cameraman’s perspective.
• Man Machine: Dan Wilcox discusses Giorgio Moroder's influence on the soundtrack.
• American Icon: Jennifer Clark analyzes the film’s fashion and its cultural impact.
• Trailer: Theatrical trailer in HD.
• Image Galleries: Stills, posters, press materials, and lobby cards in HD.

Paul Schrader's "American Gigolo" captures the epitome of 1980s style and zeitgeist through the evolution of Richard Gere's Julian Kay, a narcissistic escort navigating a murder mystery against the backdrop of superficial glitz. Schrader, known for his "man-in-a-box" scenarios as seen in "Taxi Driver," delves deep into the existential crisis confronting Julian, underscoring themes of self-identity and moral dissolution. The film’s essence lies in its deliberate portrayal of Julian's hollow core, which Schrader crafts with precision, reflecting a man entrapped in his own facade.

Richard Gere's performance is pivotal, redefining his career by presenting a persona both charming and deeply troubled. His nuanced portrayal elevates the character’s journey from an assured escort confident in his glamour to a man grappling with identity amidst a noir-styled murder narrative. While the central romance with Lauren Hutton's character is less compelling and sometimes strains credibility, Gere's solo moments, combined with Schrader’s tight direction, maintain a gripping tension.

The cinematic experience is greatly enriched by Giorgio Moroder’s iconic score and stylistic visuals that echo the era's glossy aesthetics. Supporting roles from Héctor Elizondo, Bill Duke, and Nina van Pallandt further bolster the film, providing depth and authenticity. The Arrow 4K UHD Blu Ray release adds modern clarity to this enduring classic, ensuring Schrader’s textured visuals and directorial prowess are more vivid than ever. "American Gigolo" should be revisited to appreciate its influential status in film history and Gere’s defining role.

Arrow's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "American Gigolo" offers an exceptional visual and auditory experience, marked by a solid Dolby Vision HDR presentation and potent audio options. Richard Gere delivers one of his finest performances, supported by Paul Schrader's gritty, Neo-noir narrative that evokes a dark atmosphere akin to his work on "Taxi Driver." The film may show signs of its era, particularly in its mystery elements, but the character deconstruction remains compelling. This release is bolstered by an array of brand-new features, rectifying the lackluster offerings from previous releases by Paramount.

The disc represents the pinnacle of "American Gigolo" presentations to date, ensuring fans a superior visual treat and access to insightful extras. Arrow has thoughtfully curated this edition, filling a void left by years of minimally enhanced reissues. This attention to detail signifies a recognition and respect for the film's artistic merit that was overlooked by its original studio.

In conclusion, "American Gigolo" remains defiant of its title and easy dismissal—a dark and worthy companion-piece to the likes of "Taxi Driver." Watch it for its dark Neo-noir sensibilities and a career-high star turn from a young and hungry Richard Gere who has rarely been better than this. Arrow's US release—enjoying an excellent new 4K presentation and great audio choices, with a lavish set packed with brand new features—is another absolute must-have import. And with the Arrow store making it so damn easy to get it to the UK, this is an easy recommendation; get it bought now.