Serpico 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's release of "Serpico" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray delivers a visually compelling presentation, detailed from a new 4K master created from the original camera negative. This master enhances the film's dynamic range and color fidelity remarkably, outshining previous editions such as the one from StudioCanal in 2010, which, while commendable, showed its age with limitations in darker scenes and an overall less vibrant color reproduction. The Dolby Vision/HDR grade on this new 4K release significantly uplifts the viewing experience, providing a visual fluidity and stability that notably benefits fast-moving sequences, a testament to the superior quality of the source material utilized. However, it’s worth noting that despite these improvements, some darker scenes suffer from black crush, leading to a loss of detail similar to issues found in other recent 4K transfers.

Comparing this latest release to its predecessors, including various European editions notoriously afflicted by an unnatural color grading and an unsatisfactory handling of blacks and whites, Kino Lorber’s version represents a substantial upgrade. The HDR grading corrects past oversights, presenting skin tones, textures, and the urban grittiness of New York with a level of authenticity and clarity that pays homage to the film’s original cinema aesthetics. Details are preserved and enhanced, with a healthy grain structure that respects the source material without artificial manipulation. The deep blacks and natural color palette restore a visual balance, offering viewers an immersive experience that foregrounds the film’s narrative and atmospheric depth.

Unfortunately, there is an issue of detail loss in darker sequences due to black crush, albeit not ubiquitous throughout the entirety of the film. Tests show that while most parts maintain an excellent level of detail, enhancing the cinematic realism of "Serpico," some areas with restricted lighting reveal significant compromises. These compromises not only affect the consistency of the visual presentation but also slightly detract from the overall restoration's achievements. Despite this drawback, the 4K UHD version surmounts its predecessors by offering a restoration that largely respects and revitalizes the film's historical and stylistic essence, making it the definitive edition for both newcomers and long-standing fans of this classic.

The audio presentation of "Serpico" on the 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers two main tracks: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 option. The 2.0 track stands out for its clarity, closely matching the quality found in the StudioCanal release, providing a crisp and detailed audio experience that respects the film's original mono foundation, likely upgraded to stereo over the years. Despite this enhancement, the fidelity to the source material's essence is meticulously preserved. Additionally, the optional English SDH subtitles are a notable inclusion, offering accessibility that was previously absent in other versions.

Opting for the default 2.0 mix is recommended for purists seeking an audio experience closest to the original theatrical presentation. However, the 5.1 mix should not be overlooked. It excels at creating spatial depth particularly in scenes bustling with urban activity and during tense chase sequences, allowing Mikis Theodorakis' haunting melodies to envelop the viewer. This track demonstrates a nuanced use of surround channels, focusing primarily on the front and center but expanding when necessary to enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming the core audio components.

Across both audio tracks, dialogue remains superbly clear, ensuring that every line delivers its intended impact without the interference of hiss or other distortions. The mastering of these tracks guarantees a balanced listening experience, removing the need for constant volume adjustment. The careful attention to maintaining clear dialogue and balanced levels, alongside the effective implementation of both stereo and 5.1 surround options, indicates a high-quality audio restoration that honors "Serpico's" auditory legacy while embracing modern standards.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Serpico" stands out for its comprehensive selection of both new and archival extras, catering to fans and cinephiles alike. Noteworthy is the new audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson, which offers an in-depth exploration of Sidney Lumet's directorial career, the true story behind the film, and its cinematic execution, while maintaining a balance between technical insights and anecdotal content. The inclusion of features like "Sidney Lumet: Cineaste New York" and "Looking for Al Pacino" enriches the understanding of Lumet's New York, the real Frank Serpico, and Pacino's preparation for his role. The blend of newly included and previously available extras, including detailed featurettes and a photo gallery with commentary by Sidney Lumet, enhances the viewing experience, making it a definitive edition for enthusiasts of this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A new engaging audio commentary featuring Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson.
• Sidney Lumet: Cineaste New York: Insightful video interview with Sidney Lumet on his career and New York City.
• Looking For Al Pacino: Discussions on the real Frank Serpico, Lumet's legacy, and Pacino's performance.
• Serpico: From Real to Reel: Archival program with producer Martin Bregman on the making of Serpico.
• Inside Serpico: Sidney Lumet talks about his working methods and filming techniques.
• Serpico: Favorite Moments: Producer Martin Bregman and Sidney Lumet share their favorite scenes.
• Photo Gallery with Commentary: Promotional stills accompanied by commentary from Sidney Lumet.
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer for Serpico.

Sidney Lumet's "Serpico" emerges on 4K UHD Blu-ray, offering an engrossing cinematic exploration of police corruption and integrity through the true story of Frank Serpico. Brought to life by Al Pacino's compelling portrayal, the film depicts Serpico's journey from an enthusiastic academy graduate to a social outcast among his peers, solely due to his steadfast refusal to partake in the endemic corruption within the New York Police Department during the 70s. This release, courtesy of Kino Lorber, is presented with optional English SDH subtitles and includes a plethora of supplemental features such as new audio commentary, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience that respects both the film's historical context and its enduring legacy in the annals of crime cinema.

The narrative is anchored in Lumet's gritty realization of New York City, which serves as much more than a mere backdrop but rather as a crucial character that shapes the film's atmospheric tension. From the outset, with Serpico's life hanging in the balance, the story unfolds in a gripping flashback structure that delves into his unyielding integrity in the face of pervasive moral decay. This journey is marked by deep personal loss and professional isolation, themes that are masterfully woven into the narrative fabric. The supporting cast, including performances by Barbara Eda-Young and Cornelia Sharp as Serpico’s love interests, alongside notable character actors, adds depth and authenticity to this stark portrayal of 1970s law enforcement.

Technical details of the 4K UHD presentation reveal a carefully remastered visual experience that captures the film’s cold, stark essence without compromising its original aesthetic. The high-definition transfer accentuates the film’s raw, emotive power, bringing a new level of detail and clarity that enhances Lumet’s directorial vision and Pacino’s nuanced performance. "Serpico's" transition to 4K UHD not only celebrates its cinematic excellence but also reinforces its relevance, demonstrating the timeless nature of its core message against the backdrop of a visually enriched and technically meticulous release.

Serpico" stands as a towering achievement in American cinema, with its portrayal of corruption and the fight against it remaining relevant across the decades. This transition to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber Studio Classics breathes new life into Sidney Lumet's masterpiece. The presentation benefits from an exclusive new 4K master that elevates the film’s visual fidelity beyond previous releases, including the StudioCanal version in Europe. Viewers can expect a superb visual experience with Dolby Vision HDR, which brings forward bold, natural colors and crisp details, complementing one of Al Pacino's most compelling performances. The audio quality is solid, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The additional content, including both new and legacy bonus features, along with a noteworthy commentary track, enriches the appreciation for both the film and its production. However, while this release represents a significant improvement, it is not without its flaws. Some aspects of the video and audio presentation could have been refined further to make this the definitive home video release of "Serpico." Potential buyers might want to consider testing or reviewing further before making a purchase, despite the overall high quality of this release.

In conclusion, "Serpico" on 4K UHD from KLSC is highly recommended for both dedicated fans of the film and those discovering it for the first time. The movie's enduring message, matched with Al Pacino's outstanding performance and Lumet's direction, are vividly presented in this latest release. Despite minor reservations regarding some elements of the presentation, this release is arguably a must-have for collectors and cinephiles seeking to experience "Serpico" at its visual and auditory best.