After Hours 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "After Hours" by the Criterion Collection successfully revitalizes this Scorsese film, offering an impressive technical showcase. Presented in a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 format with a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the disc utilizes Dolby Vision HDR and a Wide Color Gamut, encoded through the HEVC (H.265) codec. This release marks Criterion's debut UK 4K Blu-ray offering, and despite being a lesser-known Scorsese work, the image quality is nothing short of superb. The new 4K digital restoration, approved by editor Thelma Schoonmaker, dives deep to uncover minute details, enhancing the overall filmic look with rich textures and fine grain that complement the night-time urban setting.

Taking advantage of HDR and Dolby Vision, the presentation achieves superior clarity and depth. The dark and often gritty scenes benefit greatly from improved shadow detail and contrast levels, which is particularly effective in highlighting the dimly lit, moody New York streets. Each frame seems meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the original cinematography by Michael Ballhaus, staying true to the muted color palette while enhancing subtle gradations and hues across the spectrum. The night-time sequences, often tricky to master in standard definition formats, translate exceptionally well in this UHD rendition, showcasing fluidity and stability.

Duplicating this exceptional treatment is the 1080p Blu-ray, which retains much of the visual fidelity when upscaled, though it falls slightly short in color vibrancy and depth compared to its 4K counterpart. Nonetheless, the Blu-ray maintains a striking similarity to the 4K UHD version, offering commendable clarity and contrast, making it a robust option for those lacking 4K capabilities. Criterion’s meticulous restoration work ensures both formats deliver an immersive visual experience that truly honors Scorsese’s nightmarish adventure through Manhattan.

The audio presentation of the "After Hours" 4K UHD Blu-ray is served through its original English Linear PCM 1.0 monaural soundtrack. This uncompressed format ensures a stable and clean listening experience, with polished audio elements being carefully restored for optimal clarity. Dialogue takes precedence in this front-dominated mix, remaining distinct and easy to comprehend throughout. The soundtrack's strengths include a resonant, energetic score by Howard Shore, which adds tempo to Scorsese's visual storytelling and frenetic editing style. Despite the naturally limited and somewhat dated effects, the track has been cleaned up capably, presenting a well-rounded and warm auditory experience.

The remastered monaural soundtrack delivers a wide dynamic range, adeptly handling the highs and lows of the eclectic musical score without any distortion. The audio remains surprising strong, enhancing atmospheric engagement during key scenes. Notable sonic accents such as the innovative ticking in Shore's score, thunder, screeching tires, and driving rain are rendered crisp and clear. Though the track utilizes only one channel, it captures the theatrical experience of the era with professional surety, balancing dialogue, music, and sound effects seamlessly.

Overall, the LPCM 1.0 mono track on this release might not offer the surround sound experience of modern mixes, but it effectively serves its purpose. It ensures that all sonic elements—from potent dynamic contrasts in club scenes to robust bass frequencies—are preserved with exceptional clarity and finesse. The sound mix remains vibrant, well-balanced, and devoid of encoding anomalies, providing a satisfying auditory experience that honors the original cinematic presentation.

Criterion provides an impressive supplemental package for "After Hours" on UHD Blu-ray. The archival commentary from 2004 features director Martin Scorsese, editor Thelma Schoonmaker, cinematographer Michael Ballhaus, actor/producer Griffin Dunne, and producer Amy Robinson, enriched with newly added remarks by Dunne and Robinson. Scorsese and Fran Lebowitz engage in a fascinating 2023 conversation that delves into the film's origins and its enduring impact. The 2004 documentary offers insights from key crew members on the film's production history. Also included is an exclusive 2023 feature on the film's visual style, with detailed commentary from costume designer Rita Ryack and production designer Jeffrey Townsend. Deleted scenes, a vintage trailer, and an informative leaflet complete the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Involves Scorsese, Schoonmaker, Ballhaus, Dunne, and Robinson.
• Scorsese and Fran Lebowitz Conversation: Discusses the genesis and lasting impact of the film.
• Filming For Your Life: Making After Hours: 2004 documentary with interviews from the primary cast and crew.
• The Look of After Hours: 2023 interviews about the film’s distinctive visual style.
• Deleted Scenes: Seven scenes that were cut from the final film.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "After Hours".
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Sheila O'Malley.

Martin Scorsese’s "After Hours" is an eclectic, frenetic exploration of a single night in New York City that showcases the director’s masterful ability to blend comedy and suspense. The narrative follows Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne), a discontented word processor who meets the enigmatic Marcy (Rosanna Arquette) and is drawn into a nocturnal journey through SoHo's labyrinthine underbelly. Paul's night spirals into a series of bizarre and unpredictable encounters with an array of eccentric characters, including a dominatrix (Linda Fiorentino), a psychopathic waitress (Teri Garr), and hapless burglars (Cheech and Chong). Scorsese infuses the film with kinetic energy, creating a disjointed yet cohesive portrayal of chaos that bridges whimsy and noir. The relentless pace and maddening cascade of misadventures keep viewers simultaneously on edge and amused, subtly drawing parallels to Kafkaesque narratives and surrealist cinema.

Technically, Scorsese's direction is impeccable, utilizing rapid-fire edits, dynamic camera work, and meticulously constructed set pieces that accentuate the absurdity of Paul's plight. Cinematographer Michael Ballhaus captures the grimy, atmospheric essence of 1980s SoHo, a stark contrast to today's gentrified landscape. The crisp 4K restoration brings out the intricate details and vibrant colors, enhancing the film's visual storytelling. The audio via LPCM mono is clear, ensuring every chaotic exchange and diegetic sound adds to the immersive experience. Through Scorsese's keen directorial eye and thematic focus on New York’s nocturnal oddities, "After Hours" remains an engaging, if not quintessentially forgotten gem in his filmography.

While Griffin Dunne may not have the commanding presence of typical 'Scorsese leads,' his portrayal of Paul Hackett serves as an effective, relatable entry point into this nightmarish odyssey. The film's cast delivers memorable performances that range from exaggerated caricatures to nuanced portrayals of urban loneliness and frustration. Perhaps not as critically revered as "Taxi Driver" or "Raging Bull," "After Hours" still offers a uniquely Scorsesean experience—an energetic black comedy with an unsettling edge, reaffirming the notion that even a lesser-known work by a cinematic master is worth attention.

Martin Scorsese's "After Hours", often overshadowed by his more acclaimed works such as "Raging Bull" and "GoodFellas", receives a well-deserved spotlight with Criterion's new 4K UHD Blu-ray release. This quirky black comedy, which chronicles a Yuppie's surreal misadventures in 1980s Lower Manhattan, may be considered a lesser-known entry in Scorsese's filmography, but it still delivers a masterful and engaging cinematic experience. The film's blend of humor and tension is heightened by Criterion's outstanding restoration, which breathes new life into its visuals and sound.

The 4K transfer, struck from the original camera negative, captures the vibrant essence of New York City like never before. Dolby Vision enhances the stunning visual quality, ensuring that every bizarre twist and turn is rendered in exquisite detail. The robust audio design complements the visual upgrade, immersing viewers further into Griffin Dunne’s chaotic night. Additionally, the release includes a rich array of supplementary features which provide valuable insights into the film's production and legacy.

While "After Hours" might not have the same epic gravitas as some of Scorsese’s other masterpieces, it remains a significant work in his oeuvre. The film's success at Cannes and the Independent Spirit Awards is a testament to its enduring appeal and ingenuity. Criterion's comprehensive package, offering both 4K UHD and Blu-ray formats, ensures that both new viewers and long-time fans will find much to appreciate. Highly recommended.