State of Grace Blu-ray Review

"State of Grace" arrives on Region B-locked Blu-ray courtesy of Second Sight with a 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This transfer, sourced from a pre-existing master, shows noticeable fluctuations in detail and clarity, creating a viewing experience that is generally pleasing yet inconsistent. Daylight scenes typically exhibit decent depth and background texture, bringing walls, doors, and fabric weaves to life. Close-up shots effectively reveal skin textures and facial details, along with blood, sweat, and tears.

However, the video presentation does have shortcomings. Shadow definition during darker or nighttime sequences is somewhat lacking, leading to a flat and anemic appearance. Contrast levels are stable but could benefit from better balance during daylight scenes. The color palette features richer browns and greys, complemented by solid blacks, although it lacks vibrant tones. Additionally, there are issues with variable softness, some edge enhancement, and inconsistent grain levels.

Thankfully, there are no severe signs of recent denoising or sharpening adjustments, ensuring a natural look. Image stability is very good, with minimal damage marks, debris, cuts, or stains—only a few minor flecks and dirt spots are visible. While this release doesn't hit demo-quality standards, it offers the best presentation "State of Grace" has received to date and serves as an appreciable improvement over its previous releases.

The Blu-ray of "State of Grace" offers two primary audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is particularly notable for emphasizing dialogue, gunshots, and Ennio Morricone's exceptional score. Dialogue remains clear and coherent throughout, whether mumbled or yelled, effectively delivered through the front and center channels. Larger effects are distributed across the surrounds and include some LFE weight, though gunshots, while having notable reverberation, could have benefited from modern sound design techniques.

Ennio Morricone's haunting score stands out as the pinnacle of the audio presentation, bringing emotional depth and understated gravitas to the film. His composition and its integration within the mix afford the film an elevated level of nuance. While the 2.0 track delivers good depth, it suffers from occasional clarity fluctuations, particularly during outdoor city sequences. However, these inconsistencies seem to be inherent to the original sound design rather than flaws in the remastering. Overall, Morricone's score seamlessly enhances the listening experience across both tracks without any audio dropouts or digital distortions reported.

The Blu-ray extras for "State of Grace" provide an intriguing dive into the film’s production and behind-the-scenes dynamics. Although it lacks an audio commentary available on Twilight Time’s US release, the included interviews are engaging and informative. The standout is the 23-minute “Directing a Bunch of Gangsters” where Phil Joanou dissects the foundational aspects of creating the film, offering insights on casting, shooting locations, soundtrack contributions by U2 and Ennio Morricone, and the editing process. Ed Harris’ succinct 4-minute segment offers complementary perspectives on his involvement and collaboration with key actors like Gary Oldman. Both interviews are exclusive to Second Sight Films and are presented in English without subtitles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Directing a Bunch of Gangsters: Director Phil Joanou discusses casting, locations, soundtrack, critical reception, and more.
• Ed Harris on State of Grace: Actor Ed Harris reflects on his experience working on the film.

"State of Grace," though overshadowed by Scorsese’s "Goodfellas" and Ferrara’s "King of New York", stands out as an underrated gem of the gangster genre. Phil Joanou's direction transforms familiar narrative elements into a fresh, compelling spectacle. Ennio Morricone's haunting score imbues the film with an evocative atmosphere, while Jordan Cronenweth's cinematography delivers visually stunning shots, elevating the overall aesthetic to near-masterpiece quality.

The film boasts an exceptional cast. Ed Harris brings a cold resolve to his role as Frankie, the calculating eldest brother of an Irish crime family. Gary Oldman delivers a career-defining performance as the volatile sibling, Jackie, with Sean Penn anchoring the story with a poignant portrayal of Terry Noonan, a man torn between loyalty and duty. Robin Wright, Joe Viterelli, and John C. Reilly provide compelling support, adding depth to the intricate relationships. The film is replete with unforgettable scenes, such as an electrifying slo-mo standoff and a gripping finale.

Despite its high-caliber elements, "State of Grace" never quite reaches the iconic status of "Goodfellas" or the novelty of "King of New York," yet it remains a pivotal work that plays with raw energy and unrefined brilliance. The film's roughness in tone and visuals is a contributing factor to its modern, dynamic feel, akin to early James Gray projects. The decision to release it alongside "Goodfellas" was commercially unfortunate, but it helped solidify "State of Grace" as a cult classic. Joanou’s efforts, coupled with Morricone’s extraordinary score, lend a unique charm that demands recognition and places "State of Grace" among essential viewings for aficionados of the gangster genre.

State of Grace is a compelling and underrated crime drama that has aged gracefully since its initial release. Featuring a sensational soundtrack by Ennio Morricone, the film was overshadowed at the time of its debut by similar-themed movies with bigger studio backing. Despite this, the narrative has only grown in strength and style over the years. The UK Blu-ray release, which is Region B-locked, does a fine job of presenting this gem, albeit not through a fully remastered lens.

The Blu-ray's video quality is strong, offering a clear and defined picture that does justice to the film's gritty aesthetic. However, it's in the audio department where this release truly shines. The soundtrack is crisp, enhancing the atmospheric and moody tone set by Morricone's score. Additionally, the disc includes a couple of exclusive extras that provide further insight into the film, adding value for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Not quite a masterpiece, State of Grace is still an undeniably underrated gem. This solid Region B-locked UK Blu-ray promotes strong video and even better audio, as well as a couple of nice exclusive extras. Whilst it's far from a stunning remastered collector's edition, it's about the best fans of this film could have hoped for and, with any luck, will introduce plenty of newcomers to this little gem. Recommended.