Thieves Like Us 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Thieves Like Us" presents a meticulous restoration that enhances the film’s visual details, constructed from a freshly scanned 4K restoration of the 35mm original camera negative. Presented with a high dynamic range in HDR10, the film returns to its roots with its period-accurate cinematography. The diffusion techniques favored by director Robert Altman and cinematographer Jean Boffety are effectively complemented by the advanced resolution, preserving the style he cherished in his 1970s works. This aesthetic choice ensures that while the 4K version is crisp, it respects the subtle softness that was a hallmark of its original presentation.

The picture quality ensures heightened engagement with the film's unvarnished historical milieu. Detailed examination reveals an impressive depiction of skin particulars and costume textures, capturing the essence of each character’s unpolished demeanor. The earthy palette of colors—embodying muddy browns and distinct greens—enhances Altman’s vision, though some hues, like Bert Remsen’s occasional reddish skin tone, draw slight attention. The integrity of the original scenery is respected as deep blacks facilitate richer contrast during nighttime sequences, while tasteful highlights further embellish both interior and expansive exterior shots. The fine, film-like grain maintains cinematic authenticity.

Overall, the transfer is faithful to its source material, achieving a balance between clarity and the intentionally softer visual that Boffety achieved through techniques such as filming through fog and using diffusion filters. While this might limit sharpness characteristic of contemporary 4K fare, it serves the period atmosphere intended by both Altman and Boffety. This release respectfully offers viewers a visual experience that aligns closely with the filmmakers' original insight and creative intents.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray of "Thieves Like Us" delivers a notable audio experience through its 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio presentation. The monaural mix offers a clear and straightforward understanding of dialogue, maintaining the clarity of voices and making performance nuances appreciable. This aligns well with Robert Altman's style in this film, presenting dialogue with more simplicity compared to some of his other works that feature overlapping tracks. As a result, viewers can engage more effectively with the narrative, free from the distractions typical of overlapping dialogue.

Moreover, the audio fidelity is consistent, providing a clean soundscape that remains unmarred by noise or distortion. Alongside this, radio tunes maintain their distinct broadcast sound, subtly underpinning scenes without overwhelming them. Sound effects are distinct and easily comprehended, contributing to an immersive auditory environment that complements the film's visual storytelling. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available, enhancing accessibility while preserving the integrity of the original content.

Overall, the audio presentation of "Thieves Like Us" on this 4K UHD Blu Ray provides a technically adept listening experience. The attention to maintaining dialogue clarity and sound purity respects the film's original style and enhances the viewer's engagement with Altman's narrative and thematic choices.

The "Thieves Like Us" 4K UHD Blu Ray extras provide a rich tapestry of insights that delve into the intricate filmmaking process of Robert Altman. The disc features two informative commentaries: one from Altman himself, offering practical details about adaptation and his preference for diffusion, and another by film historian Nathaniel Thompson for a critical perspective. Joan Tewkesbury's "Vacuum Cleaner" interview reveals her journey with Altman, screenwriting challenges, and on-set dynamics in Mississippi. Keith Carradine's interview charts his acting journey and experiences during the film's production, paying homage to the Midwest locations and fellow actors. These extras are essential for appreciating the film's meticulous craftsmanship and Altman's unique directorial approach.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: Features director Robert Altman.
• Commentary #2: Features film historian Nathaniel Thompson.
• Vacuum Cleaner: Interview with screenwriter Joan Tewkesbury.
• Interview: Actor Keith Carradine discusses his career and connection to the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material for the movie.

Robert Altman's "Thieves Like Us" serves as a profound examination of character nuance amidst the frame of a gangster narrative. Unlike traditional crime thrillers, Altman eschews high-octane suspense for a methodical character study, depicting the inertia experienced by Bowie, Chicamaw, and T-Dub—three Mississippi prison escapees. The film navigates their sporadic forays into bank robbery, not as glorified exploits but as a backdrop to explore their stagnant lives in the economically strangled year of 1936. Altman's screenplay adaptation from Edward Anderson's novel doesn't strive for cinematic allure. Instead, it crafts a languid yet atmospheric portrayal of criminal life punctuated with periods of mundane detachment.

Altman's distinctive directorial fingerprint is evident throughout, favoring conversational engagement over action. The film invests in Bowie's transformation, juxtaposing his tarnished past with his hope-fueled romance with Keechie, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the prevailing existential unrest. Chicamaw's fury and T-Dub's greed operate as catalysts amid this milieu, yet Altman keeps them secondary to the unfolding human drama. Despite occasional narrative inertia, the screenplay co-crafted with Joan Tewkesbury and Calder Willingham invites an appreciation for patience, allowing audiences to penetrate the subtleties of these intertwined yet isolated lives.

In "Thieves Like Us," Altman's commitment to a deliberate pacing propels it beyond mere genre confines, transforming it into an exploration of existential discontent. The film's strength lies in its resistance to conventional storytelling, opting instead for an intricate tableau of character insights and relational dynamics. Although lacking the electric thrill typical of crime dramas, Altman skillfully crafts a cinematic space where interaction triumphs over action, inviting viewers to linger on the potency of silence and inaction.

"Thieves Like Us" in 4K UHD Blu-Ray brings a nuanced presentation of Robert Altman's 1970s classic. Vinegar Syndrome has significantly improved the visual quality over previous editions, yet the transition to 4K, while smoother and clearer, doesn’t markedly impact the film’s aesthetic experience. Nonetheless, the superior transfer and inclusion of valuable extras render this edition a must-have for enthusiasts of Altman’s work. The film’s rich period details are adeptly captured, effectively translating the Depression-era narrative with authentic portrayals of both the environment and the intricacies of character dynamics.

The performances are compelling, immersing audiences into the psyche of the escapees characterized by impulsive actions and personal idiosyncrasies. Edner’s portrayal as T-Dub stands out, adding depth to the narrative. Altman’s meticulous pacing, while potentially diminishing initial dramatic impacts, serves to channel the contemplative rhythm reflective of the era’s challenges. The storyline moves with an intentional slowness, emphasizing character development over fast-paced plot revelations.

In conclusion, "Thieves Like Us" remains an essential piece of Altman’s portfolio, embodying his defiance against conventional cinematic bankability of the time. Though it might lack a certain vivacity, its place in film history is undeniable. The 4K release rekindles interest in this overlooked gem, testament to Vinegar Syndrome’s dedication to preserving film history. Despite mixed opinions on its cinematic vibrancy, "Thieves Like Us" holds significant value both as a collector's item and an integral component of Altman's distinguished career trajectory.