American Gangster 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

American Gangster" makes a grand entrance into the 4K UHD market, presenting itself with an immaculate 2160p/HDR transfer that dramatically outshines its previous VC-1 Blu-ray edition in every conceivable way. Director Ridley Scott and Cinematographer Harris Savides have beautifully captured the essence of the film's era on film, and the transition to 4K, according to IMDB, has been masterfully executed. This upgrade manifests most notably in the urban landscapes and street scenes that display remarkable clarity and sharpness, turning the once monochromatic and lifeless environments of the past release into vibrant settings that breathe new life into the movie's gritty atmosphere. The texture of the city—pavement, bricks, and the people who inhabit this space—is rendered with such detail that it significantly enhances the viewer's immersion into the storyline.

The enhancements in detail are not limited to urban scapes but extend to close-ups and character moments as well, where skin textures, hair, and period-specific clothing are depicted with an organic clarity that makes every scene more engaging. The UHD's presentation maintains a natural grain structure that complements the film's aesthetic without overwhelming it, providing a consistently attractive picture that supports rather than distracts from the storytelling. While there are negligible instances of edge enhancement, these do not detract from the overall high quality of the video presentation.

The HDR color grading further elevates this release to a new standard. It refines and deepens the color palette without altering the movie's original tonal composition, enhancing its realism and visual appeal. The modifications bring a newfound vigor even to the more subdued and bleak scenes, allowing for a more nuanced visual narrative. Urban environments and period costumes benefit significantly from this treatment, gaining depth and prominence. Enhanced black levels and crisper whites add a layer of depth and contrast that was previously missing. These improvements collectively render "American Gangster" in a UHD presentation that is a conspicuous leap forward from its Blu-ray counterpart, making it a must-have for aficionados seeking the ultimate viewing experience of this classic film.

The DTS:X soundtrack of "American Gangster" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray stands out as a significant component of the film's home viewing experience, showcasing an attention to audio detail that is as noteworthy as the visual enhancements offered by the UHD format. This track excels in delivering an immersive auditory environment that meticulously reconstructs the film’s period and urban landscape, pulling the audience into the heart of 1970s America. From the bustling city streets to the quieter, tension-filled rooms of power, the use of overhead channels and rear surrounds creates a multidimensional soundscape that places viewers right at the center of the action. The clarity with which this soundtrack operates ensures that every environmental nuance and character movement is captured with pristine definition, enhancing the overall narrative immersion.

Music and sound effects are treated with paramount importance, benefiting from a dynamic range that enriches the film's atmospheric tension and emotional layers. The score is presented with an impeccable level of detail and a spatial distribution that traverses the full stage, creating an almost tangible presence that perfectly complements the visuals. Action sequences and their accompanying sounds, such as gunfire, are rendered with a stark realism that heightens the visceral impact of these moments, while dialogue remains crystal clear, anchored firmly at the front-center, ensuring that every word and nuance of performance is delivered with precision.

It's important to note the unique audio features of the extended cut, available exclusively in DTS:X, which contrasts with the audio options for the theatrical cut that include French and Spanish DTS tracks along with an audio commentary. This limitation notwithstanding, the DTS:X track of "American Gangster" redefines the auditory film experience, elevating it through meticulous sound engineering and thoughtful auditory staging that complements the visual grandeur of the 4K UHD presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "American Gangster" offers an enriching cinematic experience with its inclusion of both the theatrical (2:36:52) and extended (2:55:47) cuts. Notably, the audio commentary by Director Ridley Scott and Writer Steve Zaillian enhances the theatrical cut, providing insightful behind-the-scenes details. However, this release shines with its supplementary disc, bundling a comprehensive array of extras that delve deeper into the movie’s creation, its cultural impact, and the real-life history it draws from. The extra content includes a variety of featurettes, deleted scenes, and music videos that expand upon the film's narrative and production complexities. It also comes equipped with a Movies Anywhere digital copy code and is presented in an embossed slipcover, though it's worth mentioning that the extras are housed on a Blu-ray that mirrors past releases from Universal.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Insightful dialogue with Director Ridley Scott and Writer Steve Zaillian, available on the theatrical cut.

U-Control: Interactive feature available on the extended cut.

Deleted Scenes

Fallen Empire: Making American Gangster

Case Files

Hip-Hop Infusion Featuring Common and T.I.

The BET Special: The Making of American Gangster

Dateline NBC: American Gangster First Look

Music Videos

Theatrical Trailer

Universal's release of Director Ridley Scott's "American Gangster" in 4K UHD format has certainly caught the attention of cinephiles and tech enthusiasts alike. This 2007 crime thriller, lauded for its gripping narrative and powerful performances, has been given a significant upgrade with its jump to 2160p/HDR video quality and enhanced DTS:X audio. The visual and auditory improvements are not just noticeable; they are transformative, offering a deeper immersion into the gritty 1970s New York setting and the intense personal drama of its characters. The inclusion of two cuts of the film — the original theatrical release and an extended version — adds considerable value for movie buffs eager to explore alternate versions of this acclaimed story.

The package retains its connection to its Blu-ray predecessor by including a bundle identical to Universal’s 2008 release, housing all of the film's supplementary materials, excluding the audio commentary for the theatrical cut, which is seamlessly transferred to the UHD disc. This choice ensures that enthusiasts have access to a wealth of background information and behind-the-scenes content without sacrificing the advanced technical merits of the newer format.

However, it's worth noting that the emphasis of this 4K UHD release is squarely on elevating the movie-watching experience through its video and audio enhancements. By meticulously upgrading key technical specifications, Universal provides a compelling reason for both longtime fans and newcomers to experience "American Gangster" in this format. The result is an offering that respects the film's original artistry while taking full advantage of modern home cinema technologies to deliver a supremely vivid and engaging viewing experience.

The Universal UHD release of "American Gangster" sets a high benchmark for 4K Blu-ray presentations, offering a significant visual enhancement over its Blu-ray counterpart. Viewers are treated to a spectacular display of clarity and depth, with the film's gritty visuals and nuanced shadows being given new life in this format. The color grading takes advantage of the wider color gamut available, resulting in a picture that is not only stunning but also maintains its natural, film-like quality throughout. This release does justice to the film's cinematography and production design, offering an immersive viewing experience that mirrors the director's vision.

On the audio front, the UHD version does not disappoint, delivering an aural experience that is as refined as the visual upgrade. The sound mix is balanced and dynamic, allowing for a clear distinction between dialogue, score, and the bustling sounds of the film's urban setting. This enhancement in audio quality complements the visual upgrade, ensuring that every aspect of the film's presentation is heightened for the viewer. While new extras are notably absent, the comprehensive carryover content ensures that enthusiasts and newcomers alike have plenty of material to explore beyond the film itself.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "American Gangster" is an exemplary upgrade that significantly enhances the viewing experience through superior picture and sound quality. Despite the lack of new bonus material, the included extras remain engaging and informative. For fans of the film or collectors looking to experience one of the more dramatic improvements in 4K restoration, this release comes very highly recommended. Its meticulous attention to detail and faithful preservation of the film’s aesthetic make it a must-have for any serious collection.