Vigilante 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Vigilante" redefines the standards of high-definition home video quality, utilizing a new 16-bit 4K restoration that ensures a cinematic experience unparalleled by its predecessors. This release, arguably the pinnacle of Blue Underground's 4K catalog, brandishes a clarity, sharpness, and depth previously unthinkable, catapulting viewers into the heart of its gritty narrative with visuals that maintain their integrity across a variety of lighting conditions. From the shadow-laden apartment execution scenes to sunlit outdoor sequences, the restoration showcases a level of detail and color fidelity that significantly surpasses what 1080p presentations can achieve. The use of HDR and Dolby Vision enriches this already stunning visual feat, bringing to life a wide and breathtaking color spectrum, devoid of any digital anomalies and showcasing image stability that sets a new benchmark.

Comparatively, while the film remains visually appealing in 1080p, it is evident that the lack of HDR noticeably affects the depth and nuance particularly in darker scenes and color reproduction. Blues tend to blend into greenish/cyan hues, illustrating a less accurate color separation than its 4K counterpart. Despite these discrepancies, the 1080p version still stands strong, benefiting from the same meticulous restoration process that ensures no digital errors and maintains admirable image stability. This makes both the Blu-ray and the 4K disc valuable in their own right, though it's clear that the latter offers a far superior viewing experience.

Enhancing every frame, the Dolby Vision HDR pass on the 4K disc illuminates the film's intricate details—from the vividness of prison blues to the contrast of bloodred splatters against dark backdrops—crafting a visual depth that lends a three-dimensional quality to the image. This meticulous restoration not only preserves the film's original grain structure and aesthetic but revitalizes it, allowing both new audiences and long-time fans to experience "Vigilante" in an unprecedented light. While the accompanying 1080p disc presents a noteworthy upgrade from previous releases, particularly for those not yet equipped for 4K viewing, there's no denying that the 4K UHD disc, with its impeccable black levels, color accuracy, and scratch-free presentation, represents a monumental leap forward in home video presentation quality.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Vigilante" is a testament to Blue Underground's commitment to offering a comprehensive auditory experience. With options including an English: Dolby Atmos track, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0, and additional tracks in French, Italian, and German Dolby Digital 2.0, there's a breadth of choice that caters to a variety of setups and preferences. Subtitles are equally diverse, with English SDH, French, Portuguese, and Spanish available. The standout feature, the Dolby Atmos track, enriches the audio landscape without overwhelming the film's original sound design. It intelligently utilizes height and movement through the surround sound field, adding depth to offscreen events like subway trains and background city ambiance. Moments of dynamic action, such as gunfire or explosions, along with Jay Chattaway’s driving score, are given new life, filling the listening space with precise and immersive sound.

Notably, the Atmos mix does not feel overworked or artificial; instead, it enhances the film’s atmosphere by offering an appreciable spacial quality across various scenes — from the echoic chambers of courtrooms and prisons to dynamic chase sequences. This balanced approach ensures dialog remains crisp across all formats, with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 options providing excellent clarity and stability without any detectable age in the upper registers. The 2.0 mix, in particular, will appeal to purists and those with simpler setups, delivering sharp and stable dialog coupled with an engaging auditory experience, reminiscent of the film's original theatrical presentation.

Blue Underground's decision to offer such a varied selection of high-quality audio mixes positions this version of "Vigilante" as a standout release. Whether through the enveloping layers of the Dolby Atmos track, the dynamic surround sound of the 5.1 mix, or the nostalgic simplicity of the 2.0 option, viewers are given the luxury of choice without compromise. Each mix provides its own unique advantages, ensuring that regardless of one’s audio setup, the experience remains engaging and true to both the source material and the heightened expectations of modern home theater enthusiasts.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Vigilante" delivers a comprehensive set of extras that both new and longtime fans will appreciate. The dual inclusion of all extras on both the 4K and the 1080p Blu-ray discs enhances accessibility, ensuring a seamless experience without the need to switch between formats. Highlights are undoubtedly the three insightful audio commentaries, particularly the engaging session with Lustig, Forster, Williamson, and Pesce. Both "Blue Collar Death Wish" and "Urban Western" offer fresh perspectives from key creative figures, shedding light on the film's production and musical score. Moreover, the diverse selection of trailers and spots, alongside promotional materials, enriches the understanding of "Vigilante’s" promotional efforts. This package is capped off with a reversible cover and an informative 20-page booklet, making it an essential purchase for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

Blue Collar Death Wish: A look into the production of Vigilante.

Urban Western: Composer Jay Chattaway discusses his involvement with the film.

Audio Commentary featuring William Lustig and Andrew Garroni: A deep dive into the guerrilla-style shooting of Vigilante.

Audio Commentary featuring William Lustig with Robert Forster, Fred Williamson, and Frank Pesce: Engaging memories of making Vigilante.

NEW Audio Commentary featuring Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson: Discusses the stylistic identity of Vigilante.

Theatrical Trailers: A collection of trailers in various languages.

TV Spots: Vintage TV spots for Vigilante.

Radio Spot: Vintage radio advertisement for Vigilante.

Promotional Reel: Early promotional material for Vigilante.

Poster and Still Galleries: Collection of vintage promotional and production materials.

Bill Lustig’s Vigilante, a 1982 crime thriller that serves as an impassioned narrative on justice and revenge, has been meticulously restored in 4K UHD by Blue Underground, standing out for its vivid portrayal of a blue-collar worker’s descent into vigilantism. The film, initially conceived as a "blue-collar Death Wish" by writer Richard Vitere, transcends this superficial comparison by embedding a deeper, more personal sense of frustration within its narrative. This frustration not only drives the protagonist, Eddie Marino (played by Robert Forster), but also delineates Vigilante from its thematic predecessor, granting it an identity of its own. Shot guerilla-style across New York and featuring a distinctive poliziotteschi style reminiscent of violent Italian crime thrillers of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Vigilante employs the services of cinematographer James Lemmo to capture the city’s gritty ambiance, further accentuated by Jay Chattaway’s original soundtrack that echoes contemporary western harmonies.

Despite its relative obscurity at the time of release, Vigilante distinguished itself through its engaging narrative centered around Eddie Marino's quest for justice after the brutal attack on his family. The corruption and ineffectiveness of the legal system prompt Marino to take matters into his own hands, supported by friends like Nick (Fred Williamson), thereby blurring the lines between good and evil, order and chaos. Specific performances, especially that of Forster and Joe Spinell as the corrupt attorney, amplify the film’s emotional weight. Unlike the vast vigilante flick expanse that features anti-heroes with blurred moral compasses, Vigilante focuses on a man pushed to the edge by personal tragedy, making his journey into darkness a compelling exploration of justice versus vengeance.

Blue Underground's 4K restoration honors Robert Forster's legacy by presenting Vigilante in unparalleled visual and auditory quality, ensuring that every nuance of the New York City backdrop and the intense narrative is experienced as intended. The technical aspects of this restoration, from the 16-bit 4K scan from the original camera negative to the inclusion of comprehensive supplements like interviews and commentary tracks, underscore Blue Underground's commitment to preserving cinema classics. As a film that navigates the intricate dynamics of vengeance, justice, and personal resolve, Vigilante emerges not just as a product of its time but as a timeless narrative that resonates with audiences seeking depth in action cinema.

Vigilante" emerges on 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of Blue Underground with a presentation that not only honors the film's original gritty and raw aesthetic but also redefines its visual and auditory experience for both longtime fans and new viewers alike. Garnered as possibly the best in Blue Underground's impressive catalog, this release benefits from a first-class 4K restoration, boasting a Dolby Vision HDR transfer that remarkably diminishes the film's age, making its 38 years seem almost negligible. Coupled with an exceptional Dolby Atmos audio mix alongside two legacy audio tracks, "Vigilante" sounds as fierce and compelling as it looks, ensuring a viewing experience that is as immersive as it is visually striking.

The consensus among enthusiasts is clear: Blue Underground's commitment to excellence continues unabated, with "Vigilante" standing as a testament to their dedication. This release surpasses all previous home video editions, not just in A/V quality but also through an exhaustive package of extras that deepens the appreciation for the film's unapologetic take on vengeance and justice. As a singular entry in the genre that eschews the dilution common with sequels, "Vigilante" remains a potent exploration of its themes, revitalized for contemporary audiences without losing the essence that sets it apart from its peers like "Death Wish."

In conclusion, this 4K UHD release of "Vigilante" by Blue Underground is an essential addition for genre aficionados and a poignant tribute to the late Robert Forster. Its technical merits are undeniable, offering the definitive version of a film that refuses to be forgotten. Bringing together unmatched visual clarity, superior sound quality, and a wealth of bonus content, this release not only meets but exceeds expectations. It comes highly recommended, reaffirming Blue Underground's place at the forefront of genre film restoration and preservation.