The Grifters Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "The Grifters" features an exclusive new 4K transfer supervised by the film's original director of photography, Oliver Stapleton. This 4K master was meticulously crafted from the 35mm original negative, capturing the essence of the film's initial theatrical release, known for its distinctive bleach bypass process. This technique historically provided the film with reduced saturation and heightened contrast, enhancing the film’s noir aesthetic. The recently approved grading replicates this look with remarkable accuracy, and it is evident in both the 4K Blu-ray and regular Blu-ray formats available in the combo pack.

Visually, "The Grifters" on Blu-ray impresses with its adherence to the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The 1080p transfer exudes clarity, with Stapleton's supervision ensuring every detail of the finely crafted film noir elements is preserved. The franchise manages to enhance color temperature significantly, except in darker scenes where some shadow details might appear altered. Despite these minor deviations, the overall image stability remains pristine, void of any digital artifacts or imperfections such as scratches or specks.

Lastly, viewers should note that this release necessitates Region-A compatibility to access its content. The inclusion of a remastered original 2.0 surround soundtrack, which benefits from the Dolby Pro Logic decoding, completes this technically proficient package. Together, these elements render "The Grifters" a definitive visual experience for enthusiasts and a testament to Stapleton's cinematic vision.

The Blu-ray release of "The Grifters" features a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The audio presentation is distinctly clear, with dialogue effortlessly sharp and distinctive, ensuring that every nuanced modulation in Anjelica Huston's voice is preserved, providing a captivating contrast to her character's persona. Compared to older versions with a 5.1 track, the 2.0 track excels by offering a sound quality that is robust and devoid of aging imperfections, adding an essential layer of clarity and authenticity to the viewing experience.

The soundtrack thrives on effectively capturing ambient noises integral to scenes at a bar, airport, racetrack, and on a train. The inclusion of sound effects like body pummeling, shattered glass, car engines, traffic noise, and gunshots meticulously enhances the film's atmospheric tension. Elmer Bernstein’s soundtrack brings the narrative alive with its jazz-inflected tones, heavy bass beats, and invigorating tempos, resonating with the spirit of classic noir cinema.

Overall, this Blu-ray audio track excels in delivering a balanced amalgam of dialogue clarity and ambient immersion, ensuring it meets high professional standards expected from such releases. The provision of English SDH subtitles further enriches accessibility, making this audio presentation noteworthy for both purists and casual listeners alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Grifters" provide an in-depth exploration of the film's production and thematic intricacies, appealing to enthusiasts and scholars alike. The Commentary track features the insightful perspectives of Stephen Frears, John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, and Donald E. Westlake, focusing on character dynamics and production nuances like color choices and filming constraints. The Making of The Grifters feature offers behind-the-scenes insights through interviews with the cast and crew. Annette Bening reflects on her experience and work with Stephen Frears, providing a personal touch to the program. Seduction, Betrayal, Murder revisits the creative collaboration of filmmakers, emphasizing storytelling techniques. The Jim Thompson Story delves into the novelist's legacy and influence on the film. A vintage Trailer gives a nostalgic glimpse, while the Leaflet accompanies with a critical essay by Geoffrey O'Brien.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insights from cast and crew recorded in 2013.
• The Making of The Grifters: Production exploration with interviews.
• Annette Bening: Actress provides personal remarks on her role and script.
• Seduction, Betrayal, Murder: Filmmaker collaboration perspectives.
• The Jim Thompson Story: Exploration of the author's impact.
• Trailer: Vintage promotional material.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien.

Stephen Frears' "The Grifters" presents a gritty exploration of the con artist underworld through a meticulously crafted narrative. The film, now available on Criterion’s 4K Blu-ray, stars John Cusack as Roy Dillon, a small-time grifter navigating the intricacies of the short con. His life intertwines with his estranged mother Lilly, portrayed by Anjelica Huston, a seasoned manipulator at racetracks and an affiliate with the mob. Annette Bening delivers a compelling performance as Myra Langtry, Roy's seductive mistress who complicates matters further by revealing her own con artist ambitions. The nuanced dynamics between these characters offer a window into their complexities and motivations.

"The Grifters," an American debut for British director Stephen Frears, reinforces its narrative strength with keen character development, engagingly blending dark humor and tension. Frears' adept handling of the film earned it four Oscar nominations, testament to its refined direction and the formidable acting ensemble. The interplay among Roy, Lilly, and Myra showcases their authentic portrayals; their schemes unfold unpredictably, driven by improvisations that expose intricate layers of their personalities. This narrative progression offers a distinctive evolution from initial drama to its climactic conclusion.

For enthusiasts of noir cinema and character-driven stories, "The Grifters" stands as a must-see genre classic that masterfully marries style with substance. The relational tensions—particularly between Roy and Lilly—encapsulate both familial strains and professional rivalries against a suspenseful, morally ambiguous backdrop. Fans seeking similar thematic content may also appreciate "Swindled," echoing "The Grifters" with its artful portrayal of con artistry's intricate dance.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Grifters" presents a new 4K restoration that may provoke diverse opinions. For ardent fans who have experienced various formats over the years, this release is anticipated with both excitement and skepticism. The Blu-ray boasts an impressive array of exclusive new and archival bonus features, enhancing the value for collectors and film enthusiasts. The separate 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack, available simultaneously, provides flexible viewing options. Yet, for those seeking a definitive version, the visual experience remains a topic of debate.

Stephen Frears masterfully navigates the film's gritty narrative, delving into the duplicitous lives of his characters. Set in a shadowy world dominated by deceit, Anjelica Huston's performance shines, embodying the complexities of love tangled with monetary lust. The film offers a penetrating look at flawed individuals trapped in their sordid circumstances. The relentless interplay among the characters highlights their futile struggle to escape a game they are destined to lose. "The Grifters" exposes a poignant human truth: ambition and desire often culminate in heartbreak rather than triumph.

In conclusion, while Criterion's Blu-ray offers substantial enhancements and a compelling suite of bonus material, it may not fulfill every expectation for those hoping for ultimate visual clarity. Nevertheless, its exploration of intricate human motivations, coupled with stellar performances, ensures that "The Grifters" remains a significant cinematic journey. Its enduring tales of deception and despair resonate profoundly, making it a worthy addition to any serious film aficionado's collection.