American Gangster Blu-ray Review

Universal's Blu-ray presentation of "American Gangster" offers the film in a 1080p transfer that, while not dazzling in its clarity or color vibrancy, stays true to director Ridley Scott's intended visual aesthetic. The 1.85:1-framed image appears slightly washed out and lacks the pop of more contemporarily styled high-definition releases. This is particularly noticeable in the movie's overall dark tone and moderate black levels which, although intentionally styled to appear pale and washed out, do not always allow for the deepest detail in darker scenes. Nonetheless, certain exterior shots in daylight display commendable detail and depth, showcasing the potential of Blu-ray when applied to carefully directed urban landscapes. The film maintains its cinematic feel throughout, benefiting largely from the higher resolution that Blu-ray offers, despite not being the most visually stunning example of the format.

The Blu-ray version is notable for including both the theatrical 156-minute and the extended 176-minute versions of the film, with seamless branching allowing easy access and comparison between the two. Both versions are derived from the same master and maintain consistent quality, showcasing clean, if not overly vivid, colors and a muted palette that fits Scott's vision without appearing overly processed. The softer focus employed does not detract significantly from detail in well-lit scenes, but the presentation does struggle with contrast in dimly lit environments, leading to some loss of detail in shadows and darker areas. However, the encode handles these limitations as well as can be expected, with no significant issues with artifacts or digital noise intrusion. While not setting a new benchmark for high-definition transfers, "American Gangster" on Blu-ray delivers a satisfactory visual experience that respects the film's original atmospheric intentions and storytelling.

The audio presentation of "American Gangster" on Blu-ray, utilizing the DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless track, showcases a remarkable aural experience that impresses with its aggressive yet balanced sonic landscape. From the outset, viewers are greeted with a mix that brings to life the gritty and tense atmosphere of the film, featuring punchy gunshots and a deep, resounding bass that enhances both the action sequences and the evocative score. The soundstage is immersive, with rear speakers delivering a rich blend of score, sound effects, and environmental ambiance that envelops the listener, creating an impressive level of audio depth that remains consistent whether the scene is set in the bustling streets of the city or the dense jungle.

The transition to Blu-ray brings noticeable improvements over its HD DVD counterpart, particularly in the utilization of the surround channels. The DTS-MA upgrade enhances the rear soundstage presence significantly, offering a more engaging and three-dimensional audio experience with clearer discrete effects and ambient sounds that had been less pronounced in previous formats. Scenes that once felt front-heavy now enjoy a fuller and more balanced distribution of sound, though it's noted that the dynamic range sees more modest enhancement, with the subwoofer deployment still leaving room for added impact in some areas. Despite this, the mix excels in clarity and fidelity, supporting strong dialogue reproduction without volume imbalance issues.

However, not all aspects are without critique. While the overall presence and impact of the audio mix are commendable, there are moments where dialogue seems slightly muffled beneath the weight of effects and music, an issue primarily observed in the film's earlier scenes. This minor shortcoming aside, the Blu-ray audio of "American Gangster" stands out as a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a deeply engaging and atmospheric experience that complements the film's visual and narrative intensity. The improvements, especially in rendering ambient sounds and enhancing rear-channel activity, contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, though enthusiasts might still find the subwoofer underutilized in delivering the full potential of lower frequency effects.

The Blu-ray release of "American Gangster" delivers a comprehensive selection of extras, appealing to both film enthusiasts and scholars alike. The highlight undoubtedly is the 'Fallen Empire: Making American Gangster' documentary, offering an extensive 80-minute dive into the film's production, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with key figures such as Ridley Scott, Denzel Washington, and Russell Crowe. This depth provides viewers a rich understanding of the film's development, casting, and real-life inspirations. Additionally, the inclusion of both the theatrical and extended cuts of the film allows viewers flexibility in their viewing experience. While the commentary track with Ridley Scott and Steven Zaillian may not meet everyone's expectations due to its dry delivery, it remains a valuable asset for die-hard Ridley Scott fans. Extras like the 'Case Files' and music videos by Jay-Z and Anthony Hamilton, despite being presented in standard definition, enrich the package further, making this release a superior choice for those interested in the detailed anatomy of this crime epic's creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Commentary track featuring director Ridley Scott and writer Steven Zaillian, available on the theatrical cut.

• Fallen Empire: Making 'American Gangster': A comprehensive five-part documentary on the creation of the film, covering all stages from development to post-production.

• Case Files: A three-part look at behind-the-scenes aspects of production including script meetings and heroin test demonstrations.

• Hip-Hop Infusion Featuring Common and T.I.: Insights into the involvement of hip-hop artists in the film.

• BET Special: The Making of 'American Gangster': A look at the movie's making with cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

• Dateline NBC: 'American Gangster' First Look: Matt Lauer interviews key cast and the real Frank Lucas alongside historical discussions.

• Music Videos: Includes "Do You Feel Me (Remix)" by Anthony Hamilton featuring Ghostface Killah and "Blue Magic" from Jay-Z's Album American Gangster.

• Deleted Scenes: Features an alternate opening and additional cut content from the film.

• Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.

"American Gangster" emerges as Ridley Scott's ambitious foray into the mob genre, closely examining the complex dynamics between notorious heroin kingpin Frank Lucas and the determined detective Richie Roberts. This Blu-ray presentation captures the essence of a turbulent 1970s America, entangled in the Vietnam War and grappling with rising drug epidemics. Denzel Washington's portrayal of Lucas and Russell Crowe's embodiment of Roberts deliver a cinematic tour de force, weaving together a narrative that is as much about the chase as it is about the psychological warfare between criminal mastermind and law enforcement.

Scott, traditionally known for his pioneering work in the sci-fi realm with films like "ALIEN" and "Blade Runner," ventures into the crime saga with mixed results. The film is lauded for its visual craftsmanship and compelling performances from its leads, yet critiques hover over its adherence to genre clichés and deviations from true events. Despite these criticisms, the movie provides an undeniably gripping experience, propelled by Washington's chillingly ruthless Lucas and offset by Crowe's morally upright yet personally flawed Roberts. Their dynamic propels the film beyond its conventional trappings, offering a nuanced look at their cat-and-mouse game set against a backdrop of corruption and societal turmoil.

However, "American Gangster" struggles with finding a unique voice among the pantheon of mafia movies, resting somewhere between homage and stereotype. The script, criticized for its romanticization and factual liberties, sometimes detracts from the raw potential of its true story foundation. Despite this, the sheer magnetism of Washington and Crowe's performances, accompanied by Ridley Scott's directorial efforts to create a mob epic, renders the film an intriguing watch. It may not revolutionize the genre or achieve the epic status of "The Godfather," but it stands as a solid, albeit flawed, addition to the canon of American crime cinema, reflecting both the allure and perils of power in the criminal underworld.

"American Gangster," Ridley Scott's ambitious attempt to capture the essence of the American mob saga, is presented in a Blu-ray package that provides a comprehensive viewing experience. Despite its nearly three-hour runtime, the film maintains a tight grip on its audience's attention, thanks to masterful performances from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. It might not reach the iconic status of "The Godfather" and borrows elements from the Scorsese stylized mob genre, yet it carves out its own niche within the pantheon of gangster films. The Blu-ray edition enhances the viewing experience by including both the theatrical and extended versions of the film, catering to the enthusiasts’ desire for more content. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray, while not pushing the envelope of high definition, adeptly mirror the film's grim aesthetic through its visual presentation. The superior lossless DTS audio track further engulfs viewers into the 1970s set crime saga, complemented by a generous array of bonus materials that add value to this release.

Critically, while "American Gangster" may not offer groundbreaking insights into organized crime or deliver a narrative of profound originality, its strength lies in its execution and the nuanced performances of its leading men. The Blu-ray presentation acknowledges this, providing an optimal viewing experience that respects the film's narrative and technical subtleties. It overcomes its HD DVD counterpart with improved audio quality and a more substantial collection of extras, emphasizing its appeal to both die-hard fans and Blu-ray collectors alike.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "American Gangster" is an essential acquisition for aficionados of the genre and admirers of Scott's directorial oeuvre. Despite some narrative shortcomings and lack of originality criticized by some, the stellar performances, technical excellence of the Blu-ray disc, and the inclusion of both cuts of the film render it a commendable addition to any collection. Its presentation honors the complexity and richness of the American gangster narrative, making it a highly recommended purchase for those looking to delve into an engaging portrayal of crime, ambition, and justice.