King of New York Blu-ray Review

Arrow Films' release of "King of New York" on UK Region B-locked Blu-ray offers an outstanding visual presentation, retaining the film’s original 1.78:1 aspect ratio in impressive 1080p high definition. The transfer appears consistent with the quality seen in previous HD masters, likely sourced from the same as Lionsgate’s US release. Detail and clarity are remarkably excellent, surpassing expectations given the film’s modest budget origins. The cinematography shines, with fine object details and longer shots maintaining sharpness and fluidity. Textures such as clothing weaves, hair, and skin tones appear realistic. The film's highly stylized color scheme comes alive, particularly during magic hour moments and the distinctive blue-tinted sequences.

Contrast is superbly managed, with night scenes standing out due to their rich, deep blacks and absence of black crush—a common issue in earlier releases. There are no glaring digital artifacts; the transfer remains free of defects, damage, or heavy DNR that would compromise the film's original grain structure. Additionally, the encoding is solid with minimal compression issues and no edge-enhancement artifacts. Even in scenes where light noise is present, it does not detract from the overall organic look. Overall, this Blu-ray release is a demo-quality rendition, offering the best visual presentation of "King of New York" currently available. The Blu-ray disc is Region-B locked, requiring compatible playback equipment.

The Blu-ray release of "King of New York" features both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 audio tracks, with results that are unfortunately quite disparate. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is remarkably problematic, suffering from numerous audio deficiencies. Dialogue on this track is plagued by a persistent high-frequency background buzz, reminiscent of old cassette tapes without noise reduction, and is presented far too softly compared to the musical score. Gunshots, a frequent occurrence in the film, come across as hollow and unconvincing. Compounding these issues is an inconsistent mix across channels, leading to a disjointed listening experience with occasional echoes. Clearly, this 5.1 mix does not do justice to the film's original Dolby SR audio and feels like a remix that was not properly vetted.

On the other hand, the LPCM 2.0 track offers a significantly more balanced and satisfying auditory experience. Dialogue is coherent and clear, devoid of the tinnyness and distortion that mars the 5.1 mix. While quieter overall, this two-channel track mitigates background noise and provides a more stable dynamic range. Effects such as gunshots sound more authentic, and the film's score maintains its punch and presence without overwhelming other elements of the soundtrack. Although it lacks the enveloping atmosphere one might expect from modern surround sound formats, the LPCM 2.0 track serves the film's sonic needs much better, providing a compact and consistent audio experience. Given these observations, viewers are strongly advised to opt for the LPCM 2.0 track to fully appreciate "King of New York" on Blu-ray.

In summary, while it is disappointing that the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix fails to deliver the necessary audio quality, the LPCM 2.0 track proficiently compensates for these shortcomings, making it the preferable choice for an immersive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "King of New York" includes an impressive array of supplementary content that provides a comprehensive look behind the scenes of Abel Ferrara's cult classic. The extra features range from insightful audio commentaries to engaging video interviews, offering fans an in-depth exploration of the film's production and its enduring impact. Ferrara's commentary, though characteristically erratic, is a treasure trove of anecdotes about the shooting process, while the crew commentary is rich with reflections on the cast and technical challenges. The two substantial documentaries, "A Short Film about the Long Career of Abel Ferrara" and "Abel Ferrara: Not Guilty," offer contrasting yet fascinating portraits of the director. These extras, coupled with trailers and a well-crafted Collector’s Booklet, make this release essential for aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Abel Ferrara: Manic and insightful track featuring anecdotes about the film’s production.
• Commentary with Crew Members: Reflective and informative, focusing on cast experiences and production challenges.
• Interview with Director Abel Ferrara: Discusses the film’s conception and Walken’s character portrayal.
• Interview with Producer Augusto Caminito: Insights into funding, casting, and potential prequels.
• A Short Film about the Long Career of Abel Ferrara: Documentary featuring interviews with Ferrara’s collaborators.
• Abel Ferrara: Not Guilty: Raw and candid documentary following Ferrara around New York.
• Trailers: Include original U.S., UK, and teaser trailers.
• Collector's Booklet: Contains essays and original versus commissioned artwork.

Abel Ferrara’s 1990 cult classic "King of New York" stands as an impeccably crafted crime thriller that delves deep into the murky underbelly of New York City. This film, replete with gritty realism and heavy stylization, is a reinterpretation of the Robin Hood mythos, anchored by Christopher Walken’s career-defining portrayal of Frank White, a drug lord who seeks redemption by eliminating his competition and funding a hospital for the underprivileged. Walken's magnetic performance is brilliantly supported by equally compelling acts from Lawrence Fishburne, Wesley Snipes, and David Caruso, making the ensemble cast a highlight. Ferrara’s direction ensures that every scene vibrates with tension, while the perpetually quotable script punctuates the narrative with a suitable dose of gangster violence.

The film doesn’t just tell one story; it explores two intertwined narratives. It chronicles Frank White's brutal consolidation of power after being released from prison, while also painting a broader picture of a city in cultural and generational flux. The camera work provides a distinctive view of New York City's transformation – the replacement of one criminal generation by another, ignoring old rules and redefining justice. Ferrara’s depiction is both deeply personal and reflective of the changing times, offering a nihilistic yet truthful insight into the world of crime where all characters live in moral ambiguity.

King of New York is revered as a period drama and a gangster film, marked by its unapologetic violence and political incorrectness. This film does not emulate its predecessors; instead, it boldly establishes its own identity, reflecting Ferrara's comprehensive understanding and love for New York City in all its facets. Complementing the sensational plot and remarkable direction is the exceptional cast led by Walken. Moreover, the contributions of future stars—Larry Fishburne, Steve Buscemi, Giancarlo Esposito, Theresa Randle—and Victor Argo’s memorable performance add layers to its critically underrated success.

` Abel Ferrara's King of New York is an exceptional cinematic masterpiece from the early '90s, characterized by its audacious storytelling and remarkable performances. This Blu-ray release by Arrow Video is a testament to the film's enduring legacy, presenting the work with extraordinary visual clarity and sonic precision. The high-definition transfer is impeccable, bringing out details that were previously obscure in standard definition presentations. The color grading is finely balanced, maintaining the film's moody, atmospheric aesthetic.

Arrow Video has complemented this stellar transfer with a comprehensive selection of supplemental features that provide significant insight into Ferrara's directorial approach. A standout is the documentary by Iranian filmmaker Rafi Pitts, initially crafted for French TV series Cinéma, de Notre Temps. This documentary offers a profound exploration of Ferrara's creative universe, making it essential viewing for enthusiasts and scholars alike. The Blu-ray also includes a wealth of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and critical essays that enrich the viewer's understanding of the film's impact and context.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of King of New York by Arrow Video is a definitive edition that will satisfy both long-time fans and new viewers. The pristine audio-visual quality combined with an exceptional array of extras makes this a must-have for any serious film collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. `