Once Upon a Time in America Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Once Upon a Time in America" delivers a 1080p High Definition video in its original widescreen 1.78:1 aspect ratio, significantly improving upon previous home video releases. The film showcases notable clarity and sharpness, allowing for an impressive level of fine detail. Scenes such as the opium den and Depression-era New York streets possess great depth and tangibility. However, the video is not without issues: fluctuating grain levels, occasional softness, and some shots that appear out of focus—largely attributed to the original source material. The atmospheric 'dirty' aesthetic, akin to other classic gangster films like "The Godfather," remains intact, enhancing the film's authenticity.

Color representation is strong, with solid blacks and decent skin tones, although red hues, particularly on lips, can appear slightly oversaturated. The picture's overall contrast has improved, evident in early scenes where shadowed details, such as Noodles' moll's pearls, now appear more defined. Despite concerns about compressing this lengthy epic onto a single BD-50 disc, compression artifacts are minimal, with streaming rates around 15-16 Mbps being acceptable. While not perfect or demo-quality, this Blu-ray rendition stands as the best home video release of "Once Upon a Time in America" to date, offering a compelling and enriched viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Once Upon a Time in America" features a DTS-HD Master Audio track that meticulously captures the film's nuanced auditory landscape. This isn't your typical bombastic Hollywood surround sound experience but a carefully curated sound mix that reflects the film's original intentions. While some may find it less engaging, the audio presentation maintains high fidelity, ensuring that every whisper and sound effect is crystal clear. Dialogues, whether murmured or screamed, dominate the frontal array, ensuring clarity and coherence. The rear channels offer subtle background ambiance; however, they are not a highlight in this track, in keeping with the original restrained surround experience.

The aural landscape of the film is principally driven by Ennio Morricone’s exceptional score, seamlessly integrated into the proceedings to deliver a warm and rich soundscape. The incorporation of iconic source cues, like “God Bless America” and “Yesterdays,” complements the movie’s immersive yet understated audio profile. Despite lacking the contemporary bombast that some modern audiences might yearn for, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix offers excellent dynamic range and supports superb fidelity across all frequencies. There are no dropouts or other audio artifacts, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience. This mix provides a faithful recreation of the film's original theatrical audio, aligning perfectly with Sergio Leone’s vision.

The Extras section of the "Once Upon a Time in America" Blu-ray, although limited due to the film’s extensive length, provides valuable insights that enhance the viewing experience significantly. The standout feature is the comprehensive Audio Commentary by Richard Schickel, a recognized film critic and historian. Schickel offers an in-depth analysis of scenes, character backgrounds, and Leone’s directorial choices, drawing parallels with contemporary directors like Sam Peckinpah. His explanations on Leone’s intentions, especially regarding the controversial opium dream sequence, are compelling and respect the film’s stature without excessive praise. Additionally, the included excerpt from the documentary "Once Upon a Time: Sergio Leone" offers intriguing behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, despite only being a 20-minute segment from a more extensive production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Full-length commentary by Richard Schickel, providing detailed insights into the film’s production and Leone’s vision.
• Documentary: A 20-minute excerpt from "Once Upon a Time: Sergio Leone," featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for "Once Upon a Time in America".

"Once Upon a Time in America" endures as an unparalleled gangster epic, heralded for its sophisticated narrative and profound character arcs. Directed by Sergio Leone, this 229-minute opus melds the desperation and ambition of Depression and Prohibition-era America with the poignant musings over friendship, memory, and time. Reimagined in its original, uncut form, the film boasts Robert De Niro in one of his most complex roles, complemented by James Woods and a stellar supporting cast. Ennio Morricone’s score imbues the film with an operatic grandeur, amplifying its emotional and narrative depth. Sublime cinematography enhances the immersive period portrayal, cementing Leone's final film as a timeless masterpiece.

Leone’s non-linear storytelling invites repeated viewings to fully appreciate its intricate structure and deliberate pace. The narrative oscillates between three distinct time periods, revealing layers of the characters' pasts, presents, and futures. This dream-like sequence—sometimes interpreted as opium-induced hallucinations—challenges the viewer to discern reality from imagination. Critics have compared its ambitious dissection of loyalty and shifting motivations to the innovative storytelling in "The Godfather Part II." However, the film's languid tempo and thematic complexity establish it as a distinct entry in the gangster genre.

The Blu-ray debut of this thirty-year-old classic accentuates its enduring appeal with exquisite visual and auditory fidelity. The restoration preserves Leone’s vision in stunning detail, offering cinephiles a chance to experience the grandeur as originally intended. This release, complemented by insightful commentary and documentaries, underscores the film's academic significance in cinematic history. "Once Upon a Time in America" is not merely a film; it's an evocative journey through a mythical America seen through Leone’s poetic lens. Essential for any serious film collector, it demands engagement and reflection, rewarding those who dedicate themselves to unraveling its myriad complexities.

"Once Upon a Time in America" by Sergio Leone showcases a masterful blend of novelistic storytelling and operatic grandeur within the gangster genre. The film, spanning nearly four hours, requires active engagement from viewers as it unravels its narrative intricately and gradually. Robert De Niro and James Woods deliver outstanding performances, but it is Leone's directorial prowess that stands out, solidifying his status at the zenith of his career. The Blu-ray edition elevates this cinematic gem by offering an unparalleled home video experience, despite some minor image and audio inconsistencies.

The video quality on this Blu-ray release marks a significant improvement over previous editions, delivering crisp visuals that honor Leone's meticulous attention to detail. The color grading and restoration efforts have paid off, presenting the film in a manner closer to its original aesthetic intent. However, slight issues with grain and occasional softness in specific scenes do persist. Audio-wise, while the soundtrack generally enriches the viewing experience, there are moments where the balance could be better refined to enhance clarity.

Conclusively, "Once Upon a Time in America" on Blu-ray is a remarkable presentation of Leone's magnum opus that every film enthusiast must experience. Despite some technical imperfections, this edition remains a testament to the film's enduring impact and Leone's unparalleled artistry. Highly recommended for both casual viewers and cinephiles alike.