Goodfellas Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "GoodFellas" marks a significant upgrade from all previous formats, bringing Martin Scorsese's classic into the high-definition era with commendable skill. The transition to a 1080p/VC-1 encode has genuinely revitalized the viewing experience, allowing for an in-depth appreciation of the film's intricate details, from the expressive faces of its characters to the textured environments they inhabit. While previous versions suffered from overly dark visuals and a lack of dynamic range, this Blu-ray edition, framed at 1.78:1, a slight alteration from the original 1.85:1, presents a much clearer and detailed picture. Despite being a bit dark, which could be attributed to the original source material's color balance, the image quality is no longer marred by heavy grain or muddy colors that plagued earlier releases.

Scorsese's deliberate use of still frames and various film techniques are now showcased with vivid clarity, highlighting moments of action and emotion with enhanced resolution and depth. For example, a night scene featuring young Henry Hill escaping from exploding cars demonstrates an impressive level of detail that was previously obscured. The color rendition is lifelike and clean, avoiding oversaturation while presenting a natural, albeit sometimes reddish tone due to Scorsese's intended aesthetic choices. This results in an image that balances film-like grain with sharpness and clarity, respecting the director's original vision.

The improvements extend to motion sequences as well, where the upgrade in resolution from NTSC broadcasts to Blu-ray allows for a much richer viewing experience. The black levels and contrast ratio are particularly notable, creating rich, deep blacks that enhance the film's visual depth. Detail in darker scenes, often a challenge for earlier formats, is now rendered with great care, allowing textures in skin and fabric to emerge clearly. Overall, this Blu-ray edition does more than just upgrade "GoodFellas" to modern video standards; it rejuvenates the film for a new generation, ensuring its place as a visually compelling piece of cinema history.

The audio presentation of "Goodfellas" on Blu-ray features a Dolby Digital 5.1 track that, while not pushing the boundaries of audio performance, offers a strong and clear soundstage. The dialogue is crisp and well-balanced, allowing the iconic New York accents to shine through without getting lost. The use of surrounds and the LFE channel is commendable, providing an immersive experience with realistic sound effects such as footsteps, car doors closing, and the rumble of car engines. However, the sound design overall doesn't mark a significant upgrade from the standard-def DVD, especially in scenes that could potentially benefit from a more dynamic audio presentation.

The soundtrack, a vital component of "Goodfellas," features a range of hits from the '50s to the '80s but lacks the punchiness and resolution that a lossless PCM track could offer. While classics from the early years like "Rags to Riches" by Tony Bennett and "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin are delivered with good stereophonics, they lack the 'wow-factor' needed to elevate these scenes truly. The later tracks, such as "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream, offer a slight improvement but still miss the intricate musical details a more robust audio format could provide. Despite these shortcomings, the mix's ability to replicate the sharper sound effects—squealing tires, gunshots, and explosions—is noteworthy.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray's Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track does an adequate job of presenting "Goodfellas" in a home cinema setting. Its strengths lie in its clear dialogue reproduction and effective use of surround sound for atmospheric sounds and certain music tracks. However, the audio presentation falls short of exploiting the full potential of high-definition sound, particularly in its rendering of the film's signature soundtrack and some opportunities for more pronounced sonic dynamics. This results in an experience that, while solid on its own terms, leaves a bit to be desired for audiophiles seeking a definitive high-definition audio experience for this classic film.

For enthusiasts of Scorcese’s mob masterpiece and cinematic storytelling, the Blu-ray extras for "Goodfellas" present a mixed bag of familiar content delivered with commendable depth yet an absence of novel material. The preserved extras, albeit not in high definition, enable a comprehensive exploration into the making and legacy of the film, highlighted by two standout commentary tracks that are arguably as engaging as the movie itself. The inclusion of documentaries like Getting Made and The GoodFellas Legacy, alongside the unique storyboard comparison, Paper is Cheaper Than Film, enrich the experience despite their perceived redundancy against the backdrop of the insightful commentaries. The collaboration of cast and crew across these features provides a multifaceted understanding of the film's production and impact, though the content might feel reiterative for those familiar with the DVD release. Nonetheless, the collection underscores a scholarly and fan-worthy appreciation, preserving its revered stature in film history without introducing new revelations.

Extras included in this disc:

GETTING MADE: A behind-the-scenes look with detailed interviews from Scorcese, De Niro, Pesci, and new inputs from Liotta and Bracco.

THE WORKADAY GANGSTER: Focuses on the real-life aspects of the mob life depicted in the film, featuring new insights from Henry Hill.

MADE MEN: THE GOODFELLAS LEGACY: Discussion on the film’s influence over modern filmmakers with comments from industry stalwarts.

COMMENTARY BY SCORSESE AND CAST: A captivating ensemble including Scorsese, Liotta, Bracco, Sorvino, Vincent, Pileggi, Winkler, De Fina, Ballhaus, and Schoonmaker.

THE CROOK AND THE COP COMMENTARY: An intriguing dialogue between the real Henry Hill and FBI agent Edward McDonald.

PAPER IS CHEAPER THAN FILM: Storyboard-to-screen comparison showcasing Scorsese’s visual planning of key scenes.

THEATRICAL TRAILER: In 1.78:1 widescreen format and encoded at 1080p.

Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas," a staple in the gangster genre, is given a fresh veneer of life with its Blu-ray release, boasting a 1080p resolution that enhances the vivid storytelling and intricate character explorations. The film traces the life of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), from his early days getting involved with an Italian-American crime family, through the highs and lows of his criminal career, spotlighting his eventual decision between death by his cohorts or life in witness protection. Alongside Liotta, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci deliver captivating performances as Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito, enriching the narrative with their complex characters—Conway’s calm yet fearsome demeanor and DeVito’s volatile aggression mixed with dark humor serve as perfect counterpoints to Hill’s narrative. Their performances, combined with Scorsese’s masterful direction, not only highlight the glamour but also the inevitable downfall inherent in the mob lifestyle, painting a realistic portrayal of organized crime without glorifying it.

Scorsese adeptly weaves a tapestry of loyalty, honor, betrayal, and redemption, juxtaposing the allure of mob life against its brutal consequences. Through Henry Hill’s eyes, we are taken on a journey that is both an epic saga and a deeply personal story. The film’s use of humor, particularly through DeVito’s character, against a backdrop of violence, adds layers to the narrative, showcasing Scorsese’s skill in balancing tension with relief. The relationship dynamics, notably between Hill and his wife Karen (Lorraine Bracco), are portrayed with nuance, adding depth to the exploration of the American Dream and its discontents.

Despite its roots in the gangster genre, "Goodfellas" transcends its category through Scorsese’s insightful reflection on human nature, morality, and the quest for identity. The Blu-ray presentation enhances these themes, offering viewers a high-definition glimpse into the gritty reality of mob life. As such, "Goodfellas" is not just another mob movie but a critical lens on societal allurements towards power, wealth, and family—etched into cinematic history with performances and storytelling that remain impactful decades later. In a genre filled with iconic films like "The Godfather" and "Casino," "Goodfellas" stands out for its raw storytelling and Scorsese's unique vision—rendered all the more immersive with its Blu-ray revival.

"Goodfellas," directed by Martin Scorsese, remains a monumental achievement in film, transcending the crime genre to become a cornerstone of cinema. This Blu-ray release magnifies the movie's brilliance by enhancing its visual and auditory experience, making it essential for both aficionados and those new to Scorsese's oeuvre. The high-definition transfer to 1080p is particularly notable for offering an unparalleled clarity that breathes new life into the film's iconic moments, such as the legendary Copacabana shot. This, combined with a sharp soundtrack, provides a viewing experience that far surpasses previous DVD versions.

Critics and viewers alike have lauded "Goodfellas" for its exceptional writing, acting, cinematography, and direction. The film's portrayal of American tragedy and ambition is acknowledged as one of Scorsese's crowning achievements. This Blu-ray edition not only excels in presentation but also includes a comprehensive collection of extras that enrich the understanding and appreciation of the film. While there may be discussions about whether the video quality alone justifies an upgrade from DVD, the overall package—impressive visual improvements and additional content—solidifies this release as a standout.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray edition of "Goodfellas" is an indispensable addition to any film lover's collection. Its superior video and audio quality ensure the most immersive viewing experience possible, making it a must-have even for those satisfied with their DVD copy. Whether you're revisiting this masterpiece or encountering it for the first time, this release promises and delivers an unmatched cinematic journey. Regardless of your usual preferences for film genres, "Goodfellas" on Blu-ray presents itself as an unmissable American classic, shining brighter than ever before.