Raging Bull 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Raging Bull" presents a stunning visual overhaul, carefully orchestrated under the supervision of director Martin Scorsese. Using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner, the master was created from the 35mm original camera negative, ensuring an authentic presentation. The film is delivered in HDR on the 4K Blu-ray, with a notable enhancement in grayscale, shadow depth, and contrast, which holds immense benefit for the black-and-white cinematography. This results in a lush grey scale and pristine shadows, accentuated by HDR, which enriches the film's visual energy without sacrificing its organic feel. The restored grain structure remains thick yet seamlessly resolved, free from any digital manipulation or compression artifacts, maintaining the filmic texture intrinsic to Michael Chapman's original Oscar-nominated cinematography.

The 2160p/HEVC H.265 transfer ensures astounding clarity, broadening detail recognition across the board. From nuanced sweat droplets and skin textures to the sharp close-ups that enhance the grisliness of the boxing scenes, every frame exudes a dimensionality that immerses viewers into the raw aesthetic of "Raging Bull." Notably, the HDR facilitates superior contrast and shadow delineation, breathing life into both dimly lit interiors and the exaggerated brightness of fight scenes, all while preserving rich blacks and vibrant whites. The delicate balance achieves an immersive viewing experience, revealing DNA-level textures such as wallpaper patterns and swirling cigarette smoke with new-found clarity.

Rich with meticulously preserved filmic elements and playing out in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this release eliminated previous flaws like scratches or marks, presenting an undeniably superior version of the film. The 4K UHD transfer with HDR10 notably surpasses its predecessors, making a compelling case for fans of "Raging Bull" to invest in this definitive edition. Criterion's careful work has assured this version stands as an essential upgrade for aficionados of this cinematic masterpiece.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Raging Bull" offers its soundtrack through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, faithfully presenting the original surround design. The dialogue is clean and precise, maintaining a vintage clarity that belies the film’s age, allowing it to sound almost new in certain segments. Comparatively, it holds its ground against previous releases without dramatic discrepancies, preserving the material's essence effectively. Though a Dolby Atmos track might have offered a different soundscape, this track convincingly delivers the intended immersive experience.

The audio's rich nuance and vigorous detail provide an atmospheric depth that aligns with the film's period setting. Authenticity in dialogue, given the actors' naturalistic delivery, occasionally requires attentive listening. While sonic elements like crowd roars, punches, and ambient street noises paint a vivid auditory picture, occasional bass distortion subtly detracts from the dynamic range. Nonetheless, solid fidelity bolsters the impact of the iconic music score, ensuring sonic subtleties enhance the narrative.

Overall, this edition upholds "Raging Bull's" reputation for immersive sound and minimal distortion issues. While some dialogue nuances remain tethered to the film's original challenges in prioritization, the track still offers an expansive soundscape with mild stereo separation. These attributes collectively reintroduce a classic film audio experience that remains both intimate and engaging.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Raging Bull" offers an exhaustive collection of extras that deeply enhance the viewer's understanding of this cinematic classic. The disc features three distinct audio commentaries, providing varied perspectives from director Martin Scorsese, editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and other key contributors such as cinematographer Michael Chapman and writer Jake LaMotta. These commentaries present intricate details on the film's creation, technical challenges, and personal reflections. Two insightful video essays by Geoffrey O'Brien and Sheila O'Malley delve into the film's stylistic innovations and character portrayals, further engaging cinephiles. Additionally, a comprehensive four-part documentary "Raging Bull: Fight Night" explores the intense production process. Archival interviews enrich the experience, featuring prominent figures like De Niro and LaMotta discussing their craft and experiences. These supplements offer an in-depth exploration invaluable to both fans and students of film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Three commentaries with contributions from Scorsese, Schoonmaker, LaMotta and more.
• Pour Everything In: Geoffrey O'Brien analyzes the movie's aesthetics.
• Gloves Off: Sheila O'Malley examines performances by De Niro, Pesci, and Moriarty.
• Raging Bull: Fight Night: A four-part documentary from pre-production to release.
• Marty and Bobby: Focus on Scorsese and De Niro’s collaboration.
• Marty on Film: Scorsese reflects on cinema.
• Robert De Niro on Acting: Audio excerpts from a 1980 seminar.
• Jake LaMotta Interviews: Insights from two interviews about LaMotta's life.
• Cathy Moriarty and Vikki La Motta: 1981 interview insights.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.
• Booklet: Essays by Robin Robertson and Glenn Kenny.

Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull," celebrated for its brutal authenticity and masterful storytelling, is a cinematic powerhouse that delves deep into the troubled life of boxer Jake LaMotta. The film's narrative, rooted in LaMotta's autobiographical novel, offers a raw exploration of a man besieged by inner demons and external pressures. Robert De Niro's portrayal of LaMotta is nothing short of transformative, capturing the boxer's ferocity both inside and outside the ring. De Niro’s performance is a tour de force, embodying LaMotta's violent tendencies and egotistical nature with a ferocious intensity that is both mesmerizing and chilling.

Scorsese's direction, supported by the adept cinematography of Michael Chapman and the sharp editing of Thelma Schoonmaker, brings an undeniable vitality to the film. The black-and-white photography, paired with Chapman's off-kilter angles and Schoonmaker's quick edits, immerses viewers in the tumultuous world of boxing and LaMotta's chaotic personal life. The film's fight scenes remain visually stunning, combining slow and fast-motion photography to craft indelible images that illustrate the brutal and visceral nature of the sport.

"Raging Bull" transcends its boxing roots to present a poignant study of self-destruction and survival. Cathy Moriarty as Vikki offers a compelling counterpoint to LaMotta's aggression, her performance infused with both vulnerability and strength. The complexities of relationships are deftly explored, with Joe Pesci delivering a nuanced portrayal as LaMotta’s loyal yet frustrated brother. Through these relationships, the film exposes deeper societal issues regarding gender norms and the destructive power of male ego. In its essence, "Raging Bull" is more than just a sports biography; it is an exploration of human frailty and the relentless pursuit of redemption amidst inevitable downfall.

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Raging Bull" presents an exceptional restoration of Martin Scorsese's 1980 classic, showcasing Robert De Niro's haunting portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta in unrivaled clarity. Meticulously supervised by Scorsese himself, this release leverages an outstanding new 4K master that surpasses all previous editions, offering a viewing experience that is both immersive and authentic in HDR10 format. Every element — from Michael Chapman's evocative cinematography to Thelma Schoonmaker's razor-sharp editing — coalesces seamlessly to elevate the film's visceral impact and narrative depth.

"Raging Bull," a seminal work on masculinity and self-destruction, delves deeply into the invincible mindset emblematic of mid-20th century America. It remains an illustrious cinematic achievement, a hallmark for both director Scorsese and actor De Niro. This release not only presents a visual upgrade but also enriches the cinematic experience with a trove of new supplementary materials that provide fresh insights, ensuring that even those familiar with the work will discover new dimensions.

Ultimately, Criterion's 4K Blu-ray edition cements "Raging Bull" as a must-own for cinephiles, particularly those who have admired its timeless craftsmanship. While one might keep previous releases for select supplements, this edition indisputably sets a new standard in home video presentations. The real Jake LaMotta was a fearless boxer who fought as hard as he could and endured some absolutely incredible matches. But when he wasn't fighting to make ends meet he was an awful bully and perpetual abuser who couldn't get along even with the few people that genuinely loved him and tried to have meaningful parts in his life. Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull has immortalized LaMotta thanks to a truly remarkable performance by Robert De Niro, but it has to be said that this excellent film tells only a fraction of the late boxer's story. Criterion's upcoming 4K Blu-ray release of Raging Bull is sourced from an outstanding exclusive new 4K restoration that was supervised and approved by Scorsese. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.