The Departed

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Departed" delivers a visually stunning upgrade that does justice to this acclaimed film, thanks to its remastering process led by Warner Bros Discovery's Motion Picture Imaging (MPI) and the film's editor, Thelma Schoonmaker. The transfer to 2160p/HEVC H.265 with HDR10 enhances the viewing experience significantly, maintaining the film's original grain while offering a noticeably sharper, more vibrant image. Despite a few soft shots inherent to the original negative, the overall clarity, contrast, and color vibrancy mark a substantial improvement over the Blu-ray version, with an average bitrate that far exceeds its predecessor, occasionally by as much as five times.

Grain presence varies yet tastefully contributes to retaining the film's cinematic feel. The texture, even in smoother sequences, ensures the film's gritty atmosphere is preserved. The enhancement in picture quality brings out the nuances of the movie's setting, from the griminess of Boston's underbelly to the intricacies of its character-driven scenes. Colors are more pronounced and dynamic; police uniforms, neon lights, and carefully chosen pastels stand out more than ever, complemented by deep blacks and bright whites that add depth to every frame. Close-up shots receive particular attention, revealing minute details like facial textures and background elements with exceptional precision.

While most aspects of this transfer are praiseworthy, there are minor drawbacks, such as occasional over-processing, a slight shift towards orange in skin tones, and excessively white teeth that can distract. Nonetheless, these issues do not detract significantly from an otherwise striking visual upgrade. This 4K UHD release breathes new life into "The Departed," offering fans and newcomers alike an immersive viewing experience that underscores why this film has captured the admiration of audiences and critics, making it an indispensable addition to any collection.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Departed" presents an auditory experience that, while not leaping into the immersive possibilities of a Dolby Atmos track, offers a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that stands on par with, if not slightly superior to, its predecessors including lossless PCM and Dolby TrueHD formats. This mix retains the film's original auditory essence with a focus that leans heavily towards dialogue and front-channel clarity, spotlighting the nuanced performances and the sharp wit of the film's award-winning script. The absence of a French dub might disappoint some Canadian fans, though English and Spanish options are available for broader accessibility.

Auditory details in the mix are finessed to complement Howard Shore's dynamic score and the eclectic selection of pop music director Martin Scorsese integrates into the film's soundscape. Despite a conventional surround setup that prioritizes front and center channels, the DTS-HD MA track discreetly employs rear channels for ambient effects like fire and subtle scoring cues, demanding attentive listening to appreciate fully. The stereo separation upfront enhances this focus, ensuring that every line of dialogue cuts through crisply, which is vital for maintaining engagement in the film's intricate plot.

The sound quality is both crisp and layered, managing low and high frequencies with adept precision. This ensures that sonic moments like gunfire, the shattering of glass, or the more serene tones of bagpipes are delivered with clear distinction. Bass is robust, adding depth to the mix without overshadowing finer audio details. Though some may lament the absence of an adventurous Dolby Atmos remix, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track fulfills the essential needs of "The Departed's" storytelling—a straightforward yet effective auditory experience that complements the film’s narrative and directorial style without unnecessary embellishment.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "The Departed" is presented in a matte-finish Steelbook that sports a darker design aesthetic than the wide-release version, with thematic imagery including a few rats and a splash image featuring the film's main characters. While the packaging is decent, a bit more creativity could have been appreciated. The disc includes a collection of on-disc bonus features that mirror those found on the standard UHD edition, along with all the extras from the 2007 Blu-ray release, barring the trailer. A highlight is the new featurette "Guilt and Betrayal: Looking Into The Departed," where director Martin Scorsese offers insights into his involvement with the film, his narrative approach, and influences, alongside production stills and on-set footage. Other notable extras include deep dives into the true story behind the movie and its connection to real-life gangster Whitey Bulger, as well as an exploration of the film within Scorsese's broader oeuvre of mob movies.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Featurette: Guilt and Betrayal: Looking Into The Departed: An insightful featurette where Martin Scorsese discusses his connection to the film, its influences, and behind-the-scenes perspectives.
• Featurette: Stranger Than Fiction: The True Story of Whitey Bulger, Southie and The Departed: An engaging documentary exploring the real-life inspiration for the film, featuring cast, crew, and real-life characters.
• Featurette: Crossing Criminal Cultures: This piece draws parallels between The Departed and Scorsese’s other mob movies, exploring thematic and stylistic elements across his work.
• Deleted Scenes with introductions by Martin Scorsese: A collection of deleted and extended scenes introduced by Scorsese, offering insights into their inclusion on the disc.

Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," a riveting blend of suspense, plot twists, and an electrifying ensemble cast, has finally made its mark in the 4K UHD world. Warner Bros.' release of this 2006 Oscar-winning crime drama in a new 2160p/HDR transfer steelbook variant, albeit with a lean extra features pack and no Blu-ray copy included, points towards a refined catalog upgrade for aficionados of high-quality cinema viewing experiences. Despite its launch being considerably delayed since Ultra High-Def's inception, this release underscores an awaited victory for both Scorsese fans and cinephiles eager for an elevated home viewing of what is arguably a cinematic rollercoaster that while not the zenith of Scorsese’s oeuvre, remains an engaging entry laden with the director’s craft.

At the heart of "The Departed" lies a gritty tale of duality and moral ambiguity, brought to life through impeccable performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Mark Wahlberg, among others. Scorsese, steering this ship into a mainstream yet artistically rich narrative, doesn't let go of his signature exploration of complex themes through genre pieces. The 4K UHD rendition magnifies these elements, enhancing the visual and thematic experience without sacrificing the popcorn movie appeal. It’s a testament to Scorsese’s ability to harmonize commercial success with critical acclaim, embedding his trademark storytelling in a mob movie that thrills just as much today as it did upon its inception.

Though it may be perceived as a commercial detour for Scorsese, "The Departed" stands out as an exemplary genre piece, illustrating that art can emerge even from the most mainstream endeavors. Its star-studded cast, alongside Scorsese's meticulous direction, ensures that every frame is more than just a visual feast – it's a compelling narrative brought to life with greater clarity and depth in its 4K UHD presentation. This release not only celebrates an important moment in Scorsese’s career but also elevates "The Departed" to new heights, providing an immersive experience that underscores the film’s enduring appeal.

Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," while possibly not reaching the zenith of his illustrious filmography, undeniably stands out as a formidable entrant, teeming with character-driven drama, unsurpassed performances by a stellar cast, and the quintessential touchstones of both director and editor. The transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray by Warner Bros. enhances this already compelling narrative through a striking HDR transfer and an array of supplemental features. This edition, particularly in its SteelBook variant, not only serves to entice collectors with its aesthetic appeal but also significantly enriches the viewing experience with its technical advancements.

The upgrade to 4K UHD is more than just a visual enhancement; it is a revitalization that breathes new life into Scorsese’s intricate web of mob hierarchy and law enforcement deceit. With the addition of an insightful new interview with Scorsese himself, viewers are offered a deeper understanding of the cinematic craftsmanship behind this Oscar-winning masterpiece. The combination of stellar image quality, solid audio performance, and the allure of the SteelBook packaging ensures that this release stands as a pivotal acquisition for both aficionados of Scorsese’s work and cinephiles dedicated to the preservation of film excellence.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Departed" not only reaffirms its status as a noteworthy film within Martin Scorsese’s oeuvre but also offers an exemplary case study in how technology can enhance cinematic storytelling. This edition, with its comprehensive suite of features and superior transfer quality, rightfully deserves a spot in the collection of anyone passionate about film, making it a highly recommended purchase. The meticulous care in this release underscores the enduring value of "The Departed," ensuring its appreciation for years to come.