Mean Streets 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Mean Streets," the classic directed by Martin Scorsese, has received a 4K UHD makeover, an endeavor that has generated a wide spectrum of feedback. On one side, Second Sight's UK 4K Blu-ray release boasts a native 4K presentation, showcasing the film in a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image, maintaining the original widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This release embraces HDR and Dolby Vision enhancements, promising an experience enriched with wide color gamut (WCG), high dynamic range, and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. The film's intense color palette, especially its red and warm tones, are reproduced with striking vibrancy and depth, impressing with details that have never before been so pronounced. Despite these technical feats, some have observed that the implementation of HDR/Dolby Vision might be too aggressive for some tastes, particularly in altering the original's color balance, shifting towards more yellow/green tones in certain sequences.

Critics of the restoration argue that while image stability and cleanliness are beyond reproach, the decision to regrade has led to a presentation that may feel uncharacteristic of the film's original look. Outdoor sequences and scenes that once thrived on nuanced shadow details now bear an aesthetic closer to contemporary films, which may not align with purists’ expectations. Despite these controversies, aspects like the film’s natural grain structure are preserved, ensuring a texture that contributes to the gritty atmosphere inherent to Scorsese’s narrative. Enhanced contrast levels and vibrant colors make certain elements pop, from vivid reds to balanced skin tones, although some scenes suffer from crush and overshadowed details.

The Criterion release, celebrated for its adherence to high quality, derives from a 4K scan approved by Scorsese and Schoonmaker themselves, preserving the original's grain and authentically reproducing the movie's color dynamics and textures. However, notable is a sentiment of division among enthusiasts regarding the regrading process and its fidelity to the film’s cinematic roots. While the restoration boasts impeccable clarity and an expanded color spectrum thanks to Dolby Vision HDR—highlighting details down to facial features and clothing textures—the shift in color grading generates debate on whether this new look serves or undermines the essence of "Mean Streets." Enthusiasts and purists alike are encouraged to explore this rendition, balancing their appreciation for technological advancements with reverence for Scorsese's original vision.

The audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Mean Streets" delivers beyond the expectations for a movie that originated fifty years ago in the gritty streets under Scorsese’s direction. While the film's audio is constrained to an English lossless LPCM 1.0 mono track, this limitation is hardly felt thanks to a meticulous remastering process carried out by the Criterion Collection from the original 35mm DME magnetic track. The soundstage, although mono, is surprisingly clear and refined, offering an auditory experience that brings forward the dialogues and Scorsese’s iconic selection of music with exceptional clarity. The remastering job has also ensured that all exchanges, including dialogues and the diverse musical soundtrack featuring everything from Motown to The Rolling Stones, are sharp and imbued with a surprising depth that fills the room despite the single-channel setup.

Technical aspects of the sound are impressively handled, considering the source's age and original recording methods. Sounds of urban chaos, like screeching tires, shattering glass, and bustling city life, are well-conveyed, adding texture and authenticity to the film's atmosphere. There's a noted improvement in the outdoor scenes where ambient activity is higher, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in the audio restoration process. Subtleties in sound, such as footsteps in a church or distant sirens, contribute significantly to the immersive experience, supported by stable, distortion-free delivery. The biggest achievement here might be how well the track handles dynamic ranges, allowing music and sonic accents like gunfire or explosions to stand out without overwhelming the essential dialogue, which remains comprehensible despite occasional challenges from character delivery.

Furthermore, this audio review wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the hard work that went into preserving and enhancing the health of the original track. There are no stability issues or surface noise to distract from the immersive experience Scorsese intended, making it an outstanding effort for an essential piece of cinematic history on 4K UHD Blu-ray. Even with its mono limitations, this LPCM 1.0 track proves itself robust and well-balanced, breathing new life into "Mean Streets" and allowing it to resonate with today’s audiences as powerfully as it did with those of the past. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for accessibility, ensuring that everyone can appreciate the clear dialogue amid Scorsese's densely packed auditory landscape.

The extra presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Mean Streets" is a treasure trove for cinephiles, offering a comprehensive deep dive into the making, influence, and legacy of Martin Scorsese's seminal film. Despite the Criterion 4K disc being bare of extras, this release compensates by including a wealth of supplementary content on the accompanying Blu-ray disc. Highlights include a candid conversation between Martin Scorsese and Richard Linklater, a selected-scene commentary that provides intriguing insights into Scorsese's and actress Amy Robinson's contributions, and numerous exclusive features like a new video essay and in-depth interviews with key collaborators. These additions not only enrich the viewing experience but also illuminate the film's enduring impact on American cinema. The archival materials, alongside new expert analyses, make this edition a definitive collection for both fans and newcomers to Scorsese's gritty New York drama.

Extras included in this disc:

• Martin Scorsese with Richard Linklater: A conversation between the two directors about "Mean Streets".
• Selected-Scene Commentary: Audio commentary with insights from director Martin Scorsese and actress Amy Robinson.
• A Body Among Other Bodies: A new video essay by critic Imogen Sara Smith exploring the film's themes.
• Kent Wakeford: An interview with the cinematographer on his work in "Mean Streets".
• Mardik Martin: Excerpts from a documentary featuring the co-writer, discussing his collaboration with Scorsese.
• Martin Scorsese: Back on the Block: A vintage featurette with Scorsese discussing his New York upbringing.
• Trailer: The original U.S. trailer for "Mean Streets".
• Leaflet: Includes an essay by critic Lucy Sante and technical credits for the film.

Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets," presented here in a stunning 4K UHD edition by Criterion, delves deep into the heart of New York's Little Italy, showcasing the day-to-day lives of its residents with unflinching realism. This seminal film, Scorsese's third feature, stands as a pivotal work that solidified his reputation as a master storyteller and stylist. Coupled with Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro’s groundbreaking performances, "Mean Streets" captures the complexities of friendship, faith, and the struggle between moral convictions and loyalty to the mob. The film's raw portrayal of these Italian-American characters, amid the backdrop of a gritty New York, is enhanced by its technical merits, including the almost wall-to-wall diegetic soundtrack and innovative use of handheld camera work and staccato slow-motion, all of which have become signature elements of Scorsese’s directorial style.

The narrative unfolds leisurely, meandering through episodes that reveal the ambitions, dilemmas, and existential quandaries faced by Charlie (Keitel), a young man torn between his religious beliefs and his mob commitments, especially concerning his friendship with the volatile Johnny Boy (De Niro). The film boldly juxtaposes Catholic guilt with criminal desires, encapsulating a profound exploration of guilt and redemption amidst the harsh realities of mob life. This presentation benefits from the remarkable clarity and depth of detail brought forward by the 4K resolution and Dolby Vision HDR, which elevate Scorsese's gritty aesthetics to a new level of visual intensity.

Criterion’s release is not just about the movie; it’s an archival treasure that includes insightful supplements such as interviews with Scorsese and cinematographer Kent Wakeford, among others. However, it’s the movie itself, in its gloriously restored form, that remains the centerpiece. "Mean Streets" served as a nexus point for Scorsese, Keitel, and De Niro, marking the beginning of long and illustrious careers for them all. It is a film that resonates as much for its artistic innovation as for its honest portrayal of characters navigating the grey areas between sin and salvation, ambition and loyalty. With this 4K UHD presentation, "Mean Streets" not only preserves but enriches the legacy of Scorsese’s early masterpiece.

In the realm of cinematic restorations, the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets" stands out as a noteworthy accomplishment. Showcasing a raw and intense young Robert De Niro, alongside Harvey Keitel, the film serves as an electrifying inception of the Scorsese/De Niro synergy, predating their later refined classics. This release, particularly by Second Sight in the UK, brings to life the almost fifty-year-old film with a meticulously crafted native 4K presentation that incorporates Dolby Vision HDR, ensuring that the visual experience surpasses expectations. Complemented by strong original audio and a comprehensive array of extra features directly on the 4K disc, this edition is encapsulated in a package that collectors will find irresistible. Notably, it holds its own even when positioned against Criterion's US 4K release, expected on 15th January 2024.

Delving into the technical specifics, it's evident that considerable effort has been invested in this release. The inclusion of Native 4K HDR and Dolby Vision underscores a commitment to quality that enriches the film’s visual narrative, enhancing its gritty realism and neon-lit nightscapes. However, potential buyers should be aware that the 4K makeover significantly alters the film's original aesthetic—an aspect that might not appeal to all viewers, as noted in some critiques. Despite this, the restoration work is reportedly approved by Scorsese and editor Thelma Schoonmaker, providing an assurance of its authenticity and artistic integrity.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Mean Streets" emerges as a pivotal offering for both collectors and aficionados of classic cinema. While it introduces notable alterations to the film’s original appearance, these enhancements contribute to a superior visual and auditory experience, affirming the release’s status as the definitive home video edition. With its combination of groundbreaking performances, groundbreaking restoration quality, and enriched extras, this version not only commemorates the film's historical significance but also sets a benchmark for future restorations. Highly recommended for those eager to witness the genesis of Scorsese's cinematic genius in unparalleled clarity and depth.