The Long Good Friday 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s 4K UHD release of "The Long Good Friday" is a technically superb offering, showcasing a meticulous 4K restoration that was scanned from the original camera negative. This restoration benefits from Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading. Cinematographer Phil Méheux shot the film on 35mm, with the frame intended to be matted to 1.85:1. The result is striking in terms of clarity, color accuracy, and image stability. Various scenes exhibit excellent density levels and color reproduction, with primary hues like blue and gray showing only minor adjustments. Overall, the visuals are tightly presented with image stability that is top-notch and a spotless presentation throughout the film.

Comparing the current 4K restoration with the previous 2K restoration introduced by Arrow Video, the new release offers slightly darker tones but maintains a consistent color temperature across all scenes. While some parts of the film, especially those captured in natural light, appear more refined in native 4K, the overall quality is comparably excellent between both restorations. Darker areas, such as the car explosion at the 0:20:00 mark, show enhanced detail and depth through Dolby Vision, although other segments remain very similar in quality to their 1080p counterparts. Each frame demonstrates an impressive retention of the original visual aesthetic, endorsed by the film's cinematographer, ensuring that this release stands out as a collector's piece for both its historic and technical merit.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Long Good Friday" features a singular English LPCM 1.0 audio track, which precisely mirrors the original theatrical mono mix. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided, accommodating viewers less familiar with the film's thick accents. The audio presentation is robust and stable, faithfully preserving the integrity of the source material. Dialogues are delivered with clarity, although non-native accents may prompt some to utilize the subtitles.

The audio dynamics are respectable considering the mono format, particularly enhancing the prominence of Francis Monkman’s iconic score. While this release lacks the Dolby Atmos mix previously offered by Arrow, purists might appreciate the adherence to the original mono mix. The overall technical execution is commendable, devoid of any noticeable encoding anomalies. Those familiar with prior 2K restorations will find this lossless track to be consistent in quality.

The Extras section of the 4K UHD Blu Ray of "The Long Good Friday" is a comprehensive and varied set of features that delves deeply into the film’s innovative production and legacy. Director John Mackenzie's audio commentary provides valuable insights into the film's intricate plot development and characters, shedding light on crucial sequences and Bob Hoskins' stellar performance. The curated introduction by Ashley Clark sets a thoughtful context for the film. Archival documentaries like "An Accidental Studio" and "Bloody Business: The Making of The Long Good Friday" present rich historical perspectives, with interviews from notable industry figures like George Harrison and Helen Mirren. Additionally, programs focusing on cinematography, screenplay evolution, and original vs. Americanized sequences are included, offering technical depth and historical nuances that are essential for enthusiasts and scholars.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by John Mackenzie: Director’s insightful discussion on various aspects of the film.
• Introduction: Ashley Clark’s context-setting introduction.
• An Accidental Studio: Documentary on Handmade Films’ history.
• Bloody Business: The Making of The Long Good Friday: Documenting the film’s production.
• Phil Meheux: Cinematographer’s perspective on the film’s framing and restoration.
• Barrie Keeffe: Screenwriter’s exploration of character development and film conception.
• Hands Across the Ocean: Differences between original and Americanized sequences.
• Theatrical Trailers: Original UK and U.S. trailers.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by critic Ryan Gilbey.

John Mackenzie's The Long Good Friday (1980) offers a compelling showcase of the late Bob Hoskins as Harold Shand, a driven British gangster with grand ambitions for London's transformation. The film explores Shand's intricate real estate deal that promises to catapult him into the big leagues, aligning him with powerful American gangster Charlie. However, a series of unforeseen violent attacks—including the death of Shand's assistant and a pub bombing—threatens his carefully laid plans, plunging him into a chaotic quest for the elusive saboteur. Hoskins embodies Shand's complex transformation from confident kingpin to a fearful, resigned man facing existential threats within a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.

Cinematographer Phil Meheux's preference for earthy and warm tones complements the film's gritty realism, reflecting the raw brutality of London’s underworld. Unlike many crime dramas, the violent episodes in The Long Good Friday abstain from glamour, opting instead for stark authenticity. The tension is underscored by composer Francis Monkman's eclectic soundtrack, blending smooth jazz, electronica, and funk to impart a distinctive retro vibe that reinforces the film's period setting.

The acting is relentless and impressive. Helen Mirren as Victoria, Shand's mistress, offers a dynamic presence that strengthens the film considerably. Eddie Constantine’s portrayal of Charlie adds depth, while a young Pierce Brosnan delivers a sharp, memorable cameo. The juxtaposition of business ambitions against dated ideological conflicts provides an incisive commentary on this clash of ideals. Overall, The Long Good Friday triumphs as a blade-sharp narrative of criminal ambition thwarted by unforeseen forces, punctuated by compelling performances and a richly textured visual and auditory landscape.

"The Long Good Friday" makes a triumphant return to the physical media scene with its recent 4K UHD Blu-ray release, offering an impeccable visual and auditory experience. Although the film was already beautifully restored in 2K nearly a decade ago, this new 4K restoration elevates it to a level of vivid clarity and detail that aficionados will find compelling. The HDR presentation significantly enhances the contrast and color saturation, providing a nuanced and immersive visual experience that does justice to John Mackenzie’s direction and Bob Hoskins' formidable performance.

While the video quality of both the Criterion Collection and Arrow Video editions are commendably on par, where they diverge is in their supplementary features. Arrow Video presents a robust selection of extras, including an Atmos remix, enriching Francis Monkman’s score with dynamic range, and nearly all the content from their previous Blu-ray release—save for "The HandMade Story" featurette. In contrast, Criterion includes a noteworthy documentary, "An Accidental Studio," but lacks the comprehensive extras of the Arrow edition. Notably, Criterion's bundle also provides a Blu-ray copy of the film, a practical consideration for those without 4K players.

Die-hard fans may find it difficult to choose between these two stellar editions, each offering unique advantages. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preference and whether one values additional extras over a broader spectrum of supplemental features. For some, owning both editions may be appealing to ensure no sought-after content is missed.

A visionary gangster, played with an incredible intensity by the late Bob Hoskins, tries to transform London but faces a powerful enemy in director John Mackenzie's classic film "The Long Good Friday." Nearly a decade ago, "The Long Good Friday" was beautifully restored in 2K, but this combo pack introduces a recent 4K restoration, which is also fantastic. I really, really like this film and could not be happier that it has been treated with such great care and attention so that it looks as it should. A standard Blu-ray release is available for purchase as well. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.