Scarface Blu-ray Review

Universal's remastered Blu-ray of "Scarface," updated with a new 4K master for the Gold Edition, offers a markedly improved visual experience compared to the older 2011 release. However, it falls short when juxtaposed alongside the 4K UHD version. Key issues include prominent black crush in darker scenes, such as Tony's nightclub visit and the climactic shootout, severely impacting shadow detail. Despite these drawbacks, the AVC encode of the new Blu-ray is a significant step up, delivering more refined colors and maintaining a natural grain structure without the pitfalls of haloing or DNR.

Texturally, this Blu-ray presentation is notably crisp and stable, offering better sharpness and detail than its predecessor. Nevertheless, it lacks the organic clarity and definition seen in the UHD version, which excels in both grain management and overall finesse. The Blu-ray's grain can appear more clumpy and unrefined; during certain slow zoom shots, grain density fluctuates, and textures inconsistently sharpen and soften. Occasional mild compression artifacts further detract from the image's quality. While colors generally hold up well—skin tones are accurate, reds are symbolically deep, and whites are adequately crisp—the overall presentation is not as refined as the UHD's benchmark standard. The remastered Blu-ray represents an improvement over its VC-1 encoded predecessor, but it cannot match the UHD's superior image quality.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "Scarface" opts not to include the object-oriented DTS:X track found on the 4K UHD version. Instead, this Blu-ray utilizes a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track—identical to the one featured in earlier 2011 releases. Though this decision might disappoint audiophiles hoping for the latest in audio technology, the 7.1 DTS-HD MA track remains a strong offering. Dialogue is impressively clear, and the mix is vibrant and dynamic, ensuring an engaging audio experience.

Despite its age, the soundtrack is robust and detailed, providing listeners with a rich auditory experience. The aggression in the dynamics and the responsiveness of the LFE channel add substantial depth to the audio. While it would have been preferable to see an upgrade to a DTS:X track, the 7.1 DTS-HD MA remains a reliable and enjoyable presentation for this remastered classic.

The "Scarface" Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive and engaging look behind the scenes of this seminal film. This edition features a standout new addition, Scarface: 35th Anniversary Reunion, where Director Brian De Palma and cast members Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Steven Bauer revisit the film's creation during a conversational session at the Beacon Theater in New York. Key topics include project origins, the film's notorious violence, performance demands, and its enduring legacy. Excluded are the previous U-Control features, which is a noteworthy omission. This Blu-ray still offers a rich array of supplementary content that enhances appreciation for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW! Scarface: 35th Anniversary Reunion: Conversation with key filmmakers and cast.
• The Scarface Phenomenon: Insights into the cultural impact.
• The World of Tony Montana: Character exploration.
• The Rebirth: Behind-the-scenes development.
• The Acting: Performance-focused insights.
• The Creating: Examination of the filmmaking process.
• Deleted Scenes: Unused content from the film.
• Scarface: The TV Version: Adaptations for television broadcast.
• The Making of Scarface: The Video Game: Details on the video game adaptation.

Brian De Palma's iconic 1983 gangster film "Scarface" remains a seminal piece in cinematic history, thanks to Al Pacino's compelling performance and Oliver Stone's potent script. The film narrates the rise and fall of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who transforms into a ruthless drug kingpin in Miami. The narrative explores themes of ambition, excess, and self-destruction, beautifully encapsulating the 1980s drug scene's hedonism and chaos. Even though the movie thrives more on melodrama and visceral violence rather than deep introspection, De Palma's tight direction and Stone's incisive writing create a riveting portrait of a man whose insatiable greed leads to his inevitable downfall.

The character of Tony Montana is a fascinating study in self-destruction. Obsessed with wealth and power, Montana's narcissism and depravity drive him to pursue these desires ruthlessly, only to find himself hollowed out by the very things he coveted. Pacino's absorbing performance ensures that viewers see not just an actor but a vice-ridden drug dealer whose life spirals into chaos. By the film's explosive climax, audiences are paradoxically both repulsed by and fascinated with Montana, showcasing Pacino's extraordinary ability to immerse himself in this larger-than-life character.

Scarface's remastered Blu-ray release offers a pristine 1080p transfer and preserves the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack, enhancing the viewing experience with impeccable visual and auditory quality. The package includes a new retrospective conversation with key cast and crew members and retains most of the legacy extras from previous releases. This edition, available individually or as part of a limited edition bundle featuring the 1932 original film and a collectible statue, is a must-have for both new viewers and long-time fans. Universal Studios has ensured that this release honors the film's enduring legacy, offering an immersive experience that befits its classic status.

The Blu-ray release of "Scarface" provides notable improvements over its previous VC-1 presentation, although it cannot match the quality and impact of the accompanying 4K Ultra HD (UHD) release. The new 4K transfer delivers a visual experience that elevates the film to new heights, presenting a much sharper, richer picture. For audiences constrained to Blu-ray, this release marks a considerable enhancement with more refined image quality compared to older editions, offering a vastly improved color palette and clarity.

Technically, the Blu-ray is solid—featuring a 2.35:1 aspect ratio presented in AVC encoding and an English DTS-HD MA 7.1 audio track that provides a robust sound experience. Substantial care has been taken with the subtitles, available in English SDH, French, and Spanish, and additional mono tracks in French and Spanish ensure broader accessibility. The new retrospective panel included in this release is insightful and enriches the viewing experience for both long-time fans and new viewers alike. However, it's worth noting that no new audio options have been added, which might be a slight disappointment for audiophiles seeking an upgraded auditory experience.

In conclusion, "Scarface" stands the test of time as an iconic piece of cinema, and Universal's latest 4K remaster has admirably enhanced its visual presentation. The Blu-ray release, while not as impressive as the UHD version, still provides a substantial upgrade from previous editions and should be a welcome addition for fans without UHD playback capabilities. With its improved picture quality, this Blu-ray is highly recommended.