The Untouchables 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray rendition of "The Untouchables" sees the classic crime drama realized in unparalleled clarity and vividness, courtesy of a new 4K restoration from its original 35mm film stock. Utilizing the Panavision Panaflex Gold camera system for shooting, this version retains the film’s authenticity and aesthetic, presenting it in its native 3840 x 2160p resolution, with a widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio. The video is treated with a 10-bit depth, employing High Dynamic Range (HDR), Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10. This ensures that every detail, from the nuances in skin textures to the vibrant yet natural colour palette of the 1920s setting, is magnificently captured. The HDR and WCG integration enhances the image's depth without over-saturation, making every scene pop with a realistic yet cinematic quality.

The disc’s exceptional handling of black levels lends the image a remarkable level of depth, enriching the frame and allowing shadows to maintain detail and texture, particularly noticeable in darker scenes. Specular highlights as demonstrated by various metallic surfaces or the glaring flashes of camera bulbs, gleam with a lifelike sheen thanks to the meticulous balance in brightness and contrast. The daylight scenes, especially those set along the Canadian border or within Chicago’s urban landscape, dazzle with incredible clarity and a richness that breathes life into Stephen H. Burum’s cinematography like never before. The overall picture quality is a major leap forward from previous Blu-ray releases, which suffered from undue smoothness and detail loss due to excessive processing.

In detailing and depth, "The Untouchables" on 4K UHD Blu-ray exhibits an outstanding level of fidelity to De Palma’s vision. Colors are rendered with precision—rich and full-bodied without being overpowering—complementing the film's authentic period look. Facial textures and clothing weaves reveal an astonishing level of detail, allowing the characters to emerge more lifelike than ever. This release, free from any digital compression issues or source blemishes, with its well-preserved grain structure, provides a pristine visual experience. It preserves the film's original gritty aesthetics while providing a fresh and elevated viewing experience that vividly captures the essence of prohibition-era Chicago and the relentless pursuit of justice by Ness and his team.

The Untouchables' 4K UHD Blu-ray release boasts an astounding Dolby Atmos soundtrack that redefines the movie-watching experience with its impeccable audio quality. The Atmos track leverages the full spectrum of the soundstage, introducing an enveloping layer of immersion that places viewers squarely in the middle of the action. From the subtle rustling of leaves to the assertive clamor of city streets, and the nuanced directionality of dialogue and sound effects, every audio element is rendered with phenomenal clarity and depth. Notably, the mix elevates Ennio Morricone's score, distributing it across the sound field with such fidelity that the music seems to live in the room with you. However, while the bass provides a solid foundation, it occasionally underwhelms in moments where a more profound impact could further enhance the experience.

The Dolby Atmos mix ingeniously utilizes a three-dimensional soundscape to deliver audio cues with precision, ensuring that ambient noises and action sequences alike are portrayed with an impressive realism that sometimes blurs the line between film and reality. For instance, effects like rain falling, trains passing overhead, and even the ambient buzz of urban life are so convincingly depicted that they add a tangible layer to the movie's atmosphere. This meticulous attention to sound staging also applies to quieter moments, where the delicate sounds of nature or a distant cityscape contribute to a richly textured auditory background. The dialogue remains crystal clear throughout, maintaining its prominence over the detailed sonic environment without ever feeling detached from the overall mix.

Technical execution aside, some may find the absence of a lossless original soundtrack an oversight for purists who appreciate the option to experience the movie as originally presented. Nonetheless, this Dolby Atmos track represents a significant achievement in audio engineering for home entertainment, offering both an expansive and detailed soundscape that enhances storytelling through its dynamic range and spatial precision. From explosive action sequences to subtle environmental sounds, the listener is enveloped in a cocoon of audio that significantly enhances the viewing experience, making The Untouchables' latest release a reference-quality powerhouse, despite minor shortcomings in low-frequency depth and the lack of classic track options.

This Ultra HD release of "The Untouchables" brings together a comprehensive suite of extras, elevating the viewing experience with a rich assortment of legacy features. All content, meticulously ported from previous Blu-ray editions, deepens the appreciation of this cinema classic. The extras explore various behind-the-scenes facets from the in-depth analysis of script and casting processes to unique production stories and insightful genre redefinitions. The original featurette, “The Men,” along with the theatrical trailer, complements the main feature, offering fans a fuller understanding of the film's impact. Paramount ensures this release is not just about higher visual quality but also about enriching the viewer's connection to the film through these well-preserved extras. The inclusion of a digital code adds a modern touch, although it does not come with a Blu-ray copy, underscoring its focus on the current media consumption trends.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Script, The Cast: A deep dive into the screenplay's development and casting choices.
• Production Stories: Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the filming.
• Re-Inventing the Genre: How "The Untouchables" set new standards for its genre.
• The Classic: A retrospective look at the film's enduring legacy.
• Original Featurette: “The Men”: Insights into the characters and their portrayals.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.

Brian De Palma's "The Untouchables" is an emphatic dive into the Prohibition-era battle between law enforcement and mobsters, delivered with a cinematic flair that pays homage to the gangster genre while infusing its own stylish embellishments. The narrative, loosely tethered to historical events, opts for a grandiose retelling that prioritizes emotional engagement and dramatic momentum over strict adherence to fact. The film revels in its creative liberties, orchestrating an engaging tale of righteous crusaders facing off against the indomitable Al Capone. Kevin Costner embodies Eliot Ness with a blend of idealism and resolve, but it's Sean Connery's Oscar-winning portrayal as the grizzled Jimmy Malone that anchors the moral complexity of their quest. Robert De Niro's Al Capone, though occasionally veering towards caricature, remains a formidable and captivating presence.

At the heart of "The Untouchables" is De Palma's directorial prowess, which combines classical storytelling techniques with his signature visual inventiveness. The movie’s set pieces, including the iconic train station shootout, showcase De Palma’s skill in building suspense and delivering action with a deft balance of elegance and intensity. These sequences, underscored by Ennio Morricone's hauntingly beautiful score, elevate the film beyond its historical inaccuracies and narrative simplifications. The film, despite critiques of style over substance, emerges as a celebration of cinema's power to mythologize history, blending elements of golden-age gangster dramas with the moral clarity of post-war police procedurals.

Thirty-five years on, "The Untouchables" remains a testament to the enduring appeal of its genre, enriched by stellar performances and De Palma's cinematic flair. Its elevation to 4K UHD not only commemorates its place in film history but also enhances its visual and auditory experience for new audiences. While it may not delve deeply into the complexities of its characters or the era it depicts, the film captures the essence of its iconic protagonists and villains with memorable gravitas. The blending of fiction with moments of historical truth, combined with its polished aesthetics and compelling narrative pacing, ensures that "The Untouchables" stands as a hallmark of De Palma's filmography and a celebrated entry in the canon of American gangster films.

Paramount Home Entertainment's release of "The Untouchables" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a testament to the lasting impact and excellence of Brian De Palma's classic. This edition brings a significant upgrade in both visual and auditory experience, showcasing the film's complex narrative and dynamic characters in unprecedented clarity. The native 4K image delivers spectacular detail, natural coloring, and deep blacks, creating a vivid visualization of the 1920s gangster era. Complementing the stunning visuals is a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that envelops viewers in the film's tension-filled atmosphere, enhancing the immersive experience of this cinematic masterpiece. While the set relies on legacy bonus features, the inclusion of a digital copy and the option for a limited-edition steelbook packaging adds value for collectors and fans alike.

Despite the absence of new supplemental material, the overall package is an attractive proposition for enthusiasts. The legacy content, although familiar, rounds off what is essentially the most definitive version of the film to date. The improvement over previous releases is night and day, with both picture quality and sound receiving first-class treatment. Paramount's effort in celebrating the film's 35th anniversary with such an attractive 4K Ultra HD SteelBook edition demonstrates a commendable dedication to preserving and enhancing classic cinema.

In conclusion, "The Untouchables" 4K UHD release is a highly recommended addition to any film lover's collection. Its superb video and audio restoration honors the film's legacy as a pioneering piece of American cinema, and while it may lean on previously released bonus features, the overall package, especially with its beautiful steelbook option, presents a compelling reason to revisit or discover this exceptional story of crime and justice. Whether you're drawn in by the historical narrative, the outstanding performances, or the technical brilliance of the restoration, this edition is an essential acquisition for aficionados of quality cinema.