Hustle Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hustle" offers a remarkably detailed visual experience, maintaining the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded in 1080p using the MPEG-4 AVC codec. Derived from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative at Paramount Pictures, this transfer achieves a rich, film-like quality with robust saturation and solid hues, faithfully preserving the movie’s aesthetic. The nuanced color grading delivers vibrant primary colors and healthy supporting hues, contributing to a convincing visual experience. While most of the image maintains impressive delineation and depth, minor issues are noted in shadow-heavy scenes, where light crushing affects clarity. These imperfections, however, are minimal and largely ignorable due to the generally high-quality cinematography.

The integrity of the presentation is consistent throughout most of the film, though an anomaly occurs around the 40-minute mark, where two shots appear zoomed, resulting in noticeable grain, enhanced colors, and slightly misaligned framing. This deviation is not typical of the overall quality, which swiftly recovers to its previous standard. Notably, the surface quality of the visuals is commendably clean aside from a couple of minor white specks visible at the beginning. These artifacts do not detract significantly from what is arguably the best version of "Hustle" available on home video. However, potential viewers should note that this is a Region-A locked release, requiring compatible playback equipment. Overall, this Blu-ray edition provides a compelling and technically proficient representation of the film, accentuating its cinematic virtues while maintaining fidelity to its original presentation intent.

The Blu-ray release of "Hustle" features a single audio track, presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English SDH subtitles. The audio clarity is consistently outstanding, maintaining dynamic intensity and effectively delivering the film's dialogue, soundtrack, and sound effects.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix authentically reflects the audio design characteristic of 1970s films. Dialogue is recorded with precision and seamlessly integrated with Frank De Vol’s minimalistic score and select period songs like “Yesterday When I Was Young” and the theme from A Man and a Woman. The sound effects complement these elements effectively, creating a well-balanced central audio track without interference from age-associated hiss, crackle, or other auditory distortions.

Overall, this audio presentation encapsulates the essence of the era, preserving the integrity of the film's original soundscape while providing a clear and dynamic listening experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Hustle" present an insightful look into both the film's creation and its historical context. The highlight is an engaging audio commentary by Alain Silver and James Ursini, renowned critics and experts on Robert Aldrich, offering an in-depth analysis of the film’s neo-noirish aesthetic and character development, as well as a deep dive into Aldrich’s directorial career. Their commentary is richly informative, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the film within its era. Additional content includes vintage promotional materials like the theatrical trailer and TV spots, preserving a nostalgic glimpse into the marketing strategies of the time. Collectively, these extras not only complement the main feature but also serve as a valuable resource for fans and film historians alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An engaging analysis by Alain Silver and James Ursini discussing the film's themes and production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original vintage U.S. trailer.
• TV Spots: Collection of vintage U.S. TV advertisements.
• Kino Trailers: Additional trailers including "Fuzz," "Shamus," "White Lightning," "The Longest Yard," and "Gator."

Robert Aldrich's "Hustle" (1975) emerges on Blu-ray as a compelling neo-noir feature with complex character dynamics and a gritty portrayal of 1970s Los Angeles. The narrative revolves around veteran detectives Phil Gaines (Burt Reynolds) and Louis Belgrave (Paul Winfield), who initiate a perfunctory investigation into the death of a teenager, Gloria Hollinger, presumed to be a drug overdose suicide. However, Gloria's father, Marty Hollinger (Ben Johnson) seeks deeper truth, suspecting foul play. The screenplay by Steve Shagan emphasizes the dichotomy within L.A., spotlighting socio-economic disparities through a lens of cynicism. Director Aldrich adopts a fractured storytelling approach, interspersed with unrelated crime scenes that paint a broader picture of systemic challenges faced by law enforcement officers.

At the core, "Hustle" is less about solving a crime and more a vessel for intricate human studies. Burt Reynolds delivers an authentic performance as Gaines, entangled in professional and personal turmoil, particularly through his volatile relationship with call girl Nicole Britton (Catherine Deneuve). Deneuve’s character adds an additional layer to the exploration of personal conflict, serving as both distraction and connection to Los Angeles' underbelly. Though underwritten, Deneuve's presence injects nuance to the film's complex social narrative. Paul Winfield supports Reynolds with a credible portrayal of unwavering partner loyalty, while Ben Johnson and Eileen Brennan contribute deeply affecting performances as grieving parents caught in societal crossfires.

The film’s strength lies in its ensemble cast and unexpected narrative turns, coupled with Oscar-winner Joseph Biroc's cinematography that vividly captures Los Angeles’ moody aura. Despite lacking the dynamic action sequences of contemporaneous crime tales, “Hustle” compensates with its raw energy and character-driven plot. Aldrich's film serves as a testament to 1970s cinematic storytelling, offering a unique reflection on societal issues through the prism of personal drama amidst the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles.

Kino Lorber's Blu Ray release of "Hustle," directed by Robert Aldrich, is a meticulously crafted presentation benefiting from a new 4K master sourced at Paramount Pictures. This edition showcases the film with impressive clarity, enhancing the visual storytelling intricately. "Hustle" reaffirms its place within Aldrich's unique filmography, often transcending the neo-noir genre due to his distinctive narrative style. Though sometimes perceived as unfocused, the film remains captivating through its robust performances by Burt Reynolds and Catherine Deneuve, embodying complex characters within a somewhat intricate plot.

While the film navigates neo-noir themes, it diverges from traditional genre conventions, offering a more introspective and character-driven narrative. Despite not delivering high-paced action, it successfully engages through nuanced character exploration and atmosphere. The thematic parallels with films such as "Blow-Up" and "Hardcore" offer additional layers of interest, showcasing the interconnectedness of Aldrich’s work across seemingly disparate genres.

Conclusively, Kino Lorber’s Blu Ray presentation is an essential collector's item for aficionados of Aldrich's cinema and neo-noir enthusiasts alike. However, potential buyers should be aware of its Region-A locking, necessitating compatible players outside North America. This edition of "Hustle" is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those appreciating the subtleties of Aldrich's Auteur vision and seeking to expand their noir collection with this unique cinematic piece.