Raging Bull Blu-ray Review

The 30th Anniversary Blu-ray release of "Raging Bull" delivers an exceptional video presentation, particularly impressive for a film over three decades old. The 1.85:1 framed black-and-white transfer retains high fidelity, showcasing excellent depth and rich textural details in faces, hair, clothing, and surfaces. Close-ups and mid-level pans bring significant definition, making the imagery appear highly lifelike. Michael Chapman's cinematography comes alive through well-balanced contrasts and dynamic black levels, handling both smoke-filled, lowly lit environments and brighter sequences with prowess. The grain structure remains natural, devoid of any unwanted digital manipulation, contributing to an immersive high-definition experience.

While the transfer used is identical to the 2009 Blu-ray release, its visual quality remains stellar. The 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC encode exudes realism with a slightly overexposed, low-contrast look during domestic scenes, enhancing the gritty New York ambiance. Fight scenes boast intense blacks and bright whites from flashbulbs that amplify the dramatic atmosphere. Detail reproduction is exemplary, capturing every facet such as spurting fluids, sweat, and leather boxing gloves with striking clarity. Despite some variability in sharpness, these softer scenes blend seamlessly with the film's 1940s authenticity.

A minor issue reported is a faint translucent stripe on the right side of the screen during certain dark scenes. This stripe is almost imperceptible and should not detract from the overall viewing experience if your display settings are properly calibrated. The black-and-white gradation is balanced beautifully, with deep shadows and crisp whites creating a filmic presentation that feels true-to-source. Some marks and nicks appear on the print, but they are sparse and do not diminish the visual impact of this high-definition release. Overall, "Raging Bull" on Blu-ray looks fantastic, offering a visually enriching experience that honors the film's enduring legacy.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Raging Bull" delivers an immersive and finely detailed audio presentation, capturing the essence of Scorsese's deliberate and impressionistic sound design. The boxing sequences stand out, with flashbulbs crackling and punches landing with palpable, visceral intensity. The front soundstage, though somewhat narrow, opens up effectively during these sequences, while atmospheric elements like crowd noises and city ambience subtly enhance the environment. The use of the rear channels is sparse but selective, contributing to the overall sense of envelopment without overwhelming the listener.

While dialogue clarity is generally solid, occasional instances of low-level murmuring or whispered conversations can result in slightly muddled speech. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall experience. Classical pieces and period tunes are presented with excellent fidelity and presence, enriching the film’s impact. The low frequencies reproduce the tangibly engaging effects associated with the fight scenes, offering powerful bass action that resonates. Despite the track's dated aura, it excels in dynamics and detail, providing a textured and engaging auditory experience.

Given the film's age, the DTS-HD Master Audio track maximizes every opportunity to deliver a soundscape that is both immediate and involving. It encapsulates Scorsese's vision with high-level clarity and refinement, delivering a rich cinematic experience. Although some minor issues with dialogue volume exist, the overall presentation remains faithful to the film’s original intent and enhances its narrative impact.

The Blu-ray extras for "Raging Bull" offer a thorough exploration of the film's making and its lasting impact. The three distinct audio commentaries provide diverse insights: Director Martin Scorsese and editor Thelma Schoonmaker discuss technical aspects and production details, the cast and crew share personal anecdotes and reflections, and the storytellers provide unique perspectives from screenwriters and Jake LaMotta himself. Additionally, numerous featurettes delve into the working relationship between Scorsese and De Niro, the film's influence on other filmmakers, and personal recollections from LaMotta. Overall, the supplementary material is engaging and informative, making it essential viewing for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

Filmmaker’s commentary with Martin Scorsese & Thelma Schoonmaker: Technical insights and production background. Cast/crew commentary: Personal anecdotes and reflections. Storyteller’s commentary: Perspectives from screenwriters and Jake LaMotta. Marty & Bobby: Interviews about Scorsese and De Niro’s collaboration. Raging Bull: Reflections on a Classic: Filmmakers discuss the movie’s impact. Remembering Jake: Boxers reminisce about Jake LaMotta. Marty on Film: Scorsese discusses his cinematic journey. Cathy Moriarty on The Tonight Show: Moriarty promotes the film. Raging Bull: Fight Night: Comprehensive making-of documentary. The Bronx Bull: Reflection on film’s unlikely success. De Niro vs. LaMotta Shot for Shot: Comparison of real fights with movie scenes. LaMotta Defends Title: Vintage newsreel clip. Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional preview.

Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull" remains a powerhouse of cinema, distinguished by its unflinching realism and multifaceted narrative. Robert De Niro's Oscar-winning portrayal of Jake LaMotta, a deeply troubled middleweight boxer, is transformative and uncompromising. This film is far more than a mere sports biopic; it delves deeply into the psychological and sexual complexities of its protagonist, offering a brutal yet lyrical character study. Scorsese melds raw, unrelenting violence with poetic filmmaking, achieving a visceral dramatic impact that endures to this day. The film's opening sequence, where an overweight LaMotta rehearses Shakespeare in a nightclub dressing room, sets an operatic tone that oscillates between moments of grandiosity and those of intimate despair.

Scorsese’s direction exhibits meticulous attention to detail, seamlessly integrating the raw brutality of the boxing ring with the equally tumultuous domestic life of LaMotta. Employing techniques such as slow-motion photography, dynamic camera movements, and stark black-and-white cinematography, Scorsese transforms boxing matches into impressionistic nightmares that reflect LaMotta's inner demons. The fight scenes are noted for their quick edits, off-kilter angles, and stunning use of light and shadow, elements that enhance the film’s brutal elegance. These visual techniques not only highlight the physical violence but also mirror LaMotta's psychological turmoil, making every punch feel devastatingly real.

De Niro’s portrayal is annually lauded as one of his finest. His immersion into the role, which included gaining over sixty pounds to accurately depict LaMotta’s later years, showcases an unparalleled dedication to authenticity. Supporting performances, notably Joe Pesci as Joey LaMotta and Cathy Moriarty as Vickie, further elevate the film. Moriarty's debut performance is particularly noteworthy for its underlying complexity and raw emotionality. "Raging Bull" is not merely a film but a meticulous exploration of self-destruction and the human condition, solidifying its status as an enduring cinematic masterpiece.

The 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of "Raging Bull" reaffirms the film's status as an unparalleled cinematic masterpiece. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro in one of the most transformative roles of his career, this movie excels on multiple fronts. The seamless interplay between the film’s cinematography, editing, sound design, screenplay, music, and performances brings Jake LaMotta’s tormented story to life. While there have been no significant upgrades in video and audio quality from the earlier release, they remain exceptional, encapsulating the grit and emotional weight of each frame.

This edition includes a few new short featurettes that add value to an already comprehensive supplementary package. If you haven't experienced "Raging Bull" on Blu-ray, this version is certainly the one to own. However, for those who already possess the 2009 release, the minor additions may not justify another purchase. Nonetheless, if you appreciate extensive behind-the-scenes insights and additional context that deepen your understanding of this classic, the new features make it enticing.

In conclusion, "Raging Bull" is an unmitigated triumph in filmmaking and stands as a quintessential piece in any movie aficionado's collection. Its richly layered narrative and meticulous production make every viewing increasingly rewarding. The 30th Anniversary Edition offers a complete package, from pristine audio-visuals to insightful special features, making it highly recommended for both first-time viewers and long-time admirers.