The Italian Connection Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "The Italian Connection" arrives on Blu-ray from Raro Video with a 1080p transfer. Unfortunately, the much-anticipated release doesn't quite meet expectations. The 4K restoration, rich in potential with excellent raw files, falls short due to common issues that persist across Raro Video's Italian Crime Collection Vol. 1. Although restored in 4K, the primary colors appear compromised, with a fluctuating and often underwhelming dynamic range that compromises the overall visual performance.

The film exhibits problematic color temperatures both indoors and outdoors, leading to destabilized visuals. Notable is the variance observed in facial complexions and the flat appearance of darker scenes. An instance early in the film highlights the issue: the blue hair and dress of a character in a nightclub scene morph into a flat turquoise, detracting from visual clarity and fidelity. Furthermore, outdoor footage tends to alter primaries and temperature simultaneously, as evidenced by the loss of blue jeans' authenticity and the warm sunlight that feels inadequate and inconsistent.

Despite efforts, the lack of proper color timing hampers the potential of the 4K restoration to provide a definitive visual experience. The older master used in previous releases, albeit from an upscaled content hybrid, tends to deliver more convincing period-specific visuals—despite not being perfect either. This release typifies the frustrations often encountered when digital filtering is applied, leading to an unconvincing dynamic range. As a Region-Free Blu-ray release, it remains accessible worldwide, but the visual flatness underscores missed opportunities in optimizing this classic through technology.

The Blu-ray release of "The Italian Connection" offers two audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, both of which preserve the film's original overdubbing. While the English track allows viewers to hear the actual voices of key cast members such as Silva and Strode, some voices like those of Celi and Paluzzi are noticeably dubbed. For dedicated fans, switching between the two audio options provides an illuminating experience, revealing different tonal interpretations of the film.

The quality of these audio tracks presents a mixed bag. Both tracks benefit from a clean sound profile suitable for the Blu-ray format, yet there are subtle differences in production clarity. The English track, though perhaps cleaner in presentation, seems to suffer from some high-frequency management issues that may impact the listening experience slightly. Meanwhile, the Italian track, the default option on this Blu-ray, renders a more cohesive ambient and immersive atmosphere aligned with the serious crime thriller narrative, and is accompanied by optional English subtitles for those needing them.

Overall, despite slight variances in audio performance, this Blu-ray edition serves well in delivering a faithful auditory experience that complements the visual restoration. Each track provides its distinctive contour to the cinematic ambiance of "The Italian Connection," allowing viewers to explore the original 1970s film elements in enriched audio detail.

The Blu-ray of "The Italian Connection" boasts an impressive array of extras that offer both depth and context to Fernando Di Leo's work within his renowned Milieu Trilogy. The inclusion of a feature-rich documentary, Roots of the Mafia, provides a thorough exploration of the mafia's depiction in Di Leo's films, revealing intriguing connections between real-world influences and cinematic representation. This is complemented by Samm Deighan's insightful audio commentary, offering critical perspectives and enriching the viewing experience. Enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail in both the archival content and promotional materials, showcasing Di Leo’s craft in both modern and historical frameworks.

Extras included in this disc:

• Roots of the Mafia: Archival documentary on the mafia's influence in Di Leo's films.
• Milieu Trilogy Re-Release Trailer: Promotional content for the 4K restorations.
• The Italian Connection Trailer: Vintage international trailer.
• Caliber 9 Trailer: Vintage international trailer.
• Commentary: Exclusive audio commentary by critic Samm Deighan.

Fernando Di Leo’s "The Italian Connection" is a captivating entry in his acclaimed Milieu Trilogy, presented on Blu-ray with a meticulous 4K restoration sourced from the original camera negative by Raro Video. Set against the gritty backdrop of Milan in the early 1970s, the narrative thrusts viewers into a battleground ignited by a complex web of betrayal, fueled by sensational performances. Henry Silva and Woody Strode portray American hitmen David Catania and Frank Webster with intensity and charisma, underlining the film’s intricate exploration of loyalty and deception within organized crime. Mario Adorf stands out as Luca Canali, his portrayal evolving strikingly from unsuspecting target to vengeful force—an evolution captured vividly by Di Leo’s keen directorial eye and Franco Villa's discerning cinematography.

Central to the movie’s enigmatic appeal is its linguistic duality; while originally performed in English, the film suffers from noticeable audio overdubbing, which renders some crucial exchanges awkward. This aspect inadvertently adds a layer of charm that shifts "The Italian Connection" toward an offbeat, almost parody-inflected crime film for certain audiences enjoying this unintended genre blending. Di Leo's deliberate cinematic choices, such as frequent close-ups capturing Adorf’s visually compelling transformation, highlight the director's responsiveness to the film's evolving tone—a testament to his versatile storytelling capabilities. Despite these quirks, the ensemble cast, including Adolfo Celi, Sylva Koscina, and Luciana Paluzzi, reinforces the film's serious intent and nuanced execution.

Irrespective of audio quirks, "The Italian Connection" stands out due to its dynamic interactions and high-stakes drama. Beyond its narrative intrigue and atmospheric tension, the film asserts itself as an essential viewing experience for enthusiasts of genre cinema, maintaining its relevance and charm decades after its initial release. The Blu-ray release enriches this experience with valuable add-ons such as new commentary by critic Samm Deighan, further deepening appreciation for this compelling 1972 classic.

Raro Video’s Region-Free Blu-ray release of "The Italian Connection" offers an impressive 1920x1080p presentation in a 1.85:1 widescreen format. The film reportedly underwent a 4K remastering process in Italy, though the results may not meet the expectations set by previous makeovers such as the renowned 2K versions produced by Arrow Video for Fernando Di Leo’s other works. While the video quality showcases good film elements, the anticipated crispness and enhanced detailing from a 4K remaster are not as pronounced.

On the audio front, the Blu-ray provides a default Italian track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, with an English track also available. The inclusion of real voices from actors like Silva, Strode, and potentially Adorf on the English track lends authenticity to the viewing experience. However, it's noticeable that Celi and Paluzzi’s performances are dubbed, which might slightly detract for purists preferring pristine audio synchronicity. Optional English subtitles are provided for those opting for the original Italian audio, enhancing accessibility without compromising on linguistic nuances.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray release does not reach the transformative quality witnessed in prior remastering efforts of Fernando Di Leo's classics, it remains a solid option for fans of the genre. The technical choices, including dual audio tracks and optional subtitles, cater well to diverse preferences. It is regrettable that the other significant films weren't similarly upgraded with Arrow's excellence, as the Italian-based 4K makeovers fall short of their full potential.