Heist Blu-ray Review

Sony’s Blu-ray release of David Mamet's "Heist" delivers the film in its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio using the MPEG-4 AVC codec. This transfer, which appears to utilize the same video master from its 2002 DVD release, is presented clean and free of major age-related artifacts. However, slight imperfections such as a thin scratch in a late scene and occasional cross-coloration are visible. The image feels somewhat soft, aligning with Mamet and cinematographer Robert Elswit's artistic intent for a desaturated, almost noir-like visual aesthetic. The color palette, dominated by grays and muted browns, accentuates occasional shimmering golds to significant dramatic effect.

The 1080p transfer maintains a solid, yet not exceptional picture quality throughout. While color rendering and black levels are consistent, sharpness varies, possibly reflecting the characteristics of the original cinematography. Aliasing and jagged edges occasionally appear along certain outlines, hinting at potential interlaced-to-progressive conversion issues. With an average video bitrate of 22,313 kbps, the film achieves an acceptable level of detail without reaching the high-definition clarity expected from more modern releases. The absence of a chapter selection menu on the main screen is a minor inconvenience but does not detract significantly from the overall presentation quality.

This meticulous attention to Mamet’s stylistic choices results in a visually subdued but effective presentation that fits the film's narrative tone. While it doesn't achieve the pinnacle of Blu-ray visual quality, it provides an adequate and respectful representation of Mamet's work for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Sony's presentation of "Heist" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround mix (1769 kbps, 16-bit), accompanied by a lossy Spanish-dub stereo track. The primary mix does a commendable job of rendering dialogue, particularly Mamet's characteristic rapid-fire, naturalistic, and profane Mametspeak, ensuring that every line is both crisp and comprehensible. The mix effectively supports the film's witty one-liners and terse exchanges, keeping viewers focused on the storyline and characters rather than the audio nuances. However, one might wish for a higher bitrate with 24-bit depth to fully capture the dramatic explosions and ambient effects, which can require turning up the receiver for an impactful experience.

While Theodore Shapiro's jazzy and propulsive score underscores the film's shifting plot gears admirably, there are some limitations in the overall sound mix. Particularly, the rear channels of the 5.1 surround sound are underutilized, leading to a front-heavy soundstage with decent stereo separation. This can make the soundtrack feel strangely underpowered at times, though it remains free from any hisses or age-related audio anomalies. Optional English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles are available, catering to a variety of audience needs. Overall, while the audio presentation is solid, there is room for enhancement in areas such as channel utilization and bitrate.

The extras included in the Blu-ray of "Heist" offer a solid spectrum of supplementary content, though they lean more towards conventional features without pushing the envelope. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer, despite varied source quality, is appreciated for its nostalgic value and promotional insight. However, more in-depth featurettes, such as behind-the-scenes footage or director and actor commentary, would have enriched the viewing experience further. The technical quality of these extras ranges from standard upscaled formats to crisp HD presentations.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A letterboxed trailer of "Heist" available in both upconverted 1080p and HD.

David Mamet's 2001 film "Heist" marks an ambitious divergence from conventional caper film tropes, showcasing Mamet's unique narrative style and character development. While Mamet plays with genre conventions, it's the characters' interactions that stand out. The film centers on Joe Moore (Gene Hackman) and his long-time partner Bob Blane (Delroy Lindo), complemented by veteran thief Don 'Pinky' Pincus (Ricky Jay). Their attempted jewelry heist quickly escalates when caught on camera, forcing Joe to consider retirement. However, their unscrupulous fence Mickey Bergman (Danny DeVito) coerces them into a final job involving the theft of Swiss gold bullion from a cargo plane.

"Heist" distinguishes itself by maintaining focus on the thieves, avoiding the typical split screen time with law enforcement. This approach enhances the suspense as the audience is continually guessing the crew's next move. Despite the ensemble cast, Hackman and Lindo's chemistry drives the film, while the introduction of Mickey’s nephew, Jimmy Silk (Sam Rockwell), introduces tension and uncertainty. Mamet’s storytelling prowess ensures the plot's twists and double-crosses remain engaging, though some may be predictable. Notably, Mamet controls the action well without resorting to gratuitous violence.

The film’s standout sequence is the cargo plane robbery, which is meticulously executed, showcasing Mamet’s strength in combining tight plotting with intense performances. While Hackman and Lindo deliver stellar performances, DeVito’s familiar yet effective portrayal of Mickey adds depth. However, Rebecca Pidgeon’s performance as Fran lacks the chemistry necessary to fully resonate with Hackman's character. Despite minor shortcomings in character dynamics and predictable plot turns, "Heist" stands as a robust entry in the caper genre, enriched by Mamet’s directorial finesse and strong ensemble performances.

David Mamet's "Heist," released in 2001, stands out amongst its contemporaries with its somber tone and intricate plotting. While it got overshadowed by other caper films that year, such as "The Mexican" and "Swordfish," Mamet’s direction and a stellar cast provide viewers with a more compelling narrative. Its comparative advantage is its ability to sustain momentum better than "The Score," which tended to lag. The film remains engaging despite some storytelling surprises that don't completely land.

However, the Blu-ray transfer leaves much to be desired. The BD-25 disc features mediocre picture quality that begs for a new scan to enhance visual fidelity. Similarly, the sound mix could benefit from a substantial improvement to match contemporary standards. The Blu-ray does surpass its standard definition predecessor but not enough to warrant an immediate purchase at its current price point. If you’re budget-conscious, wait until it drops below $20.

In conclusion, "Heist" is a worthwhile addition for fans of caper films and Mamet's work, yet the Blu-ray edition pales in comparison to what the film deserves. Despite technical shortcomings, enthusiasts may still find value in owning this release, especially if procured at a discounted price.