★★★★★ 5
Kino’s 4k Release Is A Cut Above The Prior Bluray!
Wow. Practically a night and day difference from the earlier bluray. There are the usual increases in clarity, sharpness and even less grain overall, though still entirely natural and healthy-looking. But, the biggest improvement is that the dark areas of the many true night shots, mostly found in the beginning, are much improved over that bluray, which, in that respect, looked horrid. When I first viewed it then, I had to wonder if it was a less-than-ideal print or if the original film was just that down-and-dirty in its production values. But, now I feel like I’m seeing the real quality of this film brought back to life. I’m sure Kino’s working from the 35mm, camera negative had a big impact on all that.
The film is terrific, a gangland action-adventure that also doubles very well as dark comedy. Once we're initially introduced to the laid-back and even ‘leisurely amusing’ take on its own, dark material this film has to offer – then we're off and running. That, and Ritchie’s eye for detail of middle America makes for a ‘pleasing’ viewing experience, even for this otherwise, sober-minded, sordid, dark and violent content. But, this overlooked, unusual entry of a film, and it's not even really a true noir, is just as uniquely a worthwhile find today as I think it was back then - well worth going back for. Unexpectedly, it's actually a hoot!
Even with the violence and nudity here, on the whole this one somehow manages to rise above. Maybe it’s the hero aspect, but also Ritchie’s effective and insightful handling of both the ambiance and material. And in every category, it’s a well made film. Evidently it wasn’t marketed as dark comedy per se, but that’s clearly what it was always meant to be – and I think it's a great one! Glad to see Kino now giving it its due in a form that finally does it justice!
Don’t sleep on this one!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
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