Heat Blu Ray Steelbook From The Warner Collection

'I do what I do best, I take scores. You do what you do best, try to stop guys like me'

 

Fig 1. The Front has a Wonderful Silvery Shimmer to it Along with a Matte Finish..

 

For starters this was one of those films with such high expectations regarding De Niro and Pacino's first on screen appearance together.. And you know what despite the lack of time they ARE seen together the film manages to jet off in one direction and never stands still. Even the so called 'Slower' scenes are fast paced as in Pacino and his wife arguing, along with the off action chemistry between Val Kilmer and his lover. Obviously there is the ultimate 'Coming together' of the two iconic stars and the intensity does seem to grab you, like you've been waiting for this moment for years.. This is truly a Great (and I don't use that word to often) and I mean Great Crime Story. A bunch of cons and ex-cons come together for ONE more last heist and to ultimately live there dreams out. Can it all go as planned?. Well buy it and see it for yourself, as I am not going to give anything away in this review. Now grab your hockey mask and let the games begin..

 

Fig 2. The Rear has a Clip of one of the Heists, a Nice touch to see a Almost all White Steel.

 

 

 

VIDEO****

Presented at 2.40:1 in brilliant 1080p

Warner have seemed to have done a very good job on not just this but ALL the Warner collection Re-Release's. If your expectations are super high, then forget it. Those people looking for a crisp clean HD Transfer will feel a little disappointed, but don't be. If you want film grain it's there but not misused and I, for one, am very happy with how it turned out and looks. Colours and skintones are as life like as you would expect from a Mann film.  Detail is just as high, especially when comparing the Blu Ray transfer to the DVD.(If you still own it, have a look for yourself) There is some minor messing around with the contrast but I think that's to do with continuity of the film stock not being even. It's not going to be Demo room material and it's not for the people who want 'Clash Of The Titans' CGI clarity. But there is enough of an improvement to warrant a so called 'Double Dip' or 'First time' buy. Blacks are suitably deep and thank god there is no messing around with edges or over use of DNR. So on the whole as Mann didn't mess around to much I would advise you to pick this up and add it to ANY collection..  A 4 out of 5 for me, pure HD pleasure.

 

 

 

AUDIO****
DOLBY TRUE HD English 5.1, French, Dolby Digital 5.1, German, Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish, Dolby Digital 5.1. And Portuguese, Dolby Digital 2.0
Oh Dolby, Dolby Dolby, sometimes you really do deliver some outstanding soundtracks and this is one of them. I used to think the DVD sounded good in old school Dolby Digital. But this re-mastered track blows the socks and what ever else your wearing off. Dialogue is crisp and nicely positioned to the Centre channel. And it seems that during the famous 'Fight Scene' the voices are a little lost amongst all the gunfire, but I believe that was intentional believe it or not, as in the middle of the for-mentioned scene, would you hear anything anyway?. or maybe a studio mixing fault who knows, don't get me wrong you can still hear what they are saying it just seems a little muffled. The shootout itself is jaw-dropping, and other key scenes are just as good. As is the rear speaker activity, it is aggressive and involving, and very, very immersive. Just up my street. (no pun intended)
Play it loud and play it proud.. You will find yourself cranking the volume up and up.. its a natural reaction.. So overall a 4 and a half out of 5 for me.. now run for cover as the bullets fly..


EXTRAS***
DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY.
 The beginning of an audio commentary is made by director Michael Mann
Making of featurette
TRUE CRIME.
Recalling the real like Chicago cop and criminal whose exploits inspired the movie
CRIME STORY'S.
The screenplay's 20 year history and how the movie got finally greenlit
INTO THE FIRE.
Filming in L.A, Cast training, shooting the Climatic scenes and the downtown heist
PACINO AND DE NIRO.
The Conversation, an anatomy of the historic on screen showdown
RETURN TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME.
Revisiting the films Real-Life L.A locations years on
Its not a bad collection or collaboration of extra's.. Its the same as the barebones edition we had a few years back.. So that's the only problem with it.. i'm sure there is more to this and if you release a 'Premium' edition then make it so.. Boo Hoo, 3 out of 5 so a little disappointed yes WE should be.

Fig 3. I Love and I Mean Love the Inside art.. an Iconic Scene is What I/We Needed and Got

Not in your own collection then? Then use your spidey sense and get the tingle.

Grab it today from as little as £38.00 on Ebay or on Amazon 'New' on normal Amaray from £28.99, give it a go

 

Let Me Know What You Think. Do You Own It?... If Not Are You Going To Get It

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