Chinatown, a Brilliant Film Noir Now on Blu-ray

If there’s one Murder Mystery I recommend for your library its Chinatown.  The film starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway by far overshadows all others in this genre.  Now on Blu-ray for the first time, experiencing it in High Definition really makes the film a treat to watch.  

Chinatown weaves its mystery during the 1930’s Los Angeles with private eye Jake Gittes (Nicholson) being hired by a woman who says she’s the wife Hollis Mulwray the city engineer of the Department of Water and Power for the city and wants him followed on the premise that he has been cheating on her. After some time his assistants get photos of Mulwray kissing a young woman.  Shortly thereafter Mulwary turns up dead on a Los Angeles riverbed.  When Mulwray’s real wife (Dunaway) turns up and Jake suspects murder a plot of suspense, dishonesty and betrayal ensues.

Roman Polanski (The Pianist) spins the tale written by Robert Towne (Tequila Sunrise) using sets that turn back the clock to the 1930’s and provides a realistic backdrop concurrent with the storyline.  It’s an age of depression where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  His characters like Noah Cross played by John Huston and Yelburton portrayed by John Hillerman are crass and cunning.  Both are in a scheme to make millions and will stop at nothing to make that happen.  Their acting shows the 1970’s age of brilliance and how films of intrigue became the entertainment of the era.

This film stands out as one of Nicholson’s best in his lustrous career. Here he shows his ability to capture and captivate, as he gets more and more involved in the murder case.  Cunning and smart, his Jake Gittes puts all the pieces of the puzzle together, but looses his most prized reward.

It’s also great to see the fine performance by Faye Dunaway (Bonnie and Clyde) who together with Nicholson has an exciting screen presence.  The two put on a show equal to any of their best performances and make the film work.  Deceit and intrigue are their best attributes in Chinatown and what pleasures watching their characters develop.

The special features on the Blu-ray disc are exciting, interesting and abundant. Both David Fincher (Director of The Social Network, Fight Club) and writer Robert Towne provide commentary to the film opening new doors to an experience with Chinatown.

Special Features Presented in High Definition:

  • Commentary with Robert Towne and David Fincher— Towne and Fincher offer unique insights into this classic film.  No matter how many times you’ve watched Chinatown, this commentary will open your eyes to a whole new experience.
  • Water and Power (HD): — In this three-part documentary, Robert Towne visits sites along the original Los Angeles Aqueduct for the first time.  He is informed of the social and environmental impacts and given insight into the major issues around the creation and ongoing operation of the aqueduct.
  • The Aqueduct (HD)— The City of Los Angeles completed the 233-mile gravity-fed aqueduct from the Owens Valley in 1913, under the leadership of a self-taught engineer named William Mulholland. L.A. Department of Water and Power representatives along with Catherine Mulholland, granddaughter of the engineer, discuss the development of the aqueduct and its contribution to the growth of the nation’s second-largest city.
  • The Aftermath (HD)— For decades a large rural community was desiccated under the management of water rights by the City of Los Angeles over a vast area of the Owens Valley.  Legal victories beginning in the 1970’s lead to successful reductions in environmental damages and the restoration of some natural habitats.  Historians, local ranchers and activists discuss the up-to-date impacts of the aqueduct and struggle to maintain a stable environment and community.
  • The River & Beyond (HD)— Prior to the building of the first aqueduct a century ago Los Angeles relied solely on its own local water supply: the Los Angeles River and its aquifer.  Today the river as a water resource is largely forgotten. Currently there are plans to re-develop the river to reduce L.A.’s dependence on imported water, reducing the environmental impact on distant communities, while creating parks and open spaces for the city.
  • Chinatown: An Appreciation— Chinatown has been hailed as a perfect film.
  • Robert Towne’s cynical labyrinth of secrets and sin, Roman Polanski at the top of his form, Jack Nicholson in all his glory, Faye Dunaway at her sexiest and most mysterious, John Huston as one of the creepiest and most unrepentant villains of all time, the great cinematography, the wonderful score, the bandage on the nose… In this featurette, prominent filmmakers express their personal admiration for the film: Steven Soderbergh – Director – Traffic, James Newton Howard – Composer – The Dark Knight, Kimberly Peirce – Writer/Director – Boys Don’t Cry, and Roger Deakins – Cinematographer – No Country For Old Men
  • Chinatown: The Beginning and the End
  • Chinatown: Filming
  • Chinatown: The Legacy
  • Theatrical Trailer (HD)

FINAL ANALYSIS: Beyond a doubt one of the best mysteries of all time. [rating=6]

Specifications and Additional Film Information:

  • Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Burt Young and Diane Ladd
  • Directed by: Roman Polanski
  • Rating: R, contains adult situations, violence, brief nudity and language
  • Genre: Crime, Drama and Mystery
  • Running Time: 2 hrs 10 min
  • Street Date: April 3, 2012
  • Original Theatrical Release Date: June 20, 1974
  • Language: English
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital
  • Video: 1080p True HD, Color, Widescreen,
  • Subtitles: English SDH, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese
  • Awards: Nominated for 11 Oscars including Best Picture, Won for Best Original Screenplay
  • Number of Discs: 1
  • Distributed by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com