A crime film these days is a dime a dozen, especially if you include TV and pay per view. But, some of the most iconic are keepsakes for ardent fans of the genre. Now available is one of the most brutal crime thrillers and a collector’s item. The film Scarface that was released in 1983, celebrates its 35th anniversary with a SCARFACE: THE WORLD IS YOURS Special Edition in 4K Ultra HD/Ultra Blu-ray. It comes in a special box that includes some extra perks; including a foot tall stature replica of The World Is Yours statue that is in the entrance of Tony Montana’s house in the movie. It also has the original 1932 Scarface movie starring Paul Muni that been remastered, plus over 2 1/2 hours of Bonus features.
Tony Montana (Al Pacino) arrives in the United States along with hundreds of others during the Mariel Boat Lift. Scrutinizing those that look suspicious, he’s singled out for a stay in tent city under busy highways of Miami. There he meets Manny Ribera (Steven Bauer) a small time hood who’s open for escaping the holding pen. Making deal that includes knocking off a snitch who was known in Cuba, the two start their life in the Little Cuba in the South Miami area.
I’m just a small introduction as most anyone who has heard of the movie knows how it goes from there with a ton of violence, drugs and an opulent living. It’s a movie that so hard to forget once you see it, that you’ll play it again for friends, family members and even yourself. Scarface didn’t get one nomination for an Academy Award being closed out by dramas like Terms of Endearment and The Big Chill. However the Golden Globes has no problem nominating Al Pacino for Best Actor, Steven Bauer for Supporting Actor and the Best Original Score.
BONUS FEATURES ON SCARFACE GOLD EDITION & “THE WORLD IS YOURS” LIMITED EDITION ON 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY™& DVD:
• Scarface: 35th Anniversary Reunion
• Deleted Scenes
• The Scarface Phenomenon–This documentary presents Scarface as a unique phenomenon in cinema history. It explores how a film plagued by controversy leading up to its release has become a Hollywood classic, influencing a whole new generation of filmmakers and leaving a lasting imprint on popular culture.
• The World of Tony Montana–Experience the world of the ultimate gangster and hear from experts on the real world violence, fear and paranoia that surrounds a drug lord.
• The Rebirth–Director Brian De Palma, producer Martin Bregman, actor Al Pacino and screenwriter Oliver Stone revisit the history of Scarface, from the inspiration of the original Howard Hawks classic to the evolution of the script.
• The Acting–Join the filmmakers, Al Pacino and Steven Bauer to discover how each of the roles was cast and how Brian De Palma worked with his actors to get unforgettable performances.
• The Creating–A fascinating, controversial and definitive journey through the making of the film, which began with the production being forced to leave its initial location in Florida. Discover how the chainsaw scene was filmed, learn about the production design, the photography, and the struggle to get the film an “R” rating.
• Scarface: The TV Version–A revealing and hilarious montage of film clips comparing the theatrical version to the network television version of Scarface.
And much more.
I had high expectations for the 4K visual quality and although it does improve the presentation, it’s not exceptional to the original Blu-ray release. It may have been my system, but after the first 20 minutes it started to get a bit dark and a touch of grain. Of course I’m being picky, so if you disagree please send me a note via my email. The sound quality however is outstanding and I found myself turning it down now and then as it was if a war was taking place in my den.
Scarface has been re-rated R by the MPAA for strong graphic violence and drug use, pervasive strong language, and some sexual content/nudity. At the time it was released in 1983 the film was going to be rated X, however Brian De Palma adjusted it somewhat to finally received and R rating by the MPAA. Please watch the film before allowing immature teens to see it.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A major icon for collectors and gift giving.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Robert Loggia, F. Murray Abraham, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Director: Brian DePalma
Screenplay by: Oliver Stone
MPAA Rating: R for strong graphic violence and drug use, pervasive strong language, and some sexual content/nudity
Genre: Crime, Drama
Running Time: 2 hrs. 50 min
Video Release Date: October 15, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date: December 9, 1983
Language: English (changeable to French or Spanish)
Reviewed Format: 4K and Ultra Blu-ray
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio
Video: 4K resolution for 4X sharper picture than HD
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 3 discs plus Digital Code
Distributed by: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Released on: 4K Ultra HD+ Blu-ray™+ Digital Code.
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
