Carlito's Way 4K Ultra HD

In "Carlito's Way," ex-convict Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) tries to go straight but his drug-addicted lawyer (Sean Penn) and a young criminal make it difficult for him to get out of the life. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Matt Zoller Seitz, select scene commentary with Dr. Douglas Keesey; six featurettes: "The Making Of Carlito's Way" (HD 34:36), "De Palma On Carlito's Way" (HD 05:28), "All The Stitches In The World: The Locations Of Carlito's Way" (HD 02:59), "Cutting Carlito's Way" (HD 17:22), "De Palma's Way" (HD ) and "Carilto & The Judge" (HD 12:32); nine deleted scenes (HD 08:18); image gallery; theatrical teaser and trailer; seven double-sided postcard-sized lobby card reproductions; reversible cover sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Obviously Creative; illustrated collector's booklet; double-sided fold-out poster; a Movies Anywhere digital copy and more.

The 2.35:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on 35 mm Eastman film stock in anamorphic Panavision® using the Panavision Panaflex Gold II camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. This is a gorgeous picture that dazzles the eyes with a vivid color palette that pops with saturated hues. The palette exhibits wonderful nuanced hue shadings throughout. Film grain is smooth and never objectionable. The film source enhances the warmth and richness of the colors. Flesh tones are perfectly natural. The black-and-white sequence at the beginning exhibits a well balanced gray scale. HDR contrast is wide with deep black levels, exceptionally revealing shadows and natural white levels. Resolution is finely detailed throughout, especially during closeups. Facial features reveal skin pores, lines, beards and hair. Clothing is finely resolved as well as object textures, which heighten the realism Everything appears realistic and vibrant. This is a wonderfully beautiful visual experience with appreciative cinematography and colors. A real gangster classic. (Gary Reber)

The DTS:X/DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding throughout. Atmospherics are realistic and enhance the sense of realism. Sound effects, such as gunfire, and other sonic effects, sound realistic as well. Foley sound effects are perfectly synchronized with the on-screen action. Patrick Doyle's orchestral score, particularly the club music, is dynamic sounding and occupies a wide and deep soundstage. As well, both atmospherics and sound effects extend to the surrounds. The surrounds are virtually always engaged for a satisfying enveloping presence. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with generally good spatial integration and directionality.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of an extension of the orchestral score and brief gunfire. Given the limited stereo source elements, this was a limitation though an DTS:X up mix could have been employed.

This is a very satisfying holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack with captivating sonic environments that sound terrific. (Gary Reber)