Forget It, Jake, It’s Chinatown – Walsh
Landmark movie in the film noir tradition, Roman Polanski’s Chinatown stands as a true screen classic. Jack Nicholson is private eye Jake Gittes, living off the murky moral climate of sunbaked, pre-war Southern California. Hired by a beautiful socialite (Faye Dunaway) to investigate her husband’s extra-marital affair, Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits, uncovering a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together for one, unforgettable night in…Chinatown. Co-starring film legend John Huston and featuring an Academy Award®-winning script by Robert Towne, Chinatown captures a lost era in a masterfully woven movie that remains a timeless gem. – Synopsis via Paramount Pictures
CHINATOWN is directed by Roman Polanski. It was written by Polanski and Robert Towne. It is arguably one of the best films ever made. It has influenced noir films, detective stories, and even video games.
CHINATOWN is the movie that made me love the noir genre. For me, it is one of those movies that reminds me why I love cinema. Like any good detective story, the film opens with a strange case. The story layers into a mystery that keeps building and keeps you riveted.
From what I understand, it gets so much right, including the history of LA. The attention to detail that carries the feeling of the late 1930s. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway show their talent and why they are held in such high regard.
Nicholson was in the middle of his greatest projects and showing off his talent. After BONNIE AND CLYDE, Faye Dunaway showed that she has a lot of range and in this film, her character goes through it.
Cast
Jack Nicholson as J. J. “Jake” Gittes
Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Cross-Mulwray
John Huston as Noah Cross
Perry Lopez as Lt. Lou Escobar
John Hillerman as Russ Yelburton
Darrell Zwerling as Hollis I. Mulwray
Diane Ladd as Ida Sessions
Roy Jenson as Claude Mulvihill
VIDEO QUALITY 5/5
The video is a 2160p HEVC presentation with Dolby Vision and it is a beauty. The images are warm in a way that pushes the believability of the period. Every detail is visible in the format down to Jake’s nose. The make-up blends nicely and doesn’t date the effect. Textures in the wool suits and other clothing are sharp. There is a shot of a man reading a thing called a newspaper and the print looks as if I was holding it myself. The colors aren’t flashy but the reds are vivid; especially in lipstick shades. The Dolby Vision creates great contrast that adds to the tone of the film. The images also feel like they have plenty of depth and show the beauty of LA. There is a lack of grain that surprised me but the pictures are excellent. Skin tones are warm and natural.
AUDIO QUALITY 4.5/5
The audio is a lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix. There is also a mono mix that has been with the movie since the last Blu-ray release. The mono track is nice if you want an authentic theater experience but the 5.1 mix is a bit more expansive. There are no big effects aside from vehicles, sporadic gunfire, and rushing water. It is heavy on the treble and light on the bass. It is also an example of the time. The dialogue is clear and prioritized properly.
SUPPLEMENTS & PACKAGING 4.5/5
-Audio Commentary: with Screenwriter Robert Towne and with David Fincher.
-A State of Mind: Author Sam Wasson on CHINATOWN
-CHINATOWN Memories
-The Trilogy that Never Was: This discusses the planned trilogy of Jake Gittes.
-Water and Power: This looks at the water and power for Los Angeles.
-CHINATOWN: An Appreciation: Various film historians and critics express their appreciation for the film.
-CHINATOWN: The Beginning and The End: Roman Polanski and various cast/crew discuss the inception of the movie.
-CHINATOWN: Filming: This could be a part of the previous extra. It has the cast and crew discussing filming the movie plus a little of the sequel.
-CHINATOWN: The Legacy: This was filmed at the same time as the previous extra and the same players.
-Theatrical Trailer
Disc Details
2-Disc Set w/ 1 4k UHD and 1 Blu-ray
Digital Copy Included
Blu-ray copy of THE TWO JAKES Included
Gatefold Slipcover Included
Running Time
131 mins
Edition Ratings
Rated R
Region Coding
Region Free
4k UHD
Video Resolution
2160p HEVC / H.265
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
HDR
Dolby Vision
HDR10
Audio Mixes
English Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English Dolby TrueHD 2.0
French Dolby Digital 2.0
Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0
Portuguese Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles
English
English SDH
French
Portuguese
Spanish
Blu-ray
Video Resolution
1080p AVC MPEG-4
Audio Mixes
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
German Dolby Digital 2.0
French Dolby Digital 2.0
Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles
English
English SDH
French
German
Japanese
THE BOTTOM LINE 5/5
CHINATOWN is a true classic and a masterpiece of cinema. Every aspect of the film works and it has one of the most iconic last lines in a film. I will go as far as to say that this is a near-perfect transfer. As near as you can get. What makes it fall short of the 5/5 is the missing grain. I’m a big fan of grain on a remaster, especially with something from 1974. The audio is also nicely done and is the same excellent mix as the previous Blu-ray. The extras are excellent with a ton of good information. This is a release I highly recommend to anyone who is a fan or first-timer.
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