Carlito's Way (1993) Arrow Video 4k Blu-ray Review

Al Pacino is an Academy Award winning actor. He has played in so many different kinds of films, but his arguably his best genre the gangster film. That is probably why he made so many of them though his career. He starred in The Godfather Trilogy, Scarface, Donnie Brasco and a lot of films fans favorite's Carlito's Way.

Now the good folks at Arrow Video are releasing the 1993 Brian De Palma directed film Carlito's Way on deluxe edition 4K UltraHD and Blu-ray. This new set comes complete with bonus features that will have Al Pacino fans chomping at the bit. 

Gangster Carlito Brigante (Pacino) gets released early from prison thanks to the work of his lawyer, Kleinfeld (Sean Penn, Milk). Vowing to go straight, Carlito nonetheless finds dangers waiting for him in the outside world. As Carlito works toward redemption, Kleinfeld sinks into cocaine-fueled corruption. When Kleinfeld crosses the mob, Carlito gets caught in the crossfire and has to face a hard choice: remain loyal to the friend who freed him or protect a new life with the woman he loves (Penelope Ann Miller, The Relic). With enemies closing in from all sides, Carlito must find his way before it’s too late.

As with most gangster films you know what you are in for in Carlito's Way. There is a lot of violence and a ton of profanity. But the story is a dramatic presentation. Al Pacino give a performance that is right up there with Scarface and The Godfather. But there is also tremendous performances by John Leguizamo (Land of the Dead), Luis Guzmán (Magnolia), and Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings).

Carlito's Way has been transferred to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in 2160p in High Dynamic Range. The audio options are the original stereo, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-X audio. There are also the optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

As for the Blu-ray disc the film is presented in High Definition in 1080p presentation. The Audio is the original stereo and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Carlito's Way looks and sounds tremendous. The colors are vibrant and there is no signs of damage to the print. But as I wrote earlier Arrow Video didn't just give Al Pacino fans a gorgeous looking film on 4K/ Blu-ray. They added some amazing bonus features. Let's take a look at what is included.

DISC ONE: FEATURE (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)

* Brand new audio commentary by Matt Zoller Seitz, author of The Wes Anderson Collection and The Soprano Sessions

* Brand new audio commentary by Dr. Douglas Keesey, author of Brian De Palma’s Split-Screen: A Life in Film


DISC TWO: FEATURE AND EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)

* Brand new audio commentary by Matt Zoller Seitz

* Brand new audio commentary by Dr Douglas Keesey

* Carlito and the Judge, a brand new interview with Judge Edwin Torres, author of the novels Carlito’s Way and After Hours on which the screenplay for Carlito’s Way is based

* Cutting Carlito’s Way, a brand new interview with editors Bill Pankow and Kristina Boden

* De Palma’s Way, a brand new appreciation by film critic David Edelstein

* All the Stitches in the World: The Locations of Carlito’s Way, a brand new look at the New York locations of Carlito’s Way and how they look today

* De Palma on Carlito’s Way, an archival interview with director Brian De Palma

* The Making of Carlito’s Way, an archival documentary on the making of the film, produced for the original DVD release

* Deleted scenes

* Original promotional featurette

* Theatrical teaser and trailer

* Image gallery

In addition to the above on disc bonus features Arrow Video added some awesome physical bonuses in the packaging!

* Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Obviously Creative

* Double-sided fold-out poster featuring newly-commissioned artwork by Tom Ralston and Obviously Creative

* Seven double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproductions

* Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Barry Forshaw and original production notes

Arrow Video never ceases to amaze me in the releases. They really put a lot of work into making the best quality video transfer and must-see bonus features. They really go above and beyond to make the best sets possible, and Carlito's Way is no exception.

So, if you love gangster films as much as I do. You need this new 4K/Blu-ray of Carlito's Way in your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today. You won't be disappointed. 


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the 4K/Blu-ray of Carlito's Way receives....