Cruising (1980) 4k UltraHD Review

When you think of Al Pacino the first think that comes to mind is The Godfather trilogy, Scarface, Carlito's Way, Donnie Brasco, and Dick Tracy, okay maybe not the typical gangster film, but I love him as 'Big Boy' Caprice. He was so great is gangster films. But in 1980 Al Pacino found himself on the other side the law as a detective in Cruising.

Cruising was released in theaters on February 15th, 1980. Now for the 45th anniversary of the film's theatrical release Arrow Video has released this crime drama on 4K UltraHD.

Synopsis: New York is caught in the grip of a sadistic serial killer who is preying on the patrons of the city's underground gay scene. Young rookie cop Steve Burns (Pacino) is tasked with infiltrating the S&M subculture to try and lure the killer out of the shadows... but as he immerses himself deeper and deeper into the underworld, Steve risks losing his own identity in the process.

William David Friedkin, best known for the Oscar award winning film The French Connection and the horror classic The Exorcist, directed Cruising. This film was shot in such a way as it feels raw and real. So much so that you almost feel like you're watching a documentary than a feature film. Al Pacino is spectacular as Detective Steve Burns. Then there is a wonderful supporting cast that includes Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), Karen Allen (Raiders of the Lost Ark).

Arrow Video has performed a stunning 4K Restoration for the original 35mm camera negative. The new restoration is stunning. The picture is crisp and clean the colors are vibrant and there are no signs of damage to this print. But Arrow Video added some amazing bonus features in this 2 disc set. Take a look at what is included.

DISC ONE – FEATURE & EXTRAS (4K ULTRA HD)
* 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
* Original lossless English mono audio, 2.0 stereo, and 5.1
* Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
* Two archive audio commentaries by director William Friedkin, one solo and one moderated by critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode
* Brand new commentary featuring original musicians involved with the soundtrack
* I Want to Be the Curator, a brand-new interview with actress Karen Allen
* Deleted scenes and alternative footage
* On-set audio featuring the club scenes and protest coverage
* Censored material reels
* Theatrical trailer, teasers, and TV spots

DISC TWO – EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)
* Walking the Line, a brand-new interview with actor, film consultant, and former police detective Randy Jurgensen
* Cut Offs, an interview with editor Bud S. Smith
* Who’s That Guy?, an interview with actor Jay Acovone
* Pounding the Beat, an interview with actor Mike Starr
* Boy on the Bus, an interview with actor Mark Zecca
* Mineshaft Memories, an archive interview with Wally Wallace, former manager of the Mineshaft
* Breaking the Codes, a brand-new visual essay surrounding the hanky-codes featuring actor and writer David McGillivray
* Stop the Movie, a short film by Jim Hubbard capturing the Cruising protests
* The History of Cruising, an archival featurette looking at the film’s origins and production
* Exorcising Cruising, an archival featurette looking at the controversy surrounding the film and its enduring legacy
* William Friedkin’s BeyondFest 2022 Q&A at the American Cinematheque
* Extensive image gallery featuring international promotional material, on-set sketches, and more

Arrow Video never ceases in amazing me in the amount of detail and bonuses they put in their releases. Arrow Video does something you can never recreate on streaming, Great menus and tons of bonus featurette, interviews, additional scenes and more. This is way physical media fans love Arrow Video s much.

Cruising was steeped in controversy at the time of its release. Now 45 years later it could still be considered a controversial film with the subject matter, but there is not denying the entertainment value.

So, if you love Al Pacino films or controversial cinema, the new Arrow Video 4K UltraHD release of Cruising is one for your collection. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!