DVD Corner

Bringing Out The Dead 4K UHD Review

“Bringing Out The Dead” is an overlooked Martin Scorsese film. 

Based on the novel by Joe Connelly and adapted for the screen by Paul Schrader, 1999’s “Bringing Out The Dead” defies genre. One could argue it’s a supernatural drama, but that doesn’t quite sell it. The story (set in NYC in the early 90’s) revolves around Frank- an overworked, insomniac paramedic who is not haunted by the people who couldn’t save (including a homeless teen named Rose), but just might be losing it. He wants to be fired, but his boss refuses to do so. As he traverses the streets of New York in an ambulance, Frank sees first hand the chaos and tragedies of life with crime, drugs, heart attacks, and mental health issues. Amid his frantic life, Frank begins to bond with a former junkie (Mary) whose father is in a coma at the hospital. 

Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Bringing Out The Dead” surely features elements of some of the famed filmmaker’s past works (ala “Taxi Driver”), but the film itself has a very different vibe to most of his works. Although it gets rather tedious in the second half, there’s something very fresh and flashy about “Bringing Out The Dead” despite the fact that it is seldom mentioned among Scorsese’s storied career. The plot may be deceptively simple, but there’s a lot going on here thematically about life and death, hope, personal demons, and forgiveness. It’s a dark psychological and spiritual film that challenges the viewer, but it’s not without humor as Schrader sprinkles in weird comedic bits here and there. It’s a strange odyssey to say the least. In typical Scorsese fashion, the film is also aided by a killer soundtrack featuring the likes of The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, The Clash, R.E.M., etc. It’s just as much of a character in the story as Frank.

Speaking of Frank, Nicolas Cage is in peak form here as the burnt out paramedic on the verge of a mental breakdown. He’s been through and seen so much and is struggling to hold on to his sanity. It’s as much of a physical performance as it is a mental one. Cage is aided by one heck of a supporting cast featuring the likes of John Goodman, Patricia Arquette, Tom Sizemore (in one of his best roles), Ving Rhames, and Marc Anthony (whose songs are also featured in the soundtrack). Everyone is perfectly cast, but you’d expect no less from a Scorsese picture.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? Paramount Presents dishes out another dazzling 4K release. This is the best the film has looked.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The Atmos delivers dynamic audio especially when it comes to the deeply underrated soundtrack.

Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Digital Copy and Blu-ray Copy
* 2 theatrical trailers
* 5 “On Set With” segments with stars Patricia Arquette, John Goodman, Ving Rhames, Tom Sizemore and Marc Anthony. These are essentially film clips and stills mixed with on set interviews.
* “Exclusive Cast And Crew Interviews”- Archival extra.
* “Filmmaker Focus- Martin Scorsese On Bringing Out The Dead”- New 12 minute interview (a staple of Paramount Presents titles)
* “A Rumination On Salvation- Nicolas Cage On Bringing Out The Dead”- A new nearly 15 minute interview with the actor who talks about everything from working with Scorsese and the character of Frank.
* “Cemetery Streets- Screenwriter Paul Schrader On Bringing Out The Dead”- Another new interview (this one runs a short 6 minutes).
* “City Of Ghosts- Cinematographer Robert Richardson On Bringing Out The Dead”- The fourth and final new extra is a 9 ½ minute interview with the DP.

September 16, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movies, Bringing Out The Dead 4K UHD Review, Bringing Out The Dead: Paramount Presents, Martin Scorsese, Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, Paul Schrader