DVD Corner

Scarface Criterion 4K UHD Review

“Scarface” is a classic old school gangster movie.  

Based on the book by Armitage Trail and adapted for the screen by Ben Hecht, 1932’s “Scarface” is a Chicago set pre-code gangster film revolving around Italian immigrant Tony Camonte. At the start of the story Tony guns down his former mob boss Louis Costillo and pledges his loyalty to the new leader Johnny Lovo. Lovo’s outfit runs a bootleg beer business, but Tony has bigger ideas and wants to expand operations and take out the competition which eventually leads to a gang war. Tony is also making a move on Lovo’s lover Poppy whom he greatly desires. Tony’s reckless violent behavior proves to be a menace to Chicago and to Lovo, but can he be stopped by the cops or anyone for that matter? Elsewhere in the story is a key subplot involving Tony’s sister Cesca who develops a relationship with Tony’s right hand man Guino Rinaldo. 

When it comes to “Scarface,” the Al Pacino version tends to get the most press, but forget about that over-the-top movie. The original Howard Hawks version is where it’s at. This is a skillfully directed gangster film that was extremely influential on the genre at the time. The now period piece story (which was loosely based on Al Capone) digs into organized crime, Government failings, gun laws, and sensationalized press in provoking ways. It’s more than just a rise and fall of a gangster story.

One of the most compelling aspects here is the way Howard Hawks creatively showcases the disturbing violence that affected Chicago and the innocent civilians via shadows, destroyed property, and sound (or the absence of sound). He creates a real dangerous and dark atmosphere that sticks with you.

There’s a lot of memorable performances here by the likes of Boris Karloff, Ann Dvorak, George Raft, and Karen Morley, but this is Paul Muni’s movie through and through. He gives the character of Tony a great deal of depth by showing the many facets of the character. In one moment he can be a laidback charmer with swagger. In the next moment he can be an angry, violent, hot head. The way the character can turn a dime is nothing short of fascinating. The transformation is only aided by Muni’s dedicated and convincing performance. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 2160p. How does it look? The 4K digital restoration gives this B&W film cleaner image quality all while maintaining the grain. It’s not perfect and is a little blurry in spots, but this is easily the best the film has looked on home video.

Audio Track: Uncompressed Mono. How does it sound? The audio level is a bit low for my liking. There’s also a noticeable hiss in the background. Still, this is an adequate Mono track regardless. 

Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Blu-ray copy
* Alternate ending
* A booklet featuring an essay by Imogen Sara Smith and credits.
* A newly recorded 38 minute conversation about “Scarface” between film critic Megan Abbott and actor/film buff Bill Hader. Discussions range from gangster films, Paul Muni, Howard Hawks, the characters, and more.
* A 17 minute interview/visual essay with film scholar Lea Jacobs about Howard Hawks’ use of sound in “Scarface.”

November 12, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Criterion Collection, Gangster Movie, Paul Muni, Scarface, Scarface Criterion 4K UHD Review