DVD Corner

Get Carter 4K UHD Review

“Get Carter” is a British classic. 

Based on the Ted Lewis novel “Jack’s Return Home,” 1971’s “Get Carter” is a British gangster neo-noir film. The story revolves around Jack Carter- a gangster in London that works for crime bosses Gerald and Sid. Jack is planning to run away with Anna (Gerald’s girlfriend), but his plan is derailed when his brother Frank is killed in an accident. Jack returns to his home in Newcastle for the funeral, but soon finds himself investigating the suspicious murder of Frank. Everyone he encounters (namely people of his past) are acting shady and seem to be hiding something. Soon Jack begins to uncover dark secrets about Frank’s murder, his niece Doreen, and people that want him out of town which leaves him desiring vengeance.

“Get Carter” is frequently cited as one of the great British films and it’s not hard to see why. The Mike Hodges written and directed film is a gritty and dark story that fits right in with the challenging and risky masterpieces of the 70s. It’s a decidedly un-Hollywood film with sex, nasty violence, a gloomy atmosphere, a suitable Roy Budd score, and a grim ending. Is it convoluted? Yes, but that’s also sort of the point. No one is who they seem and the criminal world is full of dark secrets.

Michael Caine has had a long and varied career and this is one of his most celebrated roles. It’s the kind of role an actor dreams of because it’s far from a safe box office friendly part. Jack Carter is a complex character and you can tell that Caine is savoring the part in every moment. Caine is aided by a stellar supporting cast featuring a sexy Britt Ekland and memorable performances from Ian Hendry, Geraldine Moffat, and Glynn Edwards. Really, everyone nails their individual roles. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? This is an impressive 4K transfer. It maintains the look of the original print while being a clear upgrade in terms of picture quality.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? While an adequate track, it’s a bit too soft for my liking.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* 1971 original release trailer, 1971 Michael Caine Newcastle Premiere Intro, 1971 music trailer with Roy Budd and 2022 BFI Re-release trailer
* 2000 commentary by Mike Hodges, Michael Caine and DP Wolfgang Suschinsky and a 2022 commentary by Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw.
* 2022 intro by Michael Caine.
* “Mike Hodges In Conversation”- Samira Ahmed interviews Mike Hodges at a screening in an hour long conversation.
* “The Sound Of Roy Budd”- Film music expert Jonny Trunk talks about film scores, releases, and Roy Budd.
* “Don’t Trust Boys”- Actress Petra Markham talks about her career and “Get Carter.”
* “Klinger On Klinger”- Michael Klinger’s son Tony talks about his father.

October 8, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 70s Movie, Gangster Film, Get Carter 4K UHD Review, Michael Caine, Warner Archive