Description

The Grifters (4K Disc)

Criterion Collection | 1990 | 110 min | Rated R | January 21, 2025

Genres: Drama | ️‍♂️ Film-Noir | Crime | Thriller

Disc Specs

• 4K UHD Disc (BD-100)
• Video: HEVC / H.265 | Native 4K (2160p)
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Original)
• Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Surround (48kHz, 24-bit)
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Region: Region-Free

Movie

4.0/5

A stylish, morally murky character study from director Stephen Frears, The Grifters explores cons, corruption, and toxic familial bonds. Anchored by standout performances from Anjelica Huston, John Cusack, and Annette Bening, the film blends gritty noir with operatic emotion and biting wit.

4K Video Quality

3.0/5

✅ Newly restored 4K transfer from the original 35mm negative
✅ Supervised and approved by cinematographer Oliver Stapleton
✅ Presented with Dolby Vision & HDR10

• Inspired by the original bleach bypass theatrical prints — resulting in heavy contrast, muted colors, and prominent grain ️
• Dolby Vision handles night scenes and shadows well but occasionally flattens dark nuances
• Heavy teal tint affects color fidelity, muting primaries and crushing delicate shadow tones ️
• Some viewers may feel the grading strays too far from the film’s original theatrical appearance

➤ A faithful-to-intent but controversial visual presentation. Stunning in detail, divisive in grading. ⚖️

Audio Quality

5.0/5

DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 surround is clean, crisp, and dynamic
️ Dialogue is always clear
The score and ambient textures come through well, despite the 2.0 format
Recommended: enable Dolby Pro Logic for optimal playback

➤ No remix tricks — just a proper, respectful restoration of the original theatrical mix.

Special Features (on 4K Disc)

• ️ Archival Audio Commentary – With Stephen Frears, Anjelica Huston, John Cusack & screenwriter Donald E. Westlake (1993). Rich insight into character development, production design, and noir themes.

All other features are located on the Blu-ray disc included in this set.

Overall Score

3.5/5 – Noir with an Edge and a Tint ♠️

✨ The Grifters finally gets a much-needed 4K release with sharp detail and incredible bonus content
But be warned: the color grading may not reflect your memory of the theatrical look
Audio and extras are excellent — this is still a solid release for fans and noir collectors alike