Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.5

American Hustle 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

"Always take a favor over money. I think Jesus said that as well."

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown May 30, 2024

Ah, the art of the con. Has Hollywood ever sustained a more torrid love affair with anything more fun, cinematic and tense? Director David O. Russell's Oscar-nominated American Hustle is a whiz-bang firecracker of a briskly penned, largely improvised film that gives its cast plenty of excuses to play against type, flex their acting muscle and deliver a rollicking good time. It also gets dark -- heavy too -- and rests the brunt of its weight on a number of fragile egomaniacs that, somehow, you'll actually care about. And it holds up too. Never mind it released a decade ago. Never mind that it takes place decades before that. Never mind that Russell's reputation for verbally and emotionally abusive on-set antics will make you question everything about the production if you think too hard. Never mind the fact that the Academy nearly went all in on its tricks and wares. American Hustle is pure cinema, the kind we all long for, and it delivers as often as it defies expectations, and then some.

"You're nothing to me until you're everything."

When expert forger Irving Rosenfeld (a husky Christian Bale) decides to dabble in loan-sharking, he makes the mistake of developing feelings for femme fatale con artist Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams). And suddenly his life flips upside down. Surrounded by the FBI, courtesy of slick agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), the duo agree to go undercover in a sting operation designed to catch New Jersey's mayor (Jeremy Renner) with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. But between Irving's jealous wife (Jennifer Lawrence) and numerous other obstacles, everyone may go home empty handed. Directed by David O. Russell (Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees) and written by Russell and Eric Warren Singer (Top Gun: Maverick), the film also stars a who's who of character actors, including Michael Peña, Alessandro Nivola, Louis C.K., Shea Whigham, Jack Huston, and an uncredited Robert De Niro.

Click here to read Martin Liebman's review of the film, which he notes, "for all of the interpersonal chaos and all of those broad narrative pieces, the film is just as much an intimate character examination that exposes man's drive on both sides of the law." Adding, "Through it all is an oftentimes humorous rhythm and an only slightly bloated advancement through one of [2013]'s most visually appealing, dramatically satisfying, and all-around fun films."

American Hustle 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

American Hustle made its Blu-ray debut ten years ago, and even then earned high praise and marks from reviewer Martin Liebman. Sony's 4K UltraHD presentation of the film not only matches that bar but exceeds it, brimming with color, soul and verve that help it edge out its predecessor. Born from a native 4K source, the encode sizzles, without so much as a pixel out of place. Cinematographer Linus Sandgren's rich, sweltering hues, convincing skintones and natural, exceedingly satisfying black levels look better than ever, as does contrast and primary punch. Add to that detail that nails every pore, out of place comb-over lock, sparkling sequin, pinky ring smudge, and bit of Bale's belly button hair the camera captured. Textures aren't always razor sharp -- this is as filmic a film as they come -- and grain is sometimes quite aggressive, but there was never a moment when I questioned the proficiency or quality of the image or transfer. No blocking, banding or errant noise. No print issues, haloing or odd shimmering. This is as perfect as a ten-year-old '70s period piece could conceivably get. Kudos Sony. This one is well worth the price of admission, even if you already own the still-excellent standard edition Blu-ray.

American Hustle 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

I'm not sure if Dolby Atmos was necessary to a film that so hinges on rapid-fire dialogue, a playful score and jazzy rhythms, but who's complaining? Not this guy. American Hustle sounds fantastic from opening music cues to final closing moments. Voices are clear and intelligible without exception, yet always feel believably grounded in the soundscape. Beyond that, I remember thinking, very clear, my surround speakers are having an absolute blast. Directional effects are precise and convincing. Pans are silver-tongue smooth. All the while the track's immersive soundfield is itching to draw you in, trick you into thinking you're standing on a busy street in the '70s, and leave you happy to hand over your wallet. LFE output is strong and assertive too, bolstering terrific dynamics that simply stun at times. Will it be the best Atmos mix you've ever heard? Probably not. But it certainly is the best American Hustle has ever sounded, and what more could you ask for?

American Hustle 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• NEW Additional Scenes (Disc 1, HD, 15 minutes) - A series of newly edited deleted scenes (presented in context of the film) are included on the 4K disc for American Hustle's 10th anniversary release. They're pretty solid actually, despite some redundancy and the fact that you can see why each was pulled, even if only for pacing's sake.

• The Making of American Hustle (Disc 2, HD, 17 minutes) - A standard but reasonably informative behind-the-scenes featurette that touches on everything from Russell to the cast to the production design, costumes, on-set atmosphere and screenwriting.

• Previously Released Deleted & Extended Scenes (Disc 2, HD) - "Cry British" (4:51), "Brick" (0:57), "Carmine on Stage Singing" (1:24), "Backhand Like a Whip" (2:48), "Bad Sign" (1:30), "Stoop to Conquer" (1:34), "Live and Let Die" (3:26), "Evil Ways" (4:01), "Carmine on the Street" (1:11), "Richie is Duped" (0:47), and "Carmine Returns Home" (0:54).

American Hustle 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Haven't seen American Hustle yet? After all these years? What are you doing on here then? Get to gettin' and enjoy one of the sharpest con dramedies this side of cinema. And what better way to introduce yourself to Irv and Syd than with Sony's 10th Anniversary Ultra HD 4K release? With a top tier video presentation, an immersive Dolby Atmos track and a few decent extras, it's worthy of your attention and a place in your cart.