At Close Range 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

At Close Range 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 18, 2026

1986’s “At Close Range” is “based on a true story,” dramatizing the brutal ways and family ties surrounding gang leader Bruce Johnston Sr., who embarked on a reign of terror around rural Pennsylvania in the 1960s and ‘70s. Screenwriter Nicholas Kazan (son of director Elia Kazan) looks to turn such headline news into a more intimate drama about a father and son experiencing the development of a toxic relationship while working to figure each other out. It’s the stuff of high drama, but director James Foley (coming off 1984’s “Reckless”) doesn’t pursue the melodramatic potential of the piece. Instead, the helmer generates an intensely moody understanding of bonds and games of intimidation in the endeavor, moving forward with a semi-spare study of reactions and threats. The feature carries a level of intensity as it explores a dark reunion between Brad Jr. (Sean Penn), a wayward teen who’s not interested in a future, and Brad Sr. (Christopher Walken), the leader of a criminal gang looking for opportunities in a rural location, confronted by responsibilities he has no interest in. “At Close Range” is a troubling picture, as Kazan offers a cold-blooded examination of Brad Sr.’s lethal seductions and overall viciousness, finding strong tension in scenes of direct conflict. Foley isn’t always interested in creating the most propulsive effort here, with pacing an issue as the story gradually unfolds, but he’s committed to a more interior life for the characters, searching for ways to generate emotional moments handled by gifted actors, creating some sensational moments of pressure along the way.

For additional information and analysis, please read Blu-ray reviews by Jeffrey Kauffman from 2015 and 2022.

At Close Range 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

"At Close Range" was previously issued on Blu-ray in 2015 and 2022, with Cinematographe returning to the title with a "new 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative, presented in Dolby Vision." The results should please fans of the movie, with moody cinematography handed fresh life during the viewing experience, managed with tasteful highlights. Detail is strong, examining textured skin particulars on the cast and their range of ages. Costuming stays fibrous. Interiors are dimensional, visiting living spaces and local business, preserving decorative additions. Exteriors maintain depth with rural tours, protecting the feature's sense of isolation and expanse. Color is healthy, delivering rich primaries and a strong sense of unusual hair color. Golden sunlight and greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Blacks are a big deal in "At Close Range," and shadowy events are supported here, preserving stylish visuals and frame information. Grain is film-like. Source is in good condition.

At Close Range 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA provides clear dialogue exchanges, working with performance choices and various environments. Intelligibility is never threatened. Scoring offers a defined synth sound, supporting dramatic moods, and soundtrack selections are sharp, including Madonna's end credit contribution, which retains crisp vocals. Sound effects are defined, and atmospherics are appreciable.

At Close Range 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet includes essays by Cristina Caccioppo, Matt Lynch, Adrian Martin, and Dan Mecca.

• Commentary #1 features director James Foley.

• Commentary #2 features film historians Bill Ackerman and Jim Laczkowski.

• "Controlling Your Destiny" (19:09, HD) is an interview with actor Sean Penn, who examines the early development of "At Close Range," which came close to production with Jack Nicholson and director Bob Rafelson. The project returned to life with director James Foley and actor Christopher Walken, finding Orion Pictures agreeing to back the feature after years of development. Casting is highlighted, including the addition of Penn's own mother, Eileen Ryan. The interviewee shares his experience collaborating with Walken, who had some difficulty understanding parts of the script, requiring additional inspiration to complete the work. Penn highlights his effort to keep "At Close Range" alive, maturing as an actor and creative entity during this period in his life.

• "Hillbilly Lucifer" (7:32, HD) is an interview with actor Christopher Walken, who was handed the script by co-star Sean Penn, eventually taking a road trip with him to help develop their on-screen relationship. Memories of the shooting locations are offered, and acting choices are identified. The interviewee considers "At Close Range" to be one of his best films, sharing his pleasure with good work and his early instinct that the picture was coming together.

• "Casting Badasses" (13:26, HD) is a dual interview with casting directors Risa Bramon Garcia and Billy Hopkins, who've been partners for quite some time, examining their entrance into the movie business. The casting experience of "At Close Range" is offered, dealing intimately with actor Sean Penn, who helped to steer the project, hungry to bond with co-star Christopher Walken and bring in meatier supporting talent. Garcia also shares praise for director James Foley.

• Interview (31:34, HD) is a 2018 conversation with director James Foley, who befriended actor Sean Penn during the audition process for "Reckless." Penn brought the script for "At Close Range" to Foley, attracting the helmer's interest with the tragic tale, and the interviewee describes story points and dramatic inspiration for certain sequences, including the climax. Casting is inspected, celebrating Christopher Walken's acting process, and Foley shares the story of how Penn met Madonna, who eventually provided the single "Live to Tell" for the movie. The pop star's contribution extended to a music video, which Foley directed. The botched theatrical release of "At Close Range" is also examined, coming up short with marketing dollars, but finding an audience on home video.

• Interview (39:31, HD) is a 2016 discussion of music with composer Patrick Leonard, who details his longtime collaboration with Madonna, exploring their creative process. Leonard also takes time to perform some of his compositions. The interviewee eventually gets around to track the creation and development of "Live to Tell."

• "Crime in Pennsylvania" (44:17, HD) is a look at "The Real Johnston Gang" with reporter and author Bruce Mowday.

• "It's Blood, Don't Break It" (13:32, HD) is a video essay by Chris O'Neill.

• "Badlands" (2:29, HD) examines the real locations of Johnston Gang criminal activity.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:59, HD) is included.

At Close Range 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"At Close Range" certainly isn't afraid to go bleak, following Brad Jr.'s entrance into a world of crime without fully understanding the price he has to pay for such a life. Kazan gets a little distracted when adding a love interest in Terry (Mary Stuart Masterson), but he's generally skilled at creating a community of troubled people and bad men, allowing viewers to grasp the initial appeal of such company for Brad Jr., who's gone without a father figure, finding hope in a dangerous person and his attention. Penn and Walken are fully committed to exploring the edges of their characters, but spend more time processing gut-rot feelings as the father and son head toward disaster. Helping the cause is exceptional cinematography from Juan Ruiz Anchia, who brings style and menace to the feature, and composer Patrick Leonard adds to mood with floods of synth and instrumental versions of Madonna's soundtrack offering, "Live to Tell." "At Close Range" carries roughness and reflection, and though the film isn't always a commanding sit, it remains interested in characters and their dilemmas, while Foley conjures an evocative understanding of rural influence and criminal activity, trying to go haunting instead of merely hostile.