7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Jack Manfred, an aspiring writer, accepts a job as a croupier in a small casino in London. There, he remains an observer, viewing the gamblers at his tables with the same cool detachment he brings to the novel he begins to write based on experiences. He never gambles, yet when a beautiful casino regular lures him into a dangerous, but perhaps lucrative caper, Jack is convinced the odds are in his favor.
Starring: Clive Owen, Kate Hardie, Alex Kingston (I), Gina McKee, Nick RedingFilm-Noir | 100% |
Heist | 6% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region B (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Mike Hodges came out of the gate incredibly strongly with Get Carter , and then for a variety of reasons kind of saw his career encounter one obstacle after another, to the point that rather strangely, at least considering his accomplishments, Hodges is sadly largely unrecognized these days even by avowed "cineastes". Hodges, who sadly passed last year at the venerable age of 90, actually didn't manage to craft a huge filmography in terms of features, perhaps due at least in part to those very obstacles, but the films that followed Get Carter were a rather motley crew, so to speak, and despite their relatively small number included a rather staggering array of projects that include Pulp, The Terminal Man, Flash Gordon , Morons from Outer Space, A Prayer for the Dying, and Black Rainbow. The fact that Hodges only directed one feature after the film currently under discussion, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead from circa 2003-04, is probably evidence enough that the hassles Hodges never seemed to be able to evade may have simply become too much for him to want to keep struggling. Interestingly, though, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead offers a partner of sorts to Croupier, since both films offer Clive Owen in a focal role playing a character with a perhaps "malfunctioning" moral compass.
Croupier is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. Arrow's insert booklet contains the following information on the restoration and duplicates technical information imparted in the booklet for Arrows 4K UHD release of this title, hence the references to HDR and Dolby Vision:
Croupier is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with stereo 2.0 and 5.1 sound. ( Note: The disc sent to me only has a stereo track.)Michael wasn't especially thrilled with the Hen's Tooth release of this title, and while I've never seen that version, it probably goes without saying that this is a significant upgrade, even based on the cursory and iffy method of comparing screenshots. The palette is beautifully suffused throughout and moments like views of the intense blues of the casino playing board really pop incredibly well. Those same moments with deeply saturated primaries in particular in the background can tend to point out a pretty chunky looking grain field at times, one that definitely has a kind of splotchy yellow (and occasionally purple) cast to it (something that is probably only exacerbated in the 4K UHD release of the film). That said, detail levels are commendably appealing throughout, and general clarity is also typically excellent. There are just a few very minor blemishes that can dot the proceedings, but nothing of any import.
The original 35mm negative was scanned and restored in 4K resolution at Silver Salt Restoration, London. The film was graded in HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
The stereo and 5.1 mixes were sourced from the original sound mix masters.
All original materials supplied for this restoration were made available by Channel 4.
Croupier features LPCM 2.0 audio which provides a solid listening experience throughout. The film's often busy, almost cacophonous casino scenes are well balanced and feature clearly discernable foreground dialogue within an overall kind of chaotic clamor of noise. Quieter scenes between two characters, or the moments featuring Jack's voiceover, all resonate without any issues. Simon Fisher-Turner's score also sounds full bodied. Optional English subtitles are available.
Disc One
- A Streak of Fortune (HD; 39:34) features a 2022 interview with screenwriter Paul Mayersburg.
- Film, Scones and Fury (HD; 24:21) features a 2022 interview with actress Kate Hardie.
- Mike Hodges at the BFI (HD; 56:34) is an archival audio interview from 1999 featuring an overview of Hodges' sometimes tempestuous career. This plays to stills from various Hodges films.
As is gotten into in some detail in the bounteous supplemental features Arrow has aggregated for this release, Croupier had a rather rocky release road which ultimately kinda sorta succeeded, if the film is still almost criminally underappreciated to this day. The film rather slyly deconstructs some tropes of noir while offering Clive Owen a showcase role, and Hodges the chance to invest a convoluted story with considerable style and energy. Technical merits are solid and the supplements are outstanding. Highly recommended.
1956
Indicator Series | Standard Edition
1955
2008
Indicator Series | Standard Edition
1950
1954
1959
Indicator Series
1947
Arrow Academy
1942
Arrow Academy
1946
1996
Du rififi chez les hommes / Arrow Academy
1955
L4YER CAK3
2004
I Became a Criminal / Indicator Series
1947
Masters of Cinema
1957
The John Cassavetes Collection
1976
Indicator Series
1955
1978
1947
Ascenseur pour l'échafaud / Elevator to the Gallows
1958
乾いた花 / Kawaita hana
1964