Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Summer of Sam Blu-ray Movie Review

An under-the-radar gem from Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing)

From director Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman, Do the Right Thing), Summer of Sam is one of the iconic filmmakers most misunderstood and under-seen gems. The film is a remarkable blend of reality and fiction as it explores a based-on-a-true-story serial killer, David Berkowitz (who was known as the “Son of Sam” and was called the .44 Caliber Killer) while integrating fictional characters into the storyline (who are the central characters in the story). Unlike a traditional true-story crime-thriller, Spike Lee crafted a film that is unquestionably distinctive and original in its approach to the material.

Exploring the inner lives of Italian-Americans living in New York's Bronx, Summer of Sam is about more than the events of a serial killer. While the story does indeed address the events of the horrific 1977 killings, the film centers around Vinny (John Leguizamo), a hairdresser, and his gorgeous wife Dionna (Mira Sorvino) as the couple faces personal struggles during a time of serial killings. Though the pair have a clear love for each other, Vinny struggles with his sexual fantasies and has an affair with Gloria (Bebe Neuwirth), a woman from his workplace.

The story of Vinny intertwines with that of punk-rocker Richie (Adrien Brody). An old friend of Vinny, Richie is now attempting to live his dream as a musician while also struggling to get by: Richie works as a gay-club stripper on the side. Despite his sex work involving men, Richie is actually interested in women and falls for the beautiful Ruby (Jennifer Esposito). Despite some tumultuous moments, these unlikely lovers become deeply intertwined.

As the summer of murder ensues, the struggles of these Italian-Americans unfolds in often surprising ways. Frequently interacting with drug-dealer Joey T (Michael Rispoli), Vinny and the drug-leader cohorts become paranoid about who the .44 Caliber Killer could be. A thought emerges as if it is a epiphany: is Richie the ruthless serial killer?

Summer of Paranoia

Unlike many films exploring serial killers, the central focus of Summer of Sam is never about the killings themselves or the true-events surrounding the investigation into the murders. While these elements still play a role in the course of the film, Summer of Sam has a different approach as its overarching story is one of fictional characters struggling with a summer full of paranoia at every moment. Indeed, the reality of the filmmaking is that Summer of Sam is largely a drama about how paranoia can negatively affect people: every single character has elements of paranoia (whether it be related to their personal relationships or to their fear of the killer at large during the summer of 1977).

For some strange reason, Summer of Sam seems to go overlooked by many fans of director Spike Lee. The filmmaker crafted a meticulous film with so many exceptional elements that it deserves a strong consideration beside Lee's other works. The screenplay by Victor Colicchio, Michael Imperioli, and Lee is marvelous. The characters are so involving and nuanced. This gives the film a vibrancy that certainly feels unexpected. Most serial-killer films are about the killings themselves: Lee instead overturns expectations and gives the film a life of its own.

The cinematography by Ellen Kuras (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Bamboozled) is breathtaking, the music score by Terence Blanchard (BlacKkKlansman, 25^th Hour) hypnotizes, the production design by Thérèse DePrez (Black Swan, Stoker) and costumes by Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther, Malcolm X) contribute significantly to the foundation of the film.

Lee is a master filmmaker and the tone and style of Summer of Sam is constantly impressive to behold. Summer of Sam could have easily been a throwaway thriller with its true-story roots if it had been an effort by a less gifted director. Instead, Lee makes yet another masterpiece that offers audiences a unique vision that seems so specific and complex that only he could have made this film. A rare example of a serial-killer film that isn't about the killer, Summer of Sam strips away power from the .44 Caliber Killer and reminds us to live.

Summer of Sam Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Summer of Sam is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. This is an impressive and naturally filmic presentation. Both color reproduction and detail in the image are noteworthy. The presentation leaves fine film grain intact on the image. There are no egregious issues with DNR or over-sharpening present. The transfer looks strikingly similar to (and is possibly identical) to the transfer provided on a double feature Spike Lee Blu-ray release (which is now out of print). The transfer has not been newly restored to 4K but the scan used is already exceptional and far from a disappointment.

For more information on the scan utilized on the release, please refer to the review by Blu-ray.com writer Kenneth Brown.

Summer of Sam Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Summer of Sam has received two different lossless audio options: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. Either one of these audio tracks will provide viewers with an exceptional degree of clarity with the lossless fidelity boost. Viewers equipped with surround sound systems are strongly encouraged to listen to the 5.1 surround track. The music integration is superb and gives a vibrancy to the filmmaking that feels essential. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The previous Disney disc (which was only included in the double-feature release reviewed here) did not include the 2.0 track. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Summer of Sam Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Director Spike Lee and Actor John Leguizamo

Fear City: An Interview with John Leguizamo (HD, 15:37) is an engaging and insightful interview with the lead actor of the film. Leguizamo is a delight to listen to as he delves into the production of the film and his involvement in the process. There are some interesting insights learned. Fans of the film should absolutely consider this a worthwhile interview to check out.

Summer of Sam Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:35)

The release also includes a selection of trailers for other Spike Lee joints available on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber: Mo' Better Blues (SD, 2:42), Crooklyn (SD, 1:19), Clockers (SD, 2:28), and Jungle Fever (SD, 2:37).

Summer of Sam Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Spike Lee crafted a unique gem with the great Summer of Sam. The filmmaking is dynamic, focused, and exhilarating. The performances by the cast (including John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody, and Mira Sorvino) are exceptional. Summer of Sam is a unique film in the serial-killer field and there isn't anything else out there quite like it. I loved it and its original voice.

The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber features an excellent video-audio presentation and some worthwhile supplements. Given that Summer of Sam was previously only available on Blu-ray in North America in a double-feature release which is now out of print, fans can rest easy knowing that this edition is the one to own. Highly recommended.