Goodfellas

By: Jack Hunt 1.3.2009

The Movie Itself:
When Martin Scorsese says I want to make a Gangster picture, the whole world listens. Why? Because, he doesn’t mess around. Derived from Nicholas Pileggi’s bestselling novel ‘Wiseguy’ and based on the true story of Henry Hill, ‘Goodfellas’ is a unique picture that tells the story from a personal and hands-on experience. Distinctive in its methods and never not shocking, the film celebrates the Mob lifestyle in ways the public has never seen. All the wet-work is on full display; from the brutal hits to the uncanny humor of it all.

The film focuses on the New York Mob world of the 1960’s and 70’s. Henry Hill (Liotta) is being coached from a young age by the likes of such celebrated gangsters as gun for hire Jimmy Conway (De Niro) and boss Paulie Cicero (Sorvino). Everything is available in the society of made men. A life of luxury is expected and all the advantages are common place; in the world of excess, crime and murder. Robberies are brazenly committed, with style and jest. In the open or behind closed doors, no one will dare take any time out to be bothered by it. Cops can be bought as easily as women. Either they are friends of mine, yours or ours; it’s all relative. The age old question of, would you rather be feared or respected is answered? They remain two of the same.

Everything couldn’t be better. Guys were making money, management was happy and good times were to be had. Made guys ruled and friends of the family were respected. It was old-school enough where order still commanded and the ranks actually meant something. Eventually, the seedy business of drugs and the penalties associated with dealing them would take down most ‘families’; but back in the day of glorified mobsters, all it took was one big heist. And then it happened, the big score. The ‘Latanza heist’ brings in more money than most mobsters would see in 2 lifetime stints at Rikers Island. Now the real fun starts. How to whack up the millions in cash? Does everyone get their fair share? Fair share, man.. anyone would be lucky enough to escape with their lives.

While most of us were chasing girls or taking our first sip of alcohol, Henry Hill was knee-deep in the Mob way of life. From adolescence, to adulthood and finally betrayal; the Mob life is put on show. The ups and downs, the success and failures, what’s yours is mine and if it’s not mine to give, I’m going to take it. Even though Hill was an outsider, being of Irish decent he could never be a made guy, he was still taken in and shown the tricks of the trade. Hill was basically raised on the lifestyle and should have done known better. “Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut.” But in the end, Hill disregard’s all the rules and turns his back on the family that made him what he is. Sadly, he is reduced to nothing more than a glorified snitch.

“Jimmy was the kind of guy who rooted for the bad guys in the movies.” Honestly, I’m not sure Robert De Niro and Jimmy Conway are two different people; that’s how good he is in this film. But top honors go to Joe Pesci, who blew them all away and earned an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role category. His portrayal of mobster tough guy, Tommy DeVito, would make even James Cagney proud and that’s saying a lot. All may be equal in madness, but only one is truly brutal by nature. In his career role, Ray Liotta, is brilliant as is Lorraine Bracco, who‘s lucid portrayal of his devoted wife would ultimately lead to finer roles. The Top Billers may have stolen the show, but what helps make this movie so great is the wild achievements of the supporting cast. Their persona’s seem effortless, to say the least.

Martin Scorsese is one of my favorite directors. The list goes on and on; Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Color of Money, Casino and more recently The Aviator and The Departed. The man’s resume is loaded with memorable and unique film experiences. Is ‘Goodfellas’ the best of the lot, well that’s hard to say. It is certainly gritty in its display and remains one of my favorite pictures in its genre.
Rating: 10/10

The Presentation:
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to own a decent copy of Goodfellas. I thought the day finally came when I picked up my first copy of it on DVD. Remember the old double-sided 1999 release; with the cardboard cover and Siskel & Ebert claims of it being “The best mob movie ever” quoted on the back. I remember the excitement, as I carefully peeled all 3 security strips, making sure not to rip the flimsy box. Firing up the old, it’s sad but I can’t even remember the name of my first DVD player, and popping it in. My first thoughts were - well that ain’t right. To make a long dull story even duller, it looked terrible.

Flash-forward to present day and the Goodfellas 1080p~VC-1 transfer on Blu-ray, (previously released on HD DVD in 2006). Honestly, it’s fantastic. Considering the lousy source, it looks like a brand new film and Warner certainly put some work into restoring the film. Even though I the ultimate HD feel of the film is lackluster, I think the problem lies in how much can Blu-ray really do for the film? Believe me, as much as necessary. Clarity is dramatically increased, as it has a fresh sharpness to it that I’ve never seen in the film. Although colors fail to pop, they are still natural and bright. Blacks are deep and fleshtones are correct throughout. Flaws of the actors are clearly visible, pot marks on display, which illustrates the depths of this transfer. Nothing is over-done; the transfer is brilliant in its complacency.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround is solid and sounds natural and clear. Dialogue is clear and action pops when necessary. Although I wish the classic music soundtrack sounded a little fresher, it’s really nothing that could hold this release back. I’m trying to paint a perfect picture, not to be assumed that I exaggerate. Goodfellas, looks and sounds unbelievable on Blu-ray. If you previously owned the DVD release, you’ll immediately know what I’m talking about. Could this be the release I’ve longed for? Yes, I think it is. The considerably increased picture quality truly makes this BD a must own.
Rating: 8/10

The Extras:
2 Commentaries:
Cast & Crew Commentary: With all the major players; Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino and more. Including insider information from producers Irwin Winkler, Barbara De Fina and screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi. Also with the people who helped put it all together, cinematographer Michael Ballhaus and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. Solid commentary and I recommend it.

Cop & Crook Commentary: Next up is commentary by the man behind the film, Henry Hill, and the FBI Agent Edward McDonald, who assisted in the arrest and his relocation into the life of a snitch. An even better commentary and I highly recommend it.

Featurette’s:
‘Getting Made: The Making of Goodfellas’ (29 mins) A behind the scenes look at the filming of ‘Goodfellas’ and the genius of Martin Scorsese. ‘Made Men: The Goodfellas Legacy’ (19 mins) What’s a gangster movie? Some updated interviews and descriptions on the film. ‘Paper is Cheaper Than Film’ How’s it drawn? Flash-view scenes, with the storyboards behind them. Uses the films Narration by Ray Liotta to tell the story through various scenes and sketches by Scorsese. ‘The Workaday Gangster ‘(8 mins) What’s it like to be a gangster? Describes the typical life of a mobster, interview by Henry Hill. It’s not all about hits, cash and guma’s. The lifestyle, the hustle and attitude; or is it?

Pretty standard as featurette’s go. Typical interviews and commentaries, discussing the making of and the film itself. Nothing really above average, but a nice mix of behind the scenes information and cast interviews.

Also included: Goodfellas Theatrical Trailer.
Rating: 5/10

Overall:
The quintessential Mobster movie of the 90’s and one of Martin Scorsese’s finest achievements in film. If not the best Mob movie ever, ‘The Godfather’ comes to mind, it certainly makes for good company. With superb acting from Liotta, De Niro, Pesci and Bracco, it’s a must see for any mobster movie fans. The Blu-ray release of Goodfellas, finally does the film justice with a clean and solid transfer. “It’s was a glorious time.” and so is this Blu-ray. I highly recommend adding this one to your collection.
Rating: 8.5/10