Ronin (Special Edition) Blu-Ray Review
Until now, I had only seen John Frankenheimer’s “Ronin” once when it was released in theaters. Although I remembered liking the film, I never gave it much though afterwards. Having recently revisited the action-thriller starring Robert De Niro, I can tell you that I enjoyed it much more now than I did nearly two decades ago. “Ronin” is a top-notch heist caper that not only sports some of the best car chases ever caught on film, but also one hell of a cast. Aside from De Niro, you have Stellan Skarsgård, Jean Reno, Sean Bean, Natascha McElhone and Jonathan Pryce.
Arrow Video has delivered an absolutely-beautiful 4K restoration from the original camera negative, as well as tons of bonus features. I love the Collector s booklet with art by Chris Malbon and writing by Travis Crawford. “Ronin” is one of De Niro’s last great starring roles before he began focusing more on comedies. If you are a fan, this release is a must have for your collection.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
- Brand new 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative produced by Arrow Video exclusively for this release, supervised and approved by director of photography Robert Fraisse
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p)
- Original English 5.1 audio
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Audio commentary by director John Frankenheimer
- Brand new video interview with director of photography Robert Fraisse
- Paul Joyce documentary on Robert De Niro
- Ronin: Filming in the Fast Lane, an archival behind-the-scenes featurette
- Through the Lens, an archival interview with Robert Fraisse
- The Driving of Ronin, an archival featurette on the film s legendary car stunts
- Natascha McElhone: An Actor s Process, an archival interview with the actress
- Composing the Ronin Score, an archival interview with composer Elia Cmiral
- In the Ronin Cutting Room, an archival interview with editor Tony Gibbs
- Venice Film Festival interviews with Robert De Niro, Jean Reno and Natascha McElhone
- Alternate ending
- Theatrical trailer
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork
- FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector s booklet illustrated by Chris Malbon, featuring new writing on the film by critic Travis Crawford
By: Marc Ferman