The Grifters (Criterion Collection): 4K UHD Review
If I had to pick a personal favorite film directed by Stephen Frears, it would be 2000’s High Fidelity, starring John Cusack. That film is a stand-out romantic/comedy featuring a wonderful supporting cast. However, exactly 10 years prior, Frears gave us another Cusack-led film, called The Grifters and the crime/thriller co-starred Anjelica Huston and Annete Bening. While the film was mostly praised by critics upon release, I feel the Martin Scorsese produced film has gone on to be largely forgotten, even though it was nominated for multiple Academy Awards. Thankfully, Criterion is giving The Grifters new life with a new D.P.-approved 4K restoration.
Based on Jim Thompson’s 1963 novel, the story centers on three grifters. Roy Dillon (Cusack) is a small-time hustler, living in Los Angeles. When we meet Roy, he is hustling bartenders and bar patrons. Unfortunately for Roy, one of his scams goes bad, and he takes a bat to the stomach. Shortly after, Roy’s mother, Lilly (Huston), shows up for the first time in eight years. It turns out she showed up right on time, because Roy’s injury caused internal bleeding, and he needed to be rushed to the hospital.
Lilly is also a con artist, and she has spent most of her career working for mob bookmaker, Bobo Justus (Pat Hingle), who she has also been stealing from. There is also Roy’s girlfriend, Myra (Bening), another con artist. However, Roy is not aware of her profession. At least not until she reveals it to him while they are on a little trip. Meanwhile, Lilly distrusts Myra and feels Roy wasn’t built for the grift lifestyle.
The Grifters is a film that goes in unexpected directions for those who haven’t seen it before. Each of the three leads bring their “A”game in this twisty piece of neo-noir and Frears once again he is a truly gifted filmmaker with his first American film. The interactions between the main characters are what keeps the audience invested, but there are even supporting roles, like J.T. Walsh, who played Myra’s mentor. I should also mention Pat Hingle once again, who may not seem terrifying at first, brings out some true chills with a towel filled with oranges.
Director of Photography Oliver Stapleton supervised the new 4K master, which was sourced from the original 35mm negative. Stapleton used his person 35mm bleach-bypass print, which results in a presentation that comes closer to the film’s intended look than any other version since it’s original theatrical release. This is my first time watching The Grifters on physical media. I had seen it on cable, but never on VHS, DVD or Blu-ray, so I was unable to compare the new 4K disk to past physical release. Having said that, the 2160p presentation with Dolby Vision looks terrific. The daytime shots around downtown Los Angeles look incredibly detailed, as do the scenes around the race track. The indoor scenes, like inside the bar or even Bobo’s home, handle the deep blacks very well.
We got the original 2.0 surround track, which was remastered from the 35mm magnetic track. Because this is very much a dialogue driven film, there is honestly no need for a 5.1 or higher track, even though the previous blu-ray release apparently has one. I felt the 2.0 remaster sounded great. The extras include audio commentaries recorded in 2013, along with The Making of The Grifters, among others. We do get a new bonus with Annette Bening that was recorded in 2024. If you are a fan of The Grifters, this release is definitely worth adding to your collection.
Bonus Content:
- New 4K digital restoration, approved by director of photography Oliver Stapleton, with 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack
- One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
- Audio commentary featuring director Stephen Frears, actors John Cusack and Anjelica Huston, and screenwriter Donald E. Westlake
- New interview with actor Annette Bening
- Short making-of documentary featuring Cusack, Frears, Huston, Westlake, and production designer Dennis Gassner
- Seduction, Betrayal, Murder: The Making of “The Grifters,” featuring interviews with Frears, Stapleton, editor Mick Audsley, executive producer Barbara De Fina, and coproducer Peggy Rajski
- The Jim Thompson Story, featuring Westlake and Robert Polito, biographer of The Grifters novelist Jim Thompson
- Trailer
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: An essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien
By: Marc Ferman