review: GANGS OF NEW YORK (Blu-ray)

Miramax  //  Buy from Amazon.com GANGS OF NEW YORK chronicles a vivid period in New York City's history, when tensions among immigrant groups lead to a dramatic clash of cultures. After years of incarceration, Irish immigrant Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio) returns to lower Manhattan's lawless, corrupt Five Points Section seeking revenge against the rival gang leader Bill "The Butcher" (Day-Lewis) who killed his father. But before long, Amsterdam's personal vendetta becomes part of an erupting wave of full blown gang warfare that explodes out of the television screen with the high definition quality of Blu-ray. Admittedly, this is one of those films that I admire, but would not say that I "like" - not for lack of effort or respect for the director or the cast. To the contrary, actually - despite the director and the cast, I just have never been able to really get into this film. Beautifully shot, incredible set and costume design, and Daniel Day-Lewis has one of the most memorable acting performances in recent times. However, I think it's Leo & Cameron who do it (in) for me - I just have a very difficult time taking any film seriously when both of those meatheads are part of it. Forgetting their involvement for a moment, Scorcese truly has created a wonderous film here - you absolutely do feel taken back to the 19th century - it exudes authenticity. I find it almost difficult to watch some of the scenes - in particular, the uber-realistic fight sequences - as it's far too real for me (I prefer the comic book action sequences that come with Arnold or Jean-Claude action movies - somehow, the cartoony nature of those is far less stomach-churning and hyper-realistic.) That being said, it's a credit to the film and the filmmaker that these types of scenes are so intense - mission accomplished. All in all, it's a very good film, and one I should like more than I do... were it not for a couple of the big name stars, I likely would, but a valiant effort nonetheless. Video Unbelievable - the 2.40:1 high def widescreen transfer is truly remarkable. Every single pixel on the screen, every pore, every speck of dust is visible and razor-sharp. Absolutely reference quality. Audio The uncompressed PCM surround mix is also phenomenal, boasting a rich, robust soundscape that makes a regular Dolby 5.1 mix sound like a tinny mono version. Extras audio commentary w/ Martin Scorcese costume design featurette set design featurette "exploring the set" featurette "history of the five points" featurette "uncovering the real gangs of new york" discovery channel documentary "luc sante introduction & five points vocabulary" "five points study guide" featurette trailers Closing Thoughts Well-crafted, mostly entertaining film + impressive array of extras = solid offering