Carlito's Way [Blu-ray] [Region Free]

I'm not gonna review the movie. It's an underrated masterpiece only because it came out in the same period as other gangster movies and I honestly prefer it to Scarface due to its multi-level story, characters, dialogs and it not trying to be Scarface. And Arrow releases are the best releases that are not steelbooks. I had a chance to buy a steelbook for the same price but I went with this one because although it's the same 4K transfer, it does have a few new extra features that were never released before in other editions and the new artwork is just stunning. These tend to sell out pretty quick so get it while you can at a "normal" price.

One of the best Pacino films (IMHO) directed by Brian De Palma ( Scarface) . A tale of greed, vengeance and love. Great supporting role by Sean Penn

Great film. Excellent story. Great acting. Highly recommended. Thanks. 5*

I’m not usually a fan of gangster/crime film, and really the only exceptions are 1995’s ‘Casino’ and Brian De Palma’s hugely entertaining ‘Carlito’s Way’ not least because it has one of the best choreographed, edited and scored finales of the 1990’s. Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) is a gangster just released from prison thanks to his lawyer (Sean Penn). Genuinely determined to escape from his old life and build something new, while also reconnecting with his former love, Carlito finds that forces and events outwith his control may threaten that plan…. Picture quality is excellent though, bright and vibrant bringing everything up in a nice shine. The colours are vivid and makes a well photographed film look terrific. Packaging is nice, in a solid enough cardboard box containing the disc box, plus the booklet of essays and art poster. On the discs themselves though extras are a little more mixed. There’s really only one full commentary (a new 2023 one) as the other commentary is highly scene specific covering only the opening portion of the film and then the last 10 mins or so. Truthfully neither are really worth going over more than once. After that there’s a mix of old and new interviews, featurettes, image galleries etc.

This film seems to be overshadowed by other Pacino gangster masterpieces, but rest assured it's on a par with the others. Al is absolutely majestic as Carlito, the ex-con who tries to make a normal life for himself after being released early from a 30-stretch. Unfortunately for him, the lawyer friend who got him out is a gangster-wannabee who attracts trouble and Carlito just can't help getting involved. Despite being a gangster film, and directed by De Palma at that, there's relatively little violence, although when it comes it tends to be bloody and brutal. The film is mostly about Carlito's struggle to stay straight whilst amassing enough cash to get to a normal job in the Bahamas, but he just can't escape the past and others' expectations of him. It's only natural to root for the guy as he tries to reach his goal, even if there are a few bumps in the road, despite knowing from the start of the film that the odds are against him. The ending in Grand Central Station was tense and exciting and had Hitchcock written all over it. As for the bluray, the picture quality is a definite step up from the dvd, but there's not much happening with the sound, despite the shootings. Still well worth the upgrade, in my opinion.

This film has it all - love, violence, morality, action, and shows off the talents of Al Pacino and Sean Penn who elevate this film into the classic bracket. To think it was made as recently as 1994 is surprising, as it seems to take its inspiration from the 70s and 80s dramas in the way the narrative takes precedence over commercial branding. The opening scene, with the 360 degree camera, neon lighting, Al Pacino narration, `welcome to paradise sign' and the emotionally charged music of Joe Cocker's `You are so beautiful' is what this film is all about! When it ties it up at the end, it left me in no doubt that I'd just watched a film that packs a punch and is worthy of several re-watches. The poignancy and tragedy of Carlito is there for all to see and Al Pacino nails it. From the courthouse scene where he declares he is `completely rehabilitated, reinvigorated, and reassimilated' to his sense of loyalty to friends and the quixotic realisation that some dreams are out of reach - he is a great `everyman' cinema character. Top stuff.

Happy with item many thanks

Superb transfer. Great picture and sound. Worth the extra than the vanilla copy as this box set has lots of additional stuff. Great purchase fantastic movie