Bad Lieutenant 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bad Lieutenant" offers an impressive visual overhaul that significantly outshines previous editions. Presented in native 4K with Dolby Vision and HDR grades, the visual experience is remarkably dense and vivid. The 4K presentation brings a newfound lushness and clarity to the film, ensuring that both well-lit and dark scenes are rendered beautifully. The delineation, clarity, and depth approach reference levels, especially noticeable in close-up shots, which appear exceptionally detailed. The color balance has been meticulously handled, with darker primaries and nuances now looking much richer compared to earlier home video releases.

The native 4K makeover drastically improves the appearance of the film, removing any traces of problematic digital corrections, and ensuring outstanding image stability. The darker footage, which previously felt anemic on earlier releases, has been revitalized with a more accurate reproduction of color values, providing a more immersive visual experience. Whether viewed in 4K or downscaled to 1080p, the improvements are substantial and evident. Additionally, there are no signs of damage or anomalies in the video presentation. The overall result is a tremendous upgrade that enhances the viewing experience profoundly, making this release a must-have for fans and cinephiles alike.

The "Bad Lieutenant" 4K UHD Blu-ray release offers two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, each delivering distinct auditory experiences. Optional English SDH subtitles accompany the main feature, enhancing accessibility.

The upgrade from the previous Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track to the superior 5.1 track is palpable in several scenes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track impressively broadens the audio spectrum, with the nightclub scenes showcasing a significant enhancement in ambient noise and directional sound effects. However, while this track offers a more immersive experience, it does not drastically surpass the original audio quality but rather serves as a valuable addition. Dialogue fidelity remains consistently clear and stable, ensuring ease of comprehension amidst the film's rich array of background sounds. Noteworthy is the presence of occasional unevenness due to the film’s complex soundscape, which may become noticeable during scenes densely populated with organic noises.

Overall, "Bad Lieutenant" on 4K UHD Blu-ray with its English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 presents an improved and engaging audio experience. While not transformative, this enhanced track provides a solid option for enthusiasts seeking a more dynamic sound environment without compromising clarity and intelligibility of dialogue.

The extras included on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Bad Lieutenant" offer a compelling glimpse into the film's production and legacy, presenting a blend of archival materials and new content that enriches the viewing experience. The Commentary track by Abel Ferrara and cinematographer Ken Kelsch delivers an engaging mixture of humor and insight, making it indispensable for fans of the film or newcomers unfamiliar with earlier releases. "It All Happens Here: Abel Ferrara & the Making of Bad Lieutenant" provides a deep dive into the film's origins and production challenges, featuring key production personnel and touching on poignant aspects like the late Zoe Lund's contribution. The new features "Bad Neighborhoods: The Locations of Bad Lieutenant" and "Ken & Abel" offer unique perspectives on the film’s location and Ferrara's collaboration with Kelsch.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Abel Ferrara and Ken Kelsch share insights with humor.
• It All Happens Here: Abel Ferrara & the Making of Bad Lieutenant: Archival documentary with interviews and behind-the-scenes details.
• Bad Neighborhoods: The Locations of Bad Lieutenant: Michael Gingold revisits key NYC locations.
• Ken & Abel: Ken Kelsch discusses his work with Ferrara.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer.

Abel Ferrara's Bad Lieutenant (1992) is a visually and thematically dark exploration of moral decay, excellently captured in 4K Blu-ray by Kino Lorber. At the heart of this film is Harvey Keitel's searing portrayal of a corrupt New York City cop who spirals into a vortex of addiction and depravity. Drawing shades of similarity to James Caan’s character in The Gambler, Keitel's lieutenant is a junkie, sex addict, and gambler whose lawlessness is both his occupation and his obsession. The depth of his character reveals a man compelled to sabotage himself continuously, sinking deeper into the abysses of his vices.

Central to the narrative are two unrelated events: a high-stakes baseball series between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the brutal rape of a young nun in Spanish Harlem. These events precipitate the lieutenant’s rapid descent. His irrational bets on the losing team paint a target on his back from a major bookie, while the nun’s inexplicable forgiveness of her attackers triggers an existential crisis within him. This confrontation with grace is far removed from his world of relentless degradation, pushing him towards a final act that juxtaposes momentary clarity with intrinsic hopelessness.

Ferrara does not shy away from exposing the viewer to the grim realities that underpin Keitel’s world. The film’s force lies in its unflinching depiction of its disturbed protagonist, serving both as a painful study of addiction and a cautionary tale. Unlike many films which inadvertently glamorize vice, Bad Lieutenant intends to scar its audience with its bleak truths. Its disturbing authenticity was controversial enough to result in multiple versions and edits across different regions, adding layers to its complex presentation history. The Kino Lorber release ensures that Ferrara's vision, despite historical censorship and changes, remains startlingly clear in its raw brutality and impact.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bad Lieutenant" brings Abel Ferrara's visceral and unflinching 1992 masterpiece into sharp, vibrant focus. The film's raw narrative, led by Harvey Keitel's searingly intense performance, is brilliantly preserved and enhanced by this meticulous restoration. The 4K transfer showcases an impressive uptick in detail, color accuracy, and contrast, which breathes new life into the gritty urban landscapes and shadowy interiors that define the film’s aesthetic. Despite the film’s age, the restored version maintains a compelling authenticity and cinematic texture that cinephiles and enthusiasts will appreciate.

Sound quality has also seen an upgrade, with the original audio mix being presented in a clearer, more precise format. Dialogue comes through crisply, while ambient noises and the haunting score are balanced effectively to enhance the gritty realism that Ferrara is renowned for. The combined effect of these technical improvements ensures an immersive viewing experience that remains faithful to the original vision while benefiting from modern technological advancements.

Additionally, this 4K UHD Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack includes an array of exclusive new and archival bonus features. These supplementary materials offer rich insights into the film’s production, thematic elements, and broader cultural impact. For fans of auteur cinema and those who have long awaited a definitive home media version of "Bad Lieutenant," this release is both an essential acquisition and a fitting tribute to one of American cinema’s most provocative directors.

Abel Ferrara is the last living great American auteur. Sadly, he has never been treated with the proper respect in America. "Bad Lieutenant," arguably Ferrara's masterpiece, features a stunning Harvey Keitel playing a suicidal character that the 1970s should have produced. I have always wanted to see "Bad Lieutenant" properly restored and reintroduced on the home video market with a special release. This 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack is it. It offers an excellent presentation of "Bad Lieutenant" with a good selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features. I will make sure that it appears on my Top Ten list at the end of the year. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.