This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Joe Moore (Gene Hackman) has a job he loves. He’s a thief. His job goes sour when he gets caught on security camera tape. His fence, Bergman (Danny DeVito) reneges on the money he’s owed, and his wife (Rebecca Pidgeon) may be betraying him with the fence’s young lieutenant (Sam Rockwell). Moore and his partner, Bobby Blane (Delroy Lindo) and their utility man, Pinky Pincus (Ricky Jay) find themselves broke, betrayed, and blackmailed. Moore is forced to commit his crew to do one last big job.
For thoughts on Heist, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/tgmHjkh1298?si=XWEjd2EUDCNglJDA&t=1835]
Video Quality
Heist debuts on Blu-Ray in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio from an ancient master which provides a fairly poor HD upgrade for what should be a sleek, sumptuous film. Where the transfer really falls down is in the digital anomalies that plague the picture. In addition to some macroblocking and compression artifacts, objects are often surrounded by jagged digital spots which tell a tale of image processing. Black levels are disappointing while highlights at least avoid egregious moments of blooming. Colors are fairly desaturated to suit the creative intent, so do not go in expecting anything to truly wow you in a visual sense. You may spot some detail in the clothing and production design. Facial features are likewise more of a standout when it comes to detail. While we like the idea of technically having this one on Blu-Ray, the image is so dated that we can’t stop thinking about how much we crave a new master (in 4K UHD would be nice).
Audio Quality
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings us this Blu-Ray with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that holds up better than the video but could likewise use some finessing. The very specific Mamet dialogue comes through clearly while avoiding being overwhelmed by the score and sound effects. The environmental effects such as explosions and gunfire are somewhat effective, but they don’t quite dig as deep as they deserve. The whole audio experience just feels a bit more muted than it should be with no sense of true immersion. If Sony ever does a video upgrade, we will take another pass on the audio, as well. There are optional English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles provided.
Special Features
- Theatrical Trailer: The two-and-a-half minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
Heist is a really gripping tale when it comes to pure, precise execution of complex schemes, but it is lacking some special element to put it high in the pantheon of the titular genre. The female characters are woefully underwritten, and the dialogue oscillates back and forth between sounding cool and sounding patently ridiculous. Thankfully you have first rate performers to make some of the more eyebrow-raising lines work better than they should, especially when they are being served up by Delroy Lindo. The movie is quite good, but we wish it was great. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray with a disappointing A/V presentation and nearly nothing in the way of special features. Fans of the ensemble should give this one a shot.
Heist can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or through various other online retailers.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
