Nick the Sting is another slam-bang action movie from pulp movie master Fernando di Leo (The Italian Connection ; Shoot First, Die Later). Luc Merenda stars as small time conman Nick Hezard who gets caught up in the bigger scams of crime boss Robert Clark (Lee J. Cobb) in Geneva, Switzerland. Nick gets involved in jewel-related insurance scams, but soon realizes that Clark is about to execute a double cross. So Nick gets a team together and concocts an elaborate scam of his own involving false arrests, fake murders, and prop police stations. This high stakes game of double and triple cross will either put Nick on easy street or straight into the grave.

For thoughts on Nick the Sting, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/sx8C4bA7Tws?t=3220]

Video Quality

Nick the Sting debuts on Blu-Ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 that does not seem to be noted as being from a new restoration, a fact that is easy to believe when you take a look. There is a pretty consistent layer of minor specks of print damage that remain, but they are at a level you can mostly overlook. The print presents some swings in quality that do not do the film any favors. This transfer does show off some decent stretches of clarity and detail in various aspects of the frame.

The close-ups hold up a bit more favorably than most long shots, which can appear a bit soft. There are certain shots or sequences that could be mistaken for DVD quality with the jump back in quality that emerges. Black levels could be a bit more healthy as it displays a minor amount of crush. Digital noise does not prove to be a substantial issue, but it is not completely absent. Colors are saturated pretty well in a way that makes locations stand out as a highlight, and the color grade is pleasant and consistent. This is one of the weaker efforts we have seen from Raro Video even if it still registers as passable.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a fine DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track in the original Italian with optional English subtitles. The sync is not perfect due to the dubbing necessitated by the way in which the film was produced. Dialogue stays focused on the center channel as it comes through pretty clearly without being consumed by competing sounds. The track maintains a capable balance with all competing elements so that dialogue comes through clearly. The score comes through in an appealing manner throughout the duration of the film. Environmental sounds such as car noises and breaking glass are rendered well alongside everything else. There does not seem to be any major instances of age-related wear and tear, but it showcases its fair share of deficiencies at points. This audio presentation is a touch better than the video side of things.

Special Features

A Video History Of ‘60s & ‘70s Split-Screen Cinema by Mike Malloy: A nearly 24-minute discussion with Malloy in which he discusses the trend of split-screen at this time, how it became popularized, the ways in which films stretched the possibilities, the inventive nature of Nick The Sting and more. This is quite entertaining and informative.

Final Thoughts

Nick the Sting is not the most well known scam artist film, but it is one that fully delivers for those who take a chance on it. Luc Merenda makes for an appealing lead even when you are frustrated by some facets of the character. The last act of the movie is one of the magical times when all of the elements come together seamlessly in a way that makes you appreciate capable storytelling. Raro Video and Kino Classics have delivered a Blu-Ray with an inconsistent A/V presentation and a fun supplemental featurette. If you are in the market for a breezy Italian action-caper film, throw this one on! Recommended

Nick the Sting is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Raro Video and Kino Lorber have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.