Three generations of acclaimed actors team up in The Score, an intriguing crime thriller that marks the first and only time that film legends Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando have shared the screen. When expert safecracker Nick Wells (De Niro) decides it might be time to settle down with his girlfriend Diane (Angela Bassett) and stick to his legitimate business, running a jazz nightclub in Montreal, his friend and partner Max (Brando) has other plans. Heavily in debt to a crime boss, Max needs Nick to pull one last heist: help novice thief Jack Teller (Edward Norton) steal a scepter worth $30 million from the House of Customs. Tempted by the $6 million payday, Nick reluctantly agrees to do the job. But what starts out as a safe bet turns into a high-risk gamble when a clash of egos threatens to bring them all down. Directed by Frank Oz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and featuring performances by jazz greats Cassandra Wilson and Mose Allison, The Score is one of the smartest, most entertaining crime capers ever filmed, with surprises at every turn.
For thoughts on The Score, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
The Score debuts on 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of Kino Classics with a terrific 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer that has been remastered by Paramount Pictures and approved by Cinematographer Rob Hahn. This release does come with a Blu-Ray disc which is derived from the same 4K master, but I neither own nor have seen any previous version of the film which makes direct comparisons limited to what is in this package. Even judging from a cursory glance at the new Blu-Ray, it is easy to see that there are some notable improvements with the 4K UHD Blu-Ray. Although, even if you are not 4K capable, it might be worth getting this release just for the remastered Blu-Ray which is no slouch.
With the 4K UHD release, the transfer is as close to perfect as we might hope with practically nothing in the way of softness or fluctuation. The sumptuous natural film grain remains intact while always resolving naturally free of clumping and swarming. Thanks to this you are treated to so much texture and detail within the transfer which brings out new dimensions to the feature. Skin tones are a marvel, and the clarity of the transfer gives you a rich amount of facial detail. The Dolby Vision provides very natural, deep colors throughout including the hues of the environment and lighting choices. Black levels are especially deep and allow the image to maintain a vast amount of depth and detail in the numerous darker environments. White levels are brighter with more stability while avoiding instances of blooming. The command over contrast and overall clarity is never in question, especially in unique details within the production design and the clothing. Kino Classics has delivered this thriller with a 5-star presentation.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents the movie with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio lossless track that translates these sounds effortlessly. While there is a desire for labels to provide a new Dolby Atmos surround track in addition to the original audio, this track is a powerhouse while maintaining its artistic integrity. The surround channels provide some unbelievable texture to the world as each environment reveals little nuances that make them come alive. Directionality of the sound is precise throughout with no thoughtless placement. The low end packs a punch when the scene calls for it with some rich texture. The score establishes a mysterious and suspicious tone which radiates out with pleasing fidelity. Dialogue comes through clearly and works well with competing elements. The track balances the many layers of sound so nothing turns into a mess. This audio presentation is a satisfying experience for fans. There are optional English subtitles provided.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director Frank Oz and Cinematographer Rob Hahn deliver a very informative archival commentary track in which they recalls various aspects of the production including the development of different scenes, the shooting locations, pick-up shots, the balance of real-life locations and studio sets, the visual aesthetic of the film, the casting and collaborative process, and much more that gives rich technical details that film nerds should appreciate.
- The Making Of The Score: A nearly 13-minute vintage featurette in which the cast and creative team offer a broad overview of their characters, explore the narrative, the improvisation during production and more.
- Additional Footage: Three unused sequences totaling eight minutes are provided here featuring some lengthy improvisation between De Niro and Brando, along with more moments between Nick and Jack.
- Trailers: There is a two-and-a-half minute trailer provided for The Score. There are also trailers provided for True Confessions, Mad Dog and Glory, The Night Of The Following Day and The Nightcomers.
Final Thoughts
The Score is the type of workmanlike adult drama which we rarely get these days. The film was a minor success in its time, but it has mostly fallen through the cracks of the cultural consciousness in the interim in favor of flashy IP that gets general audiences buzzing. It is no easy feat to pull off a tight and entertaining heist film that works every time you watch it, but they manage to do just that here. An array of top tier performers lend their talents to keep this well-oiled machine running with only a few bumps popping up when reflecting on evolved cultural sensitivities. This film simply delivers an entertaining time in motion pictures. Kino Classics has given this one a 4K UHD Blu-Ray upgrade with a praise-worthy A/V presentation and some legacy special features. If you long for the days of mid-budget studio films, this will hit the lazy weekend viewing sweet spot. Recommended
The Score is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Kino Classics 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.
