The Departed (Collectable Steelbook UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Rating: R
Film: 5/5

Plot
Martin Scorsese directs an all-star cast in this action-packed thriller set in Boston, where a long-simmering hostility between the police department and an Irish American gang led by Frank Costello is primed to explode.  The fuse is lit when a gangster is chosen to infiltrate the police force – a young cop goes undercover within the gang.  Now, when the two moles uncover each other’s identity, the battle begins.

My Thoughts
While this film garnered Scorsese his first Oscar, I don’t think it’s hi best film (I prefer Goodfellas), but this is an excellent film and definitely deserved all the praise it received. When watching the film the first time back in the day I was mesmerized by the fast-paced story telling and excellent acting and directing. My biggest knock on the film is that it loses some of its appeal when you know about the big reveal, but it’s still excellent filmmaking.
The UHD presentation is a big upgrade over the previous Blu-ray releases. The print is in excellent shape and the higher resolution really shows off the cityscape of Boston. Black levels are excellent and provide a very punchy image with plenty of depth. Sadly, there’s no Atmos track, but I’m not sure it would have benefited much given the very front-loaded presentation. There’s some occasional score bleed to the rear speakers, but since the film is very dialog-driven with the occasional action scene, the 5.1 track services the material well.

Video 9/10

Audio 8/10 (DTS HD MA 5.1)

Special Features:

• Guild and Betrayal: Looking into The Departed (New)
• Stranger than Fiction: The True Story of Whitey Bulger, Southie, and The Departed
• Crossing Criminal Cultures
• 9 Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Martin Scorsese
• Limited-Edition Steelbook Packaging
• UHD + Digital Code

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iojhqm0JTW4&ab_channel=RottenTomatoesClassicTrailers

Conclusion
Many critics have hailed The Departed Scorsese’s greatest movie, but I still prefer Goodfellas, which should have been the darling of the Academy Awards. Regardless, this film has a lot to offer with its all-star cast and compelling story. I’m glad to see the film gets a very good UHD transfer and makes it easy to recommend.



 Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
 Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
 ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Kaleidescape Strato + Server
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-990
 M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
 M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
 Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Craig Peer]

I have this arriving on Wednesday - thanks for the teaser review. Can't wait!

[bmoney]

All time favorite. 

You on your period?

[David Vaughn]

All time favorite.

You on your period?

Nah...just prefer Goodfellas. I find that it holds up better with repeat viewings.