It’s time for the Chinatown blu-ray review it’s another classic film that has now found its way on to the blu-ray format and hopefully in a excellent restored condition.
The first thing I will say is if you have never seen Chinatown (1974) before its one of those that is included in many must see film lists. Are they right? Let’s find out…
- Chinatown (1974)
- Drama, Thriller
- UK Rating: 15
- Released By: Paramount Home Entertainment
Plot
I suppose I should make it clear that the film is set in the 1930s. So to the plot, Jack Nicholson plays private investigator J.J Gittes aka Jake. He is hired by a woman, Mrs Mulwray to find evidence that her husband is being unfaithful.
This is pretty standard stuff for a PI and Gittes completes the job by supplying the photos of her husband with another woman. Case closed?
Not exactly in fact it turns out to be just the start of what can only be described as a web of intrigue.
First off JJ Gittes is sued by Mrs Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) who is not the same woman that hired Gittes. Furthermore Hollis Mulwray later turns up dead. He worked for the Department of Water and Power and the locals are struggling with a drought.
What could possibly be going on? Well JJ Gittes wants to find out and he is going to put his nose (joke, you will know what I mean once you have seen the film) into some dangerous and powerful peoples affairs.
What we have here is a film with murder, corruption and ultimately some personal trauma.
I don’t like giving too much away in my reviews but there is plenty going on and we the viewer are discovering this web of intrigue through the eyes of J.J Gittes.
The story is written by Robert Towne.
Style / Direction / Music
Chinatown has great plot that slowly twists and turns before revealing the true story. Great pacing sees this aspect work perfectly.
Roman Polanski directs and has a cameo in what can only be described as an outstanding film. John A. Alonzo takes care of the cinematography and deserves a mention as the film really does look fantastic.
This film feels kind of film noir and I know I’m certainly not the first to say this. The music is perfect for the style and mood that Polanski was obviously going for. Oh and that music is provided by none other than Jerry Goldsmith.
Acting
Jack Nicholson is utterly superb as P.I J.J Gittes, with plenty of wise cracks along the way.
He is one of those rare actors, nobody is really like him, and when he is in a film you know his performances rarely disappoint.
Faye Dunaway I suppose has a slightly harder job by the fact her character for the first part of the film is quite cold and removed. As we get to know her character we see her open up and understand just why she is like she is. She plays it perfectly and deserves the recognition for her performance.
Conclusion: Chinatown (1974) Film Review
The film simply oozes style. In fact I would go as far as to say this film nails every aspect, I don’t believe it could have been improved upon.
Reviewing greats or classic such as Chinatown is in some way tough. The reason? Films like these get most things right. There is nothing really to complain about. Normally I would say they should of done this or that, maybe the acting was poor. None of those issues apply, Chinatown is simply a must see film!
I really love the way this film is shot it looks perfect for the era it is trying to capture.
If you have not yet seen it I would recommend picking it up on Blu-ray. Talking of which just how is the Blu-ray?
If you’ve enjoyed this Chinatown Blu-ray Review so far you may want to take a look at these films:
Conclusion: Chinatown Blu-ray Review
Chinatown is a great film and the Blu-ray version looks simply breathtaking. Rich colours, sharp picture and a perfect clean print. Not a line or speckle in sight!
The film is the correct aspect ratio as far as I am aware 2.35.1 Anamorphic Widescreen. Trust me if you love this film you have to see it on Blu-ray, outstanding job!
Chinatown (1974) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
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Popcorn Cinema Rating: Chinatown (1974)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Chinatown (1974) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster with trailer…
Chinatown Blu-ray Review (1974) is just one of many available on the site.
Summary: Chinatown (1974) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Chinatown (1974)
Duration: 130 mins
Director(s): Roman Polanski
Actor(s): Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Hillerman, Perry Lopez, Burt Young, John Houston, Roy Jenson
Genre: Drama, Thriller,
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Rating
Summary
Jack Nicholson is utterly superb as P.I J.J Gittes. Chinatown simply oozes style.
