Charlie Cappa (Keitel) is a practicing catholic who is also a small-time hood with aspirations of running his own restaurant. While his uncle Giovanni (Cesare Danova) is the neighborhood boss, Charlie’s rise up the ranks is in danger because of his relationship with Teresa (Amy Robinson), who has epilepsy and his best friend Johnny Boy’s (De Niro) growing debt to loan shark Michael (Richard Romanus). Tony DeVienazo (David Proval) owns the bar they all hang out in. Eventually, the debtors come to get Johnny Boy to pay up, forcing Charlie to make decisions that will tear them apart.
While it’s not Scorsese’s best given his post Mean Streets resume, it’s his most personal and undoubtedly semi-autobiographical (he grew up in New York’s Little Italy). Based on a story by Scorsese with a screenplay by Scorsese and Mardik Martin, it unfolds as a love letter to his youth, littered with the kinds of characters that would mark his legendary career.
While Harvey Keitel offers a strong anchoring performance as the guilt-ridden Charlie, Robert De Niro steals the film in a star making turn. The fresh-faced Bobby has a cocky, unpredictable charm that steals the show every time he appears on screen.
When some early reviews questioned the color grading in the 4K restoration of Mean Streets included on this UHD release, the Criterion Collection issued a statement noting the involvement of Martin Scorsese and longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker in preparing the source for the disc’s transfer. Personally, I think the result is excellent. Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, detail is strong throughout. It’s a gritty film with lots of nighttime exteriors. There are obviously some limitations there, but blacks are pleasantly inky. Detail is strong throughout. The heavy grain from on location shooting has been retained. Textures never before revealed on physical media are evident. Colors are brighter than ever before and offer a nice level of separation. Print flaws aren’t an issue.
The LPCM 1.0. track is excellent. Dialogue exchanges are sharp and clear. Atmospherics sound better than ever before. All sounds are well distributed with crackles pops or other audio deformities.
English SDH subtitles are included.
Extras available on the included Blu-ray are as follows: a discussion about the film between Scorsese and Richard Linklater at the DGA in 2011; an audio commentary by Scorsese and Amy Robinson on specific scenes from the film; a new video essay by Imogen Sara Smith about the film; an interview with DP Kent Wakefield; excerpts from a documentary about co-writer Mardik Martin; a vintage promo video from 1973 about the making of the film; and the theatrical trailer. The package includes a booklet containing an essay by critic Lucy Sante.
Criterion has delivered a must have release for Martin Scorsese fans!
