In 1920’s Chicago, Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), a chorus girl who dreams of being more famous than she already is. From afar, housewife Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) dreams about being a vaudeville star. Months later, Roxie finds herself in jail alongside Velma, both arrested for murdering men who did them wrong. Roxie shot her lover after she discovered he had been lying about working to further here singing career. Velma murdered her husband and sister after finding them in bed together. Both women are being represented by slick lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere) who has yet to lose a case. He boasts that he can beat any case for a $5,000 fee.

The directorial debut of Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns), Chicago is based on the 1975 Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb Broadway musical which was revived in 1996. Released in 2002, the film opened to critical acclaim. Winning six Oscars, including Best Picture and Catherine Zeta-Jones for Best Supporting Actress. Nominations for Renee Zellweger, John C. Reilly and Queen Latifah peaks to the strength of the cast. Fused with fun and excitement, Zellweger proves her versatility in a role that demands high level singing and dancing. Granted, she is upstaged by Zeta-Jones, who moves through musical numbers with a surprisingly confident ease. Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly also turn in memorable supporting performances as the prison chief and Roxie’s husband. Richard Gere, who had never put on a pair of tap shoes before this film, holds his own.

Twenty years later, Chicago stands up well. The dancing sequences are well choreographed, resulting in a slick, music video appearance. Even still, Chicago likely won’t appeal to those that don’t care for musicals. For musical lovers who might be unaware of Chicago, this is the perfect time to give it a look.

One wonders why Chicago didn’t receive a 4K release for its 20th anniversary. As it is the Blu-ray presents the film in the 1.85 aspect ratio. The result is a solid transfer. Sharpness is consistent throughout. There’s a nice level of grain, yet the image is razor sharp. Depth is excellent, particularly during the theater sequences. Black levels can get a bit dark in a few scenes. Colors are perfectly saturated throughout. Flesh tones are excellent. Every pore is visible. Noise and artifacts are not present.

As expected, music dominates the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundfield. Every song is well spread across the front channels. Well mixed, effects are tight and accurate. Dialogue is concise and natural. There are no pops, hiccups, etc.,

English SDH subtitles are available.

Along with a digital code, the following extras are included:

  • Audio Commentary with Director Rob Marshall And Screenwriter Bill Condon
  • Chicago In the Spotlight: A Retrospective with Cast And Crew (HD, 2:22:19)
  • Extended Musical Performances –
    • “And All That Jazz” (HD, 6:07)
    • “When You’re Good to Mama” (HD, 3:33)
    • “Cell Block Tango” (HD, 8:02)
    • “We Both Reached for The Gun” (HD, 6:07)
    • “Mister Cellophane” (HD, 4:00)
    • “All I Care About” (HD, 4:43)
    • “All I Care About” With Richard Gere (HD, 3:30)
    • “Nowadays” With Renee Zellweger (HD, 2:08)
    • “And All That Jazz” With Catherine Zeta Jones (HD, 3:03)
    • “I Can’t Do It Alone” Rehearsal (HD, 3:46)
    • Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag” Rehearsal (HD, 3:31)
    • “We Both Reached for The Gun” Rehearsal (HD, 3:58)
    • “Cell Block Tango” Rehearsal (HD, 3:12)