4K Blu-ray Review: Get Carter (1971)

Synopsis: Two-time Oscar winner Michael Caine rips into the role of Jack Carter in this legendary crime thriller marked by "brutal and gamy plot turns, excellent direction (and) a fast-moving screenplay" (Variety)! London mob strong-arm Carter is drawn north to Newcastle by his brother's death-which he doesn't believe is accidental. All too familiar with the ways of the mob, Carter single-mindedly, and single-handedly tears into the local crime syndicate with terrifying precision and cold enjoyment, hunting the identity of the killer and then the killer himself. But what Carter doesn't know is that corruption within the mob is widespread, high-ranked and may hit closer to home than he thinks!

Main Feature: This wonderful 4K disc was a first time watch for the classic British gangster film Get Carter. The story is not one unknown to me, but it's influence is one that I have felt and seen in many movies since. And like so many films of it's type and stature, it's has simplicity in it's setup: mob heavy suspects his brother's death was more than an accident. From there, some twists and turns and ample onion-peeling intrigue complete the steely performance by Caine. The man is a stuff of legend, seen nowadays as a comforting father-figure, but Get Carter has him as a troubled anti-hero. The grittiness of the plot is amplified by the UHD's maintenance of the film grain. It was a true wonder to watch in the format. 

Bonus Features: The extras are plentiful, many being carryovers from a previous BFI 4K edition. Highlights include an hour-long talk with director Mike Hodges; one of the two commentaries is a 2000 one recorded with Hodges, Caine and cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky; and some archival footage behind the scenes and from the film's original premiere. Some other little tidbits for fans will make this disc set a nice complete package. 

Final Call: Get Carter is a genuine classic crime film, be a big man and go get it.

​Grade: B+