The new 4k transfer of American Graffiti suffers from some questionable DNR, but is still enjoyable today than it was 50 years ago. The picture quality really will come down to personal preference, but if you're a fan of the film, that shouldn't deter you from picking this up to make your own determination.
“From director George Lucas (Star Wars) and producer Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather), American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age story set against the 1960s backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins and rock ‘n’ roll. Starring Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Suzanne Somers in their breakout roles, this nostalgic look back follows a group of teenagers as they cruise the streets on their last summer night before college. Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, American Graffiti features the howling sounds of Wolfman Jack and an unforgettable soundtrack with songs by Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys and Hill Haley & His Comets.”
Each generation is going to have their nostalgic period where they long for the simpler times before embracing the outside world, full of responsibility and accountability. American Graffiti is the answer to George Lucas’ generation, filled with fast cars, cruising the strip, and music that was changing the world. Taking place the night before several characters in the film have big decisions to make about the direction their lives are about to take, it’s a story about one of the hardest first decisions young people will make in their lives: whether to embrace the comforts and familiarity of home, or embark on a new adventure into the unknown world beyond. Regardless of the decade, it’s a decision we’ve all had to make, with that allure of familiarity and resistance to change hard to overcome.
In American Graffiti, all of the characters are faced with that choice in their own ways. Curt (Richard Dreyfuss) and Steve (Ron Howard) struggle with the choice to leave home for college, with the night ahead of them becoming the biggest influence in their choice. Curt, just being awarded a scholarship, feels the pressure of those around him expecting to succeed, and the simplicity of his hometown being the easy way out. His adventure throughout the course of the night allows him to reflect on his own values, and his desire to grow, all the while looking futilely for a perfect woman he caught a glimpse of earlier in the night, trying anything to justify his leaving. Steve begins the opposite, eager to be leaving to go out into the world, but begins to have second thoughts as his relationship with his High School girlfriend Laurie (Cindy Williams) takes several twists and turns. He discovers throughout the night where his priorities truly lie. The story of John Milner (Paul Le Mat), the town street racing champion, who spends the evening with a kid, Carol (Mackenzie Phillips), causes him to reflect on his own life and the direction it’s taking, especially when challenged by Harrison Ford’s character to a race. There are so many more intricate storylines that all make this coming-of-age story very relatable, no matter if it’s 1962, or 2022.
George Lucas has contributed much to cinema history, but his other work besides Star Wars is often overlooked. Although it has been years since I had seen American Graffiti, the older I get, the more I’m able to relate to it. Perhaps just being wiser with age, or a longing for simpler times and youth, but I have found the film to have aged very well, and with this 50th anniversary edition, hopefully the film will become more accessible for a younger generation.
Video
American Graffiti is presented in 2160p Ultra High-Definition Widescreen 2.35:1 featuring HDR10. Being a collector and fan of physical media, I tend to have my ear to the ground on new releases as best I can, even before I get the chance to view anything myself. This 4k release as unfortunately been very contentious among the community in terms of the picture quality, in which it looks as though DNR has removed a great deal of detail from the film. Using this method to reduce noise, film grain is erased, as well as the majority of fine detail that is able to shine through so well on 4k releases. Watching the film, it’s evident that this detail is gone, and a lot of comparisons with the Blu-ray version confirm the 4k looking so much worse than the 1080p release. There are some scenes with the detail and sharpness so washed away that faces and edges are blurry. This is really noticeable during low light sequences, which unfortunately is the majority of the film as it almost all takes place at night and in unlit car interiors. While this may not bother everybody, it’s almost a step backward in quality, which is inexcusable for such a pivotal anniversary of a great film. Thankfully, this release also includes a Blu-ray copy, so if you are a fan of this film and want to pick it up, you have the choice for what looks better to your eyes. Despite the issues with clarity, colors are much more vibrant and accurate than previous releases, giving a small benefit to the 4k transfer.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, as well as DTS Surround 2.0. The soundtrack is perhaps one of the best parts of this film. Despite the issues with the video, the sound mix does sound good, with a good balance between the surrounds and center channel in the 5.1 mix.
Special Features
The following extras are included:
- The Making of American Graffiti
- Screen Tests
- Feature Commentary with Director George Lucas
- Theatrical Trailer
American Graffiti is a great film, a film that deserves more than what we’ve gotten with this 4k release. The blurriness, lack of detail in so many scenes is a real disappointment. If you’re someone who can’t tell a difference between DVD and Blu-ray or even the difference in a good 4k transfer, then this may not be an issue for you. With the enhancement in color with the 4k version, it really boils down to a personal preference with DNR and what looks better to you. If you’re a fan of this film, give this one a chance to see for yourself, as there are parts to it that really do look good. As a personal preference, this would have been rated much higher had the detail not been the issue that it is.