The overlooked gem of Scorsese's career, Bringing Out the Dead has received a phenomenal treatment as-usual from Paramount and their Paramount Presents line. This one is out today!
“25 years ago, legendary director Martin Scorsese (KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON) reteamed with screenwriter Paul Schrader (TAXI DRIVER, RAGING BULL) for one of the most compelling gems of their storied careers – BRINGING OUT THE DEAD. Nicolas Cage is Frank Pierce, a paramedic on the brink of madness. Patricia Arquette is the daughter of a man Frank tried to save. Together, they’ll need to confront the ghosts of the past to discover redemption among the living. The powerhouse supporting cast includes John Goodman, Ving Rhames, Marc Anthony and Tom Sizemore. Featuring all-new interviews with Scorsese and Cage, this must-have limited edition Paramount Presents marks the movie’s debut on both Blu-ray and 4k Ultra HD, remastered from a new transfer from the original camera negative.”
Brining Out the Dead is largely overlooked when it comes to discussions about Scorsese’s impressive career, and that’s a mistake that needs to be remedied. Of the other Scorsese/Schrader collaborations, of course Taxi Driver is my go-to favorite, however, Bringing Out the Dead has a lot of similarities in both style and theme that make it thoroughly enjoyable.
Of all Scorsese’s films, the ones that take place in New York are generally the most interesting to me. His relationship with the city is complex, and he always paints this setting in a very complicated light. His characters that inhabit that city strive to survive being swallowed whole by it, whether it’s Travis Bickle viewing the filth of the inhabitants from his cab and vowing to do something about it, or Frank Pierce, who views its residents as their worst: drug overdoses, heart attacks, shooting victims, etc. New York is the largest character in many of his films, starting out somewhat normal in the day-time, but like After Hours, the city that never sleeps becomes more and more insane as the night progresses.
The film takes place in and around three different all-night shifts that Frank Pierce embarks upon. Each one he rides with a different partner. In a way, it’s almost reminiscent of A Christmas Carol, as each companion has a different impact on Frank and his views of the city around him, his job, and his life. Intertwined in these sequences he continually checks in with Patricia Arquette’s character, Mary, as he finds a connection with her as someone lost and confused just as he is, seeking validation from her whether it is from companionship or a kind of savior complex as he chases the high that comes from saving a person’s life. This is all in an attempt to drown out the ‘ghosts’ as he calls them. One in particular, a girl he could not save, who he continually sees everywhere he looks, with debilitating guilt burdening his entire life. Throughout the night, Frank confronts that guilt and the rut he has found himself in for longer than he can remember.
It wouldn’t be a Scorsese or a Nicolas Cage film if there weren’t some pretty trippy moments. Combine these with Scorsese’s flair for iconic soundtracks and you’ve got some quite unique scenes that are great to watch. The supporting cast is also what makes the film that much more entertaining, with everyone involved giving impressive performances.
The film didn’t do well financially at the box office during its time unfortunately. After watching the trailer before viewing the film, it’s not that much of a stretch to figure out why. The film that’s presented to you in the trailer is not the same. The mis-marketing of the story is what truly hurt its chances, and hopefully it can find a new audience after 25 years.
Video
Bringing Out the Dead is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra-HD 2.39:1 featuring HDR10 and Dolby Vision. This release features a brand new transfer from the original camera negative. The 4k looks absolutely stunning. Taking place almost entirely at night, there are some very deep darks that contrast beautifully with the vibrant colors. The picture is clear and concise, and those keeping score will be pleased to see the consistent film grain throughout.
Audio
The audio is presented in a new Dolby Atmos track that equally sounds breathtaking. Scorsese’s chosen soundtrack complements the atmospheric effects in a lot of sequences. Levels are well-balanced between the surrounds and center channel. As much as I thoroughly enjoyed the new video, this new audio track is just as impressive.
Special Features
This release is the 47th film in the Paramount Presents line. Those familiar with these sets will see the usual slip cover that opens to reveal the theatrical poster. Blu-ray, 4k disc and digital code all included. Unlike a lot of the films in this line, there are a lot of new special features added, not just a short filmmaker focus.
- NEW – Filmmaker Focus – Martin Scorsese On Bringing Out the Dead
- NEW – A Rumination on Salvation – Nicolas Cage On Bringing Out the Dead
- NEW – Cemetary Streets – Screenwriter Paul Schrader On Bringing Out the Dead
- NEW – City of Ghosts – Cinematographer Robert Richardson On Bringing Out the Dead
- On Set with Patricia Arquette
- On Set with John Goodman
- On Set with Ving Rhames
- On Set with Tom Sizemore
- On Set with Marc Anthony
- Exclusive Cast and Crew Interviews
Paramount Presents knocks another one out of the park with a long-awaited Scorsese release. For the first time on Blu-ray AND 4k, this one is out today and any fan of Scorsese won’t want to wait on grabbing this one as soon as possible!
