The Paramount Presents line continues to do justice to some of the most important films in their catalogue. Their treatment of Chinatown for its 50th anniversary is amazing and well worth the upgrade to see this gorgeous transfer in 4k.
“One of the most essential film noir classics, CHINATOWN comes to 4k Ultra HD for its 50th Anniversary. Jack Nicholson is unforgettable as private eye Jake Gittes, living off the murky moral climate of sunbaked pre-war Southern California. Hired by a beautiful socialite (Faye Dunaway) to investigate her husband’s extra-marital affair, Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits as he uncovers a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together in one unforgettable night. This Paramount Presents limited edition also includes a Blu-ray featuring the 1990 follow-up THE TWO JAKES, which was directed by Nicholson and written by Oscar winner Robert Towne.”
There is something romantic about old Los Angeles before it became what it is today, and when I think of the film noir genre, I can’t help but think of that type of setting, and a lot of that has to do with this film and the iconic nature of the story and cinematography in one of the genre’s best examples.
Robert Towne’s screenplay, which won an Oscar in 1974, explores aspects of Los Angeles and a political landscape that is so foreign to most moviegoers, yet easily understood as the protagonist, Jake Gittes, learns himself about corruption and greed that lead to the highest levels. The backdrop of the story surrounds water in the city, a precious resource which brings expansion and sustainability to a growing community. Alone this may not be an entirely interesting topic for a film, but the events that take place because of the water lead the audience on a journey that can still be found in pop culture references 50 years later.
Of all the characters Jack Nicholson has played over the years, there are a few that come to mind as some of his best: Jack Torrence, The Joker, McMurphy; J.J. Gittes also ranks up there as one of my favorites, because the ‘good guy’ in the story isn’t all that ‘good’, as he makes a living causing pain by uncovering extra-marital affairs. Although many of the characters balk at the way he makes ends meet, Gittes himself is incredibly proud, and he has a certain set of standards and moral code that he will not deviate from. He can’t be bought, and would never think of extorting anyone with the type of material he collects. The complexity of the character is one of the best aspects of the story and despite him not wanting to get personally involved with his clients or the job, he cannot help but be drawn to Evelyn Mulwray.
The Two Jakes
“Jack Nicholson returns as private eye Jake Gittes in this atmospheric Chinatown follow-up that’s hit upon ‘the elusive sequel formula for somehow enhancing a great original’ (Mike Clark, USA Today).
Much has changed since we last saw Jake. The war has come and gone; 1948 Los Angeles teems with optimism and fast bucks. But there’s on thing that Jake knows hasn’t changed: “Nine times out of ten, if you follow the money you will get to the truth.” And that’s the trail he follows when a routine case of marital hanky panky explodes into murder that’s tied to a grab for oil – and to Jake’s own past.”
As many times as I’ve seen Chinatown, I had never seen the sequel. Widely considered a flop, it effectively killed any chances at a third film, a plan that originally imagined by writer Robert Towne to make it into a trilogy, with air rights focused on for the third film. Despite the negative things I had read before viewing, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed The Two Jakes. It isn’t as well crafted, but the story is nevertheless interesting and engaging. There are some minor plot issues that tends to drag the pacing down, such as all the scenes with Madeleine Stowe’s character of Lillian Bodine, but overall, the film has some good performances, namely interactions between Nicholson and Harvey Keitel.
The most interesting aspect of the film is exploring Gittes’ past and the events surrounding the original film, and how it still affects him to this day. I was quite surprised at reveal at the end, which makes the film worth the watch.
Video
Chinatown is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen, which includes HDR10 Dolby Vision. This 4k transfer looks absolutely gorgeous in Dolby Vision. The picture is clear and well-defined, thanks in large part to the grain that has been kept in the film for its natural look, very good news to those who detest transfers utilizing AI to remove every bit of grain and thus most of the detail from older movies shot on film. Colors are bright and vivid, and thanks to the dynamic meta-data from the Dolby Vision, we get well-managed levels throughout the film. This Paramount Presents release is superb, an easy choice for those debating on the upgrade from Blu-ray.
The Two Jakes is presented in 1080p on a Blu-ray disc. Although it looks to be a new pressing, as it includes the Paramount Presents logo and new art-work on the disc, I believe it’s the same transfer as the original Blu-ray release. While it’s a shame there is no video upgrade for the sequel, those not having seen the film or at the very least wanting to save shelf space will appreciate the packaging containing both.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1. This transfer is the same as the previous Blu-ray release. For a film noir story set in the 30s, it sounds good. Levels are well balanced, with clear and concise dialogue from the center channel. There are some good uses of the surrounds at times, but it’s a pretty straightforward audio presentation. That being said, the score is what absolutely drives the atmosphere of the film and the genre. It’s always a pleasure to listen to.
Special Features
The film comes in the familiar Paramount Presents white case with slipcover that opens to reveal the theatrical poster for Chinatown, and also includes a Digital Copy. This is the 45th film in the Paramount Presents collection.
- NEW – A State Of Mind: Author Sam Wasson on Chinatown
- Commentary By Screenwriter Robert Towne With David Fincher
- Chinatown Memories
- The Trilogy That Never Was
- Water And Power
- Chinatown: An Appreciation
- Chinatown: The Beginning And The End
- Chinatown: Filming
- Chinatown: The Legacy
The second disc contains The Two Jakes Blu-ray, which does not have any special features included.
Paramount Presents gives Chinatown an all-star treatment for its 50th anniversary. Although I would have liked seeing some additional extras, or even an upgraded transfer for The Two Jakes, this is the way studios should treat their physical releases. This one is out 6/18!
