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Eastern Promises Is A Thing Of Beauty in 4K

Wherever David Cronenberg makes a movie with Viggo Mortensen, magic happens. A History of Violence is my favorite Cronenburg film, but this is a close second.

 Vincent Cassel is the embodiment of evil as the son of Armin-Mueller Stahl, the boss of the Russian mob. I first was made aware of him as an actor was Brotherhood of the Wolf. He’s great as a bad guy, but I would be happy to see him in a good guy role.

Kino Lorber has once again done a spectacular job with this release. My only complaint is that the releases are pretty skimpy on special features.

This disc makes up for it with the stunning picture. The colors are darker in this film so it’s important that this 4K release looks beautiful.

The colors are really important for seeing the mood. If you notice the majority of scenes with Naomi Watts are brighter, as much as London can during the time this was filmed.

The scenes with Mortensen and the rest of the Russian mafia are all dark, which adds to the feeling of misery and bloodshed.

If you’ve never watched this, go ahead and buy the film today. This release is simply beautiful. I hope that you feel the same.

 

Synopsis:

Visionary filmmaker David Cronenberg (Scanners, The Fly) and muse Viggo Mortensen (The Indian Runner, Green Book) follow up A History of Violence with another acclaimed joint effort, the mesmerizing Eastern Promises. Mortensen delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as Nikolai, a ruthless and mysterious Russian who has ties to one of the most dangerous crime families in London. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna (Naomi Watts, Mulholland Drive, King Kong), a midwife who has come across potentially damaging evidence against the family. Their unusual relationship sets off an unstoppable chain of deceit, death and retribution. Brilliantly written by Steven Knight (The Girl in the Spider’s Web) with terrific supporting turns by Vincent Cassel (Black Swan) and Armin Mueller-Stahl (Music Box), this brooding and provocative masterpiece is “no ordinary crime thriller, just as Cronenberg is no ordinary director” (Roger Ebert). Top-notch cinematography by Peter Suschitzky (Figures in a Landscape, Dead Ringers).

Here are the specs for this release:

4K UHD Bonus Features:
4KUHD Disc 1: Brand New HDR Dolby Vision Master – Approved & Color Graded by Cinematographer Peter Suschitzky | 5.1 Surround & 2.0 Stereo | Optional English Subtitles | Triple-Layer UHD100 Disc / BLU-RAY Disc 2: Feature Film: Brand New UHD SDR Master – Approved & Color Graded by Cinematographer Peter Suschitzky | NEW Interview with Screenwriter Steven Knight | Secrets and Stories: Featurette with Director David Cronenberg (10:32) | Marked for Life: Featurette with David Cronenberg (6:42) | Two Guys Walk Into a Bath House: Featurette with David Cronenberg (1:55) | Watts on Wheels: Featurette with Naomi Watts (0:55) | Theatrical Trailer One (2:22) (Newly Mastered in 2K) | Theatrical Trailer Two (1:54) (Newly Mastered in 2K) | 5.1 Surround & 2.0 Stereo | Optional English Subtitles
Blu-ray Bonus Features:
Brand New UHD SDR Master – Approved & Color Graded by Cinematographer Peter Suschitzky | NEW Interview with Screenwriter Steven Knight | Secrets and Stories: Featurette with Director David Cronenberg (10:32) | Marked for Life: Featurette with David Cronenberg (6:42) | Two Guys Walk Into a Bath House: Featurette with David Cronenberg (1:55) | Watts on Wheels: Featurette with Naomi Watts (0:55) | Theatrical Trailer One (2:22) (Newly Mastered in 2K) | Theatrical Trailer Two (1:54) (Newly Mastered in 2K) | 5.1 Surround & 2.0 Stereo | Optional English Subtitles

Watch the trailer:

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The Author

Jim Napier

Jim Napier

Lover of movies and The Big Lebowski.