Featuring outstanding performances, evocative cinematography, a killer soundtrack, and a potent exploration of moral conflict, ‘Mean Streets’ remains a groundbreaking masterpiece of the American New Wave. A film that not only marked a turning point in Martin Scorsese’s career, but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of American pop culture.
Exquisitely restored in 4K UHD, this release from Second Sight Films is absolutely glorious. Apart from the night it premiered at the New York Film Festival in 1973, I doubt it has ever looked or sounded as good as this. The image is vivid and crisp, but without losing any of the warmth and texture of the original 35mm film. The colours are rich, and the black levels in the dark club scenes where most of the film takes place are consistent and clear. The restoration presented here (the same used on the US Criterion release) was overseen by Scorsese himself and longtime collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker.
At the heart of ‘Mean Streets’ is the compelling portrayal of Charlie, played with intensity and vulnerability by Harvey Keitel. Charlie is a young man immersed in the low-level underbelly of organised crime, but grappling with a profound sense of guilt stemming from his catholic upbringing. He wants to move up in the organisation, but the criminal life conflicts with his faith. He wants a peaceful life with his girlfriend Teresa (Amy Robinson) but his mafioso uncle disapproves. He wants to be loyal to his friends, but the erratic behaviour of Johnny Boy—his best friend since childhood—is going to get them both killed.
Robert De Niro delivers an electrifying and charismatic performance as the unpredictable Johnny Boy. Borrowing money all over town that he can’t afford to pay back, he is seemingly on a mission of never-ending recklessness, with violence and mayhem following him at every turn. His performance matches the style of filmmaking. Vibrant, and pulsating with an energy that captures the essence, colour, and chaos of New York’s Little Italy.
Drawing inspiration from the crime films of the French New Wave and the social commentary of Italian Neorealism, ‘Mean Streets’ is more than just a crime drama, it’s a character study that delves into the human condition. Scorsese skillfully navigates the complexities of morality, loyalty, and the pursuit of salvation, and shoots the whole thing with a dynamic visual style that is still being imitated today. It’s undoubtedly his first great piece of work, and this is undoubtedly the first great physical media release of 2024. An absolute essential purchase.
Boasting a similar roster of special features to the Criterion 4K release, this edition from Second Sight is a great option for UK collectors. The disc comes with an audio commentary by Demetrios Matheo and David Thompson. There’s also scene specific commentary with Martin Scorsese and Amy Robinson. ‘Keep Moving Forward’ is a brand new 30-minute interview exclusive to this release with producer Jonathan T. Taplin, recollecting how he got involved with the production, and his memories of making the film. Learning that it was mostly shot in a studio in LA is perhaps the most mind-blowing revelation.
‘Saints and Sinners’ is another brand-new feature with Dr Catherine Wheatley exploring the religious themes of the film. This is followed by an introduction from the 2011 screening at Lincoln Center, plus an interview and Q&A with Scorsese. ‘Mardik: Baghdad to Hollywood’ is the full 2007 documentary charting the career of Mardik Martin, one of cinema’s least well known, but perhaps most important screenwriters. Having met at NYU, Mardik and Scorsese would go on to collaborate on numerous scripts, including ‘Mean Streets’, ‘New York, New York’ and ‘Raging Bull’.
From the archives we have ‘Back on the Block’ which is the 1973 promotional programme that accompanied Mean Streets and attempted to drum up interest in the film. ‘Home Movies’ is 10-minutes of silent 8mm footage shot by Scorsese which is intercut throughout the film. The disc is completed with the original theatrical trailer. If you’ve invested in the limited edition, you also get a 178-page book with new essays from a number of writers, and an extract from the excellent Scorsese on Scorsese. There are 8 collectors art cards, and a rigid slipcase with original artwork.
Cast: Harvey Keitel, Robert De Niro, Amy Robinson Director: Martin Scorsese Writer: Martin Scorsese & Mardik Martin Released By: Second Sight Films Certificate: 12 Duration: 112 mins Release Date: 15th January 2023
