The Corner Penthouse

The Criterion Collection recently released the Thief (1981) 4K UHD + Blu-ray. Let's take a look at it...

[ SYNOPSIS ]

Frank (James Caan) is a no-nonsense ex-con professional thief planning to leave the criminal world behind after one last score, but he discovers that escape is not as simple as he'd hoped.

[ SPECIFICATIONS ]

The movie is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a runtime of 2:04:52 for the Director's Cut (comparison here). The Theatrical Cut of the movie, which is not included, has been rated R. Audio languages include English. Subtitle languages English SDH.

[ SPECIAL FEATURES ]

All of the content listed below can be found on the Blu-ray disc. The 4K UHD disc only contains the movie and the commentary.

• Audio Commentary - with director Michael Mann and actor James Caan.
• Michael Mann (24:18) - A 2013 interview with the director, conducted by Variety chief critic Scott Foundas, produced exclusively for Criterion.
• James Caan (10:39) - A 2013 interview with the lead actor that was produced exclusively for Criterion.
• Tangerine Dream (15:40) - A 2013 interview with Johannes Schmoelling, a member of Tangerine Dream, that was produced exclusively for Criterion. It is in German with optional English subtitles.
• Trailer (1:53)

[ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ]

Included inside the thick clear plastic case is a fold-out booklet containing the essay "Where Nothing Means Nothing" by Nick James (along with credits and transfer information).

[ NOTES ]

Thief (1981) is available on 4K UHD + Blu-ray, individual Blu-ray, and DVD. A excellent film by Michael Mann that shows that even here in his first directorial effort, many elements of his signature style were already in place. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This item has been provided by the Criterion Collection for review on this site.