Reviving Grit With Flair

Read Time:5 Minute, 18 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Narc [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Released: 2002, 2024 Arrow Video 4k
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Joe Carnahan
Writer(s): Joe Carnahan
Cast: Jason Patric, Ray Liotta, Lina Giornofelice, Chi McBride, Dan Leis, Lloyd Adams, A.C. Peterson, Karen Robinson, Booth Savage, Alan Van Sprang, Krista Bridges, Garry Robbins, Busta Rhymes, John Ortiz, Stacey Farber, Kevin Rushton, Anne Openshaw
Where To Watch: available May 21, 2024; pre-order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step back with me into the chilling streets of Detroit with Joe Carnahan's NA. This film revisits the raw energy of 1970s crime thrillers while infusing it with that early 2000s sophistication. NARC offers a deep dive into the complexities of justice and morality, wrapped in an enthralling and unsettling narrative. Jason Patric and Ray Liotta deliver compelling performances as Nick Tellis and Henry Oak, two detectives whose investigation into a colleague's mysterious death tests their allegiance and blurs the line between allies and adversaries.

As Tellis and Oak navigate through Detroit's underbelly, their journey into the criminal world is as much about discovering who they are on the inside as it is solving this mystery. They wrestle with their demons and the gray areas of right and wrong, making NARC a gritty exploration of the human condition within the law enforcement landscape. The dynamic between Patric and Liotta is electric, fueling the plot with an intensity that makes every twist and turn more interesting.

NARC distinguishes itself by moving beyond the traditional caricatures of law enforcement that dominated the screen—either as bumbling fools or mismatched comic duos. Instead, it portrays its protagonists with realism, pulling the audience beyond the stereotypes to touch the raw nerve of life on the front lines of crime fighting. It also does not pull any punches; the film shows the true nature of these characters.

The film’s stark visual storytelling features grim cityscapes, with the cinematography capturing Detroit's sprawling decay. Each frame is steeped in a palette of cold blues and grays, enhancing the narrative's gloomy tone and setting the stage for a deep, atmospheric experience. This visual strategy heightens the narrative's tension and anchors the film’s themes, drawing viewers deeper into the bleak realities that the characters navigate. Complementing the powerful imagery is the film's meticulously curated soundtrack, which, with its haunting intensity, mirrors the narrative's darker themes.

However, NARC is not without its flaws. The plot's complexity, while intellectually stimulating, can sometimes spiral into convolutions that may leave audiences craving a more streamlined resolution. The film also delves into the contentious war on drugs, where Carnahan’s portrayal leans towards a stark, cynical critique rather than a narrative of redemption or hope. This perspective enriches the film, prompting viewers to ponder the efficacy and impact of drug war policies in a real-world context.

As NARC draws to a close—it provokes contemplation about the intertwined fates of law enforcers and lawbreakers, leaving a haunting question about the essence of justice in a morally ambiguous world. NARC is a potent examination of themes that continue to resonate deeply, making it as relevant today as when it first premiered.

With its riveting performances, expert direction, and narrative that captures the essence of the crime drama genre, NARC solidifies its standing as a seminal piece in modern cinema. Its restoration and re-release by Arrow Films will reintroduce this potent narrative to a new generation and cement its place as a classic in the crime thriller genre.

Bonus Materials
4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
Brand new 4K remaster from the original negative by Arrow Films
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Nathanael Marsh
Double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Nathanael Marsh
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by Michelle Kisner, a new interview with producer Diane Nabatoff, and archival interviews and articles

DISC ONE – FEATURE (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Newly restored original stereo audio and Dolby Atmos surround audio
Optional English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
Archival feature commentary with director Joe Carnahan and editor John Gilroy
A brand new introduction from director Joe Carnahan

DISC TWO – EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)
Shattering the Blue Line, a newly filmed interview with director Joe Carnahan
Shooting Narc, a newly filmed interview with director of photography Alex Nepomniaschy
If You Live Another Day, a newly filmed interview with actor Krista Bridges
The Journey of the Costume, a newly filmed interview with costume designer Gersha Phillips
Making the Deal, a vintage promotional featurette looking at the making of the film
The Visual Trip, a vintage promotional featurette looking at the look of the film
The Friedkin Connection, a vintage promotional featurette interviewing William Friedkin and discussing the connections between his body of work and Narc
Shooting Up, a vintage promotional featurette looking at the making of the film
Vintage EPK interviews with Joe Carnahan, Ray Liotta, Jason Patric, Diane Nabatoff, Alex Nepomniaschy and William Friedkin
Theatrical trailer
Image Gallery

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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