The High Price of High Stakes Justice

Read Time:5 Minute, 6 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
High Crime (3-Disc Limited Edition) [4K UHD+BD+CD] (La polizia incrimina la legge assolve)
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Action, Adventure
Year Released: 1973, 2024 Blue Underground 4K
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Enzo G. Castellari
Writer(s): Maurizio Amati, Tito Carpi, Gianfranco Clerici, Enzo G. Castellari, Leonardo Martín, Gene Luotto, Vincenzo Mannino
Cast: Franco Nero, James Whitmore, Fernando Rey, Stefania Girolami Goodwin, Duilio Del Prete, Silvano Tranquilli
Where To Watch: available now at www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the alleyways of Genoa, a narrative soaked in crime and corruption unfolds as HIGH CRIME explores the life of Vice-Commissioner Belli (Franco Nero,) a character who embodies the relentless pursuit of justice amid a web of societal decay. This film is more than your average crime drama; it’s an intricate exploration of external and internal conflict painted against the backdrop of a city that breathes danger with every shadow. Directed with a keen eye for tension by Enzo G. Castellari and led by Nero’s compelling performance, HIGH CRIME offers a profound look at the toll the quest for justice takes on its seekers.

Nero’s portrayal of Belli is an investigative dive that displays the turmoil of a man caught between the duty to safeguard his city and the complexities of his personal demons. The city of Genoa, depicted as a murky playground for the corrupt, sets the stage for this narrative, transforming the environment into a character that interacts with Belli’s struggles. Each scene meticulously stitched together by Castellari enhances this dynamic, with chase sequences and confrontations that propel the story and heighten the film's underlying tensions.

The atmospheric score by the De Angelis brothers complements the visual storytelling, enriching the film with layers of emotional resonance. As Belli navigates through the city’s chaos, the soundtrack mirrors his internal conflicts, amplifying the intensity and adding depth to the cinematic experience.

Amidst its gripping action, HIGH CRIME also pauses to reflect on its protagonist's sacrifices. The tender moments between Belli and his daughter starkly contrast his turbulent life, giving the audience a glimpse into the individual costs of his battle against crime. These scenes are crucial, as they humanize Belli and enrich the narrative, showing the emotional stakes intertwined with his mission.

The film’s pacing is done with intent, with Castellari balancing the rapid-fire action sequences with slower, reflective moments. This rhythm keeps viewers engrossed and adds a layer of realism to Belli’s journey, making Nero’s portrayal all the more gripping. The resonance of his performance extends beyond the screen, leaving a lasting impact that underscores the film’s thematic depth.

HIGH CRIME redefines genre expectations, offering a story rich with complexity. Its impact on the poliziottesco genre is significant, raising the bar for character development and narrative sophistication. The film’s blend of action and drama is a blueprint for how depth and excitement coexist, making it an essential watch for both genre enthusiasts and newcomers.

The restoration of HIGH CRIME by Blue Underground has revitalized this film, presenting it in a pristine 4K restoration that enhances every detail. Sourced from the original camera negatives, it offers a vivid portrayal of the world shown in the film, highlighting the dynamic cinematography and intense color palette. Furthermore, this edition includes a soundtrack CD featuring the original score by the De Angelis brothers. This addition is a significant treat for film fans, allowing the evocative music to be appreciated as a standalone experience.

In conclusion, HIGH CRIME explores the high stakes in combating crime in a corrupt society. It combines heart-pounding action with profound character studies and stylistic finesse, making it a standout film in crime cinema. It invites viewers to ponder the moral complexities of law enforcement in a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, offering a profoundly engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Bonus Materials
Ultra HD Blu-ray (2160p) and HD Blu-ray (1080p) Widescreen 1.85:1 feature presentations
Audio: 1.0 DTS-HD MA (English); 1.0 DTS-HD MA (Italian)
Optional Subtitles: English SDH, Francais, Espanol, English for Italian Audio
Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Writer/Director Enzo G. Castellari
Audio Commentary #2 with Star Franco Nero and Filmmaker Mike Malloy
Audio Commentary #3 with Film Historians Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson, and Eugenio Ercolani
The Genoa Connection – Interviews with Director Enzo G. Castellari and Star Franco Nero
From Dust To Asphalt – Interview with Director Enzo G. Castellari
Challenging Stunts For High Crimes – Interview with Actor/Stuntman Massimo Vanni
Framing Crime – Interview with Camera Operator Roberto Girometti
The Sound Of Onions – Interview with Composers Guido and Maurizio De Angelis
The Connection Connection – Featurette by EUROCRIME! Director Mike Malloy
Alternate Ending
Theatrical Trailer
Poster & Still Gallery
HIGH CRIME Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Guido and Maurizio De Angelis (with EXCLUSIVE Bonus Track)

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[photo courtesy of BLUE UNDERGROUND, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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