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Taxi Driver (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

12K views 41 replies 25 participants last post by  Franin 
#1 ·


The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )

Film:


Extras:


Audio/Video total rating:

 

( Max score: 100 )

 

90


 

 

 

 

Studio and Year: Columbia Pictures - 1976
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 114 minutes
Genre: Drama

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 1.85:1
Resolution: 1080p/24


Audio Format(s): English/French/Portuguese DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Thai
Starring: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Leonard Harris, Peter Boyle, Cybill Shepherd
Directed by: Martin Scorese
Music by: Bernard Herrmann
Written by: Paul Schrader
Region Code: A,B,C

Blu-ray Disc release Date: April 5, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"On every street in every city, there's a nobody who dreams of being a somebody. He's a lonely forgotten man desperate to prove that he's alive."

 

 

Film Synopsis:


 

 

Nominated for four 1976 Academy Awards (including Best Picture), Taxi Driver stars Robert de Niro, and chronicles the mental deterioration of a man driven to violence by loneliness and desperation. Powered by an evocative score and featuring stellar performances by Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, and Cybill Shepherd.

 

 

My Take:


 

 

At 26, Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle (De Niro) is slipping slowly into isolation and violence on the streets of New York City. Trying to solve his insomnia by driving a yellow cab on the night shift, he grows increasingly disgusted by the people who hang out at night: “Someday a real rain will come and wash all the scum off the streets.” His touching attempts to woo Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a Senator's campaign worker, turn sour when he takes her to a porn movie on their first date. He even fails in his attempt to persuade child prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster) to desert her pimp, Sport (Harvey Keitel), and return to her parents and school. Driven to the edge by powerlessness, he buys four handguns and sets out to assassinate the Senator, heading for the infamy of a “lone crazed gunman.”

Here is another example of a cinematic classic that I have never seen in its entirety until now. Wow. This is an incredible film experience that is justly deserving of the accolades bestowed upon it. Scorsese is a visionary filmmaker with a master craftsman’s touch. This film, like its subject, is gritty, raw, disturbing and compelling, all at the same time. It takes us on a journey into the psyche of an individual whose motivations are probably never completely understood (even by himself). Scorsese allows us an up close and personal look that is occasionally unsettling in its graphic depiction. Travis Bickel has become a sort of iconic symbol of the stalking psychopathic type that most envision when they think of those capable of disturbing acts of violence. The taxicab stands as a metaphor for the drifting loner that goes everywhere but gets nowhere. Here is a young man who is clearly disturbed which seems to go unnoticed by those around him. The girl he wants he can’t have and the girl he can have he rightfully doesn’t want. He isn’t without moral conscience but his compass doesn’t exactly face north either. The defining purpose for him is to seek out those he sees as the dominant figures in Betsy and Iris’ lives and eliminate their interference. Travis walks a very fine line on both counts since success can mean very different things and does as evidenced by the outcome. His thoughts are poured out into his journal and offer insights into his troubled thoughts and skewed perspectives which allow a surface level understanding of his torment (“Loneliness has followed me my whole life”).

The superlative Academy Award nominated performance by Robert De Niro carries the film and exemplifies his stalwart devotion to his craft. Michael Chapman’s magnificent cinematography faithfully captures mid 1970’s New York City and is an integral part of the film. The remaining cast, Cybill Shepherd, Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, and Peter Boyle are strong in support. I must say that I didn’t find Martin Scorsese’s cameo (in the cab with Travis) to be very impressive. It was overplayed, too long and felt like it should have been a deleted scene since it sort of disrupted the film’s flow. Oh well. It took me thirty five years to finally sit down and watch Taxi Driver and the wait was well worth it. It’s a modern classic that garnered four Academy Award nominations, appears on several of the American Film Institutes top 100 lists and is considered by many to be a cinematic masterpiece. I whole heartedly agree.

 

 

 

Parental Guide:


 

 

 

This film contains graphic violence, language, and thematic material that would be inappropriate for young viewers.

 

 

 

 

AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100 / EXCELLENT = 83-91 / GOOD = 74-82 / AVERAGE = 65-73 / BELOW AVERAGE = under 65

**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**


(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio: 86


 

 

 

  • Dynamics:

  • Low frequency extension:

  • Surround Sound presentation:

  • Clarity/Detail:

  • Dialogue Reproduction:

 

 

 

 

 

Video: 94


(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Resolution/Clarity:

  • Black level/Shadow detail:

  • Color reproduction:

  • Fleshtones:

  • Compression:

 

 

Taxi Driver comes to Blu-ray Disc from Sony featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 2.1 Mbps.

Taxi Driver recently underwent an extensive 4K digital restoration/re-mastering which was overseen by cinematographer Michael Chapman and Martin Scorsese and the results are superb. The film’s period colors are naturally depicted with vivid textures and pleasing primaries that appear rich without over emphasis. Fleshtones appear lifelike with a mildly warm essence that conveys rosy complexions that don’t appear unnaturally pinkish. Images are noticeably detailed and sharp which draws out plenty of delineation and texture within clothing, physical features, and objects onscreen. Long range visuals are resolved with above average clarity and depth which highlights the film’s superlative cinematography. Contrast is spot on and blacks exhibit excellent dynamic range and pop nicely when onscreen with mixed content. Dark sequences have appreciable dimension and sufficient shadow detail that combine with the video’s higher resolution to enhance depth perception. The video has an undisturbed and visibly grainy texture that occasionally takes on more emphasis but I never found it bothersome. Other than a hand full of shots where innate softening creeps in this 1080p encoding looks amazing.

The high resolution DTS-HD MA audio mix does a terrific job rendering the film’s soundtrack. Dialogue has discernible intonation, with distinctive clarity and above average room penetration. This is a more or less front oriented presentation that makes good use of the entire system to deliver a seamlessly integrated audio experience that is highlighted by the richness and defining clarity of Bernard Hermann’s memorable music score. The surrounds are utilized for atmospheric extension that creates an enveloping presence that appreciably enhances the music while robust dynamic range and low frequency effects combine to provide good solidity and weight to the audio without sounding unnatural. These primarily come in the form of bass content associated with the orchestration and to a lesser degree in support of recorded elements that contain lower bass response. I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this audio presentation. It highlights the strengths of the source material without ostentatious display and sounds great.

 

 

Bonus Features:


 

 

This single Blu-ray Disc release comes from Sony in a handsome tri-fold hardcover book style keep case that also includes color and black-and-white lobby card reprints.

  • Blu-ray Exclusive: Interactive script to screen feature - The script will automatically scroll as the film plays so you can read along and discover the stage direction notes along with differences from the original script to the finished film.

  • Original 1986 Commentary with Director Martin Scorsese and Writer Paul Schrader recorded by The Criterion Collection

  • Commentary with Professor Robert Kolker

  • Commentary with writer Paul Schrader

  • (HD) Martin Scorsese on Taxi Driver - 17 minute featurette

  • (HD) Producing Taxi Driver - 10 minute featurette

  • (HD) God‘s lonely man - 21 minute featurette

  • (HD) Influence and appreciation: A Martin Scorsese Tribute - 18 minutes

  • (HD) Taxi Driver stories - 22 minute documentary featuring real NY City cab drivers

  • Making Taxi Driver - 71 minute Documentary

  • (HD) Travis‘ New York - 6 minute feature

  • (HD) Travis‘ New York locations - Comparative 1975 versus 2006

  • (HD) Introduction to storyboards with Martin Scorsese - 4 minutes

  • (HD) Storyboard to film comparisons - 8 minutes

  • (HD) Galleries - 4 segments

  • Movie IQ

  • BD-Live enabled

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts:


Taxi Driver is a classic piece of American Cinema that defines the conjoining of master filmmaker Martin Scorsese and acting icon Robert De Niro. It comes to Blu-ray on its 35th anniversary and Sony appears to have faithfully preserved the film’s original elements in this wonderfully restored/re-mastered high definition presentation that looks marvelous and sounds terrific. The excellent supplemental offering includes a combination of exclusive and previously released content that provides background on the production from a soup to nuts perspective as told through interviews with the cast and crew. MovieIQ functionality and BD-Live access round out a spectacular Blu-ray Disc catalog offering that gets my highest recommendation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 








Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews





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Taxi Driver [Blu-ray]

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#4 ·
Tom sum this movie in a few words...


1. Robert De Niro


2. Robert De Niro


3. Winning duh!!


3. Bad A$$!


I've only seen bits and pieces of this movie but from what i saw this is a definite must have for a collection. This is probably where they got the concept for the movie "Falling Down"(Michael Douglas).



Cheers
 
#5 ·
This is one of those films that I've always been curious about but have never seen before. Looks like I'll be adding this one to my queue based on the review. Thanks Ralph.
 
#6 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by JamE55 /forum/post/20207363


Tom sum this movie in a few words...


1. Robert De Niro


2. Robert De Niro


3. Winning duh!!


3. Bad A$$!


I've only seen bits and pieces of this movie but from what i saw this is a definite must have for a collection. This is probably where they got the concept for the movie "Falling Down"(Michael Douglas).



Cheers

There's much more to this movie that De Niro's superb performance. Jodie Foster is excellent. So are the cinematography and Bernard Hermann's score (his last).
 
#8 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Spankenstein /forum/post/20207111


You talkin' to me?


You know what's funny, when films, shows, etc say those line they continue it with " I don't see anyone around me, so you must be talking to me" ,


But when I watched this, he only says You talkin to me? Unless I wanted so butched up version, why the hell do people ad more to those great lines



Who cares, Ralph awesome review...I'm getting this one



Djoel
 
#9 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel /forum/post/20209392


You know what's funny, when films, shows, etc say those line they continue it with " I don't see anyone around me, so you must be talking to me" ,


But when I watched this, he only says You talkin to me? Unless I wanted so butched up version, why the hell do people ad more to those great lines

I don't know if your being serious about this, but De Niro does say more than just "You Talkin' to Me".

 
#11 ·
Ralph -- Thanks for your great review. I agree with you entirely about the wonders of Taxi Driver, it is a masterpiece, one of the all time great films. Thanks to the high marks you have given its audio and video, I just ordered the Taxi Driver BD from Amazon.


I have noticed in recent months that the BD editions of more and more classic films are being sold on Amazon for reasonable prices. For example, today, in addition to the not yet released Taxi Driver, I ordered the BD editions of Apocalypse Now and The Shining for an average price for all 3 films of about $13 each. Not too shabby. Not long ago I ordered The Die Hard Collection, containing all four Die Hard films, Moon, and L.A. Confidential for an average price of less than $8.50 per film. At those kinds of prices its nice to be able to own the BDs of these classic films.
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin
Im embarrassed to say Ive never seen this film. Going by the reviews im going to have to blind buy it.
You won't regret it. As you watch Travis Bickle in action you will, alternately, cringe at his social clumsiness, recoil at his craziness, and laugh out loud at him. It's great, great stuff.
 
#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel
You know what's funny, when films, shows, etc say those line they continue it with " I don't see anyone around me, so you must be talking to me" ,


But when I watched this, he only says You talkin to me? Unless I wanted so butched up version, why the hell do people ad more to those great lines



Who cares, Ralph awesome review...I'm getting this one



Djoel
the mirror scene has that, I beleive.


The scene you are referring to is in a different part of the movie



A great flick. Something of a black comedy, but also a great flick from the standpoint of someone who is becoming psychotic in the worst sort of way.

reminds me of what happenned in Arizona
 
#17 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin /forum/post/20218198


Thanks gwsat for that. I have know pre ordered it looking forward to receive it soon.

I am looking forward to getting my copy, too. It passes the test every great film must, its get better every time you see it.
 
#19 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by HVisone /forum/post/20215101


the mirror scene has that, I beleive.


The scene you are referring to is in a different part of the movie



A great flick. Something of a black comedy, but also a great flick from the standpoint of someone who is becoming psychotic in the worst sort of way.

reminds me of what happenned in Arizona

It's been a while I've watched this, it's always great to see NYC almost 35 years ago
..


Djoel
 
#20 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenshiro 26 /forum/post/20209549


I don't know if your being serious about this, but De Niro does say more than just "You Talkin' to Me".



Yeah I know he says more than you're talking to me, but imitators usually add stuff that isn't in the scrip...Not that I can name any of them..It's just funny that later on I thought it was actual words that came from the film..You're talking to me? You're talking to me? I don't see any one around me so you must be talking to me?
Not a big issue, it's just odd how some lines to a life of their own.


Thanks for the link, priceless




Djoel
 
#21 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel /forum/post/20222560


Yeah I know he says more than you're talking to me, but imitators usually add stuff that isn't in the scrip[t]...Not that I can name any of them..It's just funny that later on I thought it was actual words that came from the film..You're talking to me? You're talking to me? I don't see any one around me so you must be talking to me?
Not a big issue, it's just odd how some lines to a life of their own.

You are right. For example, for many years most people took as a given that Boggie had said "Play it again Sam" to the piano player in Casablanca, although that now famous line wasn't in the film.
 
#22 ·
Obviously a classic and I'm glad the Blue Ray received the attention a film of this caliber deserves. For those of you in the NYC area, the Film Forum has been showing a fully restored 35mm print of this film for the last month and the run ends on March 31st. While I'm sure the Blue Ray is beautiful, there is nothing like experiencing Taxi Driver on the big screen with a captive audience. An absolute gem!
 
#24 ·
I'm really surprised to see how many here have never seen this movie! It's always been one of those films that one just assumes the majority of film fans have seen (Like WIZARD OF OZ, CITIZEN KANE, PLANET OF THE APES, etc. etc.)


If this release does nothing more than bring in new viewers, I'm grateful it will be seen with such great PQ and AQ. As one who has seen this film on it's original theatrical release (the violence at the end was a shocker back then), as well as having fond memories of NYC in those carefree days, I'm more than happy to pony up for this disc.
 
#25 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Djoel /forum/post/20222560


Yeah I know he says more than you're talking to me, but imitators usually add stuff that isn't in the scrip...Not that I can name any of them..It's just funny that later on I thought it was actual words that came from the film..You're talking to me? You're talking to me? I don't see any one around me so you must be talking to me?
Not a big issue, it's just odd how some lines to a life of their own.


Thanks for the link, priceless




Djoel

You may have been thinking of one of these classic reenactments...





 
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