– Amazon Commissions Earned –

The 2019 “The Irishman“ film directed by Martin Scorsese is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc on November 24th via The Criterion Collection. The movie originally debuted both in theaters and streaming on Netflix, and it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards (“Oscars”). The Irishman starred Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, as well as co-starred Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, and Stephen Graham. The Criterion Blu-ray will feature a “new 4K digital master, approved by director Martin Scorsese” in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio (presented in 1080p HD) with Dolby Atmos sound. Right now, you cannot yet find the Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon but stay tuned for an update on that. You can now however find the Blu-ray available for preorder directly from The Criterion Collection website. Details about the release and the bonus materials can be found listed below.

• New 4K digital master, approved by director Martin Scorsese, with Dolby Atmos soundtrack on the Blu-ray
• Newly edited roundtable conversation among Scorsese and actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, originally recorded in 2019
• New documentary about the making of the film featuring Scorsese; the lead actors; producers Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Jane Rosenthal, and Irwin Winkler; director of photography Rodrigo Prieto; and others from the cast and crew
• New video essay written and narrated by film critic Farran Smith Nehme about The Irishman’s synthesis of Scorsese’s singular formal style
• The Evolution of Digital De-aging, a 2019 program on the visual effects created for the film
• Archival interview excerpts with Frank “the Irishman” Sheeran and International Brotherhood of Teamsters trade union leader Jimmy Hoffa
• Trailer and teaser
• PLUS: An essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien
• New cover by Gregory Manchess

EDITORIAL NOTE: First off, yes, I know the movie itself actually aired in 4K Ultra HD with HDR (high dynamic range) on Netflix but we’re not receiving a 4K physical release here for yet another title from Criterion. That’s pretty much a sign that Criterion really has no plans for releasing to the 4K UHD Blu-ray format, at least anytime soon. I hate that, but it is still great to see this film getting a physical release, and from the folks at The Criterion Collection, nonetheless — even if it is only in 1080p, as it is. It is what it is. Yes, I just went there. I’ll end this by stating the obvious: it’s 2020 and I think that it’s about time that maybe Criterion got with the whole 4K UHD Blu-ray game.