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Released by: Kino Lorber
Released on: July 7th, 2015
Director: Milton Katselas
Cast: Michael Moriarty, Yaphet Kotto, Susan Blakely, Hector Elizondo
Year: 1975
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The Movie
There's just something special about cinema lensed in New York City during the tumultuous 1970s that still resonates with film fans to this very day, and 1975's Report to the Commissioner is a fine example of an under-the-radar title worthy of some serious reinvestigation.
The film was directed by Milton Katselas, and captures with excellent, gritty atmosphere the down and dirty vibe of 70s crime cinema as it details the story of the green and idealistic detective Lockley -played with brilliant naivete by Michael Moriarty-who becomes embroiled in a behind-the-scenes undercover operation whose sheets he's not supposed to pull back. Moriarty is paired with a gruff 'n tough partner in the form of Yaphet Kotto's "Crunch Blackstone," whose hardened views and behavior out on the street clash with Lockley's morals, while simultaneously teaching him a thing or two along the way.
Of course, it's easy for a film of this era to look great when there's so much natural production value out there on the streets of Times Square circa '74, but Mario Tosi's cinematography manages to make Report to the Commissioner look even better, thanks to fluid camera work, moody lighting and some intensely framed shots, especially a thrilling foot chase during the film's climax. Helping all of this along is a super successful score from legendary composer Elmer Bernstein, whose cues deliver hard 'n heavy funk lines with a delivery far more aggressive than many Bernstein fans might expect. Yet, it's this surprise which makes it so integral to the film, as it works in harmony with a number of disco/funk numbers for the club scene.
There's also a number of cool cameos from actors like William Devane and Richard Gere, while the acting level of the primary cast is universally solid, including Hector Elizondo as the unscrupulous Captain D'Angelo and Susan Blakely as a cop deep undercover whose murder sets off the film's plot in depth. Commissioner may not be mentioned in the same breath as Taxi Driver when it comes to dark and sleazy 70s cinema, but that doesn't mean that Kino Lorber's Blu doesn't deserve your immediate attention.
Video/Audio/Extras
Kino's Blu-Ray of Report to the Commissioner is present in 1080p high definition in its original 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio. Colors are dark but warm, with solid grain and little to no visible print damage. Commissioner's audio track, an English language DTS-HD Mono track, is also strong, without any noticeable drop outs or errors. There are no extras to be had here, other than the film's original theatrical trailer. The disc looks great, and comes with some cool, eye-catching cover art to boot, making this a super worthy purchase.
The Final Word
Report to the Commissioner rocks from first frame to last shot. The running time approaches two hours, but the pace is so brisk and the level of storytelling so lean and mean, that the film never becomes boring. Kudos to Kino Lorber for giving this flick a new lease on life.
Click on the images below for full sized Blu-ray screen caps!
[img]http://www.rockshockpop.com/screencaps/ReportBlu/01-2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.rockshockpop.com/screencaps/ReportBlu/01-2.jpg[/img]
