For those who may have been too young to appreciate it either theatrically in 1976 – yes, it’s that old – or missed in on VHS, CED, Beta or Laserdisc, it has now been re-issued in 4k as a Steelbook, allowing those who missed the big Columbia boxed set to own this ’70 classic of the first order.
The film featured some performers still acting today, inclusive of Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster (who I believe was too young at the time to be permitted to public screenings) and Harvey Keitel.
Rather than check with Google and ask something like “Is Taxi Driver a good film?,” I’ll tell you straight up.
It’s a great film.
And what’s most important here is that Columbia’s preservation and restoration crew (Crisp & Co.) have done a superb job of bringing the film to the 4k digital arena.
To my eye, the resultant data looks like a 35mm premiere print struck from the OCN. Everything about it is letter perfect.
Grain, color, black (and white) levels…
Everything in its place.
The difference between this re-issue and the original from the boxed set is that while all contents are the same, inclusive of all of the myriad of extras, the packaging has been upgraded to Steelbook, which will thrill collectors and investors alike.
While the obverse of the Steelbook still represents one of film’s iconic images, with the title logo in metallic gold (I’m told it’s only 22k), the reverse has different imagery – that being Mr. D. peering out of his cab, shades firmly in place.
For those who missed the boxed set and have been loath to pay eBay prices, Columbia has now now only solved the problem but upped the ante with new packaging.
Best to grab a copy, before this one also goes out of stock.
Image (Dolby Vision)
Forensic – 10
NSD – 10
Audio – 10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 8.5
Upgrade from Blu-ray – Yes
Worth your attention – 10
Slipcover rating – 9
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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