For a “movie” that is 65 years old and was originally a two-part series premiere pilot, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would look as clean and crisp as it possibly does. It is truly so astonishing how something this old looks so good and in 1080p, that I had to actually double check that I was playing the disk on my Blu-ray player and not my 4K player. Phil Karlson’s The Scarface Mob is the best it has ever looked with this new restoration from Arrow and, quite honestly, the best it will probably ever look.

While the movie itself was (or at least supposedly) re-edited from its televised two parts so it could be shown as a true movie, this is truly exceptional. A gangster story that centralizes Eliot Ness and his mission to clean the city of Chicago by taking down Al Capone, The Scarface Mob is a dastardly crime thriller that was the launching point for what is arguably one of the best gangster television shows of the twentieth century. While the movie is different from the show (as Capone is not a focal point) Robert Stack (Airplane!) as Eliot Ness is sublime, while Neville Brand (The Ninth Configuration) is downright magnificent and evil in the role of Capone.

Aside from the impeccable presentation from Arrow, is their packaging, which is also top notch. A reversable sleeve for alternative artwork, a two-sided foldable poster, and art cards are all included in this new restoration as well. However, there is also something that is usually found in collector’s editions and Criterions — an illustrated booklet with new writings on the film from Barry Forshaw and liner notes on The Untouchables from Dan Lynch and archivist Kelly Lynch. These are just the physical bonuses that come included with the packaging of this movie which launched one of the most celebrated shows of all time which also spawned an ‘80s movie adaptation.

On top of the physical supplements, there are two new features on the The Scarface Mob. One of film critic Philip Kemp talking about the film and the career of Eliot Ness, breaking down his depictions on film, including this movie, and one of another film critic, David Caims, discussing the career of director Phil Karlson which is amply titled “Gang Busters.” These two features are excellent supplements to the feature itself and continue to provide further insight into the film and its ever-lasting impact on the gangster depicture on film.

THE SCARFACE MOB limited edition Blu-ray. Photo courtesy of MVD Entertainment Group.

Overall, this film is perfect for fans of Al Capone, gangster stories, Eliot Ness, prohibition, The Untouchables, or generally any of the above, and, at absolute worse, your parents or grandparents. It is one of the best transfers to come out this year so far, is truly astounding, and captures how The Scarface Mob and The Untouchables (presumably) influenced so many of the modern classic gangster movies that audiences have fallen in love with time and time again. Arrow’s release of The Scarface Mob is a must-own for any avid collector and a purchase that will surely not be regretted. So sit back and remember we are no longer in prohibition times, and enjoy The Scarface Mob.

The Scarface Mob Special Features:

• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
• Original uncompressed dual mono 2.0 audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Gang Busters, a brand new video essay on the film and the career of director Phil Karlson by film critic David Cairns
• Philip Kemp on The Scarface Mob, a brand new video essay on the career of Eliot Ness and his depictions on film
• Theatrical trailer
• Gallery of original posters, lobby cards and publicity photos provided by The Scarface Mob and The Untouchables archivist Kelly Lynch
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jennifer Dionisio
• Six postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
• Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jennifer Dionisio
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Barry Forshaw and liner notes on The Untouchables by Dan Lynch and Kelly Lynch

Available for purchase on Blu-Ray on April 23^rd 2024.

For more information, head to the official Arrow Video The Scarface Mob webpage.
To purchase, head to the official MVD Entertainment Group The Scarface Mob webpage.

Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews

Tags: Abel Fernandez, action, Arrow Video, Barbara Nichols, Bill Williams, Bruce Gordon, crime, Desilu Productions, drama, Eddie Firestone, Eliot Ness, Frank Wilcox, home release, home video, Joe Mantell, Keenan Wynn, MVD Entertainment Group, Neville Brand, Oscar Fraley, Pat Crowley, Paul Dubov, Paul Monash, Peter Leeds, Phil Karlson, restoration, Robert Osterloh, Robert Stack, The Scarface Mob, Walter Winchell