Are you reading me? Well, I’m the only review here, so you must be reading me. That’s right this review is going to jump into Martin Scorsese’s universally loved Taxi Driver (1976). While it is important to state this 100 Years of Columbia (Sony) steelbook is not the first time Taxi Driver is available on 4K, this is the best version of the movie, including the best 4K of the movie. While the first time this released was October 12, 2021, in the Columbia Classics Volume 2 box set, it had an issue that was very non-noticeable to most viewers. We’ll get into that later and address if that was fixed, but first and foremost, it must be stated this steelbook boasts much nicer artwork than the box set, but the endless debate of steelbook versus slipcover will forever be a topic. Let’s dive into the anti-hero of Travis Bickle.
While Paul Schrader’s (Raging Bull) script evokes strong responses out of the audience, the narrative of the movie is a few stories smashed into one that works. While there is a lot and nothing going on simultaneously, his script significantly shows the effects of PTSD and features a character study that allows for Robert De Niro (Stardust) to show off his acting chops in arguably one of the best roles of his career. Bickel (Robert De Niro) is a taxi driver who just came back from war, he wants to try and make some money for himself, settle down, and just live his life and be a member of society. However, as he quickly learns, New York, of all places, is not as picturesque as it seems, and the life he witnesses as a cab driver and observer fuels his descent into violence and his decision to take matters into his own hands. While this either is focused on politicians or an incredibly young and underaged sex worker (Iris (Jodie Foster)), Travis decides he has to do something drastic. Throughout the movie we learn of other friends and colleagues of Travis including Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), Tom (Albert Brooks), Sport (Harvey Keitel), and Wizard (Peter Boyle).
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of everything about this new release for Taxi Driver. Supposedly there was a frame or two missing, something I could not confirm as it is a frame and not an entire scene. If this is true, again something I could not confirm, this has supposedly been fixed for this release. The biggest upgrade and “fix” in this case is something that Sony has been known to do with their steelbook releases. This new edition includes Dolby Vision which the standard Columbia box set did not include. Now having seen the 4K in the Columbia box set and being blown away by how spectacular the film looked, and having seen a *very* rough 16 mm print not too long ago either, this new “transfer,” which includes Dolby Vision, is the definitive version of Taxi Driver. It is crisp and vibrant and brings to life the deep-seeded world we try to avoid and close ourselves off to. This is truly the best Taxi Driver has ever looked and will most likely ever look; there has not been a better rendition of this masterpiece of film-making that has been available before. If a 70 mm print or a pristine 35 mm print is available, it may be the only way to see this look potentially better, but, for the home viewing, this Dolby Vision-included steelbook is exceptional and beyond compare.
Now comes the good news and the bad news. Those first two editions of the Columbia Classics (and even volume three and four) had absolute definitive must-owns for collectors, so odds are, if you were able to secure the box set, you’re hesitant to upgrade to the new steelbook for the simple added bonus of Dolby Vision. Is the difference night and day? Absolutely not, but it is certainly noticeable. If you only own a Blu-ray or the 4K Blu-ray digibook that’s been out since before 4K, then this is a hands-down upgrade. The only difference between the Columbia Box set version and steelbook is Dolby Vision. The features are identical, but while bang for your buck and quality of the Columbia Box Set may be a 9.5, this steelbook edition brings that to a perfect 10.
Taxi Driver Special Features:
4K UHD
- Making Taxi Driver Documentary
- Storyboard to Film Comparisons with Martin Scorsese Introduction
- Animated Photo Galleries
- 20th Anniversary Re-Release Trailer
Blu-ray
- 40-Minute Taxi Driver Q&A featuring Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster and Many More Recorded Live at the Beacon Theatre in New York City at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival
- Commentary with Director Martin Scorsese and Writer Paul Schrader Recorded by the Criterion Collection
- Commentaries by Writer Paul Schrader and by Professor Robert Kolker
- Martin Scorsese on Taxi Driver
- Influence and Appreciation: A Martin Scorsese Tribute
- Producing Taxi Driver
- God’s Lonely Man
- Taxi Driver Stories
- Travis’ New York
- Travis’ New York Locations
- Theatrical Trailer
Available on 4K UHD Limited Edition Steelbook July 2nd, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Sony Pictures Taxi Driver webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Recommendation
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