Scarface (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]

Scarface is a cracking slice of Prohibition-era chaos—surprisingly brutal, even by today’s standards. For a film that barely shows a drop of blood, it still manages to leave you reeling with implied violence and ruthless energy. Paul Muni’s a livewire, chewing up the screen as a gangster on the rise, and Hawks directs like he’s got dynamite in his back pocket. The action zips along, and the body count stacks up without having to spell it out. But those moralising interludes—weird, preachy fourth wall breaks that suck the life out of the film—are an early symptom of the Hays Code, which demanded changes tacked on to condemn gangsterism and forced a different ending. A shame, really, as those changes convinced me to hang up my Tommy gun and go straight—now I just do white-collar crime like everyone else.

As a fan of the remake, I expected this to feel like phony old Hollywood—but while it has some of that, it’s surprisingly engaging. I loved the way X’s are used as visual cues before a death, the charisma of the main character, and the strange brother–sister dynamic that is also present in the remake. The ending is great, too. Sure, the remake is more aligned with modern tastes, but this is still a sharp, entertaining watch, and far more accessible than many films from the same era.

Nice!

Howard Hawks did his best on this one, ofcourse Paul Muni acts like a true gangster in the early years of the twentieth century, very dramatic at the same time very funy too. A true film genre i recommand.

First Time view, Movie is pretty good and I would say ahead of its time compared to other films made around the same time. You can see similarity's to the Scarface movie we all know. Def worth the buy to see where it comes from if you a fan of the Pacino Version. This 4k Version from Criterion is top notch and you cant get any better. Great Picture and sound, you cant go wrong. with the 4k version.

Paul Mini is wonderful in this original version of Scarface. Watch George Raft and watch for Boris Karloff in a cameo rule. Ann Divorak is heartbreaking. Due to pressure from the censors, an alternate ending was filmed. You can view it in the 'extras,' Criterion provides a bluray and 4k disc for your viewing pleasure. Both look amazing. If you enjoy those gangster films from the 30s, don't hesitate to add this title to your collection.

Loved this old school Scarface movie always wanted to watch the original im glad i did!

Criterion Collection really skimped on the cover art of the movie, this artist must’ve been a cousin of the manufacturer

Scarface (1932) of my favourite Criterion releases! The packaging and the art and the presentation are all beautiful. The historical notes inside are extremely informative. The copy of the film is pristine. It is everything I could possibly want in a Criterion film. This is why this amazing company is the gold standard. Head and shoulders above the rest!

Fabulous film and great picture quality and superb extras.