Uncut Gems (2019) Take a Slice Out of the Criterion Collection

September 8, 2021

380 2 minutes read

The Criterion Collection releases Uncut Gems to Blu-ray on November 23, 2021. Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie directed the film starring Adam Sandler, Julia Fox, and Idina Menzel.

‘Uncut Gems’ Criterion Synopsis

This jolt of pure cinematic adrenaline affirmed directors Josh and Benny Safdie as heirs to the gritty, heightened realism of Martin Scorsese and John Cassavetes. Adam Sandler delivers an almost maniacally embodied performance as Howard Ratner, a fast-talking New York jeweler and gambler in relentless pursuit of the next big score. When he comes into possession of a rare opal, it seems Howard’s ship has finally come in—as long as he can stay one step ahead of a wife (Idina Menzel) who hates him, a mistress (Julia Fox) who can’t quit him, and a frenzy of loan sharks and hit men closing in on him. Wrapping a vivid look at the old-school Jewish world of Manhattan’s Diamond District within a kinetic thriller, Uncut Gems gives us one of the great characters in modern cinema: a tragic hero of competing compulsions on a shoot-the-moon quest to transcend his destiny.

DIRECTOR-APPROVED SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

4K digital transfer, approved by writer-directors Josh and Benny Safdie, with Dolby Atmos soundtrack on the 4K UHD and Blu-ray editions
In the 4K UHD edition: One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
Audio commentary from 2019 featuring the Safdies, writer and editor Ronald Bronstein, and producer Sebastian Bear-McClard
New interviews with cinematographer Darius Khondji, costume designer Miyako Bellizzi, production designer Sam Lisenco, and casting director Jennifer Venditti
Documentaries from 2019 and 2020 on the making of the film and soundtrack
Screen test featuring actors Adam Sandler and Julia Fox
Goldman v Silverman, a 2020 short film by the Safdies, featuring Sandler and Benny Safdie
“Question & Answer,” a 2020 short film featuring the Safdies, Sandler, actor Jason Bateman, and comedy writer Megan Amram
Audition tapes
Deleted and extended scenes, including a full performance of “The Morning” by The Weeknd
Trailers
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
PLUS: An essay by film critic J. Hoberman and, for the 4K UHD and Blu-ray editions, a 2020 discussion of the film by the editorial staff of Jewish Currents magazine

Cover photography by Inez & Vinoodh

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