Martin Scorsese has been known for his gangster films, as well as a foray into other genres, but his third film, Mean Streets was the one that pushed him into the spotlight. A gangster film about violence, crime and fraught friendship, Mean Streets not only showcased Scorsese's talent, this was Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro's first appearance together in a film, as well as the first in a long line of films, the latter worked on with the director. It could be said that Mean Streets was the start of something special.
Following a group of 20-somethings as they each try to make a name for themselves in New York city, going from small time criminals to aspiring gangsters. Charlie, trying his best to avoid crime but working for his mafia boss uncle, dreams of opening his own restaurant. Along with Tony, who runs the local bar and Michael, a loan shark who runs small dodgy deals, Charlie spends his time cleaning up the messes of his sometimes friend, Johnny Boy, a petty thug who rips off loan sharks for a living. But sooner or later, Johnny Boy's bad habits will catch up with him.

It's fascinating to witness the beginnings of a beautiful partnership on screen. De Niro's presence from the minute he appears feels like the centre of the film, he grabs our attention, even throughout the character's awful behaviour. There is nothing redeemable about Johnny Boy, he is a terrible person through and through but for us, the audience, he is intoxicating. Coupled with the seamless and believable chemistry De Niro shares with Harvey Keitel as Charlie is a thrill.
Aside from the dynamic duo of Charlie and Johnny Boy, the story lacks a clear coherent direction. There is a sense that Scorsese threw everything he had at the film but the story just isn't as enticing as the two leads. The random and somewhat hilarious fight scenes that occur without so much as a prompt do amuse, but as they continue, they just come across as tragic. The violence is frequent and inconsistent, just like the plot direction, but there are decent performances within the film. Scorsese had a decent start to his career, this being his third film, and he only continued to develop his work for the better. But Mean Streets, is an exercise in violence for the sake of it.

Second Sight Films have given this classic the 4K restoration treatment. Complete with a host of extras, featuring commentaries, interviews, archive footage, all approved by Scorsese himself, as well as his long-time collaborator, Thelma Schoonmaker. For those looking to fully immerse themselves into the world created by Scorsese and of course fans of the film, this would be a welcome addition to their collection.
Special Features
- Dual format edition including both UHD and Blu-ray with main feature and bonus features on both discs
- New 4K restoration supervised and approved by Director Martin Scorsese and Collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker
- Restored original mono audio
- UHD presented in Dolby Vision HDR
- New audio commentary by Demetrios Matheou (author of BFI Films Classics Mean Street) and David Thompson (Co-Editor of Scorsese on Scorsese)
- Scene specific audio commentary with Martin Scorsese and Actor Amy Robinson
- Keep Moving Forward: a new interview with Producer Jonathan T Taplin
- Saints and Sinners: Dr Catherine Wheatley on Mean Streets
- 2011 Film at Lincoln Center screening introduction, interview and Q&A with Martin Scorsese
- Mardik: Baghdad to Hollywood feature-length documentary
- Archive featurette: Back on the Block
- Archive featurette: Home Movies
- Trailer
Limited Edition Contents
- Rigid slipcase with original artwork
- 178-page book with new essays by Mark Asch, Daniel Bird, Charles Bramesco, Lillian Crawford, Elena Lazic, Manuela Lazic, Christina Newland and Extract from Scorsese on Scorsese
- 8 collectors' art cards
Second Sight Films will release a Limited Edition Duel 4K UHD & Blu-ray of Mean Streets on 15th January