The Nice Guys is a throwback to the cop dramas and mismatched buddy movies of the 70s, 80s and 90s. Even though the comedic elements are front and centre, the story and characters still manage to tread into mystery/thriller territory, making it feel very much like a much less serious version of Chinatown. Yet it still covers serious subject, hidden by unexpected comedic chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe plus the frequent porn connections to the case they're working on. Releasing on UHD and Blu-ray, The Nice Guys gets the Second Sight Films treatment, nearly 10 years after its initial release in 2016. This release feels like it's long overdue.

Set in 1977 LA, down on his luck private detective and widowed father Holland March (Gosling) crosses paths with thug for hire Jackson Healy (Crowe). In a twist of fate, the pair reluctantly have to team up when a young woman, Amelia, who they are both looking for, mysteriously disappears and they find they're not the only people on her trail. As the duo dig deeper into their investigation they becomes further tangled up with the dark and violent world where everyone seems to turn up dead.

From the iconic opening; a porn star crashes her car into a house and asks ‘how do you like my car, big boy?' to the weirdly empty yet satisfying ending, reminding us its Christmas once again in director and co-writer Shane Black's world, The Nice Guys takes us on a comedic crime thrill ride. Black very clearly wanted to tell a story in his style, with the private detectives who are at odds at first then soon become allies, as well as having 70s LA as more than just a backdrop. Cementing March and Healy as one of the best duos of the genre, the characters are grounded as well as whacky when they need to be and therefore sett the tone for the rest of the cast of mobsters, assassins, politicians, innocent bystanders and Chad, the projectionist. Like any detective story, The Nice Guys hits those same genre beats, but instead of coming off like a series of cliches, Black creates a unique experience. The film feels old school, it's set in the 70s, there's an odd couple at the centre and yet, the balance of crime and comedy is maintained throughout, even in moments of dread and violence. Having March's pre-teen daughter Holly (played with such sass by Angourie Rice) come along on the case amps up the story.

As with all Second Sight Films releases, the film is accompanied by an array of physical and on disc special features. New artwork on the hard case and hardback book featuring essays from an exciting group of writers, along with art cards to complete the set. The special features on the disc include audio commentaries, interviews with cast and the director himself, as well featurettes exploring the characters, production design and a video essay about Black's signature storytelling. Overall, Second Sight does not disappoint on the limited-edition box set or for those just seeking out the standard edition.

The Nice Guys releases on Limited Edition 4K & Blu-ray Box Set & Standard Edition on June 16.