Sometimes you fall in love with a film from one of the very first scenes.
"Chop Shop" is also a city symphony film. Hundreds of films have been shot in New York City, the bulk of them in Manhattan. Some have focused on other neighborhoods, but Willet´s Point is a kind of forgotten land, unseen by the hordes of Mets fans congregating at Shea Stadium. Manhattan is clearly visible across the river, but plays almost no role in the lives of the men and women of Willet´s Point, but it´s every bit as much a part of New York as anything Woody Allen or Martin Scorsese have ever shown. Bahrani immerses us in this world for an hour and a half, its people, its roads, its alleyways, and it´s a shame it has to end so quickly.
No review would be complete without emphasizing how exceptional young Alejandro Polanco is in the lead role. Ale is plucky, but not Sally Field-style. Polanco bought into the role completely, going places many adult stars wouldn´t dare. In the train scene I mentioned above, Alejandro went onto a real train and sold candy to real passengers (a few were plants from the cast) who, in typical New York fashion, barely paid any attention to the camera. They just wanted some candy. And Ale just wanted some money. No-nonsense. And a whole lot of courage. What a great movie.
Video
The film is presented in a 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer. The interlaced transfer shows heavy instances of combing, something that tends to happen when you have an interlaced transfer for a film that is hand-held. As a result, the image quality leaves something to be desired, though it is acceptable. The colors look fairly good and contrast levels are sharp. It´s a competent transfer, but we could hope for better for such a great film. I have little doubt that Bahrani is rapidly ascending into the pantheon of modern masters, and I wouldn´t be surprised if his earlier films get later deluxe re-masters.
Audio
The film is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. Optional English subtitles support the audio which is mostly in English with a smattering of Spanish
Extras
The DVD includes an excellent commentary track with Bahrani, Polanco, and cinematographer Michael Simmonds.
The only other feature is a collection of rehearsals. Usually, rehearsal features are pointless extras, but in this case it is fascinating to see Polanco get literal on-the-job training as he meets his boss Rob and works (for real) in the auto shop. A Trailer rounds out the Extras.
Film Value
"Chop Shop" is Ramin Bahrani´s third feature film. Along with "Man Push Cart" (2005), Bahrani has made two modern masterpieces that belong on any list of the best films of the decade (I have not seen his first feature film, "Strangers.") Incidentally, while this DVD will be released on Tuesday, July 8, Koch is also releasing "Chop Shop" and "Man Push Cart" as a two-disc set for only $7 more than just the one disc, so you might want to take the leap and buy both. You won´t regret it.
No review would be complete without emphasizing how exceptional young Alejandro Polanco is in the lead role. Ale is plucky, but not Sally Field-style. Polanco bought into the role completely, going places many adult stars wouldn´t dare. In the train scene I mentioned above, Alejandro went onto a real train and sold candy to real passengers (a few were plants from the cast) who, in typical New York fashion, barely paid any attention to the camera. They just wanted some candy. And Ale just wanted some money. No-nonsense. And a whole lot of courage. What a great movie.
Video
The film is presented in a 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer. The interlaced transfer shows heavy instances of combing, something that tends to happen when you have an interlaced transfer for a film that is hand-held. As a result, the image quality leaves something to be desired, though it is acceptable. The colors look fairly good and contrast levels are sharp. It´s a competent transfer, but we could hope for better for such a great film. I have little doubt that Bahrani is rapidly ascending into the pantheon of modern masters, and I wouldn´t be surprised if his earlier films get later deluxe re-masters.
Audio
The film is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. Optional English subtitles support the audio which is mostly in English with a smattering of Spanish
Extras
The DVD includes an excellent commentary track with Bahrani, Polanco, and cinematographer Michael Simmonds.
The only other feature is a collection of rehearsals. Usually, rehearsal features are pointless extras, but in this case it is fascinating to see Polanco get literal on-the-job training as he meets his boss Rob and works (for real) in the auto shop. A Trailer rounds out the Extras.
Film Value
"Chop Shop" is Ramin Bahrani´s third feature film. Along with "Man Push Cart" (2005), Bahrani has made two modern masterpieces that belong on any list of the best films of the decade (I have not seen his first feature film, "Strangers.") Incidentally, while this DVD will be released on Tuesday, July 8, Koch is also releasing "Chop Shop" and "Man Push Cart" as a two-disc set for only $7 more than just the one disc, so you might want to take the leap and buy both. You won´t regret it.
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[release]24278[/release]