Today, we’re taking a fine look at the new release (order yours here!) of the British classic, The Italian Job, in all its 1969 glory, and while it may have been lifted from the Blu-ray restoration, it looks really sharp as it comes to 4K UHD for this very special 55th Anniversary release from Paramount Home Entertainment!

Originally released, no less, on 25 July 1969, it’s clear that The Italian Job has entertained audiences for decades now, and found its way into the pop culture world, thanks to iconic moments – that still linger impressively when you know they’re on the way! While a few scenes certainly feel ‘of the time’, with subtle touches of xenophobia plus the representation of women, the starring role from Michael Caine means his antics are set within the era, and you’re always waiting for that huge car chase finale.

There’s little doubt it inspired the crime caper genre, and stands up as a hallmark to films we still see today, as Peter Collinson’s tricksy tale offers up the story of an English motley crew who attempt a gold heist in Turin, Italy – during rush-hour… after an Italy vs England football match – before setting off on one of the most entertainment car chase sequences in movie history (keep an eye out for the crowds, as they filmed this for real in Turin), and a true cliffhanger of a finale!

Caine’s portrayal of the eminently quotable gang leader, Charlie Croker, endures as one of the all-time iconic British performances and a staple of the charismatic, cockney con-artist motif. Packed with comedic one-liners and an assortment of red, white and blue 1960s Mini Coopers meeting their demise through an array of impressive stunts, it remains fun and continues to charm.

This version comes with a host of lovely physical bonus content, as the 4K UHD disc release genuinely looks sharp and bright, which is vital when it comes to those heavy uses of the British flag, and screens in 16:9, and the extras in the boxset include another Blu-ray disc, an Italian reproduction theatrical poster, production notes, and further collectibles including a sticker sheet with famous quotes, a nice selection of art cards and more!

The Special Features include commentary with screenwriter Troy Kennedy Martin and Matthew Field, author of The Making of The Italian Job, plus commentary by producer Michael Deeley and Field, as well as HD version featurettes for Self Preservation Society: Making The Italian Job; Mini Adventures; and a certain music video. There’s also a Deleted Scene with commentary by Field, and that original trailer to enjoy.

The Italian Job (1969) 55th Anniversary 4K Collector’s Edition is out now: https://amzn.to/3ViZeA1

Sound and Language Info:

4K disc:   

Audio: English – Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround, German, Japanese, Italian Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono

Subtitles: English, English SDH†, Dutch, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish – Castilian

Blu-ray disc: 

Audio: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround, French, German, Italian, Spanish – Castilian Mono, English Restored Mono.

Subtitles: English, English SDH†, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese – Brazilian, Spanish – Castilian, Spanish – Latin American, Swedish Run