FINGERS

James Toback’s “FINGERS” has finally been given the quality transfer this landmark film deserves!  Previously available only on VHS, it had been remastered three times, but never in its proper aspect ratio, or with great care, allowing its outstanding cinematography to appear amateur at best!

WARNER BROS. has released “FINGERS” with an outstanding looking and “sounding” transfer, filled with extras!

Harvey Keitel plays Jimmy, an aspiring pianist, torn between following his dreams and helping his bookie-loan shark/father as a collector.  All of Toback’s films share a gritty feel to them and everything about “FINGERS” is raw.  Everything about every scene feels real, and this is both an asset and detriment.  The viewer will either want to bare witness to Jimmy and his encounters or run from them. There’s no in-between here.  Keitel is outstanding, but so is the entire cast.  Look for Mia Farrow’s overlooked, more talented sister Tisa as Jimmy’s love interest.  The plotline, following Jimmy over a short period, preparing for his big piano audition, isn’t very complex, but his life is. We learn a great deal about him through his encounters, often sexual or violent.  While many have noted “FINGERS” as one of the most important “mob” films, viewers expecting a “SOPRANOS”-like story will be very disappointed, even when seeing Michael V. Gazzo(Frankie Pentangeli in Godfather 2) as Jimmy’s father. It’s similar to mob films due to its depictions of the criminal element surrounding its main character, but it’s not a “shoot ‘em up” drama.  This isn’t to say “FINGERS” is non-violent.  There are some extremely violent scenes, and all of them, especially a fight-to-the-death sequence near the end, are made even more disturbing due to their realism.

WARNER BROS has provided an outstanding transfer for this release.  For the first time, the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio is intact, with 16:9 enhancement.  It was impossible to appreciate the masterful cinematography in previous home video releases.  Prior to this transfer, the image looked so poor, it made the film look like a “B” movie.  Now, the image, while intentionally grainy at times, appears well-polished, and even slick.  There’s incredible depth to each scene, and colors are even rich where appropriate. The contrast is flawless, with deep blacks and grays. There is no artifacting. 

The Dolby Digital monaural sound is in great shape. There’s excellent fidelity, and the score, featuring several well-selected pop tunes, is well complimented here. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

Toback provides a commentary track, which, as with his previous ones, is always fascinating. It’s one that every aspiring filmmaker should listen to.

A featurette with Toback and Keitel is provided, which while entertaining, leaves the viewer wanting more. 

The theatrical trailer is also included.