Thief 4K Ultra HD Review

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Michael Mann’s Thief (1981) is a seminal work in the crime genre, marking the director’s feature film debut and establishing many of the stylistic and thematic hallmarks that would define his career. Starring James Caan in one of his most nuanced performances, the film is a gritty, meticulously crafted exploration of professionalism, alienation, and the cost of the American Dream. Based on the novel The Home Invaders by Frank Hohimer (a pseudonym for real-life thief John Seybold), Thief is both a gripping heist film and a character study of a man grappling with his desire for a normal life while entrenched in a world of crime.

Plot and Themes

The film follows Frank (James Caan), a skilled safe-cracker and ex-con who dreams of leaving his criminal life behind to build a family with his girlfriend Jessie (Tuesday Weld). To achieve this, Frank takes on one last big score with the help of a powerful crime syndicate led by Leo (Robert Prosky). However, Frank’s ambition for independence clashes with the syndicate’s demands, leading to a tense and violent confrontation.

At its core, Thief is a meditation on the American Dream and its inherent contradictions. Frank’s desire for a stable, conventional life—symbolized by his meticulously planned heists and his vision of a white-picket-fence existence—is constantly undermined by the very system he operates within. The film critiques the illusion of upward mobility, suggesting that true freedom is unattainable in a society dominated by greed and corruption. This theme is underscored by Frank’s interactions with Leo, who represents the oppressive forces of organized crime and capitalism. Leo’s promise of security and wealth is revealed to be a trap, mirroring the broader societal structures that exploit individuals for profit.

Style and Direction

Mann’s direction in Thief is both stylish and substantive, blending realism with a heightened aesthetic that would become his trademark. The film’s visual style is characterized by its use of neon lighting, shadowy interiors, and urban landscapes, creating a moody, atmospheric tone that reflects Frank’s inner turmoil. In this aesthetic, Mann, it could be argued, popularized neon noir, which would continue to become a more prominent subgenre with films such as Blade Runner and Drive. Mann’s attention to detail is evident in the meticulously staged heist sequences, which are grounded in realism and technical precision, and also reminiscent of the silent heist scene from Le Cercle Rouge. The safe-cracking scenes, in particular, are a highlight of the film. In fact, Caan trained with real-life safe-cracker John Santucci (who also appears in the film as a police sergeant) to ensure the accuracy of his performance.

The film’s score, composed by Tangerine Dream, is another standout element. The electronic music adds a hypnotic, otherworldly quality to the film, enhancing its tension and emotional depth. While some critics at the time found the score anachronistic (and it is surely reminiscent of Pink Floyd in many places) it has since been recognized as a pioneering use of electronic music in cinema, influencing countless films in the decades since.

Performances

James Caan delivers a career-defining performance as Frank, imbuing the character with a rugged intensity and vulnerability. Caan’s portrayal captures Frank’s contradictions—his desire for control and his underlying sense of desperation. The scene in which Frank recounts his traumatic prison experience to Jessie is particularly powerful, revealing the emotional scars that drive his actions. Tuesday Weld provides a strong counterpoint as Jessie, offering a grounded, empathetic presence that highlights Frank’s humanity. Robert Prosky, in his film debut, is chilling as Leo, embodying the insidious nature of institutional power.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Thief received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its technical achievements and Caan’s performance. However, some found the film’s pacing uneven and its ending abrupt. Over time, Thief has been reevaluated and is now regarded as a classic of the genre, influencing filmmakers such as Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) and Christopher Nolan. Its impact on the heist genre is undeniable, with its emphasis on realism and character depth setting a new standard for crime films.

In Conclusion on the Film

Thief is a masterful debut that showcases Michael Mann’s distinctive style and thematic preoccupations. Its exploration of professionalism, alienation, and the American Dream remains relevant, while its technical achievements and performances continue to impress. Though it may have been underappreciated upon its initial release, Thief has rightfully earned its place as a classic of the crime genre and a cornerstone of Mann’s illustrious career. For fans of heist films and character-driven crime dramas, Thief is essential viewing.

The Video

The new 4K restoration of Thief, supervised by Michael Mann, is created from the original 35mm negative and includes an additional Willie Dixon scene. It features a 1.85:1 HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) Dolby Vision presentation on the 4K disc and 1.85:1 1080p SDR on the Blu-ray disc.

The result is outstanding, with consistent grain and sharp details. The Dolby Vision grading enhances highlights, provides vivid colors, and bright reflections, particularly on Frank’s black Cadillac.

The Audio

Michael Mann also approved the audio, remastered from the original 2.0 stereo soundtrack to 5.0 surround from 35mm 4-track audio stems and presented on disc in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0. This mix sounds good for a remix, with clean and dynamic dialogue and atmospheric special effects. The Tangerine Dream score punches through and fills the sound field. I think it still would have been nice to have the original stereo mix as well, but this mix works well with the film.

The Supplements

Criterion Collection provides a disappointing array of older materials on this release. The audio commentary is from 1995 and the interviews date back to 2013. We also get the same 2014 essay from Nick James, former editor of Sight and Sound.

Bonus Features:

• 1995 audio commentary featuring director Michael Mann and actor James Caan.

Blu-ray Only Bonus Features:

• Michael Mann (1080p; 00:24:18) – 2013 interview recorded by the Criterion Collection by Variety chief film critic Scott Foundas.
• James Caan (1080p; 00:10:39) – 2013 interview, conducted by the Criterion Collection, with James Caan.
• Tangerine Dream (1080p; 00:15:40) – In this 2013 interview, Johannes Schmoelling, formerly of the band Tangerine Dream, shares his memories of composing and recording the unforgettable score for Thief.
• Trailer (1080p; 00:01:53)

The Final Assessment

Mann hit it out of the park his first time up at the plate with Thief, a brilliant feature film directorial debut that shows a strong personal style and revels in the world of neon noir. The Criterion Collection 4K Ultra HD release is reference through and through. Highly recommended.

Thief is out on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray March 11, 2025 from Criterion Collection

• Rating Certificate: R
• Studios & Distributors: Mann/Caan Productions | United Artists | The Criterion Collection
• Director: Michael Mann
• Written By: Writers Michael Mann | Frank Hohimer
• Run Time: 124 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K UHD)
• HDR Format: Dolby Vision (HDR10 Compatible)
• Primary Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.0
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Street Date: 11 March 2025