Scarface (1932) Blu Ray Review: “This "pre-code" era before censorship shaped the way movies were made, &this powerful gangster film is the most potent of the 1930s“

I think most people would know or heard of Brian De Palma’s Scarface from 1983. A film that deals with Tony Montana that had nothing but rise to be a drug lord of Miami of the 1980’s, the film that may have mixed reviews when it was released, but made impact in the crime drama films of 1980’s and  people still quote “Say hello to my little friend” from parodies and pop culture. But people forget that it was a remake of the 1932 of the same name that not only has the same impact as the De Palma film (both when it was released and its legacy).

In 1920s Chicago, Antonio "Tony" Camonte, a gangster who violently rises through the Chicago gangland. Meanwhile, Camonte pursues his bosses' mistress as Camonte's sister pursues his best hitman. 

While having similar plot points, the 32 version is mostly tamed in comparison but has some very shocking moments for being a film in the 30’s. This is mostly because of pre code era of the early 1930’s where the censorship wasn’t a thing (it was somewhat but it wasn’t in effect until 1934 when the Hays office was more directed because of the adult references and death in the films). Producer Howard Hughes was main reason why he wanted to make it more realistic and have some shocking moments because he bought the rights of the novel of the same and he wanted some scenes like to match the real life Al Capone by having scene be similar to the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. Director  Howard Hawks does a great job shooting scene in different angles, nice conversations scenes, and the shootouts/robber scenes. Paul Muni does a electrifying performance by being a character that you love and hate (similar to Al Pacino). Special mention to Boris Karloff who does a great performance as one of my gangsters, Tom Gaffney, who knew Frankenstein can be an effective gangster. 

The Blu Ray of Scarface is funny how it was released because it got a release when the 1983 film had its Gold Limited “The World is Yours” Edition including both versions on Blu Ray and the 1983 version on UHD. It was later given a separate release, which is what I owned. Universal’s Blu Ray of Scarface looks great for what elements they used because not only uses the original version, but the alternative version that was used in later releases after the original. The audio sounds nice for just a simple 2.0 mono track. The only extras  is an introduction by Robert Osborn and the Alternative ending.

1983’s Scarface may be the most recognizable, but the original 1932 movie still holds up well like it’s  successor. I recommend for anyone who love the films of 1930’s  and it makes a good historical pre code movie of how sins ruled the movies.