American Gigolo (1979) (HD Blu-ray) (UK Import)

Paul Schrader, hot off writing the scripts for Martin Scorsese’s immortal classics Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, stepped into the director’s chair for the third time with 1980’s American Gigolo, a gripping tale of intrigue and deception set against the backdrop of sultry late-70s Los Angeles and starring Richard Gere in a breakthrough performance.

In a world of wealth and desire, high-end male escort Julian Kay (Gere) offers his love and attention to women in need. But when a client, the wife of a sadistic finance magnate, is found dead, all eyes turn to Julian as the prime suspect. Realizing he’s being framed, Julian races to prove his innocence, determined to unravel the mystery behind the setup. As he digs deeper into the case, he embarks on a journey that forces him to confront his own identity.

American Gigolo is a feast for the senses thanks to cinematography by John Bailey and costume design by Giorgio Armani, not to mention a soundtrack courtesy of “Father of Disco” Giorgio Moroder including the Grammy-nominated anthem “Call Me” by Blondie. Co-starring Lauren Hutton, Héctor Elizondo, and Bill Duke, American Gigolo is presented here in a stunning 4K remaster and packed with bonus features.

4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

4K remaster from the original negative by Arrow Films

4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)

Original mono, stereo and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio options

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

Audio commentary with film critic Adrian Martin

Interview with writer / director Paul Schrader

Six Ways to Sunday, an interview with actor Héctor Elizondo on detecting his character

The Business of Pleasure, an interview with actor Bill Duke on Leon’s profession

Montages and Monologues, an interview with editor Richard Halsey on putting American Gigolo together

The Non-Conformist, an interview with camera operator King Baggot on American Gigolo

Man Machine, an interview with music supervisor & KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox on the music of Giorgio Moroder

American Icon, an new interview with Professor Jennifer Clark on American Gigolo and the fashion landscape of the 80s

Original trailer

Image gallery

Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket

Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket

Six postcard-sized reproduction artcards

Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Neil Sinyard, an archival article by Bill Nichols, and original pressbook materials