Robert De Niro · 1990s

11 Robert De Niro movies from the 1990s on 4K Blu-ray, ranked S to D by transfer quality. 7 S-Tier picks including Ronin, Jackie Brown, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Awakenings(1990)

7.8/10

dir. Penny Marshall

S-Tier

Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.

Backdraft(1991)

6.7/10

dir. Ron Howard

S-Tier

Two feuding siblings carrying on a heroic family tradition as Chicago firefighters. But when a puzzling series of arson attacks is reported, they are forced to set aside their differences to solve the mystery surrounding these crimes.

The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980(1992)

9.3/10

dir. Francis Ford Coppola

S-Tier

Following the release of The Godfather Part III in 1990, Coppola, Barry Malkin, and Walter Murch edited the three Godfather movies into chronological order. As had the earlier compilations, this film incorporated scenes that are not part of the theatrical releases.

Casino(1995)

8.2/10

dir. Martin Scorsese

S-Tier

In Las Vegas, two best friends--a casino executive and a Mafia enforcer--compete for a gambling empire and a fast-living, fast-loving socialite.

Universal Pictures · 4K + Blu-ray

Jackie Brown(1997)

7.4/10

dir. Quentin Tarantino

S-Tier

S-Tier Lionsgate 4K. Tarantino's most underrated film. He personally signed off on the 4K restoration and vetoed an earlier release because it wasn't good enough, which tells you how much he cares about this one. Comparison shots show a real upgrade from the Blu-ray. Imprint also put out an Australian release at their usual eyebrow-raising price.

Lionsgate · 4K + Blu-ray

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein(1994)

6.4/10

dir. Kenneth Branagh

S-Tier

S-Tier Arrow Video 4K. Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein with De Niro as the creature. Arrow's 4K was $14.95 USD at Hamilton Book, and the Zavvi exclusive steelbook is a design standout. People project this one, which is a good sign for the transfer. Branagh going full operatic with the material divides viewers.

Arrow Video · 4K + Blu-ray

Ronin(1998)

7.0/10

dir. John Frankenheimer

S-Tier

Capelight Pictures' German release is the canonical 4K with HDR, region-free 4K disc paired with a region B Blu-ray. John Frankenheimer's 1998 European spy thriller with the BMW M5 chase through Paris that car people quote scene by scene. De Niro and Reno as expat operatives chasing a McGuffin briefcase.

Capelight · 4K + Blu-ray (Germany)

GoodFellas(1990)

8.5/10

dir. Martin Scorsese

A-Tier

A-Tier Warner Bros. 4K. Scorsese's gangster film. The restaurant scene tracking shot benefits from every pixel.

Warner Home Video · 4K + Blu-ray

Heat(1995)

7.9/10

dir. Michael Mann

A-Tier

Mann's downtown LA shootout still sounds like no other scene in the format. A-Tier Warner disc that gets cited in every debate about the best 90s action transfers.

Walt Disney Studios · Ultimate Collector's Edition - Director's Definitive Edition