Let me start by saying this 4K transfer is *gorgeous* – the colors pop, the grain feels organic, and those iconic 1960s Bronx street scenes finally get the clarity they deserve. I caught myself pausing just to admire the texture in Chazz Palminteri's leather jacket during the bar scenes.

The new Robert DeNiro interview (his first time directing, remember?) is worth the upgrade alone. Hearing him geek out about shooting on location in actual Bronx apartments gave me chills – it's like getting film school commentary from someone who actually lived that world.

Now for the 'but'... The packaging feels oddly barebones for an anniversary edition. Those art cards are nice but flimsy, and not including a standard Blu-ray feels cheap when other studios pack both discs. My collector heart aches imagining what Criterion could've done with this – deleted scenes? A Palminteri commentary? Maybe even that rumored alternate ending?

Here's who should buy this: If you wore out your DVD copy like I did and want to see Sonny's pool hall in crisp detail, it's absolutely worth it. But if you're hoping for a definitive edition packed with extras... well, let's just say this feels more like a really good rental upgrade than a true collector's piece.