Color of Money [DVD] [1987] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I love this sequel to The Hustler, and I waited a long while before upgrading my DVD copy to Bluray. I was rather put off by some of the reviews that said it was one of the worst transfers around, but finally decided to go for it when it was on offer.The Bluray is actually very good, and I am sure that some of those criticising the transfer may not have seen, or perhaps can't remember what it looked like in cinemas 33 years ago. It was never a great looking film, and that look was done deliberately by Scorcese, and his cinematographer Michael Ballhaus. The grainy, hazy picture was the same in cinemas, so no amount of remastering is going to change that. In some scenes (away from the pool hall) the picture pops a great deal more, and actually looks really good.So, don't let negative reviews put you off buying this Bluray. Yes it could be better, but I think any improvement would only be marginal if it is going to retain the look that Scorcese wanted.

Absolutely love this movie. Although probably a controversial opinion I believe its one of Scorsese's finest.The way Cruises character is slowly brought to life, from stock room boy to fully fledged hustler is really well thought out and believable. The 3 main characters play off one another (Eddie, Vince and Carmen) and is a delight to see, you really want to keep watching to see what happens next. Paul Newman is absolutely fantastic in his role and fully deserved his Oscar as Fast Eddie but as Tom's character develops you really get a sense that the old man has been played at his own game.The camera work is top rate and uses techniques that are seen in later Scorcese's work such as Good Fellas, Cape Fear, Casino etc. It actually makes pool/billiards look like an exciting game to play and watch (no offence intended to any pool/billiards fans).

Sequels are rarely much good (except Jason Bourne) and coming after the great film The Hustler this was almost an impertinence. The plot was confused without being complicated and the film made the catastrophic mistake of making the hero thoroughly unsympathetic. The underlying theme was promising, old maestro interacting with young upstart, but there was no dynamism here, no message. I ended up disliking everyone in the film -- but they weren't meant to be disliked!

Yet another minor masterpiece from wunderkind Scorsese, however this movie is somewhat dated. The music is without a doubt 1980s. Who could forget Tom Cruise running the table while "doing the Wearwolves of London." Not an image that leaves my head with any immediacy. The director (have I mentioned its Martin Scorsese yet?) seems to be quite inventive with many different types of camera shots on the pool table.The Hustler was a little more down to earth than this 1986 sequel. It was more of a drama about alcoholism and self-destruction; where as The Colour of Money is more of a fun pool-action and redemption of character film (more akin to Rounders- same writer as Colour of Money). It still has the layers of drama; they just strike a different chord. Regardless this is still a brilliant little piece of film making and establishes Tom Cruise as a young talent as well as reestablishing Paul Newman as one of the all time greats.Billy Ray

It,s one of those classic films that takes the characters on a journey about themselves in classic sophicated storytelling style an enjoyable ride of drama with a dramatic flourish of an ending that's uplifting and powerful. I,m back!. Paul Newman is the king of pool. You relate very easily to all the characters and learn a thing or two about hustling along the way.

I saw this film for the first time in 2013 some 26 years after it was released in cinemas. I thought that the film was outstanding in every department. The recreation of pool halls and bars took me into another world and the music behind these scenes just adds to these ultra-realistic and yet somehow fantastical settings. With regards to the plot, as a great fan of sports movies which delve into the profound psychology of the sportsman, I found it incredible. At times it comes close to predictable and cheesy, as many sports films have done before, but I feel that Scorsese's touch adds a compelling realism to the story and as many sports fans will know, it is the unpredictable that is the most predictable; the twist at the end makes for a beautiful anti-climax to an otherwise formulaic tournament. The acting throughout captures the imagination of anyone who has played 'games' at any level. Tom Cruise's character is fresh faced and excitable and makes you feel like 9-Ball pool could be a great game to play. However, Paul Newman's character is slightly more cynical about the game, suggesting to Cruise's girlfriend that it is a game which could make them a lot of money. However, this cynicism somehow further romanticises the game. Perhaps it is the enticing nature of Newman's character which compels us to cling on to his every word, as the young and naive Cruise appears to do. Newman is slick and fast and really shows his skill as an actor through his role. Cruise appears to be outdone by Newman's experience but it soon becomes apparent that any naivety that Cruise shows is part of his character. Later on in the film, the charm of Newman's character wares thin and we begin to see him for what he really is and what the sport can do to him. He is guilty of everything that he accuses Cruise of being. For me that is the beauty of the film. It is formulaic in its approach to a sports film and it captures the relationship between a teacher and a protege with a finesse which is the result of a great director and a great cast.This film will make you want to play 9-Ball pool just like Tom Cruise and to talk to people with the sharpness and wit of Paul Newman.