The Hustler [Blu-ray] [1961]

Just as I expected, excellent film 😄🎥

I've watched the film twice since I bought the bluray, because firstly its a great film anyway, and secondly on bluray it looks stunning. The black and white photography looks like it was filmed yesterday rather than 52 years ago.The cast are superb with Paul Newman and the leading actress (whose name escapes me) giving great performances, ably supported by George C Scott who plays the agent/promotor/manager. As somebody else in another review said the film isn't really about Pool. In fact large chunks of it are in the realm of kitchen sink drama, and thats no bad thing as it contrasts starkly with the Pool room scenes.The film is in 2.35:1 ratio and the extras, which I watched some months ago are pretty good. But the main reason to get this is the bluray transfer, which, for a film of this age is one of the best I've seen.

I play a lot of pool and I love this movie. It was Newman's premier performance and he just nails the character of Fast Eddie". What a way to start a career. Jackie Gleason and George C. Scott play awesome parts and make it all real. Excellent story and superior acting from everyone.

For me Paul Newman was not as convincing in this picture as he was in the earlier "Cat on a hot tin roof", but the supporting cast including Jackie Gleason and George C Scott were excellent. As you would expect from an American film there is some violence, too much muzak, and the lovers keep their clothes on in bed.

A classic study of life via a sporting metaphor. Newman is excellent as a non-heroic hero.

This is a really good film that would have benefitted from being filmed in colour as it's about pool which is a colourful game. Paul Newman gives a good performance but there isn't enough pool playing in it for my liking.

The film starts quite slowly but builds into something that is about far more than playing pool

Scott is marvelous