Traffic: The Criterion Collection - Blu-ray Review | Benicio Del Toro, Michael Douglas

Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] is a modern classic that stands the test of time. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and featuring an all-star cast, this gritty crime drama takes a hard look at the war on drugs in the United States. Benicio Del Toro shines as Javier Rodriguez, a Mexican cop who must navigate through the ever-changing landscape of drug cartels and law enforcement while trying to stay true to himself. The ensemble cast includes Don Cheadle, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Amy Irving, Luis Guzmán, and many more. The film’s masterful direction, great performances, and powerful story make Traffic a must-see for any fan of great cinema. The Blu-ray release from the Criterion Collection is loaded with extras that add even more depth to the movie. From deleted scenes to interviews with cast members, this is a truly comprehensive collection that will please fans of the film.

Table of Contents

Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] Review

Experience the intense crime drama of Traffic with The Criterion Collection Blu-ray! The Academy Award®-winning film Traffic tells a powerful story of drug trafficking and modern day law enforcement. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this riveting movie follows multiple characters whose lives are entangled in a complex web of drugs, money, and power.

Key Features:

1. Academy Award®-winning movie Traffic directed by Steven Soderbergh

2. Follows multiple characters caught up in the complicated world of drug trafficking and law enforcement

3. Starring Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dennis Quaid, Don Cheadle and more

4. Includes 4K digital restoration, supervised by director Steven Soderbergh, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack

5. Bonus features include new interviews with cast and crew members and behind-the-scenes footage

This special edition Blu-ray of Traffic from The Criterion Collection brings you closer to the action than ever before. You will be captivated by the stellar performances of an all-star cast including Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dennis Quaid and Don Cheadle. This release also features a stunning 4K digital restoration supervised by director Steven Soderbergh himself with a 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that will envelop your senses in every scene. As an added bonus, you’ll find interviews with cast and crew members as well as behind-the-scenes footage to give you an even deeper look into this thrilling world of drugs and crime. Get ready to experience Traffic like never before with The Criterion Collection Blu-ray!

Product Details

148 minutes

R (Restricted)

Blu-ray Disc

Crime/Drama/Thriller

Product Details	Description
Title	Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]
Director	Steven Soderbergh
Cast	Michael Douglas Don Cheadle Benicio Del Toro Catherine Zeta-Jones
Release Date	October 2, 2001
Run Time
Rating
Format
Genre

Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] Pros and Cons

1. Pros:

The Criterion Collection, Traffic is a must-have for any film enthusiast or cinephile. With its high-quality video and audio, it’s sure to please even the most discerning viewer.

This Blu-ray version of Traffic features an incredible cast, including Benicio Del Toro, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The special features included with this Blu-ray version are great – they include deleted scenes, director’s commentary, and more!

Traffic was nominated for five Academy Awards and won four – Best Director (Steven Soderbergh), Best Adapted Screenplay (Stephen Gaghan), Best Film Editing (Stephen Mirrione) and Best Supporting Actor (Benicio Del Toro).

2. Cons:

The price tag may be a little steep for some people.

The disc does not have much in the way of bonus features.

The film is quite long at over two hours.

If you’re looking for a classic movie that boasts excellent acting, directing, and writing, then Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] is a great option. Featuring an all-star cast led by Benicio Del Toro, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, this movie is sure to please every fan of cinema. From its Academy Award winning performances to its amazing visuals and sound quality, you can’t go wrong with this Blu-ray release. The only downside may be the hefty price tag associated with it and the lack of any real bonus features. However, if you’re looking to add a timeless masterpiece to your collection, then don’t hesitate to pick up Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray].

Who are They for

Traffic, from director Steven Soderbergh and starring Benicio Del Toro, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Don Cheadle and Dennis Quaid, is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that won four Academy Awards® for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing and Best Supporting Actor. The Criterion Collection Blu-ray edition of Traffic features a stunningly restored high definition digital transfer supervised by cinematographer Peter Andrews with extensive color correction, approved by Soderbergh. Special features on the disc include audio commentary featuring Soderbergh, deleted and extended scenes, featurettes about the production design and editing, documentaries on the real life War on Drugs and its aftermath, interviews with cast and crew members, galleries of behind-the-scenes photographs and more. With its gripping story and powerful performances, Traffic is a must-own title in any DVD or Blu-ray collection.

My Experience for Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

I love watching Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] on Amazon. Watching it in Blu-ray clarity is like being transported into a whole new world of entertainment! From the story line to the amazing acting, this movie has it all.

Benicio Del Toro’s performance as Javier Rodriguez is nothing short of mesmerizing. His portrayal of a Mexican police officer struggling with the corruption and violence around him is both heartbreaking and courageous. The way he conveys the internal struggle between right and wrong is truly powerful.

This Criterion Collection edition includes a wealth of extras that do justice to the original film. From behind-the-scenes interviews to insightful commentaries from experts, you’ll get an incredible look at how this award-winning drama was crafted.

The Criterion Collection version also comes with exclusive features such as deleted scenes, outtakes, and production stills – making it even more special than regular editions. And don’t forget about the amazing soundtrack! This Traffic Blu-ray disc also includes an audio commentary by director Steven Soderbergh that is sure to enrich your viewing experience.

Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or just looking for something different, Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] is definitely worth checking out. With its gripping story and outstanding performances, it’s no wonder why this movie won four Academy Awards®!

What I don’t Like

1. Inconsistent picture quality: Although Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] has many great scenes, the overall visual presentation does not always look sharp and crisp.

2. Lack of special features: The Blu-ray edition of this film does not include any special features or bonus material that would make it a more attractive purchase.

3. Pricey: This product is relatively expensive when compared to other Blu-ray editions of movies in the same genre.

How to Become a Smarter Viewer with Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

With Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray], viewers can gain an unprecedented understanding of the vast global drug trade. From Benicio del Toro’s portrayal of Javier Rodríguez, a Mexican police officer on the trail of a major drug cartel, to Catherine Zeta-Jones’ performance as Helena Ayala, the wife of an imprisoned drug kingpin, this movie offers a wide range of perspectives on the topic. With Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray], viewers can become smarter and more informed about the complex issues surrounding the global drug trade.

To become a smarter viewer with Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray], consider watching it multiple times. Each viewing will offer something different, allowing you to better understand the intricate details and motivations behind each character’s decisions. Pay close attention to how Del Toro’s character navigates the dangerous waters of corruption in both Mexico and the U.S., and think about what factors are driving him to make certain choices. Additionally, look at Zeta-Jones’ portrayal of Helena Ayala and consider how her situation is similar or different from that of Javier Rodríguez—what do these characters have in common?

Another way to become a smarter viewer with Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] is to read up on some background information before viewing the film. Understand the history of the war on drugs, both in Mexico and around the world, so that you can better recognize how each scene relates to this larger context. Consider researching details like who was involved in creating and enforcing anti-drug policies in Mexico during the time period depicted in Traffic, and what roles these people played in shaping international drug policy today.

Becoming a smarter viewer with Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] also involves looking beyond just what transpires onscreen. Think about what messages are being communicated through each character’s actions and words—are there any underlying themes or ideas that could be interpreted differently depending on one’s perspective? Reflecting on these questions can give you an even deeper understanding of this complex global issue.

Questions about Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Q: What is Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]?

A: Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] is a critically-acclaimed crime drama directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Benicio Del Toro, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The movie follows the lives of several individuals whose paths cross over the course of a single day as they struggle to confront their own moral dilemmas in their fight against the war on drugs.

Q: What are the special features included with this Blu-ray?

A: This Blu-ray release comes with a variety of special features, including deleted scenes, an audio commentary from director Steven Soderbergh, interviews with cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and much more.

Q: What type of resolution does this Blu-ray offer?

A: This Blu-ray provides a high definition picture resolution of up to 1080p.

Q: Does Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] support Dolby Digital or DTS audio?

A: Yes, Traffic (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] supports both Dolby Digital and DTS audio formats.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!