La haine

Criterion's recent release of "La Haine" on a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack is an essential update for enthusiasts and collectors alike. This is especially true for the 4K Blu-ray, which is region-free, contrasting with the Blu-ray that remains Region-A locked. The anticipation for the full market version is high, especially since the preliminary screener, downscaled to 1080p for review purposes, hints at an impressive upgrade in visual fidelity. The 4K restoration with Dolby Vision and HDR grades promises a viewing experience unparalleled to previous releases. Initial impressions suggest that the Dolby Vision enhances the restoration significantly, although the HDR rendition remains untested for this review.

The comparison with past versions of "La Haine," especially the British Film Institute's Region-B Blu-ray which introduced the film's 4K makeover in the United Kingdom, reveals a substantial improvement in visual quality. On a technical level, the native 4K presentation showcases a superior balance between daylight/indoor footage and its darker, nighttime counterparts. This is further accentuated by the enhanced density levels over Criterion's original 2012 Blu-ray release sourced from an older master. The restoration maintains the film's characteristic play with light and darkness, maintaining a nuanced handle on crushing without succumbing to problematic digital corrections. This fidelity extends to fine details and image stability throughout the film, preserving its organic appearance and cinematic integrity.

Noteworthy is that, despite the many improvements, some areas retain a softness consistent with earlier presentations of "La Haine." This might be indicative of a deliberate aesthetic or technical limitation from the original source material rather than a flaw in the restoration process itself. However, such instances do not detract from the overall quality of this native 4K release. Instead, they contribute to the film's authentic and very convincing organic appearance, ensuring that Criterion's latest offering is likely the most definitive edition of "La Haine" to date for both cinephiles and technical purists. Enhanced image stability and an absence of digital artifacts affirm this version's place as a significant upgrade, promising an immersive viewing experience grounded in both technological advancement and artistic fidelity.

The audio presentation of "La haine" on 4K UHD Blu Ray features two primary audio tracks: a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track and a French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track. These options cater to different viewing preferences and setups, ensuring that whether you have a state-of-the-art home theater system or a more straightforward audio setup, your auditory experience will be well-supported. Optional English subtitles are also included, which is a thoughtful addition for non-French speakers aiming to enjoy the film without language barriers.

Upon exhaustive review of both audio tracks, it becomes evident that neither can be dubbed as definitively superior. This largely depends on the viewer's preference and their audio equipment. For instance, the 5.1 track potentially offers a more immersive experience during the film's intense brawl scenes, with the audio dynamically filling the room and placing you right in the midst of the action. Conversely, the 2.0 track maintains a certain charm and authenticity that aligns cohesively with the film’s cinematic style, effectively conveying the director's intent without the need for surround sound.

No significant anomalies were detected upon testing, indicating high-quality mastering and encoding of both tracks. For viewers revisiting "La haine" in its 4K glory, the decision between 2.0 and 5.1 might boil down to personal preference and how they wish to experience the movie’s raw, engaging narrative. The action sequences do indeed reveal subtle differences between the two options, with the 5.1 track edging out slightly in terms of depth and immersion. However, aficionados of the film might lean towards the 2.0 option for a more original audio experience that closely mirrors how the film was initially presented upon its original release.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "La Haine" supplements the main feature with a generous array of extras that enhance the viewing experience and deepen the understanding of its production and cultural impact. Retaining the insightful English-language audio commentary by director Mathieu Kassovitz from the Criterion's 2007 release, the disc offers an enriched exploration into the film’s context and its reverberations over time. Notably, Jodie Foster's introduction underscores the film's international recognition, while "Ten Years of La Haine" offers a comprehensive documentary on its legacy. A collection of deleted and extended scenes, showcased in their original color stock, presents a unique glimpse into the editing process, accompanied by Kassovitz's reflections. The inclusion of raw footage and sociopolitical discussions further roots the film within its gritty real-life inspirations, making this edition a definitive companion for aficionados and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: English-language audio commentary by director Mathieu Kassovitz.
• Introduction: A 2006 introduction to La Haine by actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster.
• Trailer 1 & Trailer 2: Original French theatrical trailers for La Haine.
• Stills Gallery: A collection of stills from the shooting of La Haine.
• Deleted Scenes and Extended Scenes: Including "Rooftop Party", "Homeless Man", "OCB", and "Eiffel Tower" with afterwords by Mathieu Kassovitz.
• The Making of a Scene: Raw footage and an interview with director Mathieu Kassovitz.
• Preparation for the Shoot: Discussions with key figures about their experiences living in the projects before filming began.
• Social Dynamite: Discussion by sociologists on the film's thematic relevance and comparison between French banlieues and American projects.
• Ten Years of La Haine: A documentary tracing the history and impact of La Haine.
• Booklet: Featuring an essay by Ginette Vincendeau and a 2006 appreciation by Costa-Gavras.

Mathieu Kassovitz's "La Haine," a powerful narrative set in the aftermath of a riot in the outskirts of Paris, receives a 4K Blu-ray release from Criterion that highlights its uncompromising critique of socio-political issues in early '90s France. Shot in stark black and white, the film successfully incorporates archival footage of the riots, enhancing its authenticity and grit. The dialogue, rich with the slang of the Parisian banlieues, cuts sharply through the narrative, offering a visceral glimpse into the lives of its characters – Vinz, Said, and Hubert – as they navigate the tension-filled streets following their friend's critical injury at the hands of the French police.

"La Haine" stands as a seminal work in contemporary French cinema, both for its stylistic choices and its potent social commentary. Kassovitz's direction won him the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995, a testament to the film's impact. Unlike its contemporaries, it avoided populism, instead providing a raw examination of violence and xenophobia, resonating deeply in a country grappling with the rising popularity of xenophobic ideologies. Its success at Cannes spurred a new generation of filmmakers to explore similar themes, giving rise to the socially aware banlieue genre and changing the landscape of French cinema.

Technical aspects of this 4K restoration are impeccable, preserving the film's original aesthetic while enhancing its visual clarity and detail. The supplemental features on the Criterion release, including an audio commentary by Kassovitz and archival materials, offer deeper insight into the film's creation and its societal implications. This release not only celebrates "La Haine's" artistic achievements but also reaffirms its status as a crucial piece of cinematic history that continues to provoke thought and discussion about social issues in France and beyond.

The release of Mathieu Kassovitz's groundbreaking "La Haine" on 4K UHD Blu-ray represents a monumental shift for a film that, in the 1990s, was something of an underground phenomenon. Hard to find on official media, enthusiasts were often forced to seek out bootleg VHS or DVD copies, indicative of its cult status and the high demand among cinephiles. Now, with the Criterion Collection's 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack, "La Haine" is not only accessible but presented in a format that promises the utmost visual fidelity. This edition owes its excellence to a meticulous 4K restoration supervised by the original director of photography, Pierre Aïm, ensuring that every frame conveys the director's vision as intended.

This definitive edition stands out for several reasons. Not only does the restoration highlight the stark black-and-white cinematography that is crucial to the film's gritty, realistic atmosphere, but it also preserves the integrity of the original performances and the compelling narrative that captivated audiences worldwide. The inclusion of both 4K UHD and standard Blu-ray discs in this combo pack ensures that whether one's setup is cutting-edge or more traditional, access to the best possible viewing experience is guaranteed. The effort put into this release reflects a respect both for Kassovitz's work and for the film's enduring legacy as a pivotal piece of cinema.

In conclusion, Criterion's 4K Blu-ray release of "La Haine" is nothing short of a cinephile's dream come true. It represents a significant upgrade over previous editions in every conceivable way, from the picture quality to the care taken in preserving the film's original aesthetic and impact. For those who have searched high and low for a copy in the past, this release not only makes "La Haine" readily available but does so in a manner that far exceeds expectations. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for collectors and new viewers alike, it is indeed the definitive home video release of this iconic film.