McCabe & Mrs. Miller

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of McCabe & Mrs. Miller presents the film in native 4K from a restoration previously made for its 2016 Blu-ray edition, now brought forth with even greater clarity and fidelity but without HDR or Dolby Vision enhancement. The lack of HDR, a decision that might initially seem like a drawback, is in fact a testament to the film’s original cinematography and director Robert Altman’s intentional visual style—particularly its uniquely low-contrast, grainy texture achieved through the process of flashing. This stylistic choice, which aims for a weathered look embodying the film’s thematic essence, is better preserved without the contrast enhancements HDR might deliver. Criterion's choice ensures that the natural beauty and the original cinematographic intentions are retained, offering fans what can be considered the film's most authentic home viewing experience yet.

This 4K presentation showcases the meticulous restoration work at a higher resolution, improving on already noticeable upgrades from the previous Blu-ray release. The HEVC-encoded 2160p transfer excels in rendering the film’s grain structure and texture with a newfound depth, particularly in its detailed shadow work and nuanced black levels, something an HDR grading might have compromised. The BT.709 color space maintains the film’s characteristic brown hue and period-appropriate aesthetics with superior depth in primaries at this higher resolution. Despite its vintage, the film benefits from 4K's enhanced resolution to present a more convincing and organic appearance, giving life to the distinctive colder areas and snowy scenes with improved delineation and depth perception. This release has carefully managed to avoid any encoding anomalies, thus ensuring that McCabe & Mrs. Miller is presented with an all-around more convincing organic appearance evocative of its theatrical exhibition. Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate the delicate balance achieved between maintaining artistic integrity and leveraging modern technology to enhance visual quality.

The audio presentation of "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray remains consistent with its prior Blu-Ray release, featuring an English LPCM 1.0 mono track. Technical preservation is noteworthy; the track demonstrates substantial clarity and stability, particularly during its musical segments, which flow with exceptional fluidity. Notwithstanding some instances of dynamic and clarity fluctuations during scenes within the brothel, these do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The absence of age-related audio defects such as background hiss, pops, and distortions is commendable, indicating a meticulously maintained source.

The film's unique sound design ethos, characterized by Robert Altman’s signature overlapping dialogue, particularly in crowded interior scenes, poses a challenge that this mono track navigates with surprising adeptness. Despite the potential for auditory confusion, dialogue remains distinct without succumbing to common age-related audio issues. This is best exemplified in scenes laden with multiple sound sources, such as the notably complex sequence featuring the prostitutes bathing. Here, the track manages to maintain a balance, ensuring no loss of detail or emergence of undesirable noise artifacts.

Optional English SDH subtitles are accessible for the main feature, enhancing inclusivity and comprehension without encroaching upon the visual integrity of the film. This mono track's preservation of the original sound design’s complexity, paired with its clear resolution of Altman’s layered audio scenes, marks a successful auditory experience for the viewer. The track stands as a testament to the careful handling and respectful treatment of the film's distinctive sound landscape for its 4K UHD Blu-Ray incarnation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" presents a comprehensive and engaging collection of extras that delve into the film’s production, its place in Robert Altman's oeuvre, and its cultural impact. Noteworthy are the preserved archival audio commentaries by director Robert Altman and producer David Foster, which offer insightful reflections on the making of this unconventional western. The high-definition documentaries and featurettes, including the exclusive "Way Out on a Limb" and conversations with film historians Cari Beauchamp and Rick Jewell, enrich the viewer's understanding of the film's unique style, production challenges, and historical context. The inclusion of behind-the-scenes footage, archival interviews with cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, and segments from "The Dick Cavett Show" featuring discussions with Pauline Kael and Altman himself, alongside a visually arresting photo gallery by Steve Schapiro, round out the extras. Although the absence of new material for the 4K upgrade is noted, the package remains a valuable resource for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary: Archival audio commentary with director Robert Altman and producer David Foster.
• Way Out on a Limb: A new documentary on the production history and style of McCabe & Mrs. Miller.
• Cari Beauchamp and Rick Jewell: A new conversation between film historians on the film’s cliches, style, structure, and place in Altman's work.
• Behind the Scenes: Archival featurette showcasing the construction of the film's Northwestern mining town.
• Leon Ericksen: Segment from an archival conversation on the film's production design.
• Vilmos Zsigmond: Featurette with cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond on his work with Altman.
• Steve Schapiro Photo Gallery: Archival stills from the shooting of McCabe & Mrs. Miller.
• The Dick Cavett Show - Pauline Kael: Segment with film critic Pauline Kael discussing the film.
• The Dick Cavett Show - Robert Altman: Segment featuring director Robert Altman.
• Trailer: Original trailer for McCabe & Mrs. Miller.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay and technical credits.

"McCabe & Mrs. Miller," Robert Altman's seminal 1971 western, is presented in a stunning 4K UHD Blu-ray edition by Criterion, affirming the film's status as a pivotal piece of American cinema that defies traditional genre constraints. The unique cinematographic technique employed by Altman and director of photography Vilmos Zsigmond is a standout feature, offering a visually poetic experience marked by its 'antique' aesthetic, realized through a combination of oversaturated and desaturated colors, unusual contrasts, and meticulous light and shadow crafting. This visual mastery, complemented by Leonard Cohen’s hauntingly lyrical soundtrack, envelops viewers in the film’s atmospheric depiction of the Pacific Northwest.

Set in the early 1900s in a burgeoning boomtown, the narrative centers around John "Pudgy" McCabe (Warren Beatty) and British madam Constance Miller (Julie Christie), whose partnership in running a brothel challenges the prevailing notions of masculinity and community dynamics. The engulfing portrayal of McCabe's struggle to live up to his unearned reputation as a gunman, amidst a town full of characters grappling with their own identities and illusions of grandeur, underscores Altman's critical exploration of American frontier life. This exploration is further enriched by the film’s texture and coloring, enhancing the naturalistic fabric of this gritty, yet soulfully humorous anti-western.

Criterion’s release captures not just the film’s visual and auditory essence but also its historical context and production nuances, offering a comprehensive viewing experience that highlights the intricacies of Altman’s filmmaking process. The collection of archival interviews, documentaries, and discussions included provides invaluable insight into the creative minds behind this masterpiece. "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" transcends its era’s constraints, presenting a nuanced study of human emotion, societal transformation, and the indelible impact of corporate greed, rendered in unmatched cinematic texture that both celebrates and critiques the mythos of the American West.

Robert Altman's "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" stands as a landmark in the realm of cinema, particularly within the Western genre, by offering a unique and experimental take that diverges significantly from traditional narratives of the American West. This film not only introduces a fresh and credible cinematic vision but also redefines the direction, cinematography, and critical reception of western films. Its latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release, packaged as a combo with the Blu-ray, brings forth an exemplary 4K restoration that first graced screens in 2016. The image quality in native 4K is nothing short of marvelous, providing viewers with the most pristine visual presentation of the film to date. Despite its challenge in garnering universal appeal, its technical and artistic merits are undeniable, making it a highly recommended upgrade for aficionados and new viewers alike.

The Criterion Collection’s upgrade to 4K Ultra HD reinforces the film’s status by offering an outstanding 2160p presentation that surpasses previous home viewings in clarity and depth. This release, however, does not append new special features, maintaining a focus on enhancing the visual experience predominantly. This meticulous attention to detail in the film's transfer reaffirms "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" as a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts, promising the best home viewing experience yet.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" is an essential addition to any cinephile's collection. It encapsulates Altman's revolutionary vision with unparalleled visual fidelity, ensuring that the film's unique portrayal of the American frontier and its narrative depth are presented with the highest quality. Although the absence of new special features might be noticed by some, the sheer excellence of the film’s restoration and transfer makes this release highly recommended. Its blend of historical revisionism, character-driven storytelling, and technical prowess secures its place as a critical piece in the evolution of the Western genre.