Trainspotting

The Criterion release of "Trainspotting" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a striking new experience of this iconic film, boasting a digital transfer created from the 35mm original camera negative scanned in 4K resolution. The 4K presentation, viewable with Dolby Vision and HDR grades, delivers a significant improvement over previous releases, showcasing a notable enhancement in detail, clarity, and color reproduction. This meticulous restoration, supervised and approved by director Danny Boyle, presents the film in its uncut version with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on a BD-100 layer disc. The improvements are evident in scenes brimming with intricate production and costume designs, highlighted by the newfound clarity and depth, such as the memorable "Perfect Day" sequence, which reveals an impressive sense of spatial dimensionality and depth.

However, this regraded version has sparked some controversy due to substantial shifts in color temperature and primaries, particularly affecting the whites and blues. Scenes that were once familiar now sport altered hues, with whites veering towards light cyan/green and blues morphing into turquoise. Such changes contribute to a divergent viewing experience, with some outdoor scenes and darker sequences displaying an unusual flatness or loss of nuance in native 4K. Despite these fluctuations, primary colors like reds and the detailed portrayal of various skin tones remain vibrant and true to form, showcasing the film's characterful set designs and meticulously chosen color schemes with newfound intensity.

The technical specifics - encoded in HEVC / H.265 with a resolution of 2160p and supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10 - ensure an optimal viewing experience devoid of noise or artifacts. The commendable black levels enhance darker moments without any signs of crushing, underscoring the restoration's dedication to preserving the film's visual integrity. While some viewers may find the regraded visuals a departure from their expectations, the overall enhancement in image stability and fluidity, free from digital corrections, marks a significant step forward in the film's home video presentation. Yet, it's this very regrading that may leave enthusiasts divided, offering a fresh yet contentious perspective on Boyle's gritty masterpiece.

The audio presentation of the Trainspotting 4K UHD Blu-ray is a standout, offering both English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks to cater to diverse home theater setups. Importantly, this release remedies the absence of a lossless audio option in earlier releases, presenting an enhanced auditory experience that is particularly notable with its music sequences. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track shines with its clarity, depth, and dynamic range, especially when dealing with the film's iconic, bass-heavy house and techno music tracks. The low-frequency effects are robust and immersive, taking advantage of subwoofers to enrich the film’s sensory experience.

The remastering effort invested in both tracks is commendable. The original 2.0 soundtrack, now presented in a remastered format, was derived from a Dolby Stereo print master, while the 5.1 surround soundtrack underwent remastering from the original six-track magnetic masters. This effort ensures that both versions provide a superior listening experience, whether you’re after an authentic two-channel setup or a more enveloping 5.1 configuration. Viewers are advised to enable Dolby Pro Logic decoding to fully appreciate the remastered 2.0 surround soundtrack.

Furthermore, the surround sound presentation and dialogue reproduction are executed brilliantly across both audio formats, offering a sense of place and maintaining dialogue clarity amidst heavy accents. Optional English SDH subtitles add value for those moments when the Scottish accents might challenge understanding. While some sections might require turning on subtitles for clarity, no significant anomalies detract from the overall experience. This meticulous attention to audio detail ensures that the soundscape of Trainspotting is as compelling and layered as its visual counterpart, making for an altogether immersive viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Trainspotting" remains a testament to the film's enduring legacy with special features that cater both to nostalgia and fresh insights into its making. The extra presentation stands out, presenting a rich archival commentary recorded by the formidable team of Danny Boyle, Ewan McGregor, Andrew Macdonald, and John Hodge, which serves as a delightful journey down memory lane, peppered with humorous anecdotes. New additions such as the "Designing" featurette offer an in-depth look at the visual storytelling through costume and production design by Rachael Fleming and Kave Quinn. Music enthusiasts will revel in the "Listening" program, where iconic musicians featured on the soundtrack share their recollections. The inclusion of comprehensively detailed documentaries like "Memories of Trainspotting" and "Off the Rails: The Making of Trainspotting," alongside a collection of deleted scenes with optional commentary, further enrich the viewing experience. This release strikes an excellent balance between previously released material and new content, making it an essential addition for both new audiences and die-hard fans of the film. The bespoke content is seamlessly integrated into the extra presentation, ensuring that every aspect of Trainspotting's cultural impact and legacy is covered, while the glow-in-the-dark packaging adds a unique collectible aspect.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio commentary with key creators and cast.
• Designing: Insights into the film's visual aesthetics.
• Listening: Musicians discuss the iconic soundtrack.
• Memories of Trainspotting: A documentary featuring reflections from the cast and crew.
• Off the Rails: The Making of Trainspotting: Cast and crew interviews on the film's production.
• Deleted Scenes: With optional filmmaker commentary.
• Teaser Trailer: Original teaser for Trainspotting.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Reading: Test readings by Ewan McGregor.
• Booklet: Includes essays and a glossary of terms from the novel.

Danny Boyle's seminal work "Trainspotting," adapted from Irvine Welsh's gritty novel, is vividly resurrected in its 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Criterion, presenting a film that balances the line between dark humor and the stark reality of heroin addiction among a group of friends in Edinburgh, Scotland. Despite its 1996 debut, the film's exploration of addiction, friendship, and the quest for identity remains undiluted, boasting a clarity in picture that only enhances the raw, pulsating energy of the original. This edition also enriches the viewing experience with supplemental features including an archival audio commentary and interviews, delving deeper into the creative process behind this cinematic tour de force.

The ensemble cast led by Ewan McGregor, with notable performances from Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Ewen Bremner, and Robert Carlyle, delve deep into their characters' complex narratives, weaving a story that is as much a cultural critique as it is a tale of personal struggle. Boyle's direction alongside Brian Tufano's cinematography captures the highs and lows of drug addiction with visceral intensity. This, combined with the film's iconic soundtrack, bridges the era's cultural zeitgeist with timeless themes of rebellion and conformity. The inclusion of heavy Scottish slang, initially challenging for some viewers, adds to the film’s authenticity and immersive quality.

The 4K restoration brings a new life to "Trainspotting," highlighting its clever mix of comedy and tragedy. Through its visually striking sequences and sharp dialogue, the film retains its edge, speaking to both audiences of the '90s and today's viewers. Its continued relevance is underscored by the sequel "T2: Trainspotting," proving that beyond its critical and commercial success, "Trainspotting" remains a riveting exploration of human frailty and resilience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Trainspotting" presents a compelling upgrade for fans and newcomers to the seminal 1996 film, directed by Danny Boyle and featuring an unforgettable performance by Ewan McGregor. This edition brings a fresh 4K restoration to the table, which, while altering the film's original appearance, has been endorsed by Boyle himself. The change is a double-edged sword; while it breathes new life into the film’s visuals, purists might balk at the deviations from the theatrical version. Audio-visually, the upgrade is distinguished, ensuring that both the gritty and vibrant elements of Edinburgh's underbelly are more immersive than ever. The inclusion of a substantial array of both new and archival special features enhances the package, presenting a deeper dive into the movie's production and legacy.

However, despite these enhancements, there's a sense that this release could have gone a step further in cementing itself as the definitive home video version of "Trainspotting." The film's narrative—a stark, darkly humorous exploration of friendship and addiction—remains as potent and relevant as ever, benefiting greatly from the ensemble cast's compelling performances and Boyle's visionary direction. The movie not only captures a specific zeitgeist of the 1990s but also transcends its era to deliver universal themes of choice and consequence.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Trainspotting" is a must-have for aficionados of British cinema and collectors alike, offering a visually and auditorily enhanced experience complemented by an impressive range of special features. Nevertheless, while it significantly improves upon previous iterations with its restoration and bonuses, some might feel it stops short of delivering the ultimate version of this modern classic. It's highly recommended for those seeking to revisit Danny Boyle's masterful depiction of urban malaise with a fresh perspective or to discover its gritty charms for the first time.