Drugstore Cowboy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Drugstore Cowboy" ushers in a remarkable visual upgrade for this Gus Van Sant classic. This restored edition, derived from a meticulous 4K scan of the original camera negative and overseen by both Van Sant and cinematographer Robert Yeoman, is encased in a 1.85:1 HEVC 2160p SDR encodement. While missing the coveted Dolby Vision or HDR grading, the restoration still capitalizes on the natural depth and clarity native 4K affords. Viewers can expect an enriched perception of visual depth, particularly in shadow details where delineation elevates the overall viewing experience.

The visual fidelity in this release is intriguing. The grain structure maintains its filmic essence, offering a gritty texture typical of 35mm cinematography, yet refined from previous releases, such as the Artisan DVD. The color grading remains true to the original palette with a more realistic rendering of flesh tones, reducing prior red push issues. However, density fluctuations inherent to the film's original cinematography manifest as occasional uneven grain exposure, although this does not compromise image stability or color balance significantly.

Moreover, critics have noted the absence of problematic digital corrections, enhancing authenticity. While some outdoor scenes show negligible differences from previous Blu-ray versions, noticeable improvements are evident in tonal consistency and hue shifts. Highlights are adeptly managed with convincing primary and supporting nuances. A minor critique arises in select blue nuances occasionally skewing towards turquoise, but primaries retain credibility elsewhere. Surface imperfections are notably absent, solidifying this edition as a superior visual tribute to Van Sant's work.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Drugstore Cowboy" is encapsulated in an English LPCM 2.0 track. This serves as the standard audio offering, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The remastered stereo mix, originating from a 35mm magnetic track, is expertly rendered in this release, maintaining a clean and punchy sound profile that sidesteps common issues such as clipping or extraneous noise. This faithful reproduction of the original sound mix ensures clarity and fidelity, crucial for maintaining the film's artistic integrity.

The lossless track offers impressive audio quality. Notably, the music benefits significantly, coming across as full-bodied and well-rounded—a definitive boon to the sensory experience of the film. Although a complete 4K audio remastering could further elevate this mix, the current setup already excels. Dialog throughout is sharp and well-articulated, making it easy to follow without the need for additional adjustments. This level of audio clarity enhances viewer engagement, drawing audiences into the unfolding narrative with each carefully preserved sound detail.

In essence, while the current LPCM 2.0 track stands strong, preserving the nuance of "Drugstore Cowboy's" original audio vision, the opportunity for future enhancements through a full Dolby Atmos or DTS track could provide an even richer auditory experience. As it stands, this release remains a solid offering for discerning audiophiles and fans alike, proving its technical merit and staying true to the source material.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Drugstore Cowboy" from Criterion Collection presents a mix of archival and new extras that provide a compelling dive into the film's production nuances. The standout piece is the archival audio commentary by director Gus Van Sant and actor Matt Dillon, recorded in 2001, which explores the rapid shooting dynamics, music choices, and the intriguing visual intent behind the film’s color design. The 2024 exclusive interviews with actress Kelly Lynch and cinematographer Robert Yeoman offer fresh insights into the film's creation, reflecting on the indie spirit and cultural themes. The disc also features a historically rich documentary from 1999 by John J. Campbell, encompassing interviews with prominent cast members. Despite the limited addition of new material, the comprehensiveness of these features makes the set valuable for aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Archival commentary by Van Sant and Dillon.
• Kelly Lynch: New interview on acting experiences and cultural observations.
• Robert Yeoman: New interview on cinematographic approaches.
• The Making of Drugstore Cowboy: Archival program with cast interviews.
• Deleted Scenes: Extensive collection of removed scenes.
• Trailer: Remastered film trailer.
• Leaflet: Essay by Jon Raymond with technical details.

Gus Van Sant’s "Drugstore Cowboy" arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray, bringing a sharp and faithful restoration of this influential 1989 film. At the forefront of the indie film boom, its narrative follows Bob (Matt Dillon) and Diane (Kelly Lynch), drug addicts living off pharmacy heists in 1971 Portland. Van Sant, known for his unique vision, provides a raw depiction of addiction without glorification, highlighting the grim realities of their lifestyle. The film successfully draws viewers into the gritty underbelly of the Pacific Northwest through a combination of documentary-style filmmaking and surreal visual effects, courtesy of cinematographer Robert Yeoman.

Lynch gives a compelling performance as Diane, showcasing her character's struggle between love and addiction—an essential narrative conflict. While some, like Roger Ebert, were taken by Lynch's portrayal, others struggled to rationalize the motivations behind the characters’ choices. The realism in depicting these flawed relationships suggests that the crew's unity is nothing but a façade for their egotistical survival tactics. The film underscores its central thesis: addiction is an unwinnable game.

The Criterion release provides an enriched viewing experience with thoughtful supplemental features, including insights from Kelly Lynch and director of photography Robert Yeoman. Also included is archival audio commentary by Van Sant and Dillon, which provides context and depth, ensuring that both new and returning viewers can appreciate the intricate layers that lie beneath this so-called glamorous façade of drug-fueled escapism. This 4K presentation not only revisits the film’s themes but amplifies them with enhanced clarity.

The Criterion Collection’s release of "Drugstore Cowboy" on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is a significant upgrade for fans and collectors, particularly those who have been reliant on the outdated DVD from the late 1990s. Supervised and approved by Gus Van Sant and director of photography Robert Yeoman, this release greatly enhances the visual experience of the film. While sourced only from an interpositive, the new 4K makeover delivers a visually compelling presentation that showcases enhanced detail and clarity. This improvement is a welcome change, elevating the film's stylistic nuances and atmospheric tone which are essential to its narrative.

In terms of technical specifications, the 4K UHD video is presented in HEVC 2160p with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This release opts for an SDR format which may not fully exploit modern HDR capabilities, but still manages to present the richly muted palette effectively. The primary audio track remains in English LPCM 2.0 Stereo, maintaining the original auditory design. Subtitles are available in English SDH, making the film more accessible to a wider audience.

Overall, the Criterion Collection's "Drugstore Cowboy" 4K Ultra HD release is highly recommended. It provides an enhanced viewing experience that should satisfy both new viewers and longstanding fans alike. Despite not understanding or relating to the lifestyle depicted in the film, viewers can appreciate the quality performances from Matt Dillon, James Le Gros, Kelly Lynch, and Heather Graham. For those who cherish Van Sant’s work or are keen to explore cult classics in superior formats, this release is a worthwhile addition to any home entertainment library.