The Piano 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Piano," masterfully restored under the vigilant supervision of director Jane Campion and director of photography Stuart Dryburgh, showcases a significant upgrade in visual quality. Shot on 35mm film and utilizing Arriflex Cameras, the movie has been meticulously scanned in 4K resolution and benefits from advanced encoding techniques using the HEVC (H.265) codec for Dolby Vision and HDR10, ensuring a pristine viewing experience. The native 3840 x 2160p resolution, coupled with 10-bit video depth, High Dynamic Range (HDR), Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and the widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio, brings out an incredible amount of detail. From the nuanced textures of natural elements to the vibrant yet natural colors throughout the film, everything is rendered with remarkable clarity and depth.

This Criterion release, viewed on high-end equipment, emphasizes the restoration's success in enhancing the film's visual narrative through stunning color grading and refined grain structure that maintains the filmic essence of the original shoot. The Dolby Vision HDR significantly amplifies the richness of the film's color palette, presenting a discernible improvement over previous home video releases. Notably, the outdoor scenes exhibit impressive clarity and depth, making the most of the daylight to enhance the visual storytelling. However, it's worth noting that certain segments showed a slight oversaturation of colors and noticeable prominence of light cyan-ish hues, a minor deviation from the otherwise balanced visual appearance.

The technical presentation is further bolstered by the absence of digital compression issues, a testament to the original source's quality and the meticulous restoration process. Though a rare frame rate anomaly was observed, it appears isolated and does not detract from the overall excellence of this 4K UHD Blu-ray release. The remastered soundtrack and the utilization of original materials for color grading reference also contribute to the authenticity and immersive quality of this edition. This release not only represents a massive upgrade but ensures that "The Piano" can be experienced with a depth and clarity that was previously unattainable, making it an essential addition for aficionados of film restoration and cinema at its most visually compelling.

The audio presentation of "The Piano" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, featuring an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track (48kHz, 24-bit), is a commendable effort towards providing an immersive auditory experience. The track excels in creating a broad and expansive soundstage, with the surround channels skillfully utilized to enhance environmental sounds such as crashing waves, thunderstorms, and wildlife, thereby effectively opening up the movie's setting. The dialogue is crisply reproduced through the front channels, ensuring clarity and a natural tone, which is balanced well with Michael Nyman's evocative score that envelops the listener by making full use of all channels. While the bass response is somewhat restrained—a limitation attributed to the source material—it does not significantly detract from the overall experience, as key effects still receive a commendable boost.

Listeners will particularly appreciate the detailed separation of the frontal audio array, which contributes to an expansive soundscape. This separation allows for a nuanced presentation of the film's iconic piano pieces, ensuring they are rendered with the required delicacy and precision. Despite being the sole standard audio option on this release, the track's performance is robust, showcasing no technical anomalies and offering optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility.

Notably, this audio track compares favorably with those found in more recent releases of "The Piano" by StudioCanal, indicating a quality transfer that remains faithful to the film’s original auditory intent. Reviewing with a high-end system, including equipment such as Denon AVR-X4300H and MK Sound LCR750, among others, underscores the track’s capacity to deliver a solid and thoroughly engaging listening experience. The subtle interplay between the environmental nuances and Nyman's score creates impressive contrasts, enhancing the cinematic journey without overshadowing the essential narrative elements conveyed through dialogue.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray extras for "The Piano" offer a comprehensive and deeply engaging suite of content that enhances the understanding and appreciation of this cinematic masterpiece. The archival and new interviews with key figures such as Jane Campion, Holly Hunter, Michael Nyman, and others provide invaluable insights into the film's production, its iconic score, and the challenges faced during shooting. The technical aspects, including the visual appearance discussed by cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh and the Victorian-era costumes covered by Janet Patterson, are meticulously detailed, affording a deeper look into the film's aesthetic choices. The commentary by Campion and producer Jan Chapman, recorded in 2006, remains a highlight, rich with details about the film's conception and the intricate sound design that complements its haunting silence. This collection is an essential exploration of "The Piano's" enduring legacy, its transformative impact on cinema, and its meticulous craftsmanship.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Jane Campion and Jan Chapman.
• Interview with Jane Campion & Jan Chapman: Discussion on production and success.
• Featurette with Cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh: Insights into the visual appearance.
• Featurette with Production Designer Andrew McAlpine: On creating unique sets.
• Featurette with Maori advisor Waihoroi Shortlan: Discussing cultural contribution.
• Making of – Feature: An overview of the film’s production.
• 25 Years On – Feature: Campion and Chapman reflect on the film at Karekare Beach.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Jane Campion and Amy Taubin: New program on production and landscape impact.
• Inside The Piano: Archival program on the film's genesis.
• Holly Hunter Interview: Discussing her work with Campion.
• Michael Nyman Interview: On scoring the film.
• Stuart Dryburgh Interview: New insights into cinematography.
• Andrew McAlpine Interview: On set design.
• Janet Patterson Interview: Discussing Victorian-era costumes.
• Waihoroi Shortland Interview: New insights into Maori advisory role.
• The Water Diary (2006): Short film directed by Jane Campion.
• Leaflet: Featuring critic Carmen Gray's essay and technical credits.

Jane Campion’s “The Piano” is an evocative exploration of love, autonomy, and the confines of societal norms, masterfully presented through the award-winning direction and screenplay. Set against the rugged isolation of colonial New Zealand, the film intricately weaves its narrative around Ada, a mute woman who expresses herself solely through her cherished piano, played with virtuoso precision by Holly Hunter in an award-winning performance. The placement of her piano on a desolate beach by her indifferent husband ignites a fervent quest to reclaim her voice, leading to a complex relationship characterized by power exchanges that some may interpret as a depiction of Stockholm syndrome. Campion’s adept storytelling is enhanced by her use of claustrophobic framing, capturing the essence of entrapment — be it within a cabin, dense woods, or the confines of one’s limitations and traumas.

The cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh accentuates the film's thematic depth, portraying the wild, untamed landscape of New Zealand as both a character and a backdrop to Ada's struggle and perseverance. The narrative unfolds with a deliberate pace, relying heavily on the actors' ability to convey deep emotional undercurrents without verbal dialogue. Anna Paquin delivers another award-winning performance as Ada’s daughter, effectively bridging the gap between her mother’s silent world and those around her. Campion does not shy away from dark thematic elements, presenting a storyline that dives into the complexities of human emotion and relational dynamics, challenging viewers to reflect on their perceptions of love and sacrifice.

Given its critical acclaim and innovative exploration of character and setting, “The Piano” stands as a seminal piece in cinematic history. Its transition to 4K UHD under Criterion’s stewardship promises an enriched viewing experience that highlights the film’s meticulous attention to visual and auditory detail. This release not only honors the original artistry of Campion and her team but also ensures that the film’s profound narrative and aesthetic achievements remain accessible to contemporary audiences. Through its layered storytelling and compelling performances, “The Piano” continues to resonate with themes of passion, resilience, and the irrepressible desire for personal expression.

Jane Campion's "The Piano" has always been a subject of critical acclaim for its intricate design, outstanding cinematography, powerful acting, and compelling script. The recent 4K UHD Blu-ray release by StudioCanal underscores these strengths, presenting the film in the best light possible. With a native 4K image that boasts incredible details and natural coloration enhanced by Dolby Vision, this release takes the visual experience of "The Piano" to new heights. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track complements the stunning visuals with clear, distinct, and well-separated audio, ensuring that every note of the piano and every whisper of the wind is as evocative as intended. Additionally, the extras package included is comprehensive, adding value to this edition.

The movie's complex themes, involving deep emotional narratives and controversial elements, become even more poignant with this enhanced clarity and sound. However, it's noteworthy that while the film's aesthetics have received nearly universal praise, some audiences may find its pace and heavy thematic elements challenging. This dichotomy highlights "The Piano's" niche appeal: a visually striking masterpiece that's compelling for its artistic merit, even if its narrative doesn't universally resonate. This 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo, featuring an exclusive new 4K restoration supervised by director Jane Campion and cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh, represents the most definitive version of the film available for home viewing, a sentiment echoed by critics and technical reviewers alike.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Piano" is a technical marvel that serves as a tribute to the film's cinematic legacy. Its superior video and audio quality, coupled with a thoughtful selection of extras, make it a must-have for collectors and cinephiles. While some may still grapple with the story's heavier aspects, there's no denying that this edition offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience "The Piano's" rich, immersive world in a manner that even surpasses its original theatrical presentation.