Dekalog Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Krzysztof Kieslowski's "Dekalog" boasts a meticulous presentation, combining a blend of aspect ratios, predominantly 1.33:1 and 1.70:1, with exquisite 1080p transfers. Criterion's restoration process, involving 4K scans from the original 35mm camera negatives, ensures that the visual fidelity is outstanding. Supervised by a team of recognized cinematographers, each episode's unique artistic intent remains intact. These detailed restorations reveal film grain that's visible yet never intrusive, resulting in a textured and authentic viewing experience. Despite occasional minor black crush and image flatness, the overall stability and clarity are exceptional, with no evident encoding anomalies or digital artifacts.

It's essential to understand the inherent variability in visual style across the series, attributable to the involvement of nine distinct cinematographers. This choice results in disparate visual signatures for each episode, with some opting for naturalistic tones while others embrace stylized aesthetics reminiscent of Kieslowski's "The Double Life of Véronique." Colors range from drab desaturation to vivid primary vibrance, intentionally reflecting each episode's thematic essence. Additionally, black levels maintain a deep inky presence where applicable. Such intentional inconsistencies underscore the series' artistic diversity and should not be mistaken for flaws.

Overall, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Dekalog" represents a significant enhancement over previous releases. The 4K restoration and thoughtful attention to visual and audio quality ensure that this seminal work can be appreciated in its intended form. The result is a near-flawless presentation that honors the original cinematographic vision while providing a comprehensive upgrade for viewers seeking both aesthetic and technical excellence.

The audio presentation of "Dekalog" on Blu-ray features Polish LPCM 1.0 tracks across its ten short films, including 'A Short Story About Killing' and 'A Short Story About Love,' with optional English subtitles. The quality of these lossless mono tracks is exemplary, offering remarkable clarity and depth that enhance the viewing experience. Dialogue is consistently crisp and articulate, seamlessly integrated with Zbigniew Preisner's evocative score. Despite the single-channel format, there is a notable sense of imaging and spatial definition that makes the audio feel immersive and natural.

One should note the minimal signs of age-related wear and tear in the audio tracks, ensuring that even older episodes retain their pristine auditory quality. While minimal channel movement is expected due to the mono setup, the tracks manage to create a compelling auditory environment that accentuates each film's narrative and emotional intensity effectively. Occasional monitoring of audio levels may be needed, as some parts can sound slightly soft. For those with any understanding of Polish, a viewing without subtitles is encouraged to avoid any possible intrusiveness, though the subtitles themselves seem well-executed and accurate.

Overall, the attention to detail in the remastering process is commendable, providing an authentic yet enhanced listening experience that remains true to the original material. Users looking for a pure and unblemished audio performance will find much to appreciate in this Blu-ray edition of "Dekalog."

The Blu-ray extras for "Dekalog" present a comprehensive and engaging collection of interviews, featurettes, and archival footage that delve deep into the creative process behind Krzysztof Kieslowski's seminal work. These extras are indispensable for understanding the film's thematic intricacies and production challenges, with contributions from cast, crew, and scholars. Noteworthy inclusions are interviews with Kieslowski himself, offering firsthand insights into his directing philosophy and socio-political context. Film critique Annette Insdorf provides a profound analysis of the narrative and cultural layers within "Dekalog," making these supplemental features essential for both new viewers and long-time enthusiasts seeking to explore the film’s underlying depths.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers: Two original trailers for A Short Film About Killing and A Short Film About Love.
• A Short Film About Love: Feature film in Polish, with optional English subtitles.
• A Short Film About Killing: Feature film in Polish, with optional English subtitles.
• On the Set of Dekalog: Archival interview with Kieslowski during the shoot.
• A Short Film About Dekalog: Archival 1995 interview excerpts addressing funding, themes, and cinematography.
• Kieslowski at the National Film Theatre: 1990 audio interview discussing the socio-political environment in Poland.
• Annette Insdorf: Featurette analyzing cinematic storytelling and socio-cultural overtones.
• Krzysztof Piesiewicz: Archival interview with screenwriter on narrative structure and themes.
• Thirteen Actors: Actors discuss their experiences and impressions of working on Dekalog.
• Ewa Smal: Editor discusses editing process and visual style.
• Wieslaw Zdort: Cinematographer on lighting choices and production changes.
• Slawomir Idziak: Brief interview with cinematographer on stylistic choices.
• Witold Adamek: Cinematographer on collaborating and shooting decisions.
• Hanna Krall: Interview with Kieslowski's confidante on his methods and production history.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring essays, capsules, and Kieslowski's own reflections on his work.

Krzysztof Kieslowski's "Dekalog" (1989), arriving on Blu-ray from Criterion, offers a profoundly engaging experience with its ten short films, each roughly an hour long and loosely inspired by one of the Ten Commandments. Set against the backdrop of late 1980s Poland, during its transition to democracy, the series remarkably steers clear of overt political commentary, instead delving deeply into the human condition. Each story, emanating from a Warsaw apartment complex, encapsulates quintessential struggles—be it a lonely professor questioning his beliefs after his son vanishes in the cold, a woman torn between her ailing husband and a new lover, or an idealistic lawyer grappling with his inability to aid an angry drifter. The personal, often morally ambiguous journeys invite viewers into intimate snapshots of life, capturing a surreal environment where characters contend with faith, love, ethics, and existential dilemmas.

The meticulous direction of Kieslowski, coupled with contributions from various cinematographers, weaves a narrative that seamlessly interlaces humanity's gray areas without passing judgment. Unlike conventional religious portrayals, "Dekalog" presents spirituality and faith as undercurrents rather than focal points, fostering a broader discourse on morality that transcends simple binaries. This subtlety ensures that each film stands as a self-contained but thematically linked exploration of belief systems under duress. From the ethical reevaluation by an elderly professor confronted with her past to the strained marital dynamics when faced with physical limitations, Kieslowski masterfully avoids didacticism, allowing characters’ actions to resonate authentically with each audience member's personal perspectives and experiences.

Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation enhances this cinematic masterpiece with impeccable technical execution. The package includes Region-A locked BD50 discs housing all ten episodes and two extended versions of selected films—"A Short Film About Killing" and "A Short Film About Love." It is complemented by extensive supplemental materials such as new video interviews with key collaborators, archival footage, original trailers, and an informative 72-page illustrated booklet. This thoughtful assembly not only preserves Kieslowski’s artistic vision but also provides invaluable context, enriching the viewing experience for both newcomers and longtime devotees of "Dekalog."

The Blu-ray release of Krzysztof Kieslowski's "Dekalog" is undoubtedly a standout offering that ranks among the finest cinematic releases this year. This collection showcases the profound artistry inherent in Kieslowski’s work, seamlessly blending poetic visuals with an exploration of moral and ethical predicaments. The 4K restoration breathes new life into the series, emphasizing the emotional intensity and visual composition that have garnered "Dekalog" its legendary status. In addition to the stunning audiovisual experience, this Blu-ray package is enriched with a comprehensive selection of both new and archival bonus features, making it a treasure trove for cinephiles.

"Dekalog" is not just a series but a deep exploration into the human condition, meticulously crafted through its ten unique episodes and two feature-length film adaptations. Each episode stands alone, presenting varied and nuanced interpretations of universal themes, often challenging conventional expectations. The themes explored in these episodes resonate on multiple levels, ensuring that viewers will engage with the material in uniquely personal ways. The Criterion Collection's attention to detail is evident, with meticulous care given to the audio-visual restoration and the inclusion of insightful interviews and compelling essays that enrich the viewing experience.

In conclusion, the 'Dekalog' Blu-ray is an exceptional release that offers a deep, richly rewarding cinematic journey. While its dense thematic content may not appeal to every viewer, those who invest time in watching will find it profoundly illuminating. This masterfully restored edition reaffirms "Dekalog's" place as a seminal work in cinema and is highly recommended for both its artistic value and comprehensive supplementary materials.