Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Criterion's Blu-ray release of Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" boasts a remarkable 1080p transfer. The digital restoration was completed using multiple source elements, which had been digitally scanned in 4K resolution on an Oxberry wet-gate film scanner at Cineric in New York. Daniel DeVincent and Grover Crisp led the initial color correction stages, ensuring a dynamic range well matched to the 35mm film aesthetic. Manual removal of various imperfections using DaVinci's Revival has resulted in a near pristine visual experience.

From a technical perspective, Criterion’s 1080p presentation is outstanding. Originally transferred to 4K in 2004 and first introduced on Blu-ray in 2009, the updated Criterion edition leverages advancements in digital remastering technologies. The result is enhanced detail, better-resolved grain, and superior contrast levels including striking black tones. Throughout the film, density fluctuations are minimal, contributing to consistent fluidity. The balance between grays and whites is particularly impressive, enriching the film’s organic look while maintaining image stability. Although minor exposure fluctuations can be spotted in a few sequences, they do not detract from the overall viewing experience.

Indeed, fluidity remains unaffected by these minor issues, and there are no significant instances of debris, chemical stains, or warping that might distract viewers. The video presentation score stands at a remarkable 4.75/5.00. The only enhancement left would be an actual 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release by Sony to push the visual fidelity to its ultimate potential. Please note this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, requiring compatible playback equipment for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" features two standard audio tracks: English LPCM 1.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional English SDH subtitles. The LPCM 1.0 track is commendable, offering excellent depth and clarity. The dialogue is consistently crisp, clean, and stable, making it easy to follow without any unnatural fluctuations or background hiss. Mid- and high-frequency handling is superb, ensuring a natural listening experience that aligns well with the film’s original sound design.

While the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track does provide noticeable separation during select sequences, the overall dynamic effect may not impress hardcore fans of the film. The 5.1 mix expands the soundstage but retains the movie's essential sonic character, maintaining its integrity. However, the mono mix is often preferred by purists, as it stays truer to the original theatrical experience. Both audio options offer impressive clarity and dynamic range for a film of this vintage, making it worthwhile to experiment with each to determine personal preference.

The Blu-ray edition of "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" offers a comprehensive suite of insightful and meticulously curated extras that dive deep into the film’s production history, Stanley Kubrick's creative process, and the film's sociopolitical context. Noteworthy inclusions are archival interviews, expert analyses, specific program segments with film scholars, and exclusive Criterion-conducted interviews. These supplementary materials not only enhance the viewing experience but provide an invaluable resource for both seasoned film scholars and enthusiastic fans. Among the highlights are contributions from close collaborators, detailed explorations of the film's unique humor, and reflections on the performances of iconic actors such as Peter Sellers. While maintaining a high technical quality, these extras deliver a robust historical and critical perspective on one of Kubrick’s masterworks.

Extras included in this disc:

• Stanley Kubrick: Short excerpts from an archival interview with Stanley Kubrick.
• Mick Broderick: Film scholar discusses Kubrick's career evolution and the film’s production history.
• The Art of Stanley Kubrick: Insightful discussion on Kubrick's transition from photography to filmmaking.
• Joe Dunton and Kelvin Pike: Interview on Kubrick's creative philosophy and cinematographic techniques.
• Inside Dr. Strangelove: Documentary on the film’s production history and narrative.
• Richard Daniels: Discusses Kubrick's creative personality and script development.
• David George: Insights from Peter George’s son about the novel’s adaptation.
• No Fighting in the War Room: Examination of the film's socio-political environment and reception.
• Best Sellers: Focus on Peter Sellers' contribution to the film.
• Rodney Hill: Discussion on the film's mythological qualities and archetypes.
• George C. Scott and Peter Sellers: Archival on-set interviews.
• Today: Gene Shalit interviews Peter Sellers.
• Exhibitor's Trailer: Long promotional trailer with Kubrick's audio descriptions.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Booklet: Featuring essay by David Bromwich and an article by screenwriter Terry Southern.

Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb," nominated for four Academy Awards, remains a remarkably relevant and sharply satirical film. Despite its 1964 release date, the film’s core themes of ideological brinkmanship and paranoid mistrust continue to resonate today. Kubrick’s cinematic exploration of Cold War anxieties cleverly juxtaposes humor and horror, reminding viewers that nuclear tensions are not merely relics of a bygone era. The film’s absurd scenarios and astute observations about the human condition underscore an unsettling truth: as long as ideological divisions exist, so too does the threat of catastrophic conflict.

Gilbert Taylor's black-and-white cinematography, though revealing the film's age with some rough patches reflective of the period’s technical limitations, remains evocative and compelling. The destruction of the original negative only adds to the vintage authenticity of the visuals. Kubrick’s command over his medium is evident in the meticulous framing and lighting, which enhance both the comedic and sinister elements of the narrative. The Criterion Blu-ray edition preserves these nuances while offering exemplary supplemental features such as interviews with notable figures and scholars, historical context through documentaries, and critical essays, enriching the viewing experience for both new and returning audiences.

The film’s biting commentary on political and military strategies is effectively conveyed through stellar performances, notably by Peter Sellers whose improvisational prowess adds layers to the humor and dread. Kubrick’s darkly comedic yet disturbingly accurate portrayal of bureaucratic incompetence and nationalistic fervor invites contemporary viewers to reflect on ongoing global tensions. “Dr. Strangelove” is an enduring classic, retaining its sharp edge and incisive critique of human folly in the nuclear age, making it an Essential addition to both historical archives and modern discussions on international relations and conflict.

Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" remains a seminal work of dark comedy and satire, deftly blending paranoid Cold War anxieties with biting humor. Despite differing opinions on its comedic effectiveness, the film is undeniably impactful. Criterion’s new Blu-ray release of "Dr. Strangelove" is a noteworthy addition to any serious film library, benefiting from Sony's meticulous 4K restoration. The attention to detail ensures that both visual and audio elements are presented with remarkable clarity, bringing out the black-and-white cinematography's intricate contrasts.

This edition is packed with an array of supplemental features that add significant value for film enthusiasts and scholars alike. Comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentaries, insightful commentaries, and engaging archival interviews enrich the viewing experience and provide nuanced context to Kubrick’s creative process. These extras make this release particularly valuable to those interested in film history and production.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" is not just a preservation of a classic but a paramount presentation that does justice to its legacy. Whether you find its humor uproarious or are drawn in by its grave undercurrents of fear and paranoia, this edition stands out as the definitive version to own. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.