Three Colors: Red 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Krzysztof Kieślowski's "Three Colours: Red" arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray courtesy of Curzon in the UK, promising an engaging home cinema experience with its native 4K HDR presentation, inclusive of Dolby Vision. The transfer facilitates a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image within a theatrical widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Enhanced by Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range, and Dolby Vision, encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, the visuals promise vividness and depth. Viewers can anticipate a notable improvement in detail and texture, although "Red" is distinguished as the softest in detail compared to its trilogy counterparts—"Blue" and "White". Grain remains stable throughout, despite occasional variations in visibility, potentially impacting the consistency of the image's crispness.

The restoration supervised by cinematographers Piotr Sobociński Jr. and Michael Sobociński, using 35mm original camera negatives, maintains a balance between fidelity to the source and enhancing for modern viewing standards. Nevertheless, some challenges arise with color grading in this new 4K makeover. The introduction of a soft yellow tint has subtly shifted the color balance, impacting not just the cooler tones but also encroaching upon the titular reds themselves. This filamentous veil alters the film's original color temperature considerably—rendering some reds as deep dark oranges or browns and affecting blues and whites most notably.

Despite these colorimetric shifts, the visual density and sharpeness have unquestionably benefitted from the 4K resolution, supporting an enriched viewing texture. The dynamic range brought about by Dolby Vision and WCG notably enhances specific scenes, like the early 'red' photoshoot, leaving them vibrantly memorable. Nonetheless, instances of disproportionate brightness, such as a scene involving the changing of a lightbulb, exemplify moments where the upgraded presentation struggles to maintain balance. Even with these inconsistencies, "Red" in 4K represents a step forward in home cinema experiences, albeit not without its caveats.

The audio presentation of the "Three Colors: Red" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release offers an immersive and high-quality experience, reflective of the thoughtful remastering that has been applied. With the availability of both a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and the original lossless two-channel options, audiophiles have the opportunity to experience the film's soundscape in a format that suits their setup and preferences best. Notably, the films default to the 2.0 track, which remains almost flawless in its delivery, especially with Zbigniew Preisner's exceptional score taking center stage. This score, particularly favored in "Red", enriches the audio experience, making it deeply rewarding. The inclusion of rich background noises—from camera shutter clicks to the ambient traffic sounds—adds to the film's atmospheric depth, ensuring that each auditory element, from dialogue to subtle environmental cues, is crisply and meticulously rendered across the sound stage.

The meticulous craftsmanship in audio detail is evident throughout, with a remarkable balance between dialogue clarity and the dynamic range of background sounds. The authenticity of crackly 'overheard' phone conversations and perfectly prioritized spoken words across the frontal array highlights the nuanced mastering of this release. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, while enriching the film with a more expansive dynamic field, especially shines in segments like the modeling session, offering listeners an expanded sensory experience. Yet, it's important to recognize how well the original 2.0 track holds up, offering a testament to the enduring quality of its original mix.

While exploring the merits of both audio tracks provided, it becomes apparent that each has been tuned with precision to celebrate the film's auditory elements. Whether through the stunning clarity and depth of background noises that bring scenes to life or the less intrusive but equally important score that finds exceptional service in this release, listeners are afforded a superior audio experience. The inclusion of optional English subtitles ensures accessibility for all audiences, rounding out a high-caliber auditory presentation for this cinematic classic.

The Curzon's 4K Limited Edition release of "Three Colors: Red" is a cinephile's treasure trove, presenting not only the film in stunning 4K resolution but also offering a rich array of supplementary materials across its Blu-ray discs. While the 4K UHD disc itself is devoid of bonus features, preserving the film's visual and auditory enhancements, the companion Blu-ray disc is where the wealth of the extras lies. The included features span across technical discussions, personal recollections, and profound insights into the film’s creation and legacy. From in-depth interviews with key collaborators like Irene Jacob, Marin Karmitz, and Jacques Witta to the directorial wisdom of Kieslowski himself in "Kieslowski's Cinema Lesson," fans are afforded a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look. The addition of a meticulously curated 80-page booklet further enriches the experience, making this set an indispensable archive for both enthusiasts and scholars of Kieslowski’s work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for Red.
• On Red: A video essay by Dennis Lim.
• Kieslowski's Cinema Lesson: Kieslowski discusses a pivotal scene from Red.
• Irene Jacob: Interview about her work with Kieslowski.
• Marin Karmitz: Interview covering the production history and more.
• Jacques Witta: Insights into the editing process of Red.
• Behind the Scenes of Red: Raw shooting footage.
• Kieslowski Cannes 1994: Documentary featuring interviews at Cannes.
• Krzysztof Kieslowski: I am so-so...: An intimate documentary with Kieslowski.
• Booklet: A comprehensive booklet with essays, interviews, and more.

In "Three Colors: Red," the concluding chapter of Krzysztof Kieślowski's critically acclaimed trilogy, the narrative intricacies and thematic explorations pivot around serendipity, moral conundrums, and the nuanced examination of human connections. The film stars Irène Jacob as Valentine, a model whose life becomes unintentionally intertwined with that of a reclusive judge, played by Jean-Louis Trintignant, after a chance accident. Their evolving bond is marked by shared introspections on personal ethics and the impact of past actions on present realities. Kieślowski, teaming up once again with Irene Jacob following "The Double Life of Veronique," crafts a narrative that balances on the fine line between the abstract and tangible. This intricate storyline is further enriched by reflections on societal norms through the lens of individual experiences, thereby presenting a compelling critique on privacy, the law, and societal apathy, particularly within the Swiss context.

The visual execution of "Red" remains a testament to the trilogy’s consistent attention to aesthetic detail, with cinematographer Piotr Sobocinski’s masterful use of light, shadow, and color augmenting the thematic depth and emotional resonance of the film. The thoughtful scoring by Zbigniew Preisner complements these visual motifs, weaving together a sensory tapestry that underscores the film’s contemplative mood. Kieślowski's direction ensures that "Red" is not only a striking cinematic work but also a profound commentary on fate, destiny, and the interconnectedness of life. The performances by Jacob and Trintignant are both grounding and ethereal, embodying the duality of cynicism and innocence that drives the film’s narrative forward.

"Red" distinguishes itself within the trilogy and Kieślowski’s oeuvre through its complex exploration of 'Fraternity', one of the three pillars of the French Revolutionary Ideals that anchor the series. This film not only delves into the philosophical and ethical dimensions of human relationships but also closes the trilogy on a reflective note, encouraging viewers to ponder their own place within the tapestry of human connections. Through its intricate narrative structure and thematic richness, "Red" serves as both a culmination and an expansion of the trilogy’s overarching motifs, offering a multifaceted exploration of love, life, and the inevitable force of destiny.

Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colours Trilogy, renowned for its thematic and visual depth, receives a contentious 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release from Curzon, presented with native 4K and Dolby Vision HDR as of 17th April 2023. This release has sparked a mix of awe and disappointment among cinephiles. On one hand, it offers a stunning visual upgrade with its enhanced video quality and a choice between the original 2.0 and a new 5.1 audio mix. It's complemented by a comprehensive array of special features, including 12 Kieslowski-related short films, making it a potentially definitive collection. The meticulous attention to the trilogy’s audio-visual presentation alongside the generous supplemental materials underscores Curzon's effort to honor Kieślowski’s masterpiece.

However, the transition to 4K has not been without its critics. Some purists argue that the new visual presentation alters the essential quality and identity of the films, particularly regarding their iconic use of color—which is central to the thematic and narrative structure of each film. Reported minor to major inconsistencies in color grading have raised concerns over whether the restoration fully respects the original artistic intent. These criticisms point to a dilemma faced by fans of the trilogy: embracing the technological enhancements and additional content of the new release or preferring the original presentations for their authentic coloring and atmosphere, as preserved in Criterion’s 4K Blu-ray box set, which includes Blu-ray discs with the old color timings.

In conclusion, Curzon's 4K Ultra HD release of Three Colours Trilogy stands as a testament to Kieślowski’s enduring legacy, offering unparalleled visual and auditory refinement that may attract new audiences and satisfy long-time fans. Nonetheless, the alterations in color grading represent a double-edged sword, prompting a debate on fidelity versus improvement in film restoration. While this release encapsulates the technical advancements in home cinema, it also reflects the complex dynamics between modernity and authenticity in preserving cinematic masterworks.