Don't Look Now Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Nicolas Roeg's "Don't Look Now" is a striking rendition that honors the film's original cinematographic intent with impressive technical prowess. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 digital transfer, approved by Roeg and created in 4K resolution from the original camera negative, offers superior clarity and contrast. Significant efforts were employed, leveraging tools like MTI's DRS, Pixel Farm's PFClean, and Digital Vision's Phoenix, to meticulously remove dirt, scratches, splices, and flicker, ensuring an almost pristine viewing experience. Issues seen in previous releases, such as electronic sharpening and digital corrections compromising detail and depth, are commendably absent here.

The transfer replicates Roeg's intentionally muted color palette, allowing splashes of red to strikingly punctuate the film's atmospheric tension. Colors are stable and slightly better saturated compared to earlier editions, while density fluctuations – inherent to the original filming techniques – maintain their authenticity. Blacks are deep, whites are slightly creamy, and skin tones are consistently natural. Definition is enhanced and image depth convincing, particularly in shadowy scenes where grain might appear thicker. Despite minor contrast variations intrinsic to the film’s original cinematography, overall image stability is exceptional with no instances of large debris or damage. Background elements are easily discernible, demonstrating clear shadow delineation and minimal crush.

Overall, this Criterion release provides a robust and organic presentation likely to satisfy purists seeking an authentic replication of Roeg's vision. The high-definition transfer balances technical precision with artistic fidelity, rendering "Don't Look Now" in a manner that should delight both new viewers and long-time fans of the film.

This Blu-ray release of "Don't Look Now" features a single audio track in English LPCM 1.0, backed by optional English SDH subtitles. The format's high fidelity allows the listener to appreciate the nuanced dimensions and dynamics of Pino Donaggio's renowned score. Detailed comparisons with previous LPCM 2.0 versions indicate that the clarity and depth remain impressive, effectively addressing balance issues found in earlier releases.

Despite an occasional distortion, particularly noticeable with dominant bass frequencies, the remastered 24-bit LPCM mono track from the 35 mm magnetic source offers predominantly clear and precise audio quality. The mix captures Venice's rich aural landscape, including trickling water, echoing footsteps, fluttering pigeons, and creaking wood, which enhances the film's atmospheric tension. A broad dynamic range and excellent fidelity contribute to a richly immersive listening experience, allowing haunting themes to resonate powerfully. While dialogue remains mostly stable and intelligible, occasional whispers or mumbled lines can challenge comprehension, though no pops, cracks, or digital distortions persist.

Overall, the audio presentation meticulously balances exceptional tonal depth and range, solidifying its importance in delivering the chilling ambience integral to this thriller.

The extras included in the "Don't Look Now" Blu-ray provide an extensive dive into the film's production, atmosphere, and impact. From director Nic Roeg's insights into the film’s chaotic and unpredictable nature to in-depth discussions with various cast and crew members, these features offer a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective. The absence of an audio commentary is noticeable, but the wealth of material provided compensates for this, appealing both to committed fans and newcomers alike. Interviews with figures such as Pino Donaggio and the film's editor Graeme Clifford reveal the intricate details of the film's unique soundtrack and editing style, while interactions with Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland provide personal accounts of the film’s most iconic scenes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Don't Look Now, Looking Back: Director Nic Roeg and the crew discuss production history and key scenes.
• Death in Venice: Composer Pino Donaggio on creating the soundtrack.
• Something Interesting: Cast and crew discuss their contributions and the film's success.
• Nicolas Roeg: Enigma of Film: Directors Danny Boyle and Steven Soderbergh analyze Roeg’s directing style.
• Graeme Clifford and Bobbie O'Steen: Detailed discussion on editing choices of the film.
• Nicolas Roeg at Cine Lumiere: Archival Q&A session with Nic Roeg.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Leaflet: Essay by film critic David Thompson.

Nic Roeg's "Don't Look Now" (1973) arrives on Blu-ray, encapsulating its raw, supernatural horror with modern technical finesse. Starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, the story revolves around John and Laura Baxter, who retreat to Venice following the tragic drowning of their daughter, Christine. Venice, suffocating in its gothic and sinister beauty, reflects the psychological turbulence of the couple as they encounter two elderly sisters, one a blind psychic, who claims to have seen their deceased daughter. The narrative intertwines reality with surreal visions; John's work at a church nearly ends in catastrophe as he perceives eerie parallels to his daughter's drowning.

Adapted from Daphne Du Maurier's short story, the film's unsettling atmosphere rivals Sidney J. Furie's "The Entity," focusing not on the protagonists' experiences but on their psychological evolution. The tension escalates as John sees a cloaked figure reminiscent of Christine, heightening his mental descent into grief and paranoia. Roeg's innovative direction, characterized by disorienting editing and a drained color palette punctuated with jarring reds, enhances the foreboding mood. Sutherland and Christie's performances are deeply affective; their on-screen chemistry is palpable, particularly in the controversial, explicit intimate scene.

Pino Donaggio’s haunting soundtrack further elevates the film’s mystique and poignancy. Despite its layered plot and metaphysical overtones, "Don't Look Now" is fundamentally a study of grief’s impact on marriage. The couple's attempt to reconcile and heal amidst escalating supernatural occurrences adds depth to the narrative, making the film a masterful blend of emotional drama and psychological thriller. Roeg’s manipulation of time and space, alongside his use of Venice’s decayed grandeur, crafts a mesmerizing cinematic experience that demands repeated viewings for full appreciation. This Blu-ray release preserves and enhances the film’s intricate details, ensuring its timeless impact endures.

Criterion’s upcoming Blu-ray release of director Nicolas Roeg’s atmospheric masterpiece "Don't Look Now" addresses the technical issues that plagued StudioCanal’s Region-B edition, delivering a superior viewing experience. The Blu-ray presentation showcases excellently restored video and audio transfers, ensuring that fans can fully appreciate the film's intricate visual and auditory elements. Criterion also augments the release with an extensive selection of archival and new supplemental features, making it an essential upgrade for enthusiasts residing in Region-B territories. The improvements in quality are dramatic, elevating the overall cinematic experience.

"Don't Look Now," despite being released over four decades ago, stands as one of cinema's most unsettling, stylish, and innovative thrillers. The film’s paranormal plot, intricately woven with brilliant performances from Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland, and Roeg's inventive direction, creates a hypnotic narrative that commands viewers' attention to its harrowing climax. Criterion’s Blu-ray captures all these aspects with meticulous care, providing a thorough and immersive encounter with this chilling odyssey set against the haunting backdrop of Venice.

In conclusion, Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Don't Look Now" not only preserves but enhances the film’s eerie charm, making it a must-have for any serious cinema enthusiast. With top-tier video and audio restoration, along with a wealth of supplementary features, this edition comes highly recommended. For fans seeking the definitive version of this classic thriller, Criterion delivers a package that will not disappoint.