Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD release of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is a visually spectacular experience that is enhanced by an impressive new 4K restoration. Supervised and approved by Terry Gilliam, the film benefits greatly from the native 4K transfer and the inclusion of Dolby Vision and HDR grades. The visuals exhibit outstanding delineation, clarity, and depth, with subtle nuances previously lost in the Blu-ray release now vividly apparent. The improved fluidity and image stability highlight the meticulous cinematography, displaying diverse textures in stunning detail. Primaries and color nuances are exceptionally well-balanced, with the expanded 4K palette highlighting lush, vibrant scenes without any oversaturation.

The Dolby Vision grade shines particularly in darker scenes, maintaining excellent shadow definition and eliminating any flatness. The entire film's visuals look immaculate, with no notable anomalies or issues. Criterion’s precision with color management ensures that the film's intense and psychedelic visuals remain coherent and engaging while refraining from crossing into oversaturation. Moreover, the restoration has rendered a pristine print free from debris or damage, as fitting for a relatively recent release. Black levels are consistently smooth and stark, perfectly balanced throughout the runtime.

This meticulously restored presentation of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" captures the chaotic spirit of its source material to a degree previously unattainable. Criterion has delivered a visually rich offering that honors the original film while exploiting modern technological advancements to deliver an unmatched viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" offers two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Optional English SDH subtitles are included, appearing within the image frame. The audio presentation is notably rich with both tracks providing distinct but equally compelling experiences. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track presents a particularly strong option for those who prioritize clarity in dialogue, especially for Johnny Depp's fast-paced narration, which tends to be more discernible on this track. This track's robust qualities make it a reliable choice for maintaining the film’s core audio integrity without anomalies.

On the other hand, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track elevates the film's immersive qualities, emphasizing its chaotic and surreal soundscape. Criterion's meticulous work shines as the surround presence amplifies the film's eccentric atmosphere, making the audience feel deeply entrenched in Las Vegas's bizarre world. Every auditory detail—from the swooping bats to the hissing reptiles—contributes to an eerie, ambient experience that complements the film’s visual madness. Although dialogue can sometimes be difficult to understand, this aspect matches the movie’s unconventional narrative style rather than being a technical flaw. The overall audio mix provides a balanced yet atmospheric experience that enhances the unique material of the film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" comprise a robust collection, enriched by three captivating audio commentary tracks. Terry Gilliam offers insights into directorial decisions, while Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro discuss the acting challenges. Adding Hunter S. Thompson’s tangential yet illuminating thoughts creates a unique layer. Noteworthy inclusions are the deleted scenes with optional Gilliam commentary, and Depp reading his intriguing correspondence with Thompson. The disc also features Wayne Ewing's documentary on Thompson's set visit, an audio discussion on screenplay credits, and comprehensive explorations of Oscar Zeta Acosta's life, alongside art galleries, storyboards, production designs, and stills galleries that give a thorough behind-the-scenes experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentaries: Three insightful tracks featuring Terry Gilliam, Johnny Depp with Benicio Del Toro, and Hunter S. Thompson.
• Deleted Scenes: Three scenes with optional commentary by Gilliam.
• Depp-Thompson Correspondence: Depp reads letters from Thompson.
• Hunter Goes to Hollywood: Ewing documents Thompson's set visit.
• Not the Screenplay: Audio discussion on screenplay adaptations.
• Oscar Zeta Acosta: Dr. Gonzo: Biographical photo essay and readings.
• Ralph Steadman Art Gallery: Collection of illustrations.
• Breakdown on Paradise Boulevard: Audio excerpt featuring star narrators.
• Storyboards: Terry Gilliam's sequences.
• Production Designs: Illustrations by storyboard artists.
• Stills Gallery: Production stills.
• Trailer: Option to hear Gilliam’s commentary.

This set ensures a well-rounded and profound appreciation for the film’s production intricacies and its eccentric inspirations.

Terry Gilliam's adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, preserving the vibrant chaos that the film embodies. The movie immerses viewers into the frenetic minds of Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) as they navigate a drug-fueled odyssey through Las Vegas. However, a vital distinction must be made: while the book dives deeply into the existential turmoil and political undertones of Thompson’s narrative, the film tends to focus on a visually spectacular but chaotic portrayal of drug-induced lunacy, ultimately oversimplifying the motives behind Duke and Gonzo's actions. This limitation, as director Gilliam discusses in the included 2002 commentary, stems from the inherent difficulty of translating Thompson's dense literary style onto the screen.

Gilliam’s aesthetic choices result in a film rich with stunning imagery and an unrelenting pace that confines viewers into the visceral experiences of Duke and Gonzo. The vivid color palette and distinct visual sequences capture the disorienting effects of substance abuse effectively. However, this intense visual journey can overshadow the deeper narrative context, leading some to mistakenly interpret the film as merely a drug trip without grasping its broader societal critiques. Despite this, key performances stand out—Depp and Del Toro exhibit remarkable commitment to their roles, convincingly portraying characters who oscillate between euphoria and despair. Depp’s physical transformation into Duke is striking, although his portrayal focuses predominantly on capturing Thompson’s chaotic spirit rather than his profound intellectual insights.

Ultimately, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" offers an engaging, if not entirely faithful, cinematic interpretation of Thompson's work. While it may not capture all the intricate nuances of the book, its dedication to preserving the hallucinogenic and anarchic essence of Thompson’s writing is commendable. For enthusiasts of surreal cinema and devotees of Thompson’s unique style, this Criterion release remains an essential addition to their collection, bolstered by its rich supplemental features and faithful visual restoration.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" showcases a remarkable upgrade in visual fidelity and audio performance. The transfer maintains the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and integrates HDR10, delivering richer, more vibrant colors and deeper contrasts. This results in a more immersive viewing experience that captures the chaotic, hallucinogenic atmosphere central to the movie's narrative. Detail levels are greatly enhanced, bringing new life to the film's intricate and frenzied set designs, as well as more nuanced performances from Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro.

Audio on the disc impresses with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that provides a pristine and highly dynamic soundscape. Dialogue is sharp and clear, while the eclectic soundtrack and ambient sound effects are well-balanced, ensuring an enveloping auditory experience. Fans will appreciate how the audio mix has been meticulously preserved and revitalized for modern viewing standards, enhancing both the action and subtlety of various sequences throughout the film.

In addition to stellar audiovisual quality, this release is bolstered by comprehensive archival bonus features. These include commentary tracks, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews that provide a deeper insight into the film’s chaotic production and its translation from Hunter S. Thompson’s book to the screen. The supplementary materials are engaging and add substantial value to an already impressive package.

The 4K makeover of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and its presentation on 4K Blu-ray are outstanding, so if you have been waiting for a definitive release of the film, this upcoming combo pack is it. There are many interesting archival bonus features on it as well, some of which I think have content that is even stranger than the one from the film. However, Hunter S. Thompson's book is on a completely different level, so if you have not read it, it might be time to pick a copy of it, too. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.