Chungking Express Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Wong Kar Wai's Chungking Express delivers a theatrically correct 1.66:1 aspect ratio, AVC MPEG-4 encoded, with a restoration overseen and approved by both the director and cinematographer, Chris Doyle. The transfer maintains the essence of the film with fine detailing evident in neon signage, pineapple tins, and timepieces, all while upholding the soft imaging characteristic of the original production. While distance shots are somewhat indistinct and car lights blur, these are intrinsic to Asian films of that era. Colors are impressively bold and striking, showcasing vivid reds, lush greens, and sweeping blues without any bleeding or washing out. Particularly notable is the exquisite coloring during scenes like the spinning CDs in a jukebox and the candlelight in the bar after a power outage.

Brightness levels do show variability, with blacks skewing towards grey and occasional fluctuations that cause images to pulse. Contrast is excellent, delivering some gorgeous whites, although boosted whites can sometimes lead to detail loss, indicative of the original print's qualities rather than transfer flaws. The original print is extraordinarily clean compared to previous SD DVD releases, minimizing damage while maintaining integral grain. The transfer also features minimal digital issues such as compression artifacts or edge enhancement, ensuring a pure and filmic look true to Criterion's meticulous standards.

In summary, the Blu-ray boasts remarkable clarity and a film-like appearance that surpasses its DVD counterpart. Wong Kar Wai's involvement guarantees a nuanced color scheme that satisfies both film purists and general viewers alike. Despite minor brightness inconsistencies and the occasional visible grain intended by Doyle, Chungking Express on Criterion Blu-ray stands as an exemplary preservation of the original vision, offering a viewing experience that is both faithful and stunningly detailed.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Chungking Express" by Criterion offers a meticulously crafted Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Supervised by Wong Kar Wai, this remastered soundtrack significantly enhances the film's auditory experience. The audio quality, while not packed with action-movie dynamics, excels in delivering an expansive soundstage that immerses the viewer in the film's ambiance. This characteristic is notably pronounced in scenes like the bustling markets, where the ambient sounds are well-distributed across the surround channels. However, the mix does lack prominent bass, even during scenes with thunder claps or aircraft, with LF effects being minimal at best.

Musical elements are another highlight, offering clarity and richness that previous releases lacked. Iconic tunes such as "California Dreaming" stand out with a punchier presence, contributing to a more engaging auditory experience. When played in appropriate contexts such as shop scenes, the reverb is effectively handled, although music occasionally approaches but does not drown out dialogue. Speaking of dialogue, it remains clear and centered throughout the film. The need to turn up the volume higher than usual to capture all nuances of the quieter soundscape is a minor drawback but results in a rewarding listening experience brimming with subtle ambient sounds.

The newly introduced English subtitles feature a rounded, slightly large font but are grammatically correct and easy to read. While some may find their size intrusive, they integrate naturally with the film's visual presentation. Overall, this Blu-ray's audio track complements its high-quality video transfer, delivering an engaging and balanced audio experience that does justice to Wong Kar Wai's cinematic vision.

The Blu-ray release of "Chungking Express" features a robust set of extras that thoroughly enhance the viewing experience. Tony Rayns' audio commentary stands out with its depth of knowledge on Asian cinema and detailed insights into the film's production and thematic nuances. Accompanied by a thought-provoking essay by critic Amy Taubin, titled "Electric Youth," these supplements offer a comprehensive understanding of Wong Kar-Wai's work. Despite some issues with the picture quality of the "Moving Pictures" excerpt, the behind-the-scenes look still provides engaging moments between the director and DP Christopher Doyle. The U.S. theatrical trailer, while somewhat misleading, is also included for historical context. These extras turn an already iconic film into a rich, multi-faceted exploration for any cinephile.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary by Tony Rayns: Detailed insights from a renowned Asian cinema critic.
• U.S. theatrical trailer: Historically significant promotional material.
• Moving Pictures excerpt: Behind-the-scenes look with Wong Kar-Wai and Christopher Doyle.
• A booklet featuring a new essay by critic Amy Taubin: In-depth analysis titled "Electric Youth".

Wong Kar Wai's "Chungking Express" is a near-masterpiece that stands unique in the Asian film landscape. Garnering awards for best acting and film, its quality is hard to dispute. Though requiring focused viewing, its stylistic camera work and unconventional narrative quickly captivate. The film is a blend of touching moments, humor, and an aptly chosen visual and musical score that enriches the viewing experience. While it may not appeal to all tastes, those who invest time will find it rewarding. Criterion’s re-mastered Blu-ray provides the film’s best picture and sound to date, though it might not have the HD 'wow' factor some may expect. Supplementary features include a U.S. trailer, a British TV series episode, and insightful commentary by critic Tony Rayns.

The film intricately weaves two sorrowful yet charming love stories set against the backdrop of neon-lit Hong Kong just before the handover to China. The first story follows a heartbroken cop (Takeshi Kaneshiro) who seeks solace in instant love, intersecting with a mysterious drug dealer (Brigitte Lin). The second focuses on another cop (Tony Leung) and a music-obsessed fast-food worker (Faye Wang) who subtly transforms his life. Each narrative is episodic and rich in mood, foregoing conclusive resolutions.

Christopher Doyle and Lau Wai-Keung’s cinematography leverages color and perspective to create an intimate connection with the characters. The sequences transition from distant observation to close familiarity, enhancing the emotional depth. Complementing this is the eclectic soundtrack by Frankie Chan, Michael Galasso, and Roel A. Garc�a, featuring traditional Asian music alongside ambient tracks. The persistent use of "California Dreaming" by The Mamas and the Papas adds further emotional resonance. Overall, "Chungking Express" remains a compelling blend of humor, drama, and romance that captures the fleeting essence of its characters' lives.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Chungking Express" is a remarkable triumph in both video and audio quality, delivering an enhanced viewing experience that significantly upscales the film’s original aesthetics. The precision in capturing Wong Kar-wai’s idiosyncratic visual style is evident, with vibrant color grading and fluid motion preserving the director's intent. Audio treatments, including the original Cantonese track, have been meticulously remastered to produce an immersive soundscape that complements the film's stylistic nuances. This release marks a significant stride forward, epitomizing Criterion's commitment to high-quality cinema presentations.

The release package is thoughtfully curated, combining elegance and functional design. Although the extras are not extensive, they include valuable content such as an indexed audio commentary by Tony Rayns, a 12-minute interview with the director and cinematographer in standard definition, and the original theatrical trailer in high definition. The packaging itself is a tasteful Digipack with a cardboard slipcase, adorned with quality matte-finished artwork. Accompanying the disc is a booklet featuring insightful photographs and an essay by critic Amy Taubin, all of which enhance the collector's experience.

In conclusion, Criterion’s inaugural Blu-ray release of "Chungking Express" is a magnificent addition to their catalog, providing a comprehensive and meticulously crafted package that will delight cinephiles. The superior quality of the video and audio remastering, coupled with thoughtful packaging and compelling supplemental materials, makes this release highly recommendable. Criterion’s efforts in bringing such important films to Blu-ray are commendable, and your support through purchase will ensure continued access to their rich library of cinematic masterpieces. Very highly recommended.