Mulholland Drive Blu-ray Review

StudioCanal's Blu-ray release of "Mulholland Drive" commemorates the film’s 15th anniversary with an impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded high-definition video presentation. Framed in its original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio, this version benefits from a new 4K restoration, reportedly director-approved. Derived from the same master used for Criterion’s 2015 U.S. release, this restoration sees significant improvements in density, depth, and fluidity compared to StudioCanal's previous issue. The restoration enhances the film's visual richness while maintaining its original cinematic feel, characterized by its vivid colors and deeper primaries.

Significantly, the dark scenes showcase enhanced shadow details, with issues like crush almost entirely eliminated, contributing to a richer, more immersive viewing experience. The color reproduction has seen the most substantial upgrade, boasting new tonalities and improved saturation that provide a more balanced and vibrant cinematic presentation. Consequently, scenes now exhibit much better clarity in well-lit close-ups and greater definition throughout. For viewers with large screens or projectors, the benefits of these enhancements are particularly noticeable, underscoring the improvements in comparison to earlier releases.

Notably absent are any overzealous degraining or sharpening adjustments, ensuring that the film's authenticity is preserved. As a Region-B locked release, viewers must have compatible playback hardware to enjoy this version. Overall, this Blu-ray edition succeeds in delivering a visually enriched rendition of David Lynch’s masterpiece that is both technically superior and aesthetically faithful to the original vision.

The audio presentation of the "Mulholland Drive" Blu-ray is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, mirroring the 2010 release. This lossless track is a powerhouse that excels in leveraging the lower frequencies to create an atmospheric and immersive experience. Dialogue is crystal clear and precisely positioned across the frontal array, ensuring every conversation is coherent and easy to follow. Environmental effects such as traffic noises, coffee percolation, and occasional gunshots are rendered with accuracy, enhancing the realism of each scene. The main highlight, however, is the haunting and evocative score by Angelo Badalamenti, which is masterfully integrated into the sound design.

Particularly noteworthy is how the score infiltrates the lower end of the audio spectrum, utilizing the LFE channel extensively to create an almost physical sense of tension. The sound mix hums ominously in the background, then surges forward with an unsettling potency that underscores the film's psychological tension. Director David Lynch’s known preference for an aggressive audio experience is evident; it’s reported he even suggested increasing cinema volume settings to amplify the oppressiveness of the mix. This approach benefits home setups as well, making the track not just a mere accompaniment but an essential and visceral aspect of experiencing "Mulholland Drive."

Furthermore, this release also includes a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and provides optional English SDH and French subtitles to cater to a broader audience. For those upgrading from the DVD version, the audio improvements are particularly noteworthy, offering a substantial leap in clarity and immersion that surpasses even the video enhancements. Overall, this Blu-ray's audio performance represents a meticulous and innovative approach to sound design that aligns perfectly with Lynch’s distinct cinematic vision.

Studiocanal’s re-release of “Mulholland Drive” on Blu-ray delivers an exceptional array of extras, combining previous features with new material to offer the most comprehensive collection to date. Included are multiple featurettes like “In the Blue Box,” “On the Road to Mulholland Drive,” and “Back to Mulholland Drive,” which delve into the film's intricate narrative and production history. Key interviews featuring David Lynch, Naomi Watts, Laura Elena Harring, and Composer Angelo Badalamenti provide insightful perspectives. Notably, the disk includes the Criterion-exclusive interview with Lynch and Watts, enhancing its appeal. This release is ideal for fans seeking an in-depth understanding of one of Lynch’s most enigmatic works.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Thierry Jousse: Brief introspective overview.
• In the Blue Box: Directors and actors deconstruct the film.
• On the Road to Mulholland Drive: Discussion on story and production.
• Back to Mulholland Drive: Exploration of the film’s complex narrative.
• David Lynch and Naomi Watts Interview: Production history and personal insights.
• Interview with Laura Harring: Casting and behind-the-scenes experiences.
• Interview with Mary Sweeney: Detailed production history and editing choices.
• Interview with Angelo Badalamenti: Collaboration with Lynch.
• EPK Interviews: Short archival interviews focusing on various aspects of the film.
• Deleted Scene: A scene cut from the final film.
• Art Cards: Collection of six original art cards.

David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" invites viewers into an intricate, nightmarish landscape, blending illusion and reality with masterful ease. The film, initially conceived as a TV pilot, evolved under Lynch's deft touch into a labyrinthine feature that transcends conventional storytelling. Throughout its runtime, Lynch sets the audience up like detectives piecing together a puzzling mystery. Naomi Watts stars as Betty, a starry-eyed actress fresh from Ontario, whose path intertwines with the enigmatic Rita, played by Laura Harring. As they attempt to reconstruct Rita's forgotten past, audiences are drawn into a story rich in symbolism and hidden meanings. Lynch's portrayal of Hollywood's darker side, filled with shattered dreams and relentless rejections, is both personal and atmospherically compelling.

Beyond its non-linear narrative, "Mulholland Drive" is a multi-layered exploration of human emotions and complex relationships. Themes of unrequited love and betrayal are juxtaposed with surreal, often haunting imagery, creating a hypnotic experience that demands repeated viewings. The film effectively immerses audiences into its world where reality blurs with dreams—a Lynch trademark. The layered storyline offers multiple interpretations, making each viewing potentially revealing new facets or connections within the film's elaborate structure. Lynch himself suggests the essence lies in experiencing the emotions triggered rather than dissecting every narrative thread.

Visually striking and atmospherically rich, the film owes much of its haunting quality to Angelo Badalamenti's evocative score. Blending ambient and electronic music, the soundtrack synchronizes perfectly with the film's eerie vibes, accentuating its dreamlike sequences. Lynch’s ability to convert a seemingly jumbled narrative into an engaging and insightful tale, characterized by compelling performances and vivid cinematography, solidifies "Mulholland Drive" not just as a film but as an enduring piece of cinematic art—a testament to Lynch's unparalleled vision and storytelling prowess.

StudioCanal's Blu-ray release of "Mulholland Drive" stands as an essential addition for collectors and cinephiles alike. Using the recent 4K restoration supervised by David Lynch and Peter Deming, this edition offers a near-perfect visual and auditory experience. The transfer is pristine, capturing the film's intricate details and unique aesthetic while maintaining the director’s vision. The audio, equally impressive, ensures that Angelo Badalamenti's score and the film's complex sound design receive the clarity and depth they deserve.

This Blu-ray package excels not only in its technical proficiency but also in its supplementary materials. This edition boasts the most comprehensive selection of bonus features to date, combining elements from various prior releases into one cohesive package. While Criterion’s release offered commendable quality, StudioCanal’s iteration edges it out, providing a definitive experience. It does spare a few archival features from previous versions, so retaining those older copies might be worthwhile for absolute completionists.

In conclusion, StudioCanal has crafted a quintessential release of "Mulholland Drive" that will be appreciated by both new viewers and longtime fans. This version marries top-tier technical restoration with an extensive array of extras, making it the unparalleled choice for anyone looking to experience this cinematic masterpiece in its highest form.

A work of art, irrespective of interpretation; StudioCanal delivers near-perfect video and audio along with the most comprehensive selection of extra features currently available. This release stands as the definitive edition of "Mulholland Drive."