Nostalghia 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Andrei Tarkovsky’s "Nostalghia" brings a much-anticipated restoration to screens, presenting film aficionados with a mixed bag of visual improvements and setbacks. Based on a 2022 restoration supervised by cinematographer Giuseppe Lanci and facilitated by CSC - Cineteca Nazionale, Italy, in collaboration with Augustus Color, the film is offered in a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack. The 4K disc is region-free, broadening accessibility, while the Blu-ray remains region-A locked. This restoration, scanned from the original camera negatives at 4K resolution and presented in Rec. 709 SDR, aims to mirror the director and cinematographer's original vision, incorporating Lanci's preference for the ENR bleach bypass look that heightened contrast and desaturated colors during the film's theatrical run. Despite these efforts, the rendition stops short of utilizing HDR or Dolby Vision, limiting the potential richness and depth of the visual experience.

The technical presentation contrasts sharply with the ambitious restoration efforts. Observers will note improvements in delineation, clarity, and depth over the previous Blu-ray release. However, limitations from the older master and significant macroblocking in darker scenes detract from the overall quality. Furthermore, a noticeable shift towards teal/turquoise tones deviates from the intended color stylization, giving the visuals a more digital appearance than might be desirable for such a meticulously crafted film. These inconsistencies suggest a restoration process that successfully retrieves detail and stability (as evidenced by the excellent image stability and a “healthy” visual surface) but struggles with color balance and shadow detail.

Despite Lanci's involvement in supervising the restoration and color correction, aimed at coming as close as possible to his original intentions without achieving the same effect digitally as the theatrical ENR bleach bypass process, the lack of an HDR grade is a missed opportunity. It could have potentially enriched the contrast and color gamut further, aligning closer to Lanci's vision for "Nostalghia". This shortfall points to an underlying tension between technological capabilities and the restoration team's artistic goals, leaving viewers with a presentation that, while commendable for its strides in clarity and stability, falls short in delivering a fully authentic visual experience reflective of its cinematic heritage.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Nostalghia" offers an Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English subtitles for the main feature. The track maintains a commendable level of clarity, sharpness, and stability, which stands up to the expectations set by such a high-definition format. Nonetheless, viewers should note a couple of instances where the continuity of the English subtitles may falter, likely due to minor glitches in the translation file rather than playback issues. This minor hiccup does not significantly detract from the overall experience, as the dialogue remains largely comprehensible throughout the film.

The audio track mixes Italian and occasional Russian dialogue, marked by a clear but occasionally sibilant delivery, particularly noticeable in lines delivered by Domiziana Giordano. This minor sibilance does not overshadow the auditory experience, as the spoken words remain intelligible, ensuring that the film’s emotional and narrative depth is conveyed effectively. The soundtrack predominantly features source recordings of classical compositions such as Verdi’s Requiem and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Despite a slight compression in the original dynamic range, these pieces are presented with minimal distortion, preserving their emotive power and complementing the film's melancholic atmosphere.

These subtle audio characteristics underline the importance of a nuanced audio restoration in preserving the film's intended auditory experience. While the English subtitle track might benefit from further refinement to eliminate translation continuity issues, the overall audio presentation on this 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Nostalghia" succeeds in delivering its rich sonic landscape, from its clear dialogues to its intricate musical scores. The effort put into maintaining the quality of both dialogue and music ensures that the film's auditory elements contribute effectively to its hauntingly beautiful cinematic experience.

The extra presentation of the Nostalghia 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a profound insight into the making and impact of Andrei Tarkovsky's film, focusing on the unified cinematic space and time that defines Tarkovsky's work. Daniel Bird's commentary provides a deep dive into Tarkovsky's methods and personal experiences mirrored in Nostalghia, exploring his distinctive use of long takes and the influence of artwork within his films. The inclusion of Voyage in Time, a documentary produced by Tonino Guerra, adds substantial historical context and behind-the-scenes views, complemented by an insightful interview with Director of Photography Guiseppe Lanci, who shares his collaboration with Tarkovsky. A re-release trailer showcases the meticulous 4K restoration. This collection of extras is essential for cinephiles interested in Eastern Bloc cinema, Tarkovsky’s philosophies, and the meticulous craftsmanship behind Nostalghia.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: New audio commentary by critic Daniel Bird, centered around the film's thematic cores and Tarkovsky’s cinematic style.

• Voyage in Time: A comprehensive documentary for RAI by Tonino Guerra detailing the making of Nostalghia in Italian with English subtitles.

• Interview with Director of Photography Guiseppe Lanci: Lanci discusses his career and work with Tarkovsky on Nostalghia, in Italian with English subtitles.

• Re-release Trailer: Recent trailer for the 4K restoration of Nostalghia, featuring English text.

"Nostalghia," directed by Andrei Tarkovsky and released in 1983, signifies an exceptional exemplar of Tarkovsky's cinematographic exploration, transcendently presented in its 4K UHD Blu-ray version by Kino Lorber. This release not only honors Tarkovsky's visionary aesthetics but also his intricate narrative structures, offering the film with incredible visual fidelity and depth. The technical aspects of this presentation, including its meticulous restoration and the inclusion of optional English subtitles, ensure a pure and unrestrained experience of Tarkovsky's penultimate film. The additional commentary by critic Daniel Bird and insights from the director of photography Giuseppe Lanci provide newfound depths to Tarkovsky’s methodologies, enhancing viewer appreciation for both novices and aficionados alike.

The journey behind "Nostalghia" is as captivating as its on-screen execution. Shot entirely on location in Italy due to Tarkovsky's unique position of creative freedom despite Soviet restrictions, the film underwent significant alterations from conception to final cut—factors that contribute to its present form. The absence of Mosfilm's financial backing and the consequent shift in production to an Italian crew injected an unintended yet enriching layer of authenticity and introspection into the film's exploration of themes such as homecoming, alienation, and the enduring enigma of the Russian soul. Through the protagonist's pensive journey, ably supported by Oleg Yankovski and Domiziana Giordano's compelling performances, Tarkovsky fuses a reflective narrative with atmospheric visuals, enhancing the film's contemplative essence.

While "Nostalghia" inherently becomes a study in contrasts—between Tarkovsky’s envisioned cinematic exposition and its final iteration—its brilliance is undiminished. This work not only embodies Tarkovsky's unparalleled ability to align film form with substantive content but also showcases his mastery over environmental storytelling, paralleling cinematic legends such as Michelangelo Antonioni and Makoto Shinkai. The film poignantly encapsulates a multidimensional discourse on nostalgia, isolation, and spiritual longing, while simultaneously serving as a self-reflexive inquiry into Tarkovsky's own dislocation. Through this 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, "Nostalghia" continues to affirm itself as a visually arresting and philosophically profound piece, effectively bridging the geographical and ideological divides that frame its narrative heart.

Andre Tarkovsky's "Nostalghia," his first venture outside the Soviet Union, embodies a highly ambitious project that endeavors to unravel the complexities of the Russian soul through cinematic art. Despite its striking visuals and profound ambition, it veers towards an excessively introspective narrative, somewhat marginalizing its masterpiece potential. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber, boasting a recent restoration supervised by cinematographer Giuseppe Lanci, presents a mixed bag in terms of visual fidelity. While several parts of the restoration shine, highlighting the film's inherent beauty, the overall restoration effort leaves room for improvement, failing to consistently deliver the awe-inspiring visual quality one might expect from a 4K presentation.

The supplemental materials provided in this release are commendable, with the inclusion of "Voyage in Time" alongside the interview and commentary track transforming this package into a treasure trove for Tarkovsky enthusiasts. These extras not only enrich the viewing experience but also serve to underline the deeply personal nature of "Nostalghia." Although this film may not be the ideal entry point for newcomers to Tarkovsky's oeuvre—with "Ivan's Childhood" or "Andrei Rublev" being more accessible alternatives—it stands out as a compelling acquisition for those already versed in and appreciative of his unique artistic expression.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD release of "Nostalghia" is a somewhat paradoxical blend of mesmerizing visual segments and underwhelming restoration efforts. While it might not fully satisfy the technophile seeking a flawless visual feast, it undeniably constitutes an essential item for the dedicated Tarkovsky collector, primarily due to its profoundly personal nature and enriching supplementary content. For aficionados of Tarkovsky’s work, this edition provides a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into the director’s introspective exploration of displacement and memory, albeit with tempered expectations regarding its restoration quality.