Paris, Texas 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Paris, Texas" provides an enhanced viewing experience with its newly sourced restoration from the film's original camera negative. The 4K disc is supplemented with Dolby Vision and HDR grades, offering enriched image density and impressive dark scene management. While the film appears visually striking, with smooth and stable imagery indicative of a 4K scan, the updated visual treatment introduces notable deviations from the original color palette. Significant shifts towards turquoise and neon-esque greens alter the film's traditional primary colors, impacting its classic appearance. Despite these changes, age-related imperfections and encoding errors are absent, maintaining a clean but contemporary visual style.

Compared to previous releases, this 4K version offers substantial improvements. Grain is consistently fine, and details are sharply rendered, although occasional softness is present. The film is preserved in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, maintaining the integrity of its scale. The benefits of Dolby Vision are especially evident in the treatment of dark outdoor sequences, which exhibit a wide range of nuanced shadows and contrasts, underscoring the film's visual depth. However, purists may find that the new color scheme detracts from its original theatrical intents. While the presentation doesn't definitively capture the film's historical lighting nuance, it sets a high bar for visual fidelity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Paris, Texas" offers an audio presentation with a singular DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This track appears consistent with previous editions in terms of quality. Ry Cooder’s renowned score maintains its rich and evocative sound, just as it did on the original Blu-ray version. Dialogue clarity is notable, presenting with precision and without any unintended distortion or anomalies. The track captures the film’s understated elements effectively, creating a seamless auditory experience.

This particular audio mix enhances the film’s immersive quality by achieving a credible surround field, quite impressive for a film characterized by its subtle and softly spoken nature. The sound design avoids any imperfections—no hiss, cracks, or unwelcome noise intrusions—which could detract from either the dialogue or the musical offerings. Given the attention to detail in preserving the integrity of the original soundtrack, viewers can expect an audibly faithful representation that supports but does not overshadow the film’s narrative and visual storytelling.

Overall, this release ensures that both new viewers and long-time fans of "Paris, Texas" experience an authentic soundscape resonant with the film’s artistic intention. The Criterion Collection's dedication to providing high-quality audio shines through, making this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track fitting for a cinematic piece renowned for its understated yet profound auditory elements.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray extras for "Paris, Texas" provide a rich tapestry of archival content that delves deep into both the technical and emotional aspects of the film's creation. Wim Wenders’ audio commentary is notably technical, offering an in-depth exploration of the production process and selected key sequences. "The Road to Paris, Texas" compiles insightful 1989 interviews with pivotal figures such as Wenders, cinematographer Robby Muller, and composer Ry Cooder. Noteworthy is a 2001 interview conducted by Roger Willemsen where Wenders discusses his production insights. The Denis-Anders feature provides personal reflections from their roles on the set back in 2009, enriching the narrative with unique first-hand accounts. The vintage "Cinema Cinemas" segment captures Wenders and Cooder at work on the film's evocative score. Additionally, deleted scenes with optional commentary, along with galleries of evocative photos from the shoot, contribute significantly to understanding the film’s artistic process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Wim Wenders provides a technical commentary on the film's production.
• The Road to Paris, Texas: 1989 interviews with key collaborators.
• Wim Wenders: A 2001 interview revealing insights about the film.
• Claire Denis and Allison Anders: Reflective interviews from 2009.
• Cinema Cinemas: Footage of Wenders and Ry Cooder scoring the film.
• Deleted Scenes and Super 8: Collection with optional commentary from Wim Wenders.
• Galleries:
  • Written in the West: Photos from Wenders' journey through America.
  • Robin Holland: Behind-the-scenes photos.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Paris, Texas".
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring critical essays and interviews.

"Paris, Texas," directed by Wim Wenders, stands as a seminal work in independent cinema and an indelible portrait of the American South. The film, now available on 4K UHD Blu-ray from Criterion, is celebrated for its intricate character study centered around Travis Henderson, played by Harry Dean Stanton. Its narrative unfolds with Travis's silent reentry into civilization after a four-year absence, exploring themes of identity and redemption. Travis's journey is both a literal and metaphorical traversal through desolate landscapes, mirroring his internal isolation. The film delicately balances a deep emotional core with a poignant critique of American values and interpersonal communication.

Wenders' collaboration with acclaimed playwright Sam Shepard results in a compelling screenplay that, despite originating from across the Atlantic, authentically captures the American essence. The film’s distinct ambiance owes much to Ry Cooder's evocative guitar-centric soundtrack, which perfectly complements Robby Muller's masterful cinematography. Muller's visuals capture the expansiveness and melancholic beauty of the Texan desert, adding an essential character to the film's narrative mise-en-scène. Paris, Texas reflects Wenders' strategic choice to prioritize visual storytelling, allowing scenes to breathe with silence that speaks volumes.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Stanton delivering a career-defining portrayal of Travis. His ability to convey profound emotion through moments of silence and his climactic one-take monologue is remarkable. Dean Stockwell, Nastassja Kinski, and young Hunter Carson offer robust support, enhancing the film’s emotional gravity. The thoughtful pacing requires patient engagement but rewards viewers with a rich tapestry woven from sight and sound. Paris, Texas has rightfully sustained its esteemed status over decades, underscored by its triumphs at prestigious festivals. This release not only reinstates the film as a technical marvel but also preserves the legacy of talents like Stanton and Shepard who left an indelible mark on cinematic history.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Paris, Texas" brings a new dimension to Wim Wenders' visually compelling and narratively rich film. With a restoration supervised and approved by Wenders himself, this release offers an immaculate presentation that significantly enhances the visual experience. The vivid landscapes captured by Robby Muller's cinematography are more striking, adding depth and clarity to the already stunning imagery. However, some changes in the native appearance might be noticeable to seasoned viewers familiar with its original theatrical screenings, though the delicacy of these modifications does not detract from the film's inherent beauty.

The package thoughtfully includes a copy of the first presentation, also endorsed by Wenders, which maintains the film's original theatrical appearance. This addition is a nod to purists who value authenticity and enjoy the nostalgic charm of the film's initial release. The audio remains faithful to its original mix, preserving the integrity of Ry Cooder's soulful score, which empathetically supports Harry Dean Stanton's deeply resonant performance.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD offering of "Paris, Texas" stands out as an essential acquisition for die-hard fans and collectors. With a perfect blend of restored visual fidelity and attention to original detail, it captures the essence of Wenders' masterpiece while making room for modern enhancements. This release is an excellent opportunity for aficionados to appreciate the full depth of the film's artistry, ensuring its timeless legacy continues to be cherished by both new audiences and devoted admirers.