Code Unknown Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Michael Haneke’s "Code Unknown" features a 1080p transfer with an MPEG-4 AVC encode, adhering to the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Approved by Haneke, the digital transfer was created in 2K from the 35mm original camera negative. The restoration executed at Digimage and supervised by Haneke ensures both authenticity and quality. While the naturalistic appearance presents excellent detail and clarity, certain segments show limited depth due to light fluctuations inherent to the original composition. Stability and color balance are mostly consistent, apart from minor instability in one camera footage segment. Notably, there is a mastering error causing skipped frames at specific timestamps; affected users should contact Criterion for replacements.

The film’s 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode maintains high visual fidelity. The initial Janus and MKZ reels exhibit significant shake, but this issue is absent throughout the movie itself. "Code Unknown" benefits from a clean print with consistent celluloid grain, free from age-related damage. Clarity and detail are strong, particularly in defined lines and occasional close-ups, despite most shots being from an observational distance. The color palette is naturally pale, reflecting the actors' complexions and overcast outdoor scenes, occasionally punctuated by vibrant colors in certain elements like vendor flowers or passing cars. The disc avoids technical flaws such as noise, banding, or artifacts, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

"Code Unknown" on Blu-ray features a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that substantially elevates the film’s auditory experience. Despite the limited dynamic intensity and sparse integration of music, the separation and balance excel, offering a consistently clean, sharp, and stable dialog that remains easy to follow. Notably, there are no audio dropouts or digital distortions throughout the feature, maintaining a high-quality output.

The 5.1 mix effectively positions sound within an immersive audio space. City sounds and crowded settings fluidly extend dialogue to the surround channels, making environments feel alive and bustling. While effects deftly transition across speakers, they sometimes skew front-heavy but manage to create a captivating auditory landscape. The film's quiet, nearly music-free ambiance adds to its realism, with well-placed sound layers accentuating both minute and chaotic scenes. For instance, the portrayal of a drumline from a deaf youth group delivers immersive thumps resonating through the listening space, while scenes like a wedding party creatively utilize bass and altitude to layer sound throughout each channel. This meticulous attention to detail in both effects and vocal mixing underscores the sound designers' adept use of silence and selective noise to heighten realism and engagement.

The Blu-ray extras for "Code Unknown" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the film's production and thematic depth. Michael Haneke offers thoughtful reflections in multiple interviews about his creative choices, such as his initial contact with Juliette Binoche, the narrative fragmentation, and his stylistic approach. The documentary "Filming Haneke" gives viewers behind-the-scenes access, showcasing raw footage and interviews with key figures like producer Marin Karmitz and Binoche. Each piece is meticulously presented in high-definition, significantly enhancing the educational value of these extras. The supplemental features collectively deepen the understanding of Haneke's cinematic techniques and thematic intentions, making them essential for film scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Short video introduction by Michael Haneke.
• Teasers: Three teasers for Code Unknown.
• Michael Haneke: Interview with Haneke about the film's production details.
• Filming Haneke: Behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the film.
• Haneke on the Boulevard Sequences: Insight into the boulevard sequences.
• Roy Grundmann: Interview with film scholar Roy Grundmann on Haneke's career and work.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by Nick James.

Michael Haneke’s "Code Unknown," also known as "Code inconnu: Récit incomplet de divers voyages" (2000), is an intricate ensemble film that interweaves vignettes of several disparate lives in Paris. The Blu-ray release by Criterion ensures that viewers have a comprehensive viewing experience with numerous supplemental features, including interviews with Haneke and film scholar Roy Grundmann, teasers, and a film-focused essay by critic Nick James. Presented in French with optional English subtitles, this release captures the distinct nuances of the film while providing valuable contextual content.

The film masterfully portrays the tumultuous intersections of five diverse characters: Anne (Juliette Binoche), an actress grappling with her challenging career; George (Thierry Nuevic), her photographer boyfriend struggling to acclimate after returning from war; Jean (Alexandre Hamidi), George’s younger brother seeking a fresh start away from the family farm; Amadou (Ona Lu Yenke), a Senegalese man facing harsh treatment from authorities while pursuing a relationship; and Maria (Luminita Gheorghiu), a Romanian immigrant navigating life in the shadows. The story commences with a compelling long-take scene that sets multiple narratives into motion through a seemingly casual event on a crowded boulevard, encapsulating fragmentation as each life's story unveils.

Haneke’s direction, characterized by precise camera work and long single takes, exhibits documentary-like authenticity, fostering a realistic portrayal over embellished dramatization. As the film reveals how random moments profoundly impact these characters without resorting to manipulative tropes, it paints a broader picture of societal tensions and alienation exacerbated by political missteps. This atmospheric realism aligns "Code Unknown" more with the works of the Dardenne Brothers, emphasizing unembellished, pure realism over rewatchability. Criterion's Blu-ray release invites both first-time viewers and cinephiles to analyze this film’s craftsmanship and its ongoing resonance with contemporary socio-political climates in Europe.

Michael Haneke’s "Code Unknown," directed in 2000, presents a compelling reflection of societal issues that resonate profoundly with contemporary European challenges. The alienation portrayed among ordinary people in the film can be traced to a series of poor decisions by European leaders. Criterion's high-definition release stems from a French restoration and boasts impressive visuals. However, a mastering error has been identified on some first pressing discs, though the extent of affected units remains unclear. This minor issue notwithstanding, the restoration upholds Criterion's reputation for quality.

"Code Unknown" may not be enshrined as a timeless classic, yet its superior craftsmanship and performances make it noteworthy. The film’s structure, comprised entirely of long single-take vignettes, appeals to cinephiles who appreciate its ambitious cinematic technique. The cast delivers exceptionally fluid and engaging performances, maintaining the viewer’s interest through their portrayal of interwoven human experiences. While the narratives are engaging, their draw might not be powerful enough to warrant frequent revisits.

Criterion supplements this release with several special features focusing on director Michael Haneke, offering deeper insight into his impactful storytelling approach. The video and audio quality are commendable, enhancing the viewing experience and ensuring collector satisfaction. Despite a minor technical flaw in early production runs, "Code Unknown" remains highly recommended for both Haneke aficionados and Criterion collection enthusiasts.