Picnic at Hanging Rock 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's foray into enhancing "Picnic at Hanging Rock" for the 4K UHD Blu-ray sphere presents a mixed bag of visual upgrades that, while appealing in certain aspects, introduce unintended consequences that aficionados of the film and format purists might find less than satisfactory. This release, which includes a 4K Blu-ray alongside a Region-A locked standard Blu-ray, delivers a new 4K restoration approved by the film's original director Peter Weir and cinematographer Russell Boyd. However, it's essential to note that the pack’s region specifications could limit accessibility for global audiences.

In terms of visual fidelity, the 4K restoration does offer a crispness and depth to the film’s visuals not previously seen, especially with HDR grading that enhances color balance and expands nuances within the color spectrum due to the wider color gamut provided by 4K technology. The film appears immaculate with exceptional image stability, yet this comes at a cost. Degraining efforts aimed at cleaning up the image have led to softer visuals and anomalies such as mild smearing during motion and an unusual dynamic range which detract from the organic quality that film purists might prefer. These efforts, though perhaps well-intentioned, result in a presentation that some may argue devolves rather than evolves the film's original aesthetic charm.

Comparative review between Criterion’s original Blu-ray release and this new 4K restoration highlights a contentious balance between technological advancement and preservation of original filmic texture. While colors are rebalanced enhancing the viewing experience, the degraining corrections impede on the natural film grain, leading to visuals that might appear overly processed on larger screens. This dichotomy reflects a restoration process that provides clarity and vibrance at the expense of the film's inherent grain and texture. Consequently, despite improvements in certain areas, the 4K makeover introduces a set of compromises that might not resonate with all viewers, offering a reminder of the delicate balance between restoration and alteration in the transition to higher definition formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" offers an auditory experience that's anchored by its English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This presentation does not stray from its previous iterations, particularly when compared to the Criterion's original Blu-ray release, maintaining a consistency in quality that's both impressive and appreciated. The clarity and sharpness of the audio are notable, ensuring that every whisper of the wind through the rocks and each unsettling note of the score is heard with pristine clarity. This meticulous attention to sonic detail contributes significantly to immersive viewing, allowing the audience to be fully enveloped in the mystery and beauty of Hanging Rock.

While the audio track remains unchanged from its predecessors, it's crucial to highlight that this does not detract from its excellence; if anything, it reaffirms the care put into its initial design and execution. The dynamic nuances within the soundtrack are preserved, offering a balanced and engaging audio experience. Every layer of sound, from dialogue to the ambient echoes of nature, is rendered with precision, enhancing the overall narrative without overwhelming it. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided, ensuring accessibility while also complementing the film's auditory aspects.

Furthermore, there were no encoding anomalies noted, speaking to the quality control and technical proficiency behind this release. The soundstage is utilized effectively across the 5.1 channels, creating a sense of spatial awareness that is both subtle and profound. This aspect, combined with the aforementioned clarity and sharpness, underscores the technical prowess employed in delivering an audio track that serves to elevate the cinematic experience of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" without need for alteration or improvement from previous releases.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" on the accompanying Blu-ray disc offers a comprehensive exploration into the making and the legacy of this enigmatic film. While the 4K disc itself lacks any bonus features, the Blu-ray compensates with a rich array of content that dives deep into the film's production, insights from the cast and crew, and the broader contextual significance of its story. Notable highlights include an insightful introduction by David Thomson, extensive documentaries that explore the film's production history and thematic essence, and an intriguing early film by Peter Weir. This selection, besides giving a behind-the-scenes look, enriches the viewing experience by providing a deeper understanding of the film's unique place in cinema history. The inclusion of a booklet with critical essays further complements its archival value, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Picnic at Hanging Rock.
• David Thomson Introduction: Film scholar David Thomson introduces the film and discusses its themes.
• Everything Begins and Ends: Archival documentary on the film’s production history with cast and crew interviews.
• A Recollection... Hanging Rock 1900: Documentary on the film’s subject, production history, and success.
• Peter Weir: Archival interview with director Peter Weir on the film’s creation.
• Homesdale: Peter Weir's 1971 film that inspired Patricia Lovell.
• Booklet: Includes an essay by Megan Abbott and an excerpt from Marek Haltof's book.

Peter Weir's 1975 masterpiece, Picnic at Hanging Rock, receives a stunning presentation in its 4K UHD Blu-ray debut, courtesy of Criterion. This film, based on Joan Lindsay's novel and set on Valentine's Day 1900, unravels an enduring mystery surrounding the disappearance of several schoolgirls and their teacher during an outing at Australia's Hanging Rock. Notable for its ethereal quality and unresolved narrative, the film invites multiple interpretations, from supernatural phenomena linked to Aboriginal lore to the darker undercurrents of possible crime or concealed tragedy within the walls of Appleyard College. The visuals capture the Australian landscape's haunting beauty, with each frame meticulously composed to reflect the film's dreamlike and enigmatic atmosphere.

The technical brilliance of the film is matched by its acting and direction. While no single performance dominates, the ensemble cast delivers subtly compelling portrayals, contributing to the film's mosaic-like structure. Their performances, when combined with Weir's visionary direction, create a cinematic experience that feels precariously balanced between reality and dream. This balance is further enhanced by the extraordinary use of light and color, which masterfully convey emotions beyond the reach of dialogue alone. The sequence of the girls' disappearance stands out as a testament to this, capturing an intensity that is both understated and overwhelming.

Adding to the movie’s hypnotic allure is its iconic soundtrack, featuring the soul-stirring compositions of Gheorghe Zamfir. His pan-flute's haunting melodies underscore the film’s exploration of beauty intertwined with foreboding, leaving a lasting impact that transcends the visual experience. Picnic at Hanging Rock stands as a testament to filmmaking that dares to leave questions unanswered, inviting audiences into its enigma while offering a meticulously restored visual and auditory experience that honors its source material and Peter Weir’s original vision.

Criterion's recent release of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" in a 4K UHD Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack marks an ambitious update to a classic film, boasting a new 4K restoration approved by director Peter Weir and cinematographer Russell Boyd. While this restoration represents a significant technical enhancement, its reception has been mixed, with some viewers feeling that the improvements may not fully capture the atmospheric essence that defines the film. Nonetheless, the inclusion of the film's previous high-quality presentation on Blu-ray within the pack ensures that newcomers and long-time fans alike have access to a version of the film that retains its original charm and mystique.

The original Blu-ray release from Criterion, celebrated a decade ago for its inclusion of Joan Lindsay's novel alongside the film, set a high bar for comprehensive cinematic packages. This latest offering seeks to build upon that foundation by introducing the film to the 4K UHD market, albeit with critiques surrounding the extent of its visual enhancement. The pack's appeal is bolstered by its dual-format approach, allowing viewers the choice between the potentially divisive new 4K restoration and the acclaimed Blu-ray version, which has been widely recognized for its preservation of the film’s eerie and surreal atmosphere.

In conclusion, while Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" presents a polarizing update to a beloved classic, it undeniably adds value through choice, offering both a newly attempted 4K restoration and the previously lauded Blu-ray version. The inclusion of both formats caters to a wide spectrum of preferences, ensuring that regardless of one's opinion on the 4K upgrade, the cinematic experience of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" remains accessible and engaging for all audiences. This release is recommended, albeit with reservations, particularly for enthusiasts yet to own a copy or those curious about the visual enhancements provided by 4K restoration, albeit tempered by noted critiques.