Wings of Desire 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Wings of Desire" presents a sublime viewing experience, leveraging advancements in restoration technology and director Wim Wenders' direct involvement. This latest edition brings to the fore an unparalleled visual fidelity that far surpasses its predecessors. The original 35mm negatives—both in color and black-and-white—were scanned using ARRISCAN at 4K resolution, under the auspices of the Wim Wenders Stiftung, marking a significant upgrade from previous versions that relied on interpositives and internegatives. This meticulous process, coupled with the transition from photochemical finishing to a digital 4K intermediate, means that for the first time, viewers are treated to a rendition of "Wings of Desire" that eliminates the unintended sepia overlay, adheres more faithfully to Henri Alekan’s cinematographic vision, and revitalizes the film for the Ultra HD format.

The video presentation on the 4K disc is especially revealing in its treatment of film grain, details in texture and architecture, and a stark contrast in its black-and-white sequences, resulting in images that possess a haunting beauty. The grayscale exhibits a flawless range from deep blacks to pristine whites, ensuring that the nuanced layers of depth and detail are vividly rendered. The transfer to Ultra HD also benefits the color segments; although there are instances where hues diverge from their original theatrical expressions—most notably in blues and browns—the overall palette remains robust and engaging. Criterion's dedication to preserving the film’s aesthetic integrity while embracing contemporary restoration techniques is evident in the lack of artificial smoothing or edge enhancement, further underlining the film's natural cinematic allure.

However, it’s essential to note that despite these significant improvements, the 4K UHD presentation does not incorporate HDR/Dolby Vision grading. This omission may be a point of contention for some enthusiasts expecting the full spectrum of UHD capabilities. Yet, akin to iconic restorations such as "Night of the Living Dead," "Wings of Desire" demonstrates that the primary allure of 4K restoration lies not in HDR enhancement but in the sheer increase in resolution and meticulous attention to detail. The result is a transfer that not only respects but elevates the original material, allowing both the starkness of black-and-white sequences and the vibrancy of color scenes to flourish in native 4K clarity. With outstanding image stability and a faithful representation of filmic texture, this release sets a new standard for home video presentations of classic cinema.

The audio presentation of the "Wings of Desire" 4K UHD Blu-ray release features a primary German DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, alongside portions in English, complemented with optional English subtitles. This track, believed to be a remaster from the original, showcases an impressive maintenance of audio quality that adheres closely to its predecessors, avoiding any notable technical discrepancies. The restoration process has meticulously preserved the film’s original stereo sound mix, leading to an enriched auditory experience. Noteworthy is the fact that the 5.1 mix, while a redesign aimed at contemporary digital formats, carefully retains the essence of the film's original stereo presentation, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and centralized, with ambient and musical cues subtly expanding into the surround channels to preserve the director Wim Wenders' initial audio vision.

Delving deeper into the audio characteristics, this release distinguishes itself with its treatment of sound to enhance narrative depth. Specifically, the utilization of surround channels intricately simulates the experience of eavesdropping into the characters' thoughts, presenting an immersive soundscape akin to tuning through radio frequencies to catch fragments of internal dialogues. This innovative use of audio augments pivotal moments, such as circus performances and scenes within an underground club, enveloping viewers in a fuller sensory experience. Despite some concerns from purists regarding the absence of an original LPCM 2.0 stereo track on this Criterion release, the newly crafted DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix refrains from intruding upon the film’s soundscape with unnecessary revisions or overbearing sound effects, striking a commendable balance between enhancing clarity and maintaining atmospheric integrity.

The mastering choice has sparked minor contention due to the lack of original stereo track inclusion, potentially alarming collectors and audiophiles. Nonetheless, this decision does not detract significantly from the overall auditory experience, as the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix subtly but effectively elevates dialogue and employs ambient noise and minimalistic scoring. This enhances both low-key interactions and the more dynamic sequences without overwhelming viewers, resulting in a thoughtful and well-executed audio presentation that remains true to the spirit of "Wings of Desire," both respecting its historical context and embracing modern technological advancements.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Wings of Desire" presents a commendably rich array of extras, maintaining the high standard set by previous releases while ensuring the inclusion of both familiar and uniquely insightful features. The centerpiece, an audio commentary by director Wim Wenders and actor Peter Falk, has been slightly modified from its original Criterion edition, offering a seamless experience that feels both fresh and familiar. This alongside interviews from the documentary "The Angels Among Us," insights from legendary cinematographer Henri Alekan in "Alekan la lumiere" and "Alekan '85," and various glimpses behind the scenes through deleted scenes, outtakes, and a gallery, cements this release as a definitive collection for both newcomers and long-standing fans. Though the absence of brand-new bonus content might deter some, the depth and quality of the included material provide a thorough and enriching companion to the film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Edited commentary with Wim Wenders and Peter Falk from previously recorded interviews.

The Angels Among Us: 2003 documentary featuring insights from the film’s cast and crew.

Cinema Cinemas: A short feature on Wim Wenders from the French television program.

Deleted Scenes and Outtakes: A selection of nine deleted scenes accompanied by commentary from Wim Wenders, paired with musically accompanied outtakes.

Gallery: Collection of notes and photos by art directors Heidi and Toni Lüdi.

Alekan la Lumiere: Excerpts discussing cinematography techniques with Henri Alekan and Wim Wenders.

Alekan ‘85: Excerpted conversations with Henri Alekan, providing a student's insight into Alekan's methods.

Trailers: Includes the German theatrical trailer and the Wen Wunderts promo trailer.

Booklet: A 30-page compendium filled with essays, poetry related to the film, and technical credits.

Wim Wenders’ "Wings of Desire," a captivating exploration of existential musings, rendered with profound visual poetry, has been meticulously transferred to 4K UHD Blu-ray by Criterion. The film delves into the ethereal existence of angels in post-war Berlin, intertwining their celestial observations with the vibrant lives of the city’s inhabitants. Through the angels’ eyes, primarily through Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander), we're offered a nuanced narrative that oscillates between the visible and invisible, the mortal and immortal. The digital restoration enhances the film’s distinctive aesthetic, especially its monochromatic visuals contrasted with sporadic bursts of color, further amplifying significant narrative shifts with unparalleled clarity and depth.

The narrative, split between the grounded journey of Damiel's quest for human experience and a reflective commentary on Berlin’s divided identity, is brought to life with exceptional fidelity in this release. The attention to detail in the transfer highlights the film’s cinematographic prowess, overseen by Henri Alekan, whose work is rightly celebrated in the supplemental features. The inclusion of archival materials, such as audio commentary by Wenders and Falk, and interviews with Alekan, enriches the viewing experience, offering insightful glimpses into the creative processes behind this cinematic masterpiece. Moreover, the soundtrack's atmospheric layers, featuring contributions from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Laurie Anderson among others, benefit greatly from the audio upgrade, enveloping viewers in the film’s hauntingly beautiful soundscape.

Preservation of technical nuances is paramount in transferring such a visually and thematically dense film to 4K UHD Blu-ray. The Criterion edition succeeds not only in enhancing its visual and auditory aspects but also maintains the film’s soulful exploration of human desires, fears, and joys. Through scenes captured in both bustling metropolitan spaces and intimate encounters, the restoration respects and elevates the original material. This release, therefore, is not just a technical achievement but a homage to "Wings of Desire" as Wenders' definitive oeuvre, inviting both new audiences and longtime fans to re-discover its layers of meaning in unparalleled clarity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Wings of Desire" delivers a visually stunning experience that honors the film's original aesthetic while introducing a new level of detail and clarity. The restoration brings a remarkable improvement to the film's majority of black-and-white footage, offering a crisp, impactful viewing that significantly enhances its visual narrative. While the color sequences receive less dramatic upgrades, they still contribute to an overall compelling and immersive experience. The audio quality, presented in 5.1, complements the film's visuals with subtlety and depth, ensuring a well-rounded sensory experience. However, it is worth noting that some bonus features found in previous releases are absent, and there is an English SDH issue that may affect accessibility for some viewers.

Cinephiles and fans of Wim Wenders will find the added expense of importing this edition worthwhile, as it presents "Wings of Desire" in a never-before-seen manner, which reignites the love for this cinematic masterpiece with every viewing. Despite some minor shortcomings, such as the omission of certain special features and HDR content, the package is enriched with archival extras that maintain its appeal. This blend of a meticulous restoration with preserved archival content offers both newcomers and longtime fans a definitive version of the film.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Wings of Desire" is a vital addition to any film enthusiast's collection. Although not without its flaws, this edition enhances the viewing experience with superior visual and audio quality, preserving the film's soulful essence while introducing it to new audiences in its most refined form yet. It's a poignant reminder of the film's timeless appeal and a testament to the enduring power of cinema. Highly recommended for those seeking to experience or re-experience one of the finest pieces of filmmaking in unparalleled quality.