World on a Wire Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "World on a Wire" is a commendably faithful 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Supervised by the original cinematographer Michael Ballhaus, and aided by an ARRISCAN film scanner and Discreet Lustre system for color correction, the resulting high-definition transfer offers a captivating cinematic experience. The restoration work, as elucidated by the Fassbinder Foundation, ensures the film retains a pleasing thickness and natural film grain while avoiding unnecessary digital manipulation such as excessive sharpening or stringent denoising.

The richness and authenticity in color reproduction are notable; the blues and reds, previously lackluster in other releases, now appear well-saturated and vibrant. Although there are occasional minor imperfections like specks, hairs, and faint vertical lines, these were deliberately retained to preserve the film's organic texture. Such decisions underscore an appreciation for the film's historical and artistic integrity. A particular highlight is the film’s remarkable noir-inspired production design, which benefits from this transfer’s strong contrast and deep black levels, although some facial features may appear slightly soft in close-ups.

The movie’s foundation on 16mm film introduces certain limitations in detail and dimension, but these do not detract from the overall visual impact. The occasional appearance of less vibrant opening scenes in Part 2 somewhat contrasts with the otherwise consistently sharp, high-contrast presentation. Despite the minor age-revealing marks in a few scenes, this Blu-ray edition stands as a technically impressive and faithful representation of Fassbinder's iconic work, making it an essential acquisition for both enthusiasts of classic cinema and technical purists alike. Enriching Criterion’s already stellar catalog, this release of "World on a Wire" reaffirms the importance of sensitive and informed restoration efforts.

The German LPCM 1.0 mono track on the Blu-ray of "World on a Wire" offers a surprisingly robust audio experience, especially given its single-channel limitations. Criterion has included optional English subtitles, ensuring accessibility. The enhanced dynamic range is a standout feature, particularly when compared to the previous R2 DVD version. Audio effects related to the protagonist’s headaches come through with exceptional clarity, and Gottfried Hüngsberg's psychedelic music score benefits from a notably thicker and fuller sound.

Dialogue remains crisp, clean, and stable throughout, while the subtleties of the sound design add an immersive layer to the film. The minimalist approach to sound effects, combined with classical music selections, results in clear and distortion-free audio. The occasional electronic effects effectively contribute to an eerie, paranoid atmosphere. Low-end activity is minimal but noticeable during select climactic scenes in Part 2. Minor issues such as crackles in the film's credit sequences and slight background hiss in one scene do occur but are rare and do not detract from the overall quality. The mix effectively underscores the narrative, rendering it an engaging auditory experience.

The Blu-ray of "World on a Wire" presents a rich array of extras that offer profound insights into the production and cultural significance of this seminal work by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. The original trailer for the 2010 theatrical release sets the stage, offering a glimpse into the film's atmospheric richness. A highlight is the in-depth interview with German-film scholar Gerd Gemunden, who articulates the film's place within Fassbinder's oeuvre, its production intricacies, and its thematic alignment with film noir and science fiction. Furthermore, the documentary "Fassbinder's World on a Wire: Looking Ahead to Today," directed by Juliane Lorenz, delves into the making of the film with interviews from key collaborators. An illustrated essay by Ed Halter supplements these extras, adding a critical perspective that enhances the viewer's understanding.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original trailer for the 2010 theatrical release.
• Interview: Gerd Gemunden discusses production history, structure, and themes.
• Fassbinder's World on a Wire: Looking Ahead to Today: Documentary on the making of the film with insights from key collaborators.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring an essay by film critic Ed Halter.

Criterion has brought Rainer Werner Fassbinder's long-overlooked masterpiece, "World on a Wire," to Blu-ray with a meticulous restoration that does justice to its intricate narrative and ambitious visual design. Originally aired on German television in 1973, the film is an adaptation of Daniel F. Galouye's novel "Simulacron-3" and remains prescient in its themes. The story revolves around a virtual world created by a supercomputer called Simulacron, where human replicas are unaware they are part of a simulation. When the project's director dies under mysterious circumstances, his successor, Fred Stiller (Klaus Löwitsch), uncovers a web of deceit and existential dread reminiscent of modern sci-fi classics like "The Matrix" and "The Thirteenth Floor."

Fassbinder's direction imbues the film with an eerie sense of paranoia and surrealism. His use of mirrors and reflective surfaces creates a disorienting atmosphere, while his slow-moving, artfully composed shots evoke comparisons to the visual precision of Stanley Kubrick. The film's deliberate pacing allows for an in-depth exploration of complex themes such as identity, control, and the nature of reality. Klaus Löwitsch excels in the lead role, bringing a brooding detachment that aligns well with the film’s noir sensibilities. The supporting cast, including Barbara Valentin and Mascha Rabben, enhances the enigmatic ambiance with their ambiguous performances.

"World on a Wire" is noteworthy not just for its narrative complexity and visual style, but also for its forward-thinking approach to sci-fi storytelling. The film’s philosophical undertones are subtly integrated into a suspenseful thriller framework. Despite some obvious twists—inevitable given the influence of its source material—the unfolding mystery remains compelling. Fassbinder's attention to visual detail and thematic depth culminates in a thought-provoking experience that questions the legitimacy of simulated realities and the consequences of playing God. For those who appreciate contemplative science fiction, this release offers an intriguing blend of intellectual rigor and aesthetic appeal.

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "World on a Wire" stands as an exemplary blend of imaginative sci-fi and introspective cinema, positioning itself well ahead of its era. Thanks to a meticulous restoration by the Fassbinder Foundation, this Criterion release recaptures the essence of Fassbinder’s vision in stunning detail. The film's complex storyline, laced with philosophical inquiries and an engrossing mystery, is complemented by its striking noir-influenced visuals and precise cinematography. The video and audio transfers on this Blu-ray are commendable, showcasing the filmmaker’s intricate craft with both visual and sound design held intact.

Fassbinder's approach to the material remains invigorating, even amidst numerous subsequent imitators. His artful execution transforms traditional sci-fi tropes into a nuanced, thought-provoking narrative that leaves a profound impact. The disc's supplements, albeit modest in quantity, are rich with insightful information on the film’s production nuances, further enriching the viewing experience for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

In conclusion, "World on a Wire" is a must-have for any serious collector or discerning fan of science fiction. This Criterion release not only reintroduces a seminal piece of German cinema but also ensures it remains accessible for future generations. With its captivating content and excellent technical presentation, this Blu-ray earns a stellar recommendation. If you can afford to buy only one Blu-ray this month, make it this one—you won't be disappointed. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.