Lost Highway 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's release of "Lost Highway" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a visually striking experience, showcasing a new 4K master that was overseen and endorsed by David Lynch himself. This release, which includes both 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray discs, presents the film with an excellent level of clarity, depth, and detail that stands out, especially when compared to previous releases such as the 2019 Kino Lorber version. Viewers will notice an unmistakable improvement in image quality, with the film appearing immaculate, devoid of the minor imperfections visible in earlier editions. The presentation is commendable for its image stability and the handling of various ranges of highlights, ensuring that both well-lit and darker scenes maintain their nuanced backgrounds with great similarity to older visuals.

However, the 4K edition introduces a significant change in color grading that might not sit well with all aficionados. The new color grading features cooler primaries and a shift toward a more neutral color temperature, affecting the overall warmth of the film's visuals. This alteration has led to noticeable differences in color representation, with certain reds appearing more brown and other colors cooling off. While some may appreciate the refined look, those with a strong attachment to the original theatrical presentation might find these changes less convincing. Despite these color adjustments, the exceptional clarity, delineation, and depth of the 4K presentation can't be overstated.

In terms of HDR performance on the 4K disc, while it does enhance the visual experience by offering expanded nuances, there remains a subtle yet perceptible disconnect in color saturation and balance for some viewers. Various shades sometimes lean too far from their original hues, making the overall color balance seem slightly off for those intimately familiar with "Lost Highway." Nonetheless, the native 4K resolution paired with HDR presents the film in its most technically polished form yet; it's an immaculate transfer that will undoubtedly impress many. Even though opinions may vary regarding the revised color grading, the visual upgrade in this release is undeniably attractive and demonstrates a significant step forward in presenting David Lynch's complex narrative with the depth and clarity it deserves.

In this review, we focus exclusively on the auditory experience provided by the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Lost Highway." This edition offers two primary audio tracks: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an English LPCM 2.0, along with optional English SDH subtitles that seamlessly integrate within the viewing frame for those requiring them. Our analysis delves into the technical nuances of these tracks, emphasizing their contributions to the overall viewing experience of this cinematic piece.

Delving into the main attraction, the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out for its robust and immersive sound quality. Compared to its previous incarnation on the standard Blu-ray version, this track exhibits significant enhancements in clarity and power. The dialogue is delivered with pristine clarity, ensuring that every word is effortlessly comprehensible without succumbing to any form of distortion or imbalance. This level of audio fidelity extends across various scenes, maintaining its integrity without noticeable anomalies, confirming the superiority of this audio presentation.

Upon juxtaposing the aforementioned 5.1 surround sound track with the English LPCM 2.0 option, it becomes evident that while the latter provides a satisfactory stereo experience, it is the 5.1 track that truly encapsulates the atmospheric tension and nuanced soundscapes David Lynch's masterpiece demands. Moreover, the seamless functionality of optional English SDH subtitles adds a layer of accessibility, appearing unobtrusively within the image frame, ensuring viewers do not miss a moment of dialogue. Through meticulous testing and comparison between different releases and audio tracks, it is clear that the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track remarkably elevates the auditory dimension of "Lost Highway" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release, setting a high standard for home cinema experiences.

The extra content of the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Lost Highway" is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and cinephiles dedicated to the intricacies of David Lynch's filmmaking process and thoughts. While the 4K disc itself lacks bonus features, the accompanying Blu-ray disc is loaded with captivating content. From a brief yet insightful trailer highlighting the film's 4K restoration, to extensive archival material including interviews with Lynch and cast members, and a reading by Lynch from his book "Room to Dream," every piece serves to enrich the viewer's understanding of the film's creation and the noir aesthetic Lynch employs. Of particular note is "Pretty as a Picture: The Art of David Lynch," an 81-minute documentary offering unparalleled behind-the-scenes access and interviews, providing a comprehensive look at the artistic journey behind "Lost Highway." The inclusion of outtakes from this documentary and excerpts from Lynch’s discussions further cements this edition as essential for collectors and fans alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Theatrical trailer for the 4K restoration of "Lost Highway".
• David Lynch, 1997: Archival program where David Lynch discusses the origins and influences of "Lost Highway".
• The Making of Lost Highway: An in-depth look at the production of the film, featuring interviews with cast and crew.
• Next Door to Dark: Audio reading by Lynch and coauthor Kristine McKenna from their book "Room to Dream".
• Pretty as a Picture: The Art of David Lynch: Toby Keeler's documentary on Lynch, offering insights into his creative process.
• Outtakes: Additional material from "Pretty as a Picture: The Art of David Lynch".
• Leaflet: Excerpts from an interview with Lynch featured in Chris Rodley's book "Lynch on Lynch", along with technical credits.

David Lynch's 1997 film "Lost Highway" makes its way onto the 4K Blu-ray scene courtesy of Criterion, presenting a visually and audibly upgraded experience that aims to captivate and bewilder its audience anew. This release is packed with vintage interviews and behind-the-scenes content, notably featuring Toby Keeler's documentary "Pretty as a Picture: The Art of David Lynch." The movie itself, immersed in mystery and surrealistic elements, follows the story of saxophonist Fred Madison (Bill Pullman) as he navigates a nightmarish reality wherein he suspects his wife, Renee (Patricia Arquette), of infidelity. This suspicion spirals into a series of eerie events, marked by unsettling videotapes and a bizarre encounter at a party, leading to a shocking transformation and a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.

The movie thrives on its disorientating narrative structure, leveraging Lynch’s penchant for surrealism to craft a dark, evocative atmosphere where evil seems perpetually present. The narrative is stylishly fragmented, oscillating between pre and post-tragic events through a lens of dream-like sequences. Its enigmatic plot, augmented by a haunting score featuring industrial music icons like Nine Inch Nails and Rammanson, intensifies the film’s brooding atmosphere. "Lost Highway" demands active engagement, inviting viewers to delve into its depths with speculative 'what ifs,' making the viewing experience an enthralling puzzle.

The 4K restoration enhances the film's intricate details and the grim ambience that Lynch meticulously crafted, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. Especially notable is the film’s use of color and shadow, which are now more vividly rendered, adding layers to the already complex visual storytelling. This release not only showcases "Lost Highway" in unparalleled clarity but also serves as a testament to Lynch's vision that continues to challenge and fascinate audiences. The professional and technical care in this release ensures that both newcomers and long-time fans can experience the film in a manner befitting its legacy – as a compelling piece of cinema that defies conventional storytelling.

The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Lost Highway," David Lynch's enigmatic and surreal journey, arrives with much anticipation. The restoration, overseen by Lynch himself, ensures a true-to-vision presentation, offering the film in the highest quality observed thus far. This release features both the 4K and standard Blu-ray discs, allowing for a comprehensive viewing experience. However, the color grading has elicited mixed feelings; it veers towards a cooler and somewhat neutral palette compared to the original. This alteration may impact viewer immersion and interpretation, given Lynch's notorious emphasis on visual storytelling and mood setting. Potential buyers should consider viewing comparison clips if available, to gauge personal preference regarding this critical aspect of the film's restoration.

From a technical standpoint, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release showcases remarkable clarity and detail, revealing nuances in both performances and production design previously obscured. Audio quality is equally impressive, with a lossless soundtrack that envelops the viewer, enhancing the film’s foreboding atmosphere and intricate soundscapes. The supplemental materials, while not exhaustive, provide meaningful context to Lynch's vision, making this edition a valuable addition for aficionados and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Lost Highway" stands as an essential purchase for fans of Lynch and connoisseurs of film restoration. Despite the contentious issue of color grading, the release offers unparalleled visual and auditory fidelity to Lynch's original intentions. It represents a significant upgrade over previous versions, ensuring that "Lost Highway" can be experienced in a form that is both state-of-the-art and faithful to its director's idiosyncratic vision. Highly recommended for those willing to embrace its distinctive presentation.