La haine 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD release of "La Haine" marks a significant upgrade from previous editions, offering a blend of technical fidelity and artistic preservation that stands out notably. This combo pack, featuring both 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray discs, brings forth a Region-Free 4K experience, although it's worth noting the Blu-ray is locked to Region-A. The heart of this release lies in its meticulously conducted 4K restoration, supervised by director of photography Pierre Aïm and approved by director Mathieu Kassovitz. Originating from the 35mm original camera negative, the restoration was scanned and restored in 4K resolution, ensuring an unparalleled visual fidelity that remains faithful to the filmmakers' original vision.

The encoding employs HEVC / H.265 codec with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, supported by HDR10 and Dolby Vision on BD-100 layers, which enhances the black-and-white imagery's clarity and depth significantly. Scenes captured in daylight reveal a broader spectrum of details, while darker sequences benefit from a deliberate manipulation of shadows and shading, unveiling an image that's free from the flatness often associated with older transfers. The black levels, crucial for a film like "La Haine" with its stark monochromatic palette, show marked improvements; they convey the original aesthetic intent with minimal signs of crushing, thereby maintaining the integrity of the film's visual narrative.

Comparing this release to previous iterations, such as the Criterion's original Blu-ray and the Region-B release by the British Film Institute, reveals a keen enhancement in image stability and density levels. Despite retaining some inherent softness in specific scenes—a nod to the film's initial production qualities—the 4K rendition excels in offering a balanced and organic appearance. This upgrade not only elevates the viewer's experience but also respects the source material's texture and nuanced portrayal of light, from the vibrancy of daylight to the subtleties of night scenes. Importantly, this restoration avoids overreliance on digital corrections, preserving the film's cinematic essence while enhancing its accessibility for contemporary audiences through cutting-edge home theater technologies.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "La Haine" offers two primary audio tracks, both in French: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. These tracks cater to different audience preferences, with the option to switch between a more immersive 5.1 surround sound experience and the original 2.0 setup that the film was initially mixed in. The provision of optional English subtitles enhances accessibility for non-French speaking viewers, ensuring that the film's powerful narrative is accessible to a broader audience. Each audio track presents its own unique listening experience, though neither can be deemed definitively superior to the other. It comes down to personal preference, with some viewers finding the 2.0 track to maintain a fidelity to the film's original soundscape, while others might lean towards the 5.1 track for enhanced dynamic range in scenes with higher auditory demands, such as brawls.

The remastering process has evidently paid off, with the original 2.0 surround soundtrack remastered from archival digital files, ensuring that the audio quality is preserved and presented at its best. Despite a detailed comparison, there seems to be no significant difference in quality between the two audio tracks, suggesting a meticulous preservation of the film’s original auditory essence in both formats. The mix is lauded for its terrific presentation, ensuring clarity and audibility of dialogue, which is crucial for a film heavily reliant on verbal exchanges to drive its narrative forward. Listeners can expect a clean, clear, and dynamically rich auditory experience, irrespective of their choice between the 5.1 and 2.0 tracks.

In conclusion, the audio presentation of "La Haine" on 4K UHD Blu-ray respects the film's original sound design while offering viewers modernized options to enhance their viewing experience. The absence of anomalies or significant differences between the audio tracks speaks to a high-quality remastering effort, focused on fidelity to the source material. Whether one prefers the enveloping experience of a 5.1 setup or the authentic replication of the film's initial release through the 2.0 track, this release ensures that all audiences are catered to effectively.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra features of "La Haine" offer a comprehensive and enriching collection that thoroughly complements the movie's rich narrative and sociopolitical themes. With the inclusion of both the original English-language audio commentary by director Mathieu Kassovitz, previously available on Criterion's 2007 DVD release, and a selection of deleted and extended scenes presented with introductions by Kassovitz himself, fans are provided with deep insights into the filmmaking process and story development. Notable extras, such as Jodie Foster's introduction, further contextualize the film's significance and its reception in the United States. The "Ten Years of La Haine" documentary and "Social Dynamite" featurette offer critical retrospectives and sociological analyses that remain highly relevant. While no new extras have been added, the existing bonus content remains as compelling and informative as ever, ensuring a rich viewing experience that enhances understanding and appreciation of this pivotal film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director/Writer Mathieu Kassovitz: The same from Criterion's 2007 DVD release.
• Introduction by Jodie Foster: A significant 2006 introduction from Foster, highlighting the film's impact.
• Ten Years of La Haine: A comprehensive documentary covering the film's history and influence.
• Social Dynamite: Discussion by sociologists on the film's themes related to urban societies.
• Preparation for the Shoot: Insightful background on cast preparation and experiences in the banlieues.
• The Making of a Scene: Behind-the-scenes look at a key scene production, including an interview with Kassovitz.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Features rough cuts in color with directorial afterwords.
• Stills Gallery: A collection of shooting stills.
• Trailers: Original French theatrical trailers with optional English subtitles.
• Booklet: Features an essay by Ginette Vincendeau and appreciation by Costa-Gavras.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Mathieu Kassovitz's seminal 1995 film "La Haine," also known as "Hate," provides viewers with not merely an enhanced visual experience but also an opportunity to delve into the socio-political complexities of France during the early '90s. Kassovitz’s film, lauded for its raw and unflinching portrayal of societal unrest on the outskirts of Paris, utilizes its crisp black-and-white cinematography to intensify the narrative’s urgency and the protagonists' bleak outlook. This Criterion release, equipped with essential audio commentary and a plethora of archival material, enhances the viewing experience by providing context to the film's creation and its subsequent impact on French cinema and beyond.

Set over a tumultuous 24-hour period, "La Haine" follows three young men from diverse ethnic backgrounds navigating their existence amidst the aftermath of a riot sparked by police brutality. Vinz, a Jewish man exuding aggression; Hubert, an Afro-French boxer with aspirations beyond his criminal ties; and Saïd, a trouble-making North African Muslim, encapsulate the zeitgeist of France's marginalized immigrant population. Their interactions with each other and the society around them, particularly through Vinz's possession of a .44 Magnum belonging to a police officer, serve as a microcosm for the broader tensions brewing in France. The film's dialogue, peppered with colorful slang, alongside its incorporation of archival riot footage, creates a vivid tapestry that portrays the escalating tension between France’s immigrant communities and the powers that be.

Nearly three decades post-release, "La Haine's" thematic relevance is undiminished, echoing contemporary global discussions around police violence, racial discrimination, and societal disenfranchisement. Its storytelling prowess, amplified by Criterion's 4K restoration, remains a benchmark for the banlieue genre it helped popularize. This edition not only commemorates the film's historical significance but also immortalizes its technical achievements - from the dynamic use of camera techniques by cinematographer Pierre Aïm to the poignant soundtrack that underscores the narrative’s intensity. In doing so, "La Haine's" 4K presentation not only offers an essential cinematic text but also an impactful exploration of racial and cultural dynamics that continue to influence filmmakers and audiences alike.

The latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Mathieu Kassovitz's "La Haine" proves to be a pivotal moment for both the film's legacy and its accessibility to a broader audience. Once a rarity that inspired the hunt among dedicated cinephiles and even bootleg vendors, the film has now been given a definitive home video incarnation. This release comes with a commendation for the outstanding 4K restoration led by Pierre Aim, the film's director of photography, promising an unparalleled viewing experience. This edition is not just a reissue; it's presented as the definitive version, enhanced by the technical advancements in home cinema. The anticipation and excitement around this release emphasize its importance, elevating it to a must-own for both long-time admirers and newcomers to Kassovitz's work.

"La Haine," a film that remains as relevant and potent today as it was upon its release, continues to engage and provoke thought through its vivid portrayal and critique of societal tensions. The 4K UHD Blu-ray package does justice to the film's raw energy and compelling narrative, offering an immersive experience complemented by essential bonus features. These elements combine to underscore the film’s enduring impact, bridging decades of cultural and social dialogue. The restoration’s fidelity not only preserves but elevates every frame, ensuring that its message is as resonant now as it was then, drawing parallels with contemporary films like "Les Misérables" (2019) and "Athena" which explore similar themes with equal fervor.

In conclusion, the Criterion 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "La Haine" is an essential acquisition for cinephiles and scholars alike. It represents a significant moment in film restoration and distribution, ensuring that Kassovitz's seminal work continues to inspire and provoke discussions on societal issues. This version solidifies the film's place in the digital age, offering both a superior viewing experience and a reminder of the power cinema has in reflecting and challenging the status quo. Whether for the first-time viewer or the seasoned fan revisiting an old favorite, this release offers something profound, encapsulating the essence of "La Haine" while setting a new benchmark for home video presentations.