La haine 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "La Haine" breathes new life into this critically acclaimed film with a striking visual overhaul. Supervised by director of photography Pierre Aïm and approved by director Mathieu Kassovitz, the newly restored 4K transfer, created from the original 35mm camera negative, offers an impressive upgrade over previous releases. The encoding employs HEVC / H.265, presenting the film in a 2160p resolution with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10. Viewers will appreciate the significantly improved contrast and accurate black-and-white visuals, which imbue daylight scenes with remarkable brightness and detail while maintaining clarity in the darker, indoor settings.

The restoration is particularly notable for its image stability and faithful rendering of density levels, which were superior to those observed on Criterion's earlier Blu-ray release. While some have remarked on the film's inherent grain and specific visual texture, the latest 4K restoration strikes an admirable balance between retaining the film's gritty aesthetic and enhancing detail and depth. The deliberate use of shadows and shading adds a new dimension to the film, especially in scenes featuring crowded streets and dimly lit interiors, where the improved black levels bring out more of the film’s atmospheric intent.

Crucially, the restoration remains free from problematic digital corrections, preserving the organic appearance of "La Haine." The occasional softness seen in earlier presentations has been retained, ensuring authenticity. No noise or artifacts have been detected, underscoring the meticulous care taken in this digital restoration. This release successfully revitalizes "La Haine" for both longtime fans and new viewers, delivering an exceptional visual experience that stays true to the film's original look and feel.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "La Haine" features dual audio tracks: French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English subtitles. Upon careful evaluation, both audio tracks provide distinct listening experiences that suit different preferences, reflecting the film's original auditory design. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track retains the film’s authentic ambiance, as originally intended, producing a clear and immersive sound even with limited surround implementation. This track handles dialogue reproduction exceptionally well, ensuring all spoken parts are loud and clear without any audible anomalies.

In contrast, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track adds a subtle layer of depth to certain scenes, such as brawls, thereby enhancing their impact through spatial presence. Despite not delivering a surround experience comparable to a summer blockbuster, its inclusion remains beneficial for viewers seeking added dimensionality and dynamics in crucial moments. However, the surround effects are deliberately restrained, maintaining a natural soundscape that avoids forced or intrusive audio elements. Overall, both tracks offer excellent presentations that complement the film’s narrative and visual intensity. Each track is a testament to the careful preservation of the original French language and auditory detail in this high-definition format.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "La Haine" comes packed with a comprehensive selection of extras that dive deep into the film’s production and its sociocultural context. Highlights include the enlightening commentary by director Mathieu Kassovitz, which offers candid insights on the film's genesis, politics, casting, and production. Jodie Foster’s 2006 introduction adds valuable context about the film's impact in the US. The feature-length documentary, "Ten Years of La Haine," provides an in-depth retrospective with interviews and historical perspectives. Additional featurettes explore the film's banlieue setting, the production process, and deleted/extended scenes presented in color with informative afterwords by Kassovitz.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary by Director/Writer Mathieu Kassovitz: Detailed insights into the film’s creation.

Introduction by Jodie Foster: Contextualizes the film's impact.

Ten Years of La Haine: Documentary covering the film’s history.

Social Dynamite: Sociological analysis of the film's themes.

Preparing for the Shoot: Cast and crew discuss pre-production experiences.

The Making of a Scene: Raw footage and Kassovitz interview.

Deleted and Extended Scenes: Rough cuts in color with afterwords by Kassovitz.

Stills Gallery: Collection of behind-the-scenes photos.

Trailer 1: Original French theatrical trailer.

Trailer 2: Additional original trailer.

Booklet: Essay by Ginette Vincendeau and appreciation by Costa-Gavras.

Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film, "La Haine," stands as a fierce critique of socio-political unrest and systemic inequality in France, captured effectively in a 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Criterion. This raw and gritty narrative set in the banlieues (suburbs) near Paris follows three friends—Vinz, a young Jewish man (Vincent Cassel); Hubert, an Afro-French boxer (Hubert Koundé); and Saïd, a North African Muslim (Saïd Taghmaoui)—over the course of 24 tension-filled hours. These characters grapple with police harassment, social marginalization, and an escalating atmosphere of violence sparked by the brutal beating of an Arab boy by the police. Vinz's acquisition of a police officer’s lost .44 Magnum amplifies the story's brutality and the ever-present potential for explosive conflict.

Shot in stark black and white, "La Haine" employs techniques such as crash zooms, split diopters, and dolly zoom shots to maintain a kinetic energy that keeps the viewer immersed. Complemented by a hip-hop-infused soundtrack featuring music by Assassin, the film juxtaposes artistic compositions with the harsh realities of urban life, melding style with substance. The film succeeds in evoking the palpable tension and volatility within its socially charged narrative, drawing comparisons to influential works like Spike Lee’s "Do the Right Thing." Kassovitz’s screenplay is equally effective, employing razor-sharp dialogue and incorporating archival footage of early '90s Parisian riots to root the film deeply in its socio-political context.

The film's relevance is underscored by themes of racial and social injustice that resonate beyond France’s borders, making it a powerful commentary on universal issues of marginalization and authority abuse. Its influence on contemporary French cinema is undeniable, inspiring a plethora of socially aware films within the banlieue genre. "La Haine" is a masterfully crafted piece of cinema that remains poignant and impactful nearly three decades after its release, testifying to Kassovitz's deft ability to balance artistic vision with potent messaging.

"La Haine," Mathieu Kassovitz's seminal film, receives an impressive 4K UHD Blu-ray release, solidifying its place as a crucial cinematic work. The new 4K restoration, supervised by director of photography Pierre Aïm, successfully enhances the visual storytelling, offering an exceptional viewing experience. This Criterion release is laden with essential bonus features that provide deeper insights into the film's production and its enduring impact, making it a definitive edition for cinephiles and newcomers alike.

Impactful and timely, "La Haine" continues to resonate with audiences, much like contemporary films focusing on socio-political issues. Though some may question the film's selection for a 4K release, the restoration underscores its lasting importance. The sharpness and clarity brought forth by the 4K resolution capture the gritty essence of the film's narrative, enhancing both the aesthetic and emotional depth of Kassovitz's vision. Fans of the film will appreciate the meticulous effort put into this release, ensuring it stands out as the best version available for home viewing.

It is a little surreal to see how mainstream Mathieu Kassovitz's film has become and that it will be available on 4K Blu-ray. In the late 1990s, I recall looking for it and visiting a few vendors that eventually became quite popular for selling bootleg copies of films that had not received official DVD or VHS releases, and even they did not have it. Criterion's upcoming 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack introduces the excellent recent 4K restoration of La Haine that was supervised by director of photography Pierre A�m. It will be the film's definitive home video release. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.