Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery" presents a remarkably faithful and meticulous remastering of the series, encoded in 1080p with AVC. The visual presentation is outstanding, with very minor variances in quality throughout the series that are largely negligible, manifesting as scattered white specks and occasional halos. Season One and Season Two showcase lush colors that are richly saturated, precisely aligned with Lynch and cinematographer Frank Byers' artistic intentions. Skintones are striking, primaries are vivid and visceral, and black levels maintain an impressive depth without losing detail. The clarity extends to finely resolved textures and sharp close-ups, all accentuated by a consistent, natural layer of filmic grain. Minimal signs of macroblocking or banding were observed, ensuring that fans of the series will be thoroughly satisfied with the visual fidelity.

Conversely, "Fire Walk with Me" offers a solid yet notably less impressive presentation compared to the series. While contrast and clarity hold up well, there are noticeable shortcomings in skin tone representation, appearing somewhat washed out, and primary colors lack their expected brilliance. Still, black levels remain robust, with shadows that effectively absorb light, enhancing detail. Despite some scenes showing a slightly over-processed look, particularly at the onset of Chapter 4, noise reduction has been judiciously applied, avoiding significant smearing. Other than slight artifacting in darker scenes, no major encoding issues were detected. Though this film component doesn't achieve the same revelatory remastering as the series itself, it surpasses previous releases in both domestic and international markets, delivering a commendable viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery" offers an exemplary DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround experience, effortlessly transitioning the series' intricate soundscapes into an immersive audio environment. The sound design, originally crafted in the early '90s, is expertly remixed to enhance its atmospheric eeriness without overshadowing dialogue or subtler audio nuances. Angelo Badalamenti's score richly envelops the listener, utilizing the full range of channels to heighten the mood. Ambient effects are skillfully positioned across the soundfield, while LFE output delivers haunting depth with precision, enhancing sequences involving supernatural elements to be particularly aggressive and effective.

"Fire Walk With Me" boasts a similarly impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, marking a seamless and cinematic enhancement over previous releases. Dialogue remains clean and neatly prioritized amidst chaotic or surreal moments, ensuring comprehension without sacrificing artistic integrity. The rear speakers and LFE channel contribute robustly, creating a dynamic and directional audio experience that echoes the film's intensity. Although some scenes reflect their early '90s origins with a slightly thin sound, these instances are rooted in the original sound design rather than the quality of the lossless track itself.

Both the series and the film excel in this audio presentation, with specific elements such as the Pink Room sequence in "Fire Walk With Me" benefiting from a refined mix that corrects past audio missteps. The availability of original stereo and additional language tracks further complements this outstanding release. Consequently, the Blu-ray offers an engaging and thoroughly immersive audio journey true to Lynch’s vision.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery" are a treasure trove for aficionados, showcasing an eclectic mix of nostalgic content and insightful discourses. They feature Catherine E. Coulson's idiosyncratic Log Lady Intros, extended and international versions of the Twin Peaks pilot episode, and multiple image galleries with behind-the-scenes snapshots. Noteworthy is the A Slice of Lynch: Uncut which provides an hour-long eccentric conversation with David Lynch and key cast members, offering fans a whimsical journey behind the creation of Twin Peaks. Further depth is provided by Fire Walk with Me: The Missing Pieces, a highly anticipated compilation of deleted scenes from the film, presented in high-definition and exemplary audio fidelity. Collectively, these extras not only deepen appreciation for Lynch's universe but also provide a comprehensive insight into the series' intricate narrative and production nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• Log Lady Intros: Bizarre episodic introductions by Catherine E. Coulson.
• Episode Previews and Recaps: Select previews and recaps from the series.
• Two Versions of Series Pilot: U.S. broadcast and international pilot versions.
• Season One Image Gallery: Behind-the-scenes photographs.
• A Slice of Lynch: Uncut: Eccentric interviews with Lynch and cast.
• Fire Walk with Me: The Missing Pieces: Deleted and extended film scenes.
• Between Two Worlds: Lynch interviews characters posthumously.
• Atmospherics: Environmental and dialogue loops from the series.

The Blu-ray release of "Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery" encapsulates the profound yet tumultuous journey of a television series that forever altered the landscape of TV narrative and style. Upon its initial airing in 1990, "Twin Peaks" broke conventional molds by introducing mainstream audiences to a world steeped in surrealism and intrigue, wrapped around central mysteries that became a cultural obsession. The initial triumph was sidelined by its second season, which faltered under network pressure for more episodes and premature resolution of its core mystery, leading to divisive reception and a decline in audience engagement. However, it's in the razor-sharp arc of its latter episodes where Lynch's hallmark storytelling shines, maintaining a cult status even decades later.

The feature film "Fire Walk With Me," found on the ninth disc of the Blu-ray set, serves as a theatrical prequel that delves into Laura Palmer's story. Despite facing intense criticism and a lukewarm box office reception upon its 1992 release, this cinematic venture arguably adds depth to the series’ enigmatic narrative. It exhibits Lynch's uncompromising artistic vision even at the risk of alienating mainstream viewers, as evidenced by its controversial reception at Cannes and beyond. This prequel captures the very essence of "Twin Peaks" at its avant-garde best: simultaneously engrossing, perplexing, and steeped in mysticism.

This comprehensive release, spanning 29 episodes and a feature film across ten BD-50 discs, allows new audiences and devoted fans alike to explore the multi-layered tapestry of "Twin Peaks." The series continues to enrich its audience with its compelling blend of diverse narratives—ranging from poignant to bizarre, comedic to menacing—that invite viewers into a realm where the ordinary is intertwined with mysterious undercurrents, reflecting the peculiarities of life itself.

The "Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery" 10-disc Blu-ray release is an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of enigmatic television series. This set not only showcases a meticulous remastering of the iconic series but elevates it through outstanding video quality and a powerful DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. Fans will find immense value in the extensive special features, including nearly ninety minutes of long-coveted deleted scenes from "Fire Walk with Me," further enriching the experience. The remastered presentation aligns perfectly with David Lynch and Mark Frost's original artistic vision, allowing new and returning viewers to immerse themselves in the surreal and unorthodox world of Twin Peaks anew.

The series, a brilliant yet perplexing creation, resonated with audiences for its unique narrative style and unapologetic strangeness. It was a groundbreaking achievement that left an indelible mark on American television, with its complex storylines and unconventional characters that fascinated viewers despite its ultimate commercial challenges. The Blu-ray collection celebrates this legacy by offering an unparalleled viewing experience that honors its artistic depth. Each of the 29 episodes has been carefully curated to reflect its best version, making this collection an indispensable piece for both die-hard fans and newcomers intrigued by its mythos.

In conclusion, "Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery" is not just a Blu-ray release, but a cultural artifact that captures the essence of one of television’s most memorable series. Its comprehensive presentation is a testament to the show's enduring impact and creative audacity, inviting both discovery and rediscovery. Whether you're delving into Twin Peaks for the first time or revisiting its peculiar charm, this collection offers an extraordinary invitation to explore the surreal and spellbinding universe Lynch and Frost masterfully crafted. Highly recommended for collectors and aficionados alike.