Heaven's Gate Blu-ray Review

Heaven's Gate arrives on Blu-ray with a significant visual overhaul, courtesy of Criterion, presenting the film in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer. The restoration process for this Director's Cut involved intricate work, including scanning the 35mm YCM color separation masters at 2K resolution and digitally recombining them to replicate the original negative's color. Supervised by Michael Cimino, the transfer involved meticulous cleanup using MTI DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean to remove dirt and debris, with Image Systems' Phoenix employed for grain and noise reduction. This effort results in a vastly improved image quality compared to the previous DVD release.

The updated Blu-ray edition showcases a dramatically altered color scheme under Cimino's supervision. Whereas the original release featured a predominantly brown and yellow palette, the new version reveals far more vibrant and lush colors. Greens are now richly saturated and blues more vivid, leading to a visually striking—although perhaps somewhat revisionist—appearance. Some reviewers have noted that the color enhancement appears electronically boosted, which might seem off-putting given the film's historical tone. Yet, Vilmos Zsigmond’s cinematography now shines more consistently across various sequences, with stunning panoramic shots and richer textures in the darker scenes. Despite concerns about altered aesthetics and minor grain inconsistencies, the transfer maintains excellent sharpness without excessive sharpening or degraining artifacts.

Criterion's meticulous restoration brings 'Heaven's Gate' closer to Cimino's envisioned masterpiece. While some may miss the original’s sepia tones, many will appreciate the newfound depth and detail. The high-definition transfer does justice to Zsigmond’s artistry, capturing the unique atmosphere with greater clarity. Although this Blu-ray release might stir debate among purists regarding its updated colors, it undeniably stands as a remarkable technical achievement in film restoration.

This Blu-ray's sole audio track, an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, showcases a meticulous remastering process directly overseen by Michael Cimino. Remastered and restored at 24-bit from a 6-track magnetic mix, this audio track elevates the film's sound design significantly. Manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, complemented by crackle attenuation via AudioCube's station, ensures a polished listening experience. Critically, the remastering places a strong emphasis on the audibility of dialogue, providing much-needed clarity to Cimino’s typically on-set recorded audio. Despite these improvements, optional English SDH subtitles are recommended for robust comprehension due to thick Slavic accents and overlapping dialogues.

The DTS-HD 5.1 track demonstrates a commendable range of nuanced dynamics that enhance both music and action sequences. Notably, the climactic battle scenes are rendered with exceptional realism; gunshots, falling horses, and crackling wood all contribute to an immersive sonic experience. The clarity and stability of dialogue are generally well-maintained, though some scenes, especially those filmed in noisy environments such as busy train stations or bustling cities, still present challenges in dialogue intelligibility. In these instances, subtitles become invaluable for understanding crucial narrative exchanges.

The score benefits immensely from the remastering effort, resonating beautifully in key moments such as the iconic dance hall scene. While surround usage tends to be subtle, emphasizing ambient sounds in crowd scenarios, certain effects like gunfire are notably crisp and impactful. Overall, the audio presentation is robust and effective, providing an engaging experience that caters to both cinephiles and audiophiles alike.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Heaven's Gate" goes above and beyond in its comprehensive collection of insightful extras, each providing valuable perspectives on the film's production and legacy. These features, curated with the involvement of Michael Cimino, offer varied insights but lack critical examination of the film's troubled release and reception. The centerpiece is the Cimino and Carelli Interview, delivering a detailed discussion on the film’s unique qualities and production background. Interviews with cast and crew such as Kris Kristofferson and David Mansfield bring personal anecdotes and reflections, though they primarily highlight positive experiences. The Restoration Demonstration delivers a quick yet effective visual comparison illustrating Criterion's meticulous work in restoring the film's aesthetics. However, the inclusion of the original teaser and TV spot showcases the initial marketing efforts without addressing their outcomes. Overall, this Blu-ray release enhances appreciation for "Heaven's Gate" while maintaining a somewhat celebratory narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Restoration Demonstration: A brief visual comparison highlighting the extensive restoration work.
• Cimino and Carelli: Discussion between director Michael Cimino and producer Joann Carelli on the production history and unique qualities of "Heaven's Gate".
• Kris Kristofferson: The actor discusses his role in the film and his admiration for Cimino.
• David Mansfield: The musician talks about his contributions to the film and its score.
• Michael Stevenson: Insights from the second assistant director on working with Cimino.
• Teaser: The original promotional teaser.
• TV Spot: The original television advertisement.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring an essay by critic Giulia D'Agnolo Vallan.

Michael Cimino’s ‘Heaven’s Gate’ (1980), though initially plagued by infamy due to its financial disaster, emerges on this Criterion Blu-ray release as a film of unparalleled poetic beauty. The historical epic, inspired by the Johnson County War, is anchored in its stark portrayal of the darker facets of the American Dream. The film opens with a grandiose Harvard graduation in 1870, establishing its protagonist, James Averill (Kris Kristofferson), who, twenty years later, becomes a lawman in Wyoming, setting the stage for a clash between wealthy cattle barons and European immigrants. A rich tapestry of finely detailed period costumes, intricate set designs, and authentic languages imbues the film with a visceral realism that remains unmatched.

Cimino’s direction showcases a meticulous commitment to historical authenticity, evident in every frame – from the mud-caked street scenes to the ornate ballroom dances. Yet, Heaven’s Gate's narrative breadth and extensive runtime pose challenges. The film spans nearly four hours, filled with languorous sequences and foundational character arcs that sometimes feel underdeveloped, like Averill’s ambiguous authority as a U.S. Marshal, which is scarcely emphasized throughout the story. Despite these pacing issues, stand-out moments, such as the electrifying roller-skating fiddle sequence, offer glimpses of Cimino’s unique vision.

Thematically rich and resonant with contemporary socio-political undertones, Heaven’s Gate critiques greed and xenophobia while weaving through a love triangle involving Averill, the baron's enforcer Nathan Champion (Christopher Walken), and Ella Watson (Isabelle Huppert). Viewing the restored director's cut today, particularly in a segmented format at home, allows appreciation of its artistic merits while acknowledging its significant role in altering Hollywood's filmmaking landscape and halting the 1970s' auteur movement. For all its excesses and notorious legacy, Heaven’s Gate remains an ambitious cinematic endeavor worthy of revaluation beyond its troubled history.

Criterion's release of "Heaven's Gate" on Blu-ray offers a spectacular presentation of the definitive director's cut of Michael Cimino's contentious classic. This edition features a meticulously restored and reconstructed version of the film that many believe never received its due in its original release. The audiovisual quality is remarkable, capturing the intricate details and expansive vistas with stunning clarity. The supplementary materials, while lacking in providing full historical context, are nonetheless a valuable addition, offering insights into the film’s troubled production and legacy.

Despite its well-known challenges and mixed reception over the decades, "Heaven's Gate" shines through as an ambitious and captivating Western epic. It’s neither the abject failure nor the unqualified masterpiece some might expect. Instead, it stands as a complex and nuanced film with grand ideas. However, some may find frustrating elements such as revisionist color changes in the photography and inherent problems in the soundtrack that detract from the overall experience. The nearly four-hour runtime demands patience but rewards those who engage fully with Cimino's extensive vision.

In one of the supplemental features included on this Blu-ray release, Michael Cimino states that Criterion's new restoration and reconstruction of "Heaven's Gate" is a miracle. I wholeheartedly agree. This is indeed a spectacular presentation of the definitive director's cut of "Heaven's Gate," a glorious film and a true masterpiece of American Cinema which has been misunderstood and undeservedly dismissed by different people over the years. If you are going to experience "Heaven's Gate" for the first time, I urge you to ignore reading old reviews of the film. See it, think about it, and form your own opinion. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.