Time Bandits 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Time Bandits," boasting a fresh 4K scan from the original 35mm camera negatives, represents a significant upgrade over its predecessors in both technical specifications and visual presentation. This disc presents a native 3840 x 2160p resolution image in the 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio, enriched with 10-bit video depth, High Dynamic Range (HDR) through Dolby Vision and HDR10, and a wide color gamut (WCG), all encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. Criterion's effort, supervised by director Terry Gilliam, utilized an ARRISCAN XT film scanner for the restoration, ensuring that every frame benefits from the increased resolution and color depth. The resulting image clarity—from the textures of dour forests to the intricate details of character costumes and desolate landscapes—reveals fine lines and textures previously unseen.

Color reproduction is one of the most notable improvements in this release. Dolby Vision HDR enhances the depth and vibrancy of colors, making lush greens more verdant and reds deeper and more intense, thus lending a new level of realism to the film's eclectic settings. Black levels have also seen considerable enhancement, offering richer, deeper shadows that lend a profound sense of depth to the film’s darker sequences. This improvement is particularly evident in scenes set in Evil's lair, where the depth of shadows now adds to the ominous ambience without losing detail. Grain management remains faithful to the film's original aesthetic, preserving a filmic quality that fans appreciate. The tightness of grain in darker scenes and optical effects also benefits from this new 4K restoration, bringing a cleaner look to the film’s various special effects without compromising their original charm.

Precise comparisons with previous releases highlight the subtle yet important enhancements brought by native 4K resolution and expanded color dynamics. While some areas exhibit similar delineation and clarity to upscaled 1080p versions, it is the broader color gamut and dynamic range that distinguish this release, ensuring that "Time Bandits" not only retains but also enhances its visual spectacle for modern audiences. Criterion's release, therefore, stands out not just for its technical merits but for its ability to bring Terry Gilliam’s visionary film to life with unprecedented vibrancy and detail, making it an essential addition for collectors and cinephiles alike.

The audio presentation of the "Time Bandits" 4K UHD Blu-Ray notably shines with its English DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound mix, alongside an English LPCM 2.0 track that, while seen as a carryover from previous releases, holds its own in terms of quality and dynamic range. The DTS-HD track excels in creating an immersive soundscape, boasting well-differentiated spatial and mix separation. This ensures that each sound element, be it dialogue, effects, or score, is clear and impactful. The dialogue is crisply anchored in the front, complemented by a wide and dynamic effect spread that utilizes the surround channels effectively, bringing ambience and directionality to the forefront. Furthermore, the bass is tight and controlled, contributing a depth that enhances scenes without overwhelming, creating a balance that supports the narrative beautifully.

On the flip side, the LPCM 2.0 track, while lacking the spatial complexity of its 5.1 counterpart, still delivers a robust and dynamic experience. Dialogue, music, and effects maintain a clean separation that does not sacrifice clarity for compactness. The bass, though not as deep as in the 5.1 mix, remains precise and contained, ensuring that the track's overall quality is uncompromised. This choice between audio tracks allows for a tailored viewing experience that can either emphasize immersive surround sound or focus on a more traditional two-channel setup without losing the essence of the film's audio depth.

The system used for review, encompassing premium components such as the Denon AVR-X4300H, MK Sound LCR750, and SUR55T speakers, among others, underscores the audio presentation's capabilities to deliver high-quality sound reproduction. Whether opting for the enveloping experience of the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track or the nuanced clarity of the LPCM 2.0 option, viewers are assured of an engaging audio experience that complements the film’s visual restoration, with no detectable hiss or source damage, ensuring that "Time Bandits" sounds as captivating as it looks in its 4K rendition.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Time Bandits" offers a plethora of enriching extras that dive deep into the creative process behind this cinematic gem. Despite the absence of new supplements in this release, the collection remains impressive, featuring in-depth interviews with key players such as Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and David Warner, and extensive discussions on the film’s unique visual effects, production design, and costumes. The standout, an 80-minute conversation between Gilliam and film scholar Peter von Bagh, offers invaluable insights into Gilliam's filmmaking journey and inspirations. Additionally, the extras include a captivating animated featurette transforming Moroccan locations into ancient Greece, alongside original trailers, audio commentaries dating back to Criterion's first DVD release, and an illustrated booklet. These goodies collectively enrich the viewing experience, making it a comprehensive package for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Feature-length commentary by Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, John Cleese, David Warner, and Craig Warnock.
• Chasing Time Bandits: Interview with director Terry Gilliam.
• Writing the Film that Dares Not Speak Its Name: Michael Palin discussing his dual role as co-writer and actor.
• The Effects of Time Bandits: Kent Houston talks about the film’s optical effects.
• Playing Evil: David Warner recalls his role and working with producer George Harrison.
• The Costumes of Time Bandits: Interview with James Acheson on costume design.
• The Look of Time Bandits: Milly Burns discusses production design.
• From Script to Screen: Animated journey through production with Milly Burns.
• Terry Gilliam and Peter von Bagh Interview: A deep dive into Gilliam's influences and experiences.
• Creating the Worlds of Time Bandits: Insights from Milly Burns and James Acheson narrated by David Morgan.
• Shelley Duvall Interview: Discussing her role in "Time Bandits" and other career highlights.
• Stills Gallery: Behind-the-scenes photo collection.
• Trailer: Original cinematic trailer for "Time Bandits".
• Illustrated Collector’s Booklet: Featuring critical analysis by James Oliver.

Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits emerges on 4K UHD Blu-ray as a dazzling showcase of the director's burgeoning creative prowess, manifesting a universe brimming with mad genius, childlike glee, and a boundless imagination. Crafted during Gilliam's creative ascendancy, this film, with its mélange of comedy, drama, science fiction, and fantasy, deftly weaves themes of love, creation, destiny, loyalty, and the dualities of good vs. evil into a tantalizing narrative. Its ensemble cast, led by David Rappaport and featuring a banquet of British talent including John Cleese, Ian Holm, and Sean Connery, delivers performances that are both enchanting and deeply human. The film's visual grandeur is underscored by Peter Biziou's cinematography and Mike Moran's evocative soundtrack, elevating Time Bandits beyond its era and into the realm of timelessness."

"At its core, Time Bandits leverages an unpredictable narrative to embark on a fantastical journey through timescapes, adroitly balancing humor with poignant observations on technology and humanity's future. This blend is nuanced by Gilliam's indomitable style; where playful whimsy intersects with elements of parody, yet never derails the movie's dramatic momentum or its heartwarming undercurrents. The set designs and thematic elements signal Gilliam's distinct vision, which echoes through his later works. The film not only presents a captivating adventure but also serves as a critique and celebration of human history and imagination."

"The release of Time Bandits on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Criterion honors this cinematic gem with a pristine visual and auditory restoration that highlights the intricate set pieces and colorful palette of Gilliam's universe. Coupled with a trove of supplemental features that delve into the film's creation, this edition is an essential acquisition for cinephiles. Through the amalgamation of exceptional performances, innovative storytelling, and technical craftsmanship, Time Bandits endures as a masterpiece that delights and provokes thought across generations, offering a cinematic journey as intriguing and invigorating as it was upon its original release.

Terry Gilliam's "Time Bandits," a film celebrated for its ingenious blend of wild imagination and childlike wonder, has been given a fitting tribute in its 4K UHD release. This Arrow Video package showcases the film in its best light yet, boasting a native 4K resolution that brings out the intricate details and vibrancy of Gilliam's vision, further enhanced by Dolby Vision that accentuates the visual spectacle. The preservation of the film's original aesthetics is commendable, delivering a genuine cinematic experience complemented by two exceptional audio tracks, DTS-HD MA 5.1 and LPCM 2.0, which provide clear separation, rich bass, and an immersive auditory experience. However, the extras package, while comprehensive, doesn't offer anything new for those familiar with previous releases.

For enthusiasts of Gilliam's work, this edition represents another welcome addition to the growing collection of his films in superior 4K quality. Notably, the 4K Blu-ray of "Time Bandits" surpasses its Blu-ray predecessor in every technical aspect, affirming its status as a highly recommended acquisition. This release not only caters to fans but also aims to attract a new audience with its upgraded visuals and sound, ensuring that "Time Bandits" remains a captivating adventure for viewers of all ages. The anticipation for future Gilliam titles in 4K is palpable, hinting at the ongoing appeal and relevance of his filmmaking prowess in the HD era.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "Time Bandits" by Arrow Video is a remarkable achievement that both honors and revitalizes Gilliam's classic. With its significant improvements in video and audio quality, alongside a familiar but beloved range of extras, it rightfully earns a spot on the shelves of cinephiles and Gilliam aficionados alike. This release not only underscores the enduring appeal of "Time Bandits" but also sets a high standard for future 4K editions of Gilliam's other masterpieces.