Bound 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD release of Bound exemplifies the high standard the label has become renowned for. Based on a new 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, supplemented by select sections from a 35mm interpositive, this presentation is impeccably clean. Both Dolby Vision and HDR10 grades enhance the visual storytelling, ensuring outstanding contrast and an authentic filmic look. Fine details such as grain structure, and even minute elements like a single hair on Caesar's collar, are beautifully resolved, capturing the noir undertones intended by cinematographer Bill Pope.

The overall color balance is a distinct improvement over previous releases, with lush saturation and precise hues that render both natural skin tones and vibrant colors brilliantly. The HDR application broadens the dynamic range, making dark scenes starkly profound and bright scenes strikingly vivid. This release leverages Criterion’s reputation for meticulous restoration work to deliver a pristine image akin to a demonstration reel.

Such production quality transforms Bound into an exceptional visual experience on modern displays. The UHD Blu-ray under Dolby Vision fully showcases the film’s intricate visuals, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maximize their home theater setup capabilities. The Blu-ray edition in SDR maintains high fidelity to the original source material but cannot quite match the fluidity of native 4K. This Criterion Collection edition of Bound stands as the definitive version, surpassing all previous home video releases with its breathtaking transfer and commendable attention to detail.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bound" boasts an impressive English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, meticulously remastered from the original discrete 5.1 digital master files. The clarity, sharpness, and depth of the soundscape are exceptional, maintaining the aesthetic focus on the front soundstage while artfully engaging the rear speakers during pivotal scenes. This thoughtful mix creates a dynamic viewing experience, with sound effects such as gunshots and door buzzers enhancing the immersion by seamlessly transitioning to the rear channels at critical moments.

Dialogue delivery is crystal clear throughout the film, ensuring that not a single word gets lost. Don Davis's score is rendered with remarkable precision, particularly shining in moments of heightened tension where the subwoofer crescendos amplify the emotional stakes. The balance between dialogue, sound effects, and music is managed with deft control, maintaining a stable and distortion-free audio quality. This meticulous approach keeps the viewer deeply engaged, making it evident that every aspect of the sound design was crafted with care to complement the film's narrative and visual elements.

Overall, the decision to present the film's original 5.1 surround soundtrack in this high-quality DTS-HD MA format was judicious. It not only preserves the integrity of the original audio experience but also elevates it, surpassing previous DVD and Blu-ray editions in fidelity. While a 2.0 track could serve nostalgic purposes for some purists, the immersive qualities of this 5.1 mix offer an undeniably superior and engaging auditory experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided, ensuring accessibility without compromising on audio excellence.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bound" from Criterion is a treasure trove of insightful and engaging extras. The archival commentary featuring the Wachowskis, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, Jennifer Tilly, editor Zach Staenberg, and technical consultant Susie Bright is particularly noteworthy for its blend of educational value and entertainment, making it one of the best in its class. The disc also includes a mix of newly produced and archival featurettes and interviews that cover various aspects of the film’s production, its impact, and its legacy. These give fans and scholars alike a deeper appreciation for the movie's unique place in cinema history while maintaining Criterion's high standards for supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski; actors Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, and Jennifer Tilly; editor Zach Staenberg; and technical consultant Susie Bright.
• Pipeline to Seduction: Video essay by Christina Newland.
• Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly: Discussion on their roles in the film.
• Joe Pantoliano: Recollections on his character Caesar.
• Christopher Meloni: Discussion on playing Johnnie Marzzone.
• Modern Noir: Insights from cinematographer Bill Pope, editor Zach Staenberg, and composer Don Davis.
• Playing With Expectations: Analysis by film scholars Jennifer Moorman and B. Ruby Rich.
• Title Design: Interview with title designer Patti Podesta.
• Trailers: Archival trailers for "Bound".
• Leaflet: Featuring an essay by scholar McKenzie Wark.

"Bound" (1996), the directorial debut from the Wachowskis, is a masterful exercise in neo-noir that garners both critical and cult acclaim. Gina Gershon plays Corky, a recently released ex-con working as a plumber, who crosses paths with Violet (Jennifer Tilly), the girlfriend of mobster Caesar (Joe Pantoliano). The narrative propels forward when Violet seduces Corky and proposes a heist to steal $2 million from Caesar, leading to a taut, suspense-filled caper where allegiances are tested and survival is uncertain. The film’s noir elements are impeccably crafted, paying homage to classics while injecting fresh LGBTQ perspectives, reminiscent of Billy Wilder and Quentin Tarantino.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Criterion does justice to Bill Pope's atmospheric cinematography, capturing the neo-noir aesthetic with near-neon visuals and clever shot compositions that elevate its low-budget roots. The meticulous restoration allows for vibrant yet shadowy visuals that enhance the intimate yet thrilling sequences. The editing is brisk and purposeful, keeping the audience on edge as the plot unfolds in unexpected ways. Additionally, Joe Pantoliano’s performance as Caesar adds another layer of complexity and tension, serving as a chaotic force amidst the calculated schemes of Violet and Corky.

Unabashedly erotic and violent, "Bound" blends explicit scenes with a keen sense of style and narrative depth. The celebrated sex scene between Gershon and Tilly remains one of contemporary cinema's most memorable, while the violence - often laced with humor - evokes the influence of Hong Kong action cinema. This new release amplifies every aspect of what makes "Bound" riveting, ensuring it remains an essential entry in the neo-noir genre. The audio commentary and extensive supplemental features provide insightful retrospectives on the film's enduring legacy and the Wachowskis' groundbreaking vision.

Criterion’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bound" offers a comprehensive package that captures the essence and brilliance of this neo-noir classic. The 4K makeover is impeccable, presenting the film in stunning native 4K and an equally impressive 1080p. The high dynamic range (HDR) transfer stands out, ensuring that the film's visual allure is breathtakingly vibrant and detailed. This release not only preserves but enhances the original aesthetic flair, providing viewers with an unparalleled visual experience. Additionally, a separate Blu-ray edition will be available for collectors with varied preferences.

The rich selection of special features, both new and legacy, adds substantive value to this release. Although some extras from previous editions are absent, the comprehensive set included by Criterion—originating from various prior releases like Arrow Video’s 2014 Region B Blu-ray and Olive Films’ 2018 Blu-ray—ensures that there’s minimal to no loss of crucial content. The special features offer deep insights, including commentary tracks, making-of featurettes, and interviews with key cast members like Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, and Joey Pants.

Overall, Criterion has once again demonstrated its capability to deliver a superior home video edition. The artistic care invested into the cover design, coupled with the technical finesse of the audio-visual presentation and substantial special features, makes this release highly commendable. "Bound" is a definitive standout in the neo-noir resurgence since the 1980s and Criterion’s edition fully cements its legacy.

Criterion's "Bound" 4K UHD Blu-ray is an exceptional addition to any collection. It not only showcases the film's undeniable impact on its genre but also serves as a definitive edition that enthusiasts should not miss. This release is extraordinarily well-rounded and comes very highly recommended.