Naked Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Mike Leigh's "Naked" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion with a superb 1080p transfer. The high-definition digital transfer was meticulously created on a Spirit Datacine from a 35mm interpositive and supervised by Mike Leigh and Maria Palazzola. The restoration process involved substantial cleaning using MTI's DRS system, Pixel Farm's PFClean system, and Digital Vision's DVNR system, addressing thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and other imperfections.

The image quality showcases marked improvements in depth and clarity, especially notable in the nighttime sequences where Johnny begins his journey. These details, now absent of previous macroblocking seen in Criterion's SDVD release, are presented with stable color reproduction. The film exhibits a natural grain throughout, augmented by minute noise but without significant artifacts or strong halo effects. The transfer remains free from overzealous sharpening or excessive denoising, offering a healthy, immersive visual experience.

The transfer excels in delivering clean and stable imagery with accurate shadow delineation and robust black levels, particularly during night exteriors. Whites are bright and clear, and the earthy cinematography of Dick Pope is well-preserved with strong, dull hues. High-detail textures like facial pores and clothing fibers, exemplified by Sophie's fishnet outfit, are rendered impeccably. Though some inherent partial softness persists due to the source material, and slight aliasing is noticeable during specific scenes, these minor issues do not detract from the overall exceptional quality of the video presentation. This Blu-ray release represents an unparalleled enhancement of "Naked," ensuring its stature as the definitive version for years to come.

The audio presentation of the "Naked" Blu-Ray is primarily delivered via an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, remastered at 24-bit from the Lt/Rt magnetic print master. Additionally, it includes optional English SDH subtitles, enhancing accessibility. The meticulous remastering process involved the removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, and the attenuation of crackle via AudioCube's integrated workstation, resulting in a pristine audio experience that underscores the film’s dramatic elements.

Andrew Dickson's atmospheric score receives significant enhancement through this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The richness and depth of the sound considerably elevate the film’s emotional impact, with a good range of dynamics that audiophiles will appreciate. Notably, the dialogues are exceptionally clear, stable, and easy to follow, ensuring that even the most nuanced accents are rendered intelligible. Dickson's score, dominated by cello and harp, gains an appreciable fullness, particularly in the lower frequency effects (LFE), providing a resonant and dynamic listening experience.

While the film's dialogue-heavy nature ensures clarity, there can be some difficulties for non-native listeners due to the accent variations, particularly Archie's. However, the balanced mix work ensures that all elements are coherently integrated, creating an immersive soundscape. This remastered Dolby 2.0 surround track demonstrates Criterion's commitment to high-fidelity sound, making "Naked" a notable example of how meticulous audio restoration can enhance cinematic storytelling.

The Blu-ray extras for Mike Leigh's "Naked" offer a comprehensive and richly detailed look into the film's production and thematic depth. Featuring interviews, commentary, and short films, these supplementary materials provide invaluable insights into Leigh's creative process and socio-political commentary. Neil LaBute’s interview elucidates the film’s intricacies from a directorial perspective, while "The Art Zone” conversation between Will Self and Mike Leigh explores the dramatic range and societal impact of the film. "The Short and Curlies," a comedic short by Leigh, adds a lighter yet relevant context to his body of work. The audio commentary by Leigh, David Thewlis, and Katrin Cartlidge is particularly noteworthy for its firsthand accounts and behind-the-scenes revelations.

Extras included in this disc:

• Neil LaBute on Naked: Interview with filmmaker Neil LaBute discussing the film.
• The Art Zone: The Conversation: A dialogue between novelist Will Self and Mike Leigh on the film’s themes.
• The Short and Curlies: A short comedy film by Mike Leigh with optional audio commentary.
• Trailer: Original trailer for Naked.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Mike Leigh and lead actors.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring essays by Derek Malcolm and Amy Taubin.

Mike Leigh's Naked is a 1993 masterpiece that continues to provoke and challenge audiences. The Criterion Collection Blu-ray release offers a rich array of supplemental features, including a commentary track from Mike Leigh and lead actors David Thewlis and Katrin Cartlidge, a trailer, interviews, and an illustrated booklet featuring essays by Derek Malcolm and Amy Taubin. This package provides an immersive look into the making of this influential film.

The narrative follows Johnny (David Thewlis), a disdainful intellectual fleeing Manchester to escape retaliation for his own transgressions. In London, his manipulations touch everyone from his former lover Louise (Lesley Sharp) to her unstable roommate Sophie (Katrin Cartlidge), creating a web of destructive relationships. Each character's portrayal is meticulous, revealing deep layers of vulnerability and desperation. Thewlis’s portrayal is particularly lauded, earning him comparisons to iconic performances like Malcolm McDowell in "A Clockwork Orange" and Robert De Niro in "Taxi Driver". His delivery of cynical monologues underscores the film’s bleak assessment of post-Thatcher Britain.

Johnny’s journey through London becomes increasingly harrowing, featuring encounters with a violent couple, a despondent night guard, and a disturbingly misogynistic landlord named Jeremy (Greg Cruttwell). These interactions amplify the film’s dark tone and thematic focus on societal decay. Andrew Dickson’s minimalistic and brooding soundtrack further enhances the oppressive atmosphere.

The unabashed depiction of misogyny has sparked debate, reflecting Johnny’s and Jeremy's reprehensible behavior toward women, capped by disturbing scenes of sexual violence. Despite criticisms regarding its disjointed character arcs and the discomforting nature of certain scenes, "Naked" remains a compelling watch due to its raw honesty. While some may struggle to grasp Leigh's intentions or stomach its grim content, Naked endures as a critical examination of broken individuals in a fractured society.

Naked has received a thoughtful and comprehensive Blu-ray treatment from the Criterion Collection. The film, directed by Mike Leigh and starring David Thewlis, dives headfirst into potent, provocative material, anchored by Thewlis' standout performance as Johnny, one of cinema's most unforgettable antiheroes. This release benefits from a meticulous 4K digital restoration, ensuring that Leigh's grimy, intimate vision is exquisitely presented in high-definition. The cinematography, with its stark and suffocating atmosphere, is rendered with impeccable clarity, capturing the film's raw aesthetic with impressive fidelity.

Accompanying the visual upgrade is the soundtrack, which though originally in mono, has been carefully remastered to enhance the viewing experience without detracting from the film's gritty authenticity. Subtle sonic details are preserved, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in Naked's bleak urban landscape. The inclusion of substantial supplemental features, such as interviews with cast and crew and behind-the-scenes insights, significantly enriches the Blu-ray package. These additions provide both newcomers and longtime fans with a deeper appreciation of the film’s thematic complexity and technical craftsmanship.

Mike Leigh's Naked is one of the very best films in the Criterion Collection. Original, provocative and controversial, the film offers an uncompromising, notably cynical look at a country in a state of free falling. Suffocatingly bleak, Naked also has one of the greatest and truly unforgettable antiheroes, David Thewlis' Johnny. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.