McCabe & Mrs. Miller 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD presentation of "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" delivers an exceptional visual experience, thanks to the meticulous restoration efforts. Utilizing the same 4K restoration as their 2016 Blu-ray release, the 2160p HEVC-encoded image is reproduced in native 4K. Despite the absence of HDR and Dolby Vision grading, the visual fidelity remains remarkable. The lack of HDR was a deliberate choice, ensuring the unique cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond remains intact, avoiding potential issues in darker scenes and shadow nuances. The DVD release formerly suffered from grain and lower resolution, but this 4K version effectively mitigates those issues, showcasing a more natural and balanced color palette, especially with improved flesh tones and intricate details.

The film's visual aesthetic, characterized by its dreary and underexposed imagery due to the flashing technique used during production, shines in this version. The transfer respects the original intent, retaining the weathered look Altman aimed for. In native 4K, the grain structure appears more organic and convincing, enhancing the overall depth and density levels without compromising on details. The BT.709 color space may limit the color range, but the higher resolution does justice to the brown and grey tones prevalent throughout. Remarkably close to its original theatrical release on 35mm, this transfer preserves the film’s intended look while delivering superior shadow delineation and black levels.

In conclusion, Criterion's 4K UHD release of "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" is a testament to the power of careful restoration and respect for the original artistic vision. The improved resolution over the 2016 Blu-ray makes this release a definitive visual presentation for fans and cinephiles alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" preserves the original English LPCM 1.0 mono track from the 2016 Blu-ray release, which is both a pragmatic and commendable choice given the film's inherently dialogue-driven nature and Robert Altman's signature overlapping dialogue technique. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided and appear within the image frame. The track captures the intricate sound design of overlapping conversations effectively, ensuring that even during moments of dynamic clarity fluctuations, such as in scenes at the brothel, there are no audible traces of age-related anomalies like background hiss, pops, or distortions.

While Altman's films generally do not lend themselves to a strong, immersive soundtrack, the LPCM 1.0 track sufficiently conveys the essence of the movie, which relies heavily on dialogue and Leonard Cohen's evocative folk ballads. Even though the audio reveals its early 1970s origins and may seem dated, it maintains stability and fluidity during music excerpts, reflecting the superb condition of the source material. Despite some minor dynamic fluctuations in specific segments, the sound quality is robust enough to support the narrative without distracting from the visual storytelling.

In summary, though not standout for its audio presentation, the track faithfully serves the film's intent, focusing on clarity and preventing any intrusions of noise. Overall, this audio presentation ensures that Altman's unique soundscape, with its layers of spoken words and atmospheric elements, is intact and engaging for modern viewers.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" retains all the enriching supplemental materials from the Criterion Blu-ray release, offering both depth and insight into Robert Altman's classic. The extras present an exhaustive exploration of the film's production, atmosphere, and Altman's unique filmmaking techniques. Key inclusions such as the insightful audio commentary by Altman and Foster, alongside a robust making-of documentary featuring exclusive interviews, provide substantial value for fans and cinephiles. Additional highlights include discussions with prominent film historians, an archival featurette on the set construction, and multiple archival interviews with key crew members. This comprehensive extras package solidifies the release as a definitive edition for any serious film collector or enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Informative track with Robert Altman and David Foster discussing production insights.
• Way Out on a Limb: Documentary on the film’s production history with cast and crew interviews.
• Cari Beauchamp and Rick Jewell Conversation: Analysis of the film’s impact and style by noted film historians.
• Behind the Scenes: Featurette on the building of the movie’s set in British Columbia.
• Leon Ericksen: 1999 discussion with production designers on the film’s unconventional approach.
• Vilmos Zsigmond: Interviews from 2005 and 2008 with the renowned cinematographer.
• Steve Schapiro Photo Gallery: Collection of archival stills from the film set.
• The Dick Cavett Show - Pauline Kael: Film critic Pauline Kael defends early criticisms.
• The Dick Cavett Show - Robert Altman: Altman discusses sound design and performances.
• Trailer: Original trailer with music only.
• Illustrated Leaflet: Featuring an essay by Nathaniel Rich.

Robert Altman's McCabe & Mrs. Miller emerges as a timeless classic in its 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Criterion, capturing the complex essence of the filmmaker's vision. Set against the hauntingly desolate backdrop of Presbyterian Church in the Pacific Northwest, the film elucidates a world of struggling settlers, driven primarily by their appetites for survival and enterprise. Warren Beatty's portrayal of John McCabe, a charismatic yet inherently flawed businessman who aims to establish a brothel, is brilliantly complemented by Julie Christie's Constance Miller, a savvy prostitute who brings a nuanced transformation to the business.

The story masterfully dissects the interplay of ambition and vulnerability within its characters, presenting an unfiltered panorama of human emotions. McCabe's hasty venture into the brothel business gains structure and sophistication under Mrs. Miller’s meticulous guidance, only to encounter existential threats from larger corporate interests. This intricate dance of power and desperation is beleaguered further upon realizing that mere survival often entails moral and physical jeopardy. The narrative poignantly mirrors the raw, grim beauty of early American frontier life, eschewing romanticized ideals for an authentic, albeit bleak portrayal.

Technically, the film is a marvel of atmospheric and visual storytelling. Director of Photography Vilmos Zsigmond crafts an exquisite 'antique' aesthetic characterized by deliberate contrasts, careful light management, and a distinctly grainy texture that amplifies the film's earthy tone. Leonard Cohen’s soulful soundtrack underscores this rich visual tableau, adding a layer of lyrical melancholy. Famous for defying genre conventions, McCabe & Mrs. Miller veers away from the traditional Western’s bravado, opting instead for introspective character studies and subdued humor. This 4K release meticulously preserves this unique ambiance, ensuring that Altman’s innovative approach continues to resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences.

Robert Altman’s classic 1971 revisionist western, "McCabe & Mrs. Miller," stands out as a seminal work in the genre, known for its unique and credible depiction of the American West. With its innovative approach to storytelling and direction, the film boldly redefined how westerns are conceptualized and evaluated. The new 4K UHD Blu-ray release from the Criterion Collection brings forth a stellar 2160p presentation that far surpasses any previous home media version in terms of visual clarity and detail.

The 4K restoration, initially introduced on Blu-ray in 2016, now finds a superior home on this UHD release, promising fans and new viewers alike the best possible presentation of Altman’s vision. The high-definition upgrade markedly enhances the film’s rich, nuanced cinematography, making it an indispensable addition for enthusiasts of classic cinema and Westerns.

While it is true that no new special features have been incorporated beyond those available in the previous iteration, the pristine visuals alone warrant serious consideration for an upgrade. For anyone who appreciates Altman’s intricate filmmaking style or the unique texture of this cinematic exploration of the frontier, this release is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" offers a visually stunning and definitive way to experience this beloved film. Though it may not be the easiest film to like for some viewers, it remains a deeply fascinating and artistically significant work. If you seek the ultimate version of this landmark film for your collection, this release is undoubtedly worth the investment.