Three Colors: White 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Three Colors: White receives a significant enhancement on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release, courtesy of Curzon in the UK, showcasing a native 4K HDR presentation with Dolby Vision that breathes new life into this cinematic classic. The disc’s 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image, framed in the film’s original widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio, benefits from a Wide Color Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range, Dolby Vision, and uses the HEVC (H.265) codec for encoding. Tested on an LG OLED TV and a Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, the visual fidelity is noted to be superior to previous Criterion Blu-rays, presenting excellent detail, decent texture, and stable grain across the board. This version accentuates warmer tones throughout, aligning with the cinematographer’s vision, and handles challenging light transitions with finesse, indicating a substantial upgrade despite certain inherited source-related issues.

The technical specifications of this release form part of a broader restoration effort detailed in the accompanying booklet, underscoring a faithful enhancement conducted by MK2 at Hiventy in France using original 35mm negatives, and supervised by notable directors of photography for authenticity. Despite some criticisms regarding the alteration of color grading—particularly the shift towards creamy yellow in sequences expected to exhibit a pristine white—there's acknowledgment of the restoration's effort to maintain fidelity to the director's and cinematographer's original intentions. Moreover, screencaptures available provide a comparative look at the updates versus previous versions, illustrating both improvements and contentious changes.

However, opinions on the 4K restoration's approach to color timing are mixed; while some viewers appreciate the new depth, clarity, and texture brought out by the updated color palette and superior grain stability, others lament the loss of the film’s iconic cold grays and clean whites. This divergence underlines a critical aspect of film restoration: balancing between enhancing visual quality and preserving a film’s original aesthetic identity. Despite these divisive points, the consensus leans towards the restoration offering a commendably pristine surface and markedly improved visual experience, though it may elicit varying responses regarding its fidelity to the original color scheme.

The audio presentation of "Three Colors: White" in the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray collection boasts an impeccable suite of soundtracks, emphasizing both the original lossless two-channel offerings and the enriched DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks. These tracks, previously celebrated on platforms like the Criterion set, serve to elevate the film's auditory experience to remarkable heights. Despite the film defaulting to a 2.0 track, this choice does not detract from the overall quality. The original tracks exhibit a near-perfect clarity, where the score — a fundamental element of this cinematic saga — is presented with a prominence that envelops and rewards the listener, showcasing its whimsical yet survivalist Eastern European motif with an adeptness that mirrors the protagonist's journey.

In "Three Colours: White," the absence of haunting melodies does not undermine the competency of its soundtrack. Rather, it aligns beautifully with the narrative’s less musically driven fabric, yet manages to maintain an engaging auditory landscape. The dialogue is expertly prioritized across the front channels, ensuring clarity and resonance, while background effects subtly animate the scenes without overshadowing primary audio elements. This balance underscores the film's thematic essence and narrative motion, contributing to a cohesive and immersive auditory experience.

Moreover, the inclusion of both French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks in the 4K Blu-ray release ensures versatility in listener preference. With optional English subtitles accompanying the main feature, the 5.1 track shines with outstanding quality on compatible systems, where Zbigniew Preisner's score is rendered with exceptional fidelity, and dialogues are portrayed with optimal clarity. The 2.0 track, while arguably underappreciated, offers a worthy alternative that viewers are encouraged to explore. Comparing both tracks reveals unique nuances, allowing for a personalized viewing experience that does not compromise on auditory excellence.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Three Colors: White" is a meticulously curated collection that complements the film's distinctive narrative and aesthetic. The set notably lacks bonus features on the 4K disc itself, but compensates with a rich selection on the accompanying Blu-ray. Viewers are treated to a blend of technical insights and personal recollections, including a video essay by Tony Rayns, director Krzysztof Kieslowski's cinema lesson, and in-depth interviews with key collaborators such as Zbigniew Zamachowski, Julie Delpy, and Krzysztof Piesiewicz. The inclusion of Kieslowski’s documentaries adds layers to the understanding of his cinematic vision. The extras provide a comprehensive look at the making and legacy of "White," offering fans and newcomers alike a deeper appreciation of its place within the trilogy and European cinema at large.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for "White".

On White: A video essay by Tony Rayns on the film.

Kieslowski's Cinema Lesson: The director discusses the opening scene of "White".

Zamachowski and Delpy: Interview with actors Zbigniew Zamachowski and Julie Delpy on their roles.

Krzysztof Piesiewicz: Interview with the co-writer of the Three Colors trilogy.

The Making of White: A behind-the-scenes featurette with director Krzysztof Kieslowski.

Two Documentaries: Films by Krzysztof Kieslowski, "Seven Women of Different Ages" and "Talking Heads".

Booklet: An 80-page booklet featuring essays, interviews, and excerpts related to the trilogy.

In the lesser-discussed chapter of Krzysztof Kieślowski's revered trilogy, "Three Colours: White" distinguishes itself through its atypical narrative and geographical setting, diverging from its counterparts with a story grounded in the cold realities of post-Iron Curtain Poland rather than the romantically charged streets of Paris. The film embarks on a cinematic journey through the eyes of Karol Karol (Zbigniew Zamachowski), a disenfranchised Pole in France, whose life unravels after a divorce leaves him destitute and dishonored. What follows is an offbeat revenge tale, intricately woven with themes of love, dispossession, and the quest for equality, all encapsulated within the political turmoil of his homeland.

Karol's odyssey back to Warsaw marks a radical transformation, from a pitiable immigrant to a cunning entrepreneur, exploiting the chaotic transition of a nation grappling with newfound freedom. His elaborate revenge against his ex-wife, ingeniously plotted with the help of a fellow compatriot (Janusz Gajos), unfolds against a backdrop rich in symbolism and dark humor. Kieślowski crafts a narrative that not only delves into personal vindication but also mirrors the broader societal inequalities and cultural dissonance experienced by many in post-communist Poland. This chapter, utilizing the thematic hue of white to represent equality, juxtaposes Karol's quest for personal equilibrium against the broader scale of national identity and collective memory.

Technically, "Three Colours: White" is a visual treat, its striking cinematography enhanced by the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, with Zbigniew Preisner's hauntingly beautiful score accentuating the film's emotional and thematic depth. Its detailed portrayal of character arcs, combined with the nuanced examination of social and political themes, positions it as an essential component of Kieślowski's trilogy, deserving of equal acclaim. Through its complex interplay of narrative elements and its adept use of visual symbolism, the film not only captivates but also provokes thought about love, loss, and the elusive nature of true equality.

Krzysztof Kieślowski's "Three Colors: White," as part of the trilogy, is undeniably a cinematic tour de force, acclaimed both for its narrative depth and aesthetic brilliance. The release of these films on Curzon’s 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, dated 17th April 2023, marks a pivotal moment for cinephiles, offering not just an enhanced visual experience through Native 4K and Dolby Vision HDR but also meticulously upgraded audio options - including the original 2.0 and a new 5.1 surround sound. This set is further enriched by an exhaustive collection of extra features, extending across seven discs and showcasing an impressive array of 12 Kieslowski-related short films, most of which are directed by the maestro himself. This compilation embodies an essential upgrade for enthusiasts and a formidable introduction for newcomers to Kieślowski’s oeuvre.

However, it is imperative to address concerns surrounding the 4K makeover of "White" within this box set. Initial feedback signaled disappointment, particularly from purists eager to see the film preserved in its original glory. Fortunately, the release strategy has been sensitive to this critique by including, alongside the 4K version, a Blu-ray disc that retains "White"'s original color timing from the preceding three-disc Blu-ray set. This strategic inclusion assuages fears of an overwritten legacy, ensuring that the film can be appreciated in both its original and visually enhanced forms.

In conclusion, while the new 4K restoration of "White" initially stirred controversy for its deviation from Kieślowski’s original vision, the comprehensive approach taken with this release—balancing innovation with preservation—ultimately reinforces its value. The inclusion of the original Blu-ray presentation alongside the upgraded 4K version provides a solution that respects both the filmmaker's art and the audience's diverse preferences. This edition of "Three Colors: White" on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kieślowski’s work, offering a richly layered experience that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant.