Call Me by Your Name 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Call Me by Your Name" on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is a revelation, offering an immersive and visually stunning experience that significantly surpasses its already excellent Blu-ray predecessor. Presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of widescreen 1.85:1, this release boasts a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image that utilizes a Wide Color Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR10 and Dolby Vision), and is encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. The inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR enriches the film's color spectrum, enhancing the accuracy, nuance, and brilliance of each scene. From the sun-drenched Italian countryside to the intricate details of the characters' clothing and environments, every frame benefits from increased clarity, diversity in colors, and profound depth, maintaining the film's organic grain structure for a flawlessly filmic appearance.

Sony's commitment to quality is evident in the meticulous transfer of this modern classic to the 4K UHD format. The native 4K image, culled from the film's original 35mm negatives, reveals an unprecedented level of detail. Facial textures, clothing nuances, and the lush Italian setting are rendered with pristine clarity, showcasing the film's exquisite cinematography in a new light. The Dolby Vision HDR further elevates this presentation by offering deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and improved contrast, ensuring that both bright outdoor scenes and shadow-laden sequences are depicted with lifelike realism.

Moreover, the handling of film grain and color reproduction respects and accentuates the period setting and cinematographic intentions. The grain is purely complementary, adding sophistication without detracting from the sharpness of the image. Color tones, slightly washed yet wonderfully authentic, alongside the golden lighting that emphasizes the film's 1983 setting, contribute to a visually sumptuous feast. With no encode faults to detract from its beauty, "Call Me by Your Name" on 4K UHD is a benchmark in film-to-home video transfer, encapsulating the essence of its visual narrative with impeccable fidelity.

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of "Call Me by Your Name" presents an audio experience that continues to impress and immerse without the addition of a Dolby Atmos track. The decision to retain the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from the prior release doesn't detract from the listening experience; in fact, it reaffirms Sony's commitment to delivering quality over novelty. This track excels in clarity and balance, offering a crisp reproduction of the film’s delicate soundscape: from the environmental ambiance of chirping birds and rustling leaves to the nuanced dynamics of a crowded café, every sonic element is rendered with remarkable definition. The front channels are robust, carrying the weight of Sufjan Stevens' emotional score, as well as the multilingual dialogue (English, French, and Italian) with precision and depth, ensuring every whispered confession and laugh resonates with the audience.

Dialogue remains crisp and prioritized throughout, ensuring no emotional nuance is lost in translation or overwhelmed by background noise. Musical scores are given their due space to breathe across the soundstage, predominantly anchored to the front but effortlessly spilling into the surrounds when the moment demands. This harmonious blend activities between dialogue, music, and atmospheric effects creates a lifelike auditory canvas that enriches each scene. Notably, the mix also adeptly handles spikes in action without sacrificing its underlying clarity or balance – be it a sudden thunderstorm or a bustling party scene – thus demonstrating the soundtrack’s dynamic range.

Despite being mostly front-loaded, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix ensures that sounds never feel trapped at the center. Instead, sounds are strategically placed and moved across channels to mirror on-screen action, creating a realistic soundscape that extends the cinematic experience beyond the visual. Subtle but impactful use of the surround channels adds layers to the film's environment, making scenes more engaging and atmospheric. The LFE channel is used judiciously, accentuating the score and environmental effects like thunder or the gentle bump of piano keys without ever overpowering them. Together, this culminates in an audio presentation that is both intimate and expansive, echoing the film's own narrative and emotional depth with every note and nuance.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Call Me by Your Name," part of the Sony Pictures Classics 30th Anniversary Collection, distinguishes itself by including all the original Blu-ray extras without the need for a separate Blu-ray disc. This edition is especially notable for the inclusion of an engaging audio commentary by actors Timothée Chalamet and Michael Stuhlbarg, offering in-depth insights into the film's production and their experiences. Additionally, fans are treated to a comprehensive making-of featurette titled "Snapshots of Italy," a candid conversation piece featuring key cast members and director Luca Guadagnino, and the evocative "Mystery of Love" music video by Sufjan Stevens. The collection concludes with the theatrical trailer, rounding off a well-curated set of extras that enriches the viewing experience, all presented in pristine high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring actors Timothée Chalamet and Michael Stuhlbarg.
• Snapshots of Italy: The Making of Call Me by Your Name: A making-of featurette.
• In Conversation: With Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Luca Guadagnino.
• Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens: Music video.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

Luca Guadagnino's "Call Me by Your Name" manifests as a beautifully intricate tapestry of emotion, sensuality, and scenic awe, thriving on the intimate portrayal of desire and identity against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s Italy. Through the lens of Guadagnino, the film ascends beyond mere storytelling into an artful exploration of the nuances of attraction, spotlighting Timothée Chalamet's Elio and Armie Hammer's Oliver in their breathtaking journey of discovery and tender vulnerability. The transformation of their relationship, from the undercurrents of unspoken longing to the fervent embrace of love, unfolds through meticulously crafted performances, ensuring that every glance and gesture carries the weight of unvoiced emotions. Supported by a standout performance from Michael Stuhlbarg, who delivers a profoundly touching monologue as Elio's father, the narrative reverberates with heartfelt sincerity and an achingly beautiful longing for understanding and acceptance.

Accompanied by a stunning 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation exclusive to the Sony Pictures Classics: 30th Anniversary Collection, this UHD release enlivens Guadagnino's vibrant vision of Italy. The vivid detail and color enhancement serve to underscore the film's aesthetic allure—from the lush landscapes of Lombardy to the intricately observed interiors that frame the characters’ emotional worlds. Furthermore, Timothée Chalamet’s commitment to authenticity, evident in his linguistic prowess and musical talent, amplifies the film’s emotional resonance. The inclusion of original tracks by Sufjan Stevens complements the film's rich soundscape, weaving together a sonorous backdrop that enhances every scene's emotive impact.

At its heart, "Call Me by Your Name" transcends conventional narrative filmmaking; it is an evocative journey through the spectrums of youth, love, and loss. Guadagnino's directorial sensibilities champion a nuanced portrayal of romance that is as much about the internal landscapes of his characters as it is about the sumptuous surroundings they inhabit. The UHD release, though focused primarily on the film without additional supplements, stands as an essential acquisition for cinephiles and fans alike, promising an unparalleled viewing experience that highlights both technical excellence and profound narrative depth.

Elevating the cinematic experience of Luca Guadagnino's masterpiece, "Call Me by Your Name," Sony's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation is an exemplary showcase of both technological advancement and storytelling elegance. Part of the esteemed Sony Pictures Classics 30th Anniversary 11-film 4K Collection, this release not only glorifies the poignant narrative and natural chemistry between Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer but also sets a new standard in home cinema quality. The 2160p/Dolby Vision video upgrade markedly enhances the film’s aesthetic, bringing out the lush Italian landscapes and intricate details in a way previously unseen, complemented by the existing solid audio quality and a trove of bonus features that deepen the viewing experience.

The technical excellence of this release cannot be overstated; it represents a significant leap forward from the original 2018 Blu-ray, offering viewers an immersive visual and auditory experience that faithfully captures the film's delicate nuances and vibrant palette. The Dolby Vision transfer is particularly noteworthy for its refined color saturation and improved natural blacks that promise a viewing experience as close to the director's vision as possible. Furthermore, while the special features and audio tracks remain consistent with the previous release, their inclusion in this package ensures that aficionados and new audiences alike have access to comprehensive insights into the film’s creation and impact.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Call Me by Your Name" within the Sony Pictures Classics 30th Anniversary Collection is not just an acquisition for fans of the film but a commendable addition to any cinephile’s library. The meticulous care in enhancing the video quality without altering the original audio and extras preserves the film's integrity while offering a fresh perspective on its visual storytelling. This release, arriving over four years after the film’s initial debut, rectifies the wait by delivering a profoundly beautiful and technically splendid home viewing experience that is highly recommended for those seeking to relive Guadagnino's evocative coming-of-age story with unparalleled clarity and depth.