Badlands Blu-ray Review

Crafted with meticulous attention to enhancing its visual heritage, the Blu-ray presentation of "Badlands" is an exemplary showcase of how technology can breathe new life into classic cinema. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a pristine 1080p transfer, this edition captures the nuanced essence of Terrence Malick's vision. Noteworthy is its genesis from the original 35mm camera negative, scanned at 4K resolution on a Northlight film scanner. A dedicated effort was initiated to rid the footage of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, and jitter - a testament to the painstaking care taken. Under the watchful eyes of Emmanuel Lubezki and Maria Palazzola, with Technicolor's Brian McMahan at the colorist helm, the restoration process achieved a level of color reproduction that breathes authentic life into the landscape of the film. From the vibrancy of the blue skies to the richness of the green foliage, each frame resonates with a palette that mirrors reality.

This release's exceptional detail handling impresses in both close-up and panoramic shots, significantly enhancing depth, clarity, and fluidity that viewers with large screens or projectors will find incomparably stable and organic. The commitment to maintaining an organic filmic quality is evident, devoid of artificial sharpening or encoding anomalies. While primarily pristine, the video presentation does not shy away from authenticity when appropriate, as evidenced by the intentionally preserved wear in black and white newsreel footage, contributing to its narrative authenticity. However, it's not without minor flaws; occasional soft edges and brief moments where detail smoothens on faces or light flickers serve as subtle reminders of its cinematic age. Contrasts are stark, shadows are well delineated, and textures - whether on buildings, aged signs, or objects in the forest - are rendered with striking detail.

In sum, "Badlands" on Blu-ray stands as a hallmark of preservation that complements its cinematic importance, with Criterion's meticulous restoration elevating it above mere high-definition transfer. The blend of advanced technology and reverence for authenticity ensures that every frame, from the lush landscapes to intimate close-ups, is a visual treat. Fans of Terrence Malick and connoisseurs of classic films will find this release a compelling testament to the film’s enduring legacy, presented with care that mirrors the director's own meticulous craft.

The "Badlands" Blu-ray features an English LPCM 1.0 audio track, meticulously remastered from the original 35mm magnetic tracks. Criterion's dedication to audio preservation is evident as they embarked on a comprehensive restoration process. Utilizing Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated workstation, the audio team meticulously removed clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, with a particular focus on attenuating crackle. This precision in audio clean-up underscores the track's clarity, where even the gentlest sounds, such as the crackling of fire or the soft chirping of crickets, are presented with astonishing crispness, enhancing the atmospheric experience without overshadowing the film's dialogue or score.

The soundscape of "Badlands" benefits from an excellent dynamic range, offering listeners an immersive experience uncommon in monaural soundtracks. Noteworthy sequences like the dramatic chase scene reveal an unexpected depth, bringing a modern sensibility to the film's aural presentation. Natural sounds and George Aliceson Tipton’s haunting soundtrack are distinct, contributing to the film’s surreal atmosphere. The dialogue remains consistently clear, devoid of ADR distractions, allowing for seamless storytelling. However, it's worth noting that while most elements shine in clarity and balance—from the unique score to ambient sounds—the gunfire scenes slightly lack the visceral impact one might expect.

In technical terms, this audio presentation excels in providing a clean, stable listening experience without any distracting pops, hiss, audio dropouts, or distortions. Criterion's exemplary work ensures that "Badlands" resonates with both authenticity and auditory precision, proving that even a single-channel mono track can deliver a rich and enveloping soundscape. The integration of a wide array of sounds is balanced meticulously, ensuring that each element, from the subtlety of crickets at night to the intensity of chase sequences, is captured with outstanding fidelity.

The Criterion Blu-ray of "Badlands" comes packed with an impressive array of extras that delve deep into the making of this iconic film, offering insights from key figures involved in its production. The standout feature is a 42-minute documentary, "Making Badlands," which brings together actors Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, along with production designer Jack Fisk, for an in-depth look at the film's creation. Edward Pressman's interview adds layers to our understanding of the project's complexities, while editor Billy Weber sheds light on the film's unique narrative and its broader implications. The inclusion of a 1993 "American Justice" episode provides a chilling real-world context to the story that inspired the film. These extras, along with the original theatrical trailer and a comprehensive booklet, make this release a must-have for fans and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "Badlands."
• Making Badlands: Documentary featuring Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, and Jack Fisk discussing the making of "Badlands."
• Producer Edward Pressman: Video interview with the producer on the film's production history.
• Editor Billy Weber: Video interview focusing on the editing and narrative structure of "Badlands."
• Charles Starkweather: Episode from "American Justice" regarding the real-life events that inspired "Badlands."
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with an essay by filmmaker Michael Almereyda.

Terrence Malick’s "Badlands," his directorial debut, starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek as a pair of young lovers embarking on a violent spree across the American South Dakota and beyond, is a film that uniquely blends natural beauty with the nature of violence, all while maintaining a disinterested tone towards its own violent acts. Set in the nostalgic era of the 1950s, the narrative follows 25-year-old Kit Carruthers (Sheen) and 15-year-old Holly Sargis (Spacek), as they meet and quickly descend into a life marked by sudden bursts of violence and an insatiable flight from the law. Their journey from an innocent start to becoming fugitives in the badlands of Montana is juxtaposed with the untouched beauty of the landscape – a hallmark of Malick's direction that would appear throughout his filmography.

Echoing the real-life killing spree of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate, the film diverges from focusing on the murders themselves to delve into the complex relationship between Kit and Holly. Through Holly’s narrations and Malick's detached cinematic gaze, viewers are presented with a story that is less about the violence Kit perpetrates and more about their ambiguous moral compass and unyielding bond. Despite its chilling story, the movie refrains from sensationalizing the violence, choosing instead to quietly observe and move on, much like its protagonists. The usage of three different cinematographers adds to the film’s diverse yet seamless visual narrative, capturing the sprawling landscapes with a poetic grace that contrasts sharply with the storyline’s darker themes.

Released on Criterion Blu-ray, "Badlands" is showcased in exceptional quality that brings out the detailed cinematography and benefits from supplemental materials, including interviews that provide insight into the creative process behind this iconic film. Without glorifying its subject matter, "Badlands" remains a captivating study in contrasts: between youth and innocence versus the corrupting force of violence, and the serene beauty of nature against human brutality. The meticulousness in its creation, from the performances to the visual storytelling, ensures that "Badlands" endures as a critical piece in American cinema, showcasing Malick's nascent yet distinct storytelling style that would define his later works.

The Criterion Collection continues its tradition of bringing masterpieces to home theaters with its release of Terrence Malick's "Badlands", a seminal work in the New Hollywood movement. This particular transfer is noteworthy for its meticulous restoration, ensuring that the film is presented in the best possible quality, an essential upgrade for both cinephiles and newcomers to Malick's oeuvre. The care taken in this release underscores the importance of preserving and experiencing classic films in a form that honors their original vision, aligning "Badlands" alongside other significant works like Elia Kazan's "On the Waterfront" in the American cinematic lexicon.

While Terrence Malick himself may not be present in the special features, the included extras offer enriching insights into his methodologies and the film's production. Contributions from those who worked alongside Malick provide valuable context and deepen the viewer's appreciation for this enigmatic director and his debut film. This release not only highlights "Badlands" as a visually stunning piece but also as a pivotal moment in film history, where Malick's distinctive style first took shape. The Criterion Collection's dedication to film preservation is evident through their careful selection of supplementary materials that complement the viewing experience.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Badlands" by the Criterion Collection is an exemplary instance of film restoration done right. It serves as a compelling argument for supporting these releases, ensuring that more pivotal works are preserved and appreciated in a manner befitting their significance. The combination of visual restoration and insightful special features makes this edition a must-have for fans of the New Hollywood era, Terrence Malick, and classic American cinema at large. Support for such releases reinforces the cultural value of film and helps ensure that future generations can access these important works as their creators intended.