Drowning by Numbers 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Drowning by Numbers," brought to us in 4K UHD by Severin Films, emerges as a vivid cinematic experience, presenting a new level of visual engagement that was until now, largely absent in the high-definition portrayals of Greenaway's works. This release is notably derived from a 4K scan of the original negative, a process overseen by Peter Greenaway himself, suggesting a high degree of fidelity and care in its transfer. Featuring a 2160p resolution on a 1.67:1 aspect ratio, the film's visual narrative benefits immensely from an enhanced depth of field and an enriched palette that seems to bring Greenaway's painterly ambitions to life on screen. The collaboration with cinematographer Sacha Vierny is particularly noteworthy for its ambition to bridge film with the artful essence of painting, ensuring each frame effectively captures the intended aesthetic.

The technical prowess of this release cannot be overstated, with its organic appearance and its meticulous preservation of film grain, which serves to uphold the original cinematic texture. However, it's crucial to note that the 4K UHD format brings with it a more pronounced grain structure, one that might not appeal to all viewers. This trait, especially evident in scenes with brighter backdrops, highlights a chunky, yellowish grain that stands out against its environment. Despite this, the addition of Dolby Vision and HDR subtly enhances outdoor scenes, providing a commendable balance by accentuating details and highlights without resorting to digital manipulation. This authentic approach helps maintain the film's intentional aesthetics while enriching its visual depth and color saturation.

In conclusion, "Drowning by Numbers" in 4K UHD is a significant upgrade over previous releases, offering viewers a closer approximation of Greenaway and Vierny's original vision. Severin Films' commitment to quality is evident in their careful handling of this release, promising an immersive viewing experience that respects the film's artistic roots while embracing modern technology. While the increased grain might be a point of contention for some, it remains a testament to the authenticity and integrity of this remarkable transfer.

The audio track of "Drowning by Numbers" on its 4K UHD Blu-Ray release is presented in a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 format. This offers a solid presentation that complements the film's unique style, especially its score composed by Michael Nyman, which draws from a minimalist inspiration, rooted in a few measures from Mozart. Even though this approach results in a somewhat repetitive underscore, it ensures that the essence of the film's audio experience remains intact. The fidelity of this track maintains a high standard, clearly transmitting every nuance of the film's distinctive score.

Moreover, the film's extensive use of outdoor scenes benefits greatly from the audio track's ability to capture and reproduce ambient environmental sounds with a remarkable sense of space and clarity. These elements add a layer of immersion to the viewing experience, making the on-screen events feel more vibrant and lifelike. The clarity with which dialogue is presented is also noteworthy. Voices are crisp and easily intelligible, neatly separated from the background score and ambient sounds, ensuring that viewers can follow the narrative without strain.

Subtitles have been included, offering additional support for those who might need it. The provision of optional English subtitles ensures that all viewers can fully engage with the film, regardless of their hearing ability or familiarity with the accent and speed of dialogue. This attention to detail in the audio presentation enhances the overall viewing experience, underlining the care taken in bringing "Drowning by Numbers" to the 4K UHD Blu-Ray format.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Drowning by Numbers" presents a commendably curated selection of extras that enriches the viewing experience with a blend of contemporary insights and archival materials. Notably, the inclusion of audio commentary by writer/director Peter Greenaway on both the 4K UHD and 1080p discs offers an invaluable perspective into the film's intricate narrative and artistic intentions. The HD extras, such as the "Painting by Numbers" interview with Greenaway, provide fascinating elaborations on the movie's unique eccentricities, while "Three Women and a Coroner" and "Fear of Drowning" offer engaging discussions and behind-the-scenes content. Additionally, "Some Greenaway Game Concepts" introduces viewers to the director’s preparatory storyboard-like images, granting further depth into his creative process. The duplicated trailer across both discs ensures accessibility to promotional content in high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer / Director Peter Greenaway: Available on both 4K UHD and 1080p discs.
• Trailer (HD; 2:19): Promotion of the film in high definition available on both discs.
• Painting by Numbers: A detailed 2022 interview with Greenaway discussing the film's idiosyncrasies.
• Three Women and a Coroner: An engaging interview segment with Bernard Hill.
• Fear of Drowning: An in-depth archival featurette containing additional interviews and explorations.
• Some Greenaway Game Concepts: Visual proposals by Greenaway, resembling storyboards with explanatory texts.

Peter Greenaway's "Drowning by Numbers" unfolds in the eerie yet captivating interplay of numerology and narrative, presenting a tale that is as visually enchanting as it is narratively unconventional. Greenaway, known for his provocatively visual storytelling and his affinity for the arcane, crafts the film with a painter's touch and a game player's intrigue, delivering a cinematic experience that defies traditional storytelling norms. His assertion that cinema need not be inherently narrative-driven is vividly exemplified in this film, inviting viewers to explore the medium’s potential beyond conventional story arcs. The film's peculiar narrative – centered around three women, all named Cissie Colpitts, who employ water as their weapon against their husbands – is layered with a meta-commentary on repetition and the cyclical nature of life, embodied in the counting game that punctuates the film from start to finish.

Greenaway's penchant for integrating numbers within the cinematic frame turns "Drowning by Numbers" into a multi-layered puzzle, as digits one to a hundred sporadically appear, coaxing the audience into a participatory role akin to playing a hidden object game. This clever device not only enriches the viewing experience but serves as a structural backbone to the film, guiding the audience through its halfway point without reliance on conventional pacing or narrative markers. The story weaves through dark humor and bizarre relationships, particularly highlighting the odd yet intriguing interactions among the Colpitts women and the village coroner Madgett, adding a layer of complexity that challenges traditional character dynamics.

"Drowning by Numbers" stands out for its stunning production design and mesmerizing cinematography, which together create a surreal yet tangible world that bridges the gap between Federico Fellini's grandiosity and Terry Gilliam’s whimsicality. Greenaway's film is a testament to his unique vision, where each frame is meticulously crafted to resemble a moving painting, encapsulated within an unconventional narrative that explores themes of death, repetition, and the escapist lure of number games. Through this ambitious fusion of visual artistry and narrative experimentation, Greenaway not only challenges viewers' perceptions but also sets "Drowning by Numbers" as a distinct and memorable entry in his filmography, showcasing his mastery in blending the bizarre with the beautiful.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Peter Greenaway's "Drowning by Numbers" is a spectacle that, just like Greenaway's other works, might not cater to every viewer's taste. Known for its peculiar storytelling and distinct visual style, the film embodies oddity in a manner that even surpasses Greenaway's usual eccentricities. This release is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of avant-garde cinema, particularly those with an affinity for Greenaway's unique narrative approach. While the film's obsession with numerology and its seemingly disjointed narrative might puzzle some, its visual splendor and the nuanced performances offer a compelling experience. The technical quality of the Blu-ray is commendable, with high-definition visuals that accentuate the film's artistic appeal and an array of supplements that are sure to gratify fans.

The film's 4K restoration brings out the intricate details and vibrant colors of Greenaway's canvas, making it a visual feast. The audio quality complements the visuals perfectly, ensuring that the film's eclectic soundtrack and dialogue are delivered with crisp clarity. The special features included in this release provide valuable insights into Greenaway's creative process and the film's production, making it an essential addition to the collection of cinephiles who appreciate film artistry on a granular level.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Drowning by Numbers" is a highly recommended acquisition for admirers of Peter Greenaway and fans of experimental cinema. Despite the film's unconventional narrative and esoteric themes, its aesthetic brilliance and the quality of this release make it a standout addition to any collection. With solid technical merits and enticing supplements, it offers both a stunning visual experience and a deep dive into the enigmatic world of one of cinema's most idiosyncratic directors.