No Country for Old Men 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "No Country for Old Men" by The Criterion Collection exemplifies excellence, with a new 4K restoration supervised by esteemed cinematographer Roger Deakins. The 4K Blu-ray, region-free, boasts a Dolby Vision and HDR10 presentation that significantly enhances the visual fidelity of this borderlands noir. The aspect ratio of 2:39:1 and HEVC encoding deliver an immaculate viewing experience, preserving Deakins' vision with clarity and depth. This restoration maintains a faithful depiction of the film's unique color palette, rich in golds, yellows, browns, and purples – akin to a desert sunset – while showcasing significantly improved skin tones and finely detailed textures.

In native 4K, the presentation stands out with crystal-clear visuals, particularly in low-light scenes where black levels remain deep and inky without crushing. This precision is carried through to brighter scenes that reveal vibrant colors, such as the striking red of a shotgun shell at a tense standoff, made more compelling by the richer color gamut options afforded by Dolby Vision. The detail extends beyond grand landscapes to intimate settings, capturing the gritty authenticity of the film's 1980s aesthetic.

Compared to previous releases, this 4K transfer significantly elevates the quality with minimal traces of artifacts or surface imperfections such as scratches or dirt. Fine details in costuming and settings provide a testament to Criterion's careful handling of the scanned 35mm original camera negative. Overall, this Criterion Collection release is not just an improvement but a definitive visual iteration of "No Country for Old Men," ensuring that every frame resonates with the film's brooding atmospherics and intricate textures.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "No Country for Old Men" offers an outstanding audio presentation, leveraging the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 format, remastered from digital audio master files. This approach ensures that dialogue is delivered with exceptional clarity and nuanced intonation, making it easily distinguishable and effectively integrated within the sound field. Although primarily front-oriented, the mix adeptly utilizes the full surround system to create a coherent audio environment. The dynamic range impressively enhances the film’s tension, with selective yet impactful surround activity that elevates spatial ambience through discreet sonic elements.

While the original Blu-ray provided a strong lossless experience, this remastered track is noted as a marked improvement over its LPCM 5.1 predecessor, which was critiqued for muddled dialogue and overpowering bass. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix rectifies these issues by providing a balanced and immersive soundscape. Gunshots and other action sequences are impactful, filling the room with visceral force without risking speaker overload. Ambient sounds, whether they are the subtle whisper of wind or the echo of gunfire, consistently engage the surround channels, enriching the environmental authenticity within each scene.

This meticulous remastering evidently prioritizes fidelity and sound design precision. It is evident that Criterion's efforts in rebalancing levels from previous releases have culminated in this exemplary mix. Carter Burwell's restrained yet tense score complements the on-screen action seamlessly, resonating with strength and clarity. With minimal unwanted noise such as crackling or popping, this release represents the definitive sonic experience of "No Country for Old Men" on home video. It is precisely the commitment to fine-tuning ambient sounds and dialogue reproduction that ensures the film resonates both literally and figuratively with its audience.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "No Country for Old Men" presents a robust selection of extras that offer an in-depth look at both the film's production and the talent behind it. The bonus content, available exclusively on the Blu-ray disc, is headlined by new, engaging conversations with directors Joel and Ethan Coen and influential cinematographer Roger Deakins. These discussions delve into the creative process behind adapting Cormac McCarthy's novel and achieving the film's distinctive visual style. Additional archival materials enhance the viewer's understanding of the film, including interviews with lead actors and a behind-the-scenes documentary by Josh Brolin. These supplements are curated to provide both enthusiasts and newcomers with a comprehensive view of the filmmaking journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• Joel and Ethan Coen with Megan Abbott: Insightful dialogue about film adaptation.
• Roger Deakins and David Diliberto: Exploration of visual style and production design.
• Interviews with the Cast: Archival insights from leading actors.
• An Incredibly Unauthorized Documentary: Josh Brolin’s behind-the-scenes creation.
• The Making of No Country for Old Men: Comprehensive production details.
• Working with the Coens: Experience-driven reflections from collaborators.
• Diary of a Country Sheriff: Featurette focused on Tommy Lee Jones' character.
• Trailer
• Leaflet: Includes essays by Francine Prose and Larry McMurtry.

The 4K UHD presentation of "No Country for Old Men" meticulously captures the chilling atmosphere and relentless tension that characterize Joel and Ethan Coen's adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel. The film, set against the stark backdrop of the 1980s West Texas landscape, utilizes Roger Deakins' masterful cinematography to blend the desolation of the American Southwest with the narrative’s dark, looming presence. The film's imagery, which oscillates between beautifully rendered natural vistas and gritty, shadowed interiors, further underscores its thematic exploration of chaos and morality. Some reviewers note the digital tinting slightly detracts from its organic visual appeal, but the overall presentation remains potent and immersive, amplifying the film's sinister undertones.

Central to the film’s impact is Javier Bardem’s portrayal of Anton Chigurh, whose performance earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Bardem’s depiction of the enigmatic hitman is both terrifying and magnetic, showcasing a villain as memorable in cinema as Hannibal Lecter. Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones complement Bardem’s presence with equally compelling performances. Brolin's Llewelyn Moss captivates as an everyman ensnared in a cycle of violence, while Jones' Ed Tom Bell provides a grounding wisdom amidst the chaos. The ensemble cast, including noteworthy roles by Kelly Macdonald and Woody Harrelson, contributes to a rich narrative texture that balances action with subtle character development.

The Coen Brothers’ adaptation masterfully condenses McCarthy’s novel into a cinematic language that thrives on visual storytelling and minimalistic dialogue. The film refrains from conventional exposition, opting instead to allow actions and reactions to reveal character motivations and narrative nuances. This method heightens tension and underscores themes of fate, morality, and existential fear. Despite its grim subject matter, "No Country for Old Men" finds moments of dark humor and existential reflection, marking it as a standout piece in the Coens' oeuvre and securing its place in modern cinematic canon.

The Criterion Collection's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "No Country for Old Men" firmly solidifies the film's well-deserved masterpiece status. With a stunning 4K Dolby Vision HDR transfer supervised by acclaimed director of photography Roger Deakins, this edition heightens the visual intensity and atmospheric depth characteristic of genre films set in the American Southwest. This release adeptly solves previous audio shortcomings and includes a wealth of both new and classic special features, offering viewers a comprehensive dive into the film’s complex narrative and production nuances.

The Coen brothers' iconic work is approached with an elevated level of detail that not only meets, but surpasses, high expectations. The Criterion Collection’s commitment to excellence shines through, rendering this edition arguably the definitive home video iteration. This release stands out not just for audiophiles and videophiles, but for any film enthusiast seeking to experience the full glory of this cinematic gem in the comfort of their own home. Supplementary features provide valuable insights that complement the film's tense, darkly humorous, and contemplative nature.

In conclusion, Criterion’s 4K UHD edition of "No Country for Old Men" is a standout offering in their collection and a highly recommended acquisition. Whether as a first-time purchase or an upgrade from a previous edition, this release aligns with the film's reputation by delivering an exceptional viewing experience. Its artistic and technical merits make it an essential addition for any collector, ensuring that this modern classic looks and sounds better than ever.