The Bird with the Crystal Plumage 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's 4K UHD release of "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" elevates this cult giallo classic to unprecedented heights, demonstrating a meticulous attention to detail in both its restoration and presentation. Scanned and restored from the original 35mm 2-perf Techniscope negative at L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, with grading in 4K HDR/Dolby Vision performed at Silver Salt Restoration in London, this version maintains the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The restoration ensures that the organic feel of the film is preserved, boasting moderate grain that contributes to its film-like quality without compromising on clarity or detail. The remaster from the original camera negatives delivers an unparalleled depth of image, with improved shadow detail that enriches darker sequences and brings out nuances previously unseen, especially noticeable in fabric textures and background elements.

The Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading introduces a broader and more nuanced color palette, where the vividness of reds and the depth of blacks are particularly striking. This upgraded color range allows for more lifelike textures and a greater separation in tones, bringing a new dimensionality to Argento's already visually compelling work. Even challenging lighting conditions, such as the foggy walk home scene, are resolved with finesse, showcasing the meticulous care taken in this restoration. This combined with more detailed and dramatic presentations of color, from the lush greens of foliage to the dynamic shades of blue in night scenes, enhances the visual storytelling without straying from Argento's original vision.

Despite minor limitations due to the source material's condition and stylized cinematography, this release stands out for its faithful preservation of the film's aesthetic. The HEVC H.265 encode ensures that even scenes employing shallow focus or those laden with heavy grain retain their depth and texture, showcasing the intricate details of costumes and settings. The enhancement in contrast balance and specular highlights through Dolby Vision provides a crispness and vibrancy to the visual elements, breathing new life into the 70s décor and fashion. This rendition of "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" is not just a technical upgrade but a revival, offering fans and newcomers alike the most definitive viewing experience possible.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Bird With the Crystal Plumage" presents an intriguing audio offering with its DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtracks available in both English and Italian. While maintaining a direct lineage to its predecessors, this version exhibits marginal enhancements in clarity when compared to Arrow's 1080p disc, notably on the English track, which showcases superior highs and a more open soundstage. The Italian track, although slightly improved from VCI's offering, still pales somewhat in comparison due to its flatter dialogue and narrower dynamic range. However, it's worth noting that the soundtrack's restoration efforts have paid dividends, providing clean separation, remarkable clarity throughout the mid-range, and showcasing Ennio Morricone’s emblematic score with exceptional definition and resonance.

Listeners have the flexibility to choose between the English or Italian mono tracks, and the decision will influence the opening and closing credits' language, enhancing the viewing experience's authenticity. Despite some variance in voice reproduction – with the Italian track occasionally lacking sonic character and the English counterpart feeling more rounded and vibrant – both tracks are free of defects, allowing for a clean auditory experience. Sound effects and Morricone’s mesmerizing score are particularly noteworthy for their vibrancy and clean delivery on both tracks.

The restoration and remastering efforts of the original audio negatives are evident, with both languages offering crisp dialogue and an engaging listening experience despite some minor ADR distractions. The audio mixes provide superb fidelity, especially in Morricone's score, which bolsters the film's visual impact with a strong presence. While there are moments where the sound design could benefit from additional depth, these DTS-HD Master Audio mono tracks are commendably clear and articulate, offering fans a nuanced auditory experience that closely mirrors the visual restoration's quality.

Arrow Video has meticulously assembled a comprehensive suite of extras for the 4K UHD release of "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage," maintaining the high standard set by their previous 1080 Blu-ray version while also introducing an exclusive addition. The audio commentary features the insightful Troy Howarth, delving into the intricacies of Italian Giallo films and offering a profound understanding of Argento's work and its cast and crew. Visual essays, interviews, and analyses provide deep dives into the film’s themes, Argento’s directorial nuances, and the memorable score by Ennio Morricone. Especially noteworthy is the inclusion of never-before-seen 2160p image galleries, enhancing the collector's experience with an extensive array of promotional material. This blend of scholarly commentary, detailed retrospective interviews, and rich visual documentation not only pays homage to Argento’s classic but also enriches the viewer's appreciation for this seminal work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Troy Howarth: Insightful commentary by the author of So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years of Italian Giallo Films.

• The Power of Perception: A visual essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas exploring Argento's manipulation of viewer perceptions.

• Black Gloves and Screaming Mimis: Analysis of the film by Kat Ellinger, highlighting Argento's unique elements within the Giallo genre.

• Crystal Nightmare: A 2017 interview with director Dario Argento reflecting on the film's production and his career.

• An Argento Icon: A 2017 interview with actor Gildo Di Marco discussing his role and experiences on set.

• Eva's Talking: An archival interview with actress Eva Renzi from 2005 offering personal insights into the making of the film.

• Image Galleries: A collection of high-definition images including posters and lobby cards from various countries, presented in 2160p.

• Trailers: A selection of trailers including the Italian, International, and Texas Frightmare trailers.

Dario Argento's debut film, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, continues to be celebrated for its influential impact on the horror genre and specifically on the giallo subgenre, more than fifty years after its original release. This 4K UHD release by Arrow Video not only upgrades the visual and audio experience but also carries over the extensive supplements from their earlier 1080p release. Unlike prior releases that included a 1080 Blu-ray or DVD for backwards compatibility, Arrow has opted to focus exclusively on providing a single 4K disc in this package. While this decision might puzzle some, it underscores Arrow's confidence in the growing reach and appeal of 4K technology among cinephiles.

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage represents a seminal moment in horror, establishing many conventions that would become staples of Argento’s later work. The film mixes suspense with artfully executed violence, creating an engaging mystery thriller around an American writer in Rome who witnesses an attempted murder. Argento's craftsmanship shines through in his debut, with meticulously crafted visuals and an innovative use of color and framing that enhances the narrative’s tension and horror. The movie’s narrative intricacy is underscored by Vittorio Storaro’s cinematography and Ennio Morricone’s haunting score, making it an exemplary model of the genre.

This 4K UHD presentation captures Argento's vision with remarkable clarity and vividness, underscoring the director's nuanced use of color and shadow to evoke emotion and tension. The inclusion of a robust set of supplements, along with unique packaging featuring new artwork, lobby cards, and a comprehensive booklet with critical essays, provides both long-time fans and newcomers an invaluable glimpse into the making and legacy of this genre-defining work. Argento's artistry, combined with Arrow Video’s meticulous restoration, ensures that The Bird with the Crystal Plumage remains as engaging and suspenseful today as it was upon its original release, cementing its place as a cornerstone of horror cinema.

Arrow Video continues to cement its position as a beacon of quality in 4K UHD presentations with its latest release of Dario Argento's seminal work, "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage." This film, while perhaps less celebrated than Argento's later masterpieces such as "Deep Red" and "Suspiria," is undeniably a cornerstone of the Italian giallo genre, merging intricate mystery with the director's nascent flair for suspense and visual opulence. The 4K UHD debut of this classic not only honors its legacy with a stunning Dolby Vision HDR presentation but also enhances the viewing experience with two robust DTS-HD MA mono tracks, ensuring that both visuals and audio meet the high expectations of aficionados and newcomers alike.

The packaging of this limited edition release matches the high quality of the content, featuring an array of special collectibles including an informative booklet, six lobby cards, and a folded poster, alongside the customary comprehensive suite of supplements Arrow is known for. This attention to detail in both the physical and supplementary offerings solidifies this edition as a must-have for collectors and Italian genre cinema enthusiasts. It underscores Arrow Video's commitment to celebrating cinematic history with an exemplary dedication to restoration and enhancement, allowing viewers to experience films in unparalleled quality.

In conclusion, Arrow Video's 4K UHD release of "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" is an essential acquisition for cinephiles. It not only provides a visually and audibly superior way to enjoy one of Dario Argento's finest films but also serves as a testament to Arrow's leading role in the preservation and presentation of classic cinema. This edition exemplifies how to honor a cinematic legacy while embracing the technological forefront of film presentation, making it highly recommended for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to delve into or revisit the mesmerizing world of giallo.