Walkabout Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Nicolas Roeg's "Walkabout" by Criterion presents a remarkable visual upgrade, thanks to its 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoding at an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The new high-definition transfer was scanned in 2K on a 4K Spirit Datacine, meticulously restored from a 35mm preservation interpositive. The color timing, approved by Roeg himself, alongside thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker manually removed using MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system, showcases the dedication to preserving the film's integrity. Digital Vision's DVNR system was also employed to reduce small dirt, grain, and noise, resulting in substantial clarity improvement.

The rejuvenated transfer offers dramatic improvements in color saturation and contrast levels. Natural lighting plays a critical role in "Walkabout," and this restoration allows for a full appreciation of its unique cinematographic qualities. The vibrant contrasts among the blue sky, rust-colored desert sand, and the lush greenery of the Australian outback are now distinctly discernible. Skin tones are authentic, vividly capturing even the dehydration signs on Agutter’s lips. The image retains a thin grain that enhances rather than detracts from the overall crispness and aesthetic appeal of the film. Fine object details such as lizard scales, marsupial fur, human hair, and clothing fabrics exhibit impressive separation and texturing.

Despite its stunning overall presentation, the film still shows some inevitable signs of aging. Occasional scratches and debris that evaded the filtering process, along with intermittent flicker and periodic fading black levels in night shots, remind viewers of the film's vintage. A minor technical issue around the 51-minute mark interrupts the immersive experience momentarily but does little to diminish the overall visual impact. Ultimately, this Blu-ray edition is a commendable achievement that ensures "Walkabout" looks better than ever before while retaining its original charm.

The "Walkabout" Blu-ray audio presentation features a single English LPCM Mono track, remastered at 24-bit from the original 35MM optical soundtrack. The effort to restore the monaural soundtrack results in a significant enhancement in clarity and stability, particularly noticeable in John Barry's orchestral score. The separation between strings, brass, and choir is distinct, providing a more immersive listening experience. Animal noises are given a more convincing presence, adding authenticity to the auditory landscape. Dialogue is clean and free from audio dropouts, with no detectable pops, cracks, or hiss.

Restoration techniques employed via Pro Tools HD ensure that any clicks, hums, and other defects have been meticulously removed. While some of Luc Roeg's lines can be challenging to understand due to his tendency to mumble, overall dialogue clarity remains high. The calls of the wild and ambient sound effects are reproduced with crispness and precision, enriching the film's atmosphere. The musical score, despite being in mono, exudes a hypnotic charm and spaciousness that will undoubtedly appeal to purists. Optional English subtitles are available, yet no alternate audio options are provided on this disc.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of Walkabout are compelling and varied, offering both historical context and intimate reflections from key participants. Highlighting the collection is a detailed commentary track featuring Nicolas Roeg and Jenny Agutter, originally recorded in 1996. Both provide insights into the intricate production process and thematic layers of the film. This is complemented by interviews with Luc Roeg and Jenny Agutter, shedding light on behind-the-scenes experiences and the film's enduring impact. Also included is Darlene Johnson's documentary on David Gulpilil, essential viewing for understanding his significant cultural contributions. These materials, along with the original trailer and a richly illustrated booklet, make this edition indispensable for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An insightful track with director Nicolas Roeg and actress Jenny Agutter.
• Luc Roeg Interview: Luc Roeg discusses his experiences and his father's legacy.
• Jenny Agutter Interview: Agutter provides personal anecdotes and discusses the film's unique production.
• Gulpilil - One Red Blood: Darlene Johnson's documentary on David Gulpilil.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: A 28-page illustrated booklet with Paul Ryan's essay "Landscapes of Memory."

Nicolas Roeg's 1971 masterpiece, Walkabout, arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, offering a fascinating exploration of cultural juxtaposition and survival in the harsh Australian Outback. The film follows a young girl (Jenny Agutter) and her brother (Luc Roeg) who are left to fend for themselves after their father’s tragic end. Their journey collides with a young Aboriginal boy (David Gulpilil) on his rite of passage, known as a walkabout. Despite the language barrier, the boy teaches them vital survival skills. Roeg skillfully uses the sparse script, penned by Edward Bond, and captivating imagery to construct a narrative rich in symbolism and metaphor, contrasting themes of civilization versus nature and innocence versus experience.

Walkabout is not just a visual feast but also a profound commentary on human resilience and the environment's role in shaping individuals. The primary mode of communication in the film is nonverbal, relying heavily on evocative cinematography to depict the intersection of modern and primitive cultures. The young characters, still untainted by societal conventions, navigate their way through both the physical landscape of the Outback and the emotional terrain of adolescence. The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing Australia’s mesmerizing vistas and wildlife, but some scenes—such as those involving weather research teams—can feel out of sync with the main narrative flow, adding a layer of disjointedness to an otherwise seamless visual journey.

While some aspects of Roeg’s direction may feel overbearing or misplaced to contemporary viewers, Walkabout remains an enduring cinematic experience. Noteworthy for its haunting beauty and interpretive depth, this film continues to provoke thought and emotional engagement. The Blu-ray edition enhances this timeless work's visual and thematic richness, making it an essential addition to any film lover’s collection.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of Nicolas Roeg's "Walkabout" stands as an exemplary achievement in high-definition restoration. Approved by Roeg himself, the new high-definition transfer captures the visual splendor of the film with remarkable clarity and depth. Presented in a pristine 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the transfer preserves the film's naturalistic color palette and intricate details, offering a visual experience that is both haunting and beautiful. The dynamic range has been meticulously handled, allowing for stunning contrast between the stark Australian outback and intricate close-ups without compromising image quality.

On the audio front, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track is a commendable effort, faithfully preserving the original sound design while offering a clean and immersive listening experience. Dialogue is crisp and clear, complementary to John Barry's evocative score that enriches the film's emotional landscape. Criterion has also provided an impressive suite of supplemental materials, including interviews, commentaries, and behind-the-scenes features that provide valuable context and enhance the overall appreciation of this cinematic gem.

To conclude, it is almost unimaginable to consider the landscape of home media without Criterion’s contributions. This release of "Walkabout" not only preserves a crucial piece of cinematic history but elevates it to new heights of accessibility and enjoyment. With its impeccable transfer and comprehensive extras, this Blu-ray is one of the standout releases of 2010 and comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.