Chungking Express 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Chungking Express presents the film in 2160p resolution, utilizing a 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer sourced from a 4K restoration of the original 35mm camera negative. This restoration, supervised and approved by Wong Kar Wai, is offered in standard dynamic range (SDR); there is no Dolby Vision or HDR grading present. The transfer meticulously honors the distinctive aesthetics of the film, providing enhanced detail, depth, and well-maintained film grain across both vivid cityscapes and atmospheric nocturnal sequences. Fine detail is evident throughout, with luminous highlights and clear delineation bringing out the intensity of the film’s color palette and the intricacies of its set design.

Improvements over previous releases are most evident in brightly lit sequences, where increased density and depth contribute to a more immersive visual experience—especially notable on larger displays. However, the restoration introduces certain color grading tweaks that, while subjective in their impact, tend to affect dynamic range and render some darker nuances less pronounced. Occasional instances of black crush or smeary facial features are observed, but these are infrequent and generally unobtrusive. While the unique management of light and color will elicit varied responses depending on viewer preference, the restoration’s overall technical execution is exemplary—faithful to the directors’ and cinematographers’ vision. For viewers appreciative of Wong Kar Wai's visual style—or anyone seeking a significant upgrade in fidelity from prior home video editions—this 4K SDR presentation stands as the definitive release to date.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Chungking Express" features a single audio option: Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This mix represents a significant technical upgrade from previous releases, specifically moving from the former DVD’s Dolby Digital 5.1 track to lossless DTS-HD MA. The new 5.1 surround soundtrack was prepared under the direct supervision of Wong Kar Wai, utilizing original dialogue, music, and effects stems, with additional foley and effects work contributing to an enveloping presentation.

In practice, the audio delivers excellent channel separation and dynamic presence. Ambient effects, such as the bustling energy of the Chungking Mansions market sequence, are distributed with immersive activity across the soundstage, enhancing the film’s kinetic atmosphere. Iconic tracks like "California Dreaming" and the Mandarin cover of "Dreams" are rendered with clarity, body, and warmth, integrating seamlessly with dialogue and environmental sound. Throughout the presentation, there are no technical issues—no distortion, drop-outs, or syncing errors—allowing the carefully crafted soundscape to play back without compromise. Optional English subtitles accompany the feature for accessibility.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track respects both the stylized intent of Wong Kar Wai’s original mix and the technical expectations of modern home viewing. The upgrade in fidelity and surround immersion heightens engagement, offering a faithful rendering of this celebrated film’s distinctive sonic environment.

The extras presented on the "Chungking Express" 4K UHD Blu-ray are comprehensive, if slightly diminished by the notable omission of the Tony Rayns commentary, which some long-term collectors will miss. The supplemental content remains robust, drawing from the 2021 Criterion "World of Wong Kar Wai" box set and offering material that covers both new and archival perspectives. The included Christopher Doyle interview and a segment from the BBC’s "Moving Pictures" provide valuable production insight, while three deleted scenes expand on narrative nuances not available in earlier releases. The original theatrical trailer is present as well. Additionally, a detailed booklet—featuring an essay by Amy Taubin and restoration notes—accompanies the package. Technical choices remain streamlined: the 4K disc carries only the feature, with all extras relegated to the Blu-ray, and English is the sole subtitle language included.

Extras included in this disc:

• Christopher Doyle Interview: A 2002 discussion with the film’s cinematographer exploring production techniques.
• BBC "Moving Pictures" Segment: A 1996 episode featuring interviews with Wong Kar Wai and Christopher Doyle.
• Deleted Scenes: Three sequences—“The Star,” “California Dreaming,” and “Baroque”—not previously available on earlier editions.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the film.
• Booklet: Contains an essay by Amy Taubin and technical notes about the video and audio restoration.

Wong Kar Wai’s “Chungking Express” is a landmark of 1990s world cinema, renowned for its evocative portrayal of yearning and urban alienation. Eschewing conventional narrative, the film is structured as two loosely connected tales following heartbroken policemen (Takeshi Kaneshiro as Cop 223 and Tony Leung as Cop 663) adrift in neon-lit Hong Kong. The first story weaves together a melancholic cop’s ritualistic fixation on expired pineapple with a mysterious blonde woman (Brigitte Lin) embroiled in drug smuggling. The second tale subtly shifts from crime to whimsical romance: Cop 663’s life is quietly upended by an eccentric snack bar worker, Faye (Faye Wong), who invades his apartment and world with playful, almost dreamlike abandon.

What unites these vignettes is not plot, but a persistent undercurrent of longing and disconnection. Wong’s filmmaking is resolutely moody and textural, drawing heavily on the aesthetics of French New Wave while forging its own path with audacious editing, fragmented timelines, and kinetic camerawork from Christopher Doyle and Lau Wai-Keung. Doyle’s lens imbues the film with both intimacy and dynamism—rushing close-ups, improvisational movements, and a vibrant palette that haunts like a half-remembered reverie. Each sequence is suffused with color and urban detail, making the city itself an essential character.

Noise and music play critical roles in shaping the film’s atmosphere. Dream pop soundscapes mingle with traditional Asian cues and ambient tracks by Frankie Chan, Michael Galasso, and Roel A. García. Crucially, The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreaming” serves not just as a motif but as an emotional anchor, repeated until it imprints itself on the viewer’s memory. “Chungking Express” is a triumph of style over story—intentionally unresolved, ceaselessly inventive, and achingly romantic—a cinematic mixtape that captures the chaotic beauty of life’s missed connections.

Wong Kar Wai’s Chungking Express stands as a pinnacle of 1990s world cinema, uniquely melding vibrant crime thriller elements with wistful romantic longing. The director’s gift for capturing emotional atmosphere through fractured storytelling, kinetic editing, and evocative music ensures that the film remains an unparalleled mood piece, enveloping audiences in its enigmatic and tactile world. This new 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Criterion presents the film using a native 4K restoration, which exactly replicates Wong’s own vision and regrading preferences. Notably, this edition does not include HDR or wide color gamut improvements—choices that some viewers may find controversial given current expectations for 4K UHD upgrades. As a result, while image clarity is high, certain aspects of the previous HD presentations remain unenhanced, leading to mixed feelings about the overall restoration.

The surround sound remix included with this edition is strong, providing an immersive sonic experience that complements the film's dynamic visuals and rich soundtrack. However, the absence of the original audio track may disappoint purists, as might the sparse selection of supplemental features—which are identical to previous releases and do not expand on the film’s legacy or context. These limiting factors require potential purchasers to judge the value based on their priorities: fidelity to the director’s intent versus a definitive technical presentation for modern home theaters.

In conclusion, Criterion’s 4K edition of Chungking Express excels at respecting Wong Kar Wai’s vision, offering an experience that remains faithful to the director’s creative intent. While not the ultimate reference-quality upgrade some collectors hoped for—due to the lack of HDR, limited extras, and alterations to the film’s grading—this release is a solid option for long-time fans seeking to revisit one of world cinema’s most artful and beloved films. Those considering an upgrade are advised to weigh their desire for technical advancements against a presentation anchored firmly in its auteur’s choices.