Stalker Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Andrei Tarkovsky's "Stalker" arrives with a striking 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition transfer, embracing its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. This edition emanates from a meticulous 2K digital restoration of the 35mm camera negative, executed by Mosfilm Studios. The visual presentation, free from any notable signs of age, belies the film's near-40-year history, offering a hypnotic experience marked by Tarkovsky's unique aesthetic. Sepia monochrome sequences are particularly astounding, delivering sharp detail and a pristine image that juxtaposes well with the more traditional color scenes within the Zone. The latter maintain strong vibrancy and depth despite an intentional softness in mid-range and long shots.

Image stability is excellent throughout, with no traces of degraining or sharpening issues, preserving a natural layer of grain that gives the picture a pleasingly filmic quality. The density and depth are leveraged to their fullest with dramatic improvements visible in close-ups and atmospheric foggy sequences. Colors appear healthy, vibrant, and well-balanced, while black levels offer solid delineation even if slightly elevated in darker scenes. This new transfer eliminates any previous age-related imperfections—dirt, scratches, flecks, and small damage marks—an aspect clearly distinguishable in direct comparisons to earlier releases.

Overall, Criterion's release allows “Stalker” to shine like never before. The full-color Zone scenes bring a cooler palette emphasizing greens, grays, and blues, whereas the sepia tones outside the Zone filter frames with a high-contrast bronze hue. Filled with intricate background details and sharp fine textures, particularly in close-ups—the image significantly benefits from the new master’s organic appearance. This transfer deftly communicates Tarkovsky's absorbing visual style, making it an essential update for both newcomers and longtime fans.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Stalker" employs an original Russian dialogue lossless Linear PCM 1.0 mono track, which stands as a robust and reverent offering. It judiciously preserves the source material by maintaining well-prioritized dialogue, ensuring clarity and ease of comprehension. Despite some inherent mono limitations, the audio track uses its single channel effectively to enhance the film's atmosphere. Subtle atmospheric effects, such as wind and running water, add a layer of depth while aggressive sounds like revving engines and thundering trains are well rendered, contributing positively to the mood. The sound design choices meticulously complement the film's ambiance, subtly immersing listeners in its dingy, grimy setting.

Overall, there is a notable improvement in quality compared to previous releases, with the latest sound mix substantially reducing pops and hiss. While some minor age-related artifacts, like occasional pops, might be detected, these do not detract significantly from the experience. The audio track’s balance is commendable; it enhances the storytelling through nuanced soundscapes that include eerie electronic effects and moody ambient scores. The film score transitions smoothly between scenes, maintaining resonance and range to evoke the appropriate mood without overwhelming the dialogue. Optional English subtitles are provided, ensuring accessibility without compromising the integrity of this mono soundtrack.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Stalker" boasts an impressive array of extras, offering both new and archival insights into the film. Geoff Dyer provides a compelling analysis of the film's structure and impact in a fresh 30-minute interview. Meanwhile, archival conversations with composer Eduard Artemyev, set designer Rashit Safiullin, and cinematographer Aleksandr Knyazhinskiy shed light on their creative processes and the challenges faced during production. These supplementary materials are presented in high definition with English subtitles where required, enhancing the viewer's understanding of Tarkovsky's masterpiece. An accompanying booklet, featuring an essay by critic Mark Le Fanu, rounds out this well-curated package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Geoff Dyer: Discusses Stalker's influence and its narrative structure.
• Eduard Artemyev: Recounts composing the soundtrack and collaborating with Tarkovsky.
• Rashit Safiullin: Talks about the film's production challenges and set designs.
• Aleksandr Knyazhinskiy: Shares experiences from the shoot and insights into Tarkovsky's methods.
• Leaflet: Illustrated with an essay by Mark Le Fanu.

Andrei Tarkovsky's "Stalker" is an intricate, multi-layered film that can be both profoundly engaging and intellectually stimulating. Set in a dystopian future where a mysterious event has led to the quarantine of a region known as the Zone, the narrative follows three individuals: the Stalker (Aleksandr Kaidanovsky), the Writer (Anatoli Solonitsyn), and the Professor (Nikolai Grinko). Each character ventures into the Zone driven by unique motivations, guided by the seemingly untrustworthy yet enigmatic Stalker. Through long takes and meticulous pacing, Tarkovsky crafts an atmospheric world that blurs the lines between reality and existential reflection, hauling viewers into the Zone's eerie, almost otherworldly isolation.

Tarkovsky's visual storytelling is meticulously realized through his use of filtered light, desaturated colors, and haunting set pieces. The stark monochromatic tones of the world outside the Zone transition into muted yet striking colors within it, enhancing the surreal and foreboding atmosphere. His technique of prolonged takes, often using static compositions or languid camera movements, imbues the landscapes with a lingering sense of desolation and contemplation. As viewers traverse flooded industrial environments and decrepit buildings, they encounter moments that blend new-age harmonies with Slavic folk elements, reinforcing a deeply immersive experience. This aesthetic approach reinforces the haunting ambiguity and dreamlike quality that defines "Stalker".

What stands out most in Tarkovsky's film are its philosophical musings on faith, purpose, and human desire. Through dialogues rich with metaphysical inquiry, the characters grapple with the unknown dangers of the Zone and the reputedly wish-granting Room. The looming questions—are the threats real or imagined, and does the Room genuinely fulfill deepest wishes?—are never concretely answered, leaving much open to interpretation. "Stalker" isn't just a journey through physical space but a dense mental expedition that entices viewers to seek their enlightenment amidst cryptic allegories. It’s a film that transcends its sci-fi premise, transforming into a meditative exploration of the human condition.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Andrei Tarkovsky's "Stalker" is a masterclass in cinematic preservation, sourced from a new 2K master that delivers unparalleled visual fidelity for this seminal work of science fiction. The video transfer provides exceptional sharpness, highlighting Tarkovsky's meticulous composition and the film’s hypnotic rhythm. Although the film's auditory experience adheres to its original artistic limitations, its potent sound design remains intact, reinforcing the film’s evocative atmosphere.

The supplemental materials, while not extensive, include insightful interviews that contribute valuable context to the film’s layered narrative. Criterion's dedication to enhancing the viewing experience shines through these additions, making them a notable complement to the main feature. While Tarkovsky's intentionally measured pacing may not appeal to all audiences, those who appreciate deliberately paced storytelling with rich thematic undertones and moody visual aesthetics will find "Stalker" an intriguing and rewarding experience.

The end result is a resonant film and a lovely Blu-ray release. Criterion have once again done a spectacular job and, even though it is a re-release, fans would be advised to consider picking it up for the superior video quality alone, let alone the excellent additional material.