Last Year at Marienbad 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD release of "Last Year at Marienbad" offers an impressive visual presentation that benefits significantly from the recent 4K restoration performed by Hiventy for StudioCanal. The 4K Blu-ray disc is Region-Free, while the accompanying standard Blu-ray disc is Region-A locked. This restoration is presented in the film's original 2.39:1 aspect ratio and rendered without Dolby Vision or HDR, which is arguably advantageous given the film's intricate shadow play. Applying HDR could have potentially diminished some of the nuanced shadow details present in several scenes. The overall result is a beautifully clean and visually striking representation of the classic black and white film.

Despite not reaching absolute reference quality due to inherent source limitations, the 4K image effectively showcases the depth and crispness characteristic of high-quality monochromatic photography. The outdoor sequences, particularly those set in the pristine gardens, exhibit excellent sharpness and depth, while indoor scenes maintain a solid clarity without losing the film's original charm. Notably, there are minor imperfections like density fluctuations and slightly loose grain in the 1080p presentation that trained eyes may detect. However, these are minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

Ultimately, Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Last Year at Marienbad" provides a near-definitive viewing experience for enthusiasts. Whether you are upgrading from a previous Blu-ray edition or experiencing this restored classic for the first time, the native 4K presentation delivers exceptional visual fidelity with commendable fluidity and tightness in details. This release stands as an excellent testament to the enduring allure of this masterpiece.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Last Year at Marienbad" offers a single audio track: French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, ensuring consistency with previous home video releases. The use of a restored Mono track guarantees a sound that is healthy and stable, free from any encoding anomalies. This track delivers dialogue with exceptional clarity, whether whispered or spoken, and no noticeable distortion is present. Optional English subtitles are provided and appear within the image frame when enabled.

Notably, although the packaging advertises 2.0 mono, the disc playback reveals a DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track. This could be considered a minor discrepancy in labeling but does not detract from the overall audio quality. Francis Seyrig’s organ-heavy score, integral to the film's atmosphere, exhibits surprising depth at various junctures while occasionally sounding slightly thin. Overall, the audio presentation remains faithful to the original experience, ensuring an authentic auditory immersion for the viewer.

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Last Year at Marienbad" is supplemented with a compelling collection of extras, mostly found on the accompanying Blu-ray disc. This set retains the same bonus features from the 2019 release, whatever the frustrations about the omission of a prior booklet essay by K. Austin Collins. The rich archival selections offer intricate insights into the film's production and enigmatic narrative. The standout pieces include an engaging audio commentary by Tim Lucas on both discs, alongside interviews and visual essays that delve into the film's complex layers, shooting process, and cultural context. Together, these features provide an immersive and educational experience for cinephiles and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Audio commentary by novelist and critic Tim Lucas.
• Interview with Volker Schlondorff: Second assistant director discusses the filmmaking aspects and political influences.
• Last Year at Marienbad A to Z: A visual essay by James Quandt examining the film's conception and enigmas.
• Memories of Last Year at Marienbad: Documentary with 8mm raw footage from the film's production.
• All the Memory of the World/Toute la memoire du monde (1956): Resnais's poetic piece on archiving memory.
• Trailer: Remastered vintage French trailer with English subtitles.
• Additional Trailers: For "Woman in Chains," "The Nun," and "La Prisonniere".

Alain Resnais' "Last Year at Marienbad" (1961) on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents an enigmatic narrative set in a sumptuous European hotel. Giorgio Albertazzi stars as a man who is convinced he met Delphine Seyrig's character the year before at Marienbad, though she remains skeptical. The film’s third key character, played by Sacha Pitoeff, inserts himself ambiguously into their interactions. The narrative structure is elusive, blurring the lines of memory and reality, and is noted for its hypnotic, incantatory monologues and labyrinthine storytelling that challenges viewers to piece together the interactions and relationships among the characters.

Resnais prioritizes form over a clear narrative, departing from the straightforward approach of his contemporaries. The film stands as a quintessential example of art cinema, characterized by its elegant style, beautiful black-and-white cinematography by Sacha Vierny, and hauntingly elliptical editing by Jasmine Chasney and Henri Colpi. The grand hotel and its meticulously dressed guests exude a chic, detached atmosphere that both enchants and perplexes. The film uses recurring motifs like a mysterious card game, reinforcing themes of memory and ambiguity. While some viewers may find the film's opacity frustrating, it remains an unforgettable exploration of cinematic art, evoking endless speculation about its deeper meanings.

"Last Year at Marienbad" is both critically acclaimed and divisive, hailed as a landmark of the French New Wave and a masterful exercise in pure cinema. It continues to captivate with its lush visuals and mood over traditional narrative clarity. Viewers are invited to immerse themselves in its dreamlike quality, surrendering to its rhythmic allure and fragmented storytelling. Despite its confounding nature, or perhaps because of it, the film's legacy endures, influencing auteurs and challenging audiences to this day.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Alain Resnais' "Last Year at Marienbad" is a masterful presentation of a cornerstone of European cinema. Originally released in 1961, this enigmatic and visually striking film was a key work of the French New Wave movement, challenging traditional narrative structures with its surreal, haunting ambiance. The new 4K transfer builds upon the previously acclaimed 2019 Blu-ray restoration, offering incrementally enhanced texture and clarity. The meticulous restoration work ensures that every detail, from the sumptuous set designs to the evocative play of light and shadow, is preserved with pristine accuracy.

This release includes both the 4K disc and a Blu-ray copy of the same restoration, catered specifically for purists and collectors who appreciate high-quality physical media. The native 4K presentation yields subtle improvements that will be particularly appreciated by keen-eyed cinephiles. The overall depth and contrast benefit significantly from the heightened resolution, reinforcing the film's surreal, dreamlike quality and intricate visual composition. The audio remains faithful to the original presentation, maintaining the film’s chilling, atmospheric soundscape.

A lover of classic European cinema must have a copy of Alain Resnais' mind-bender "Last Year at Marienbad". This fascinating film has been beautifully restored and released on 4K Blu-ray, showcasing excellent quality with minuscule improvements noticeable to trained eyes. The 4K Blu-ray release is a combo pack, including a Blu-ray copy of the 4K restoration as well. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.