Trainspotting 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The new 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Trainspotting is a noteworthy visual upgrade from previous releases, featuring a Dolby Vision HDR grade that showcases the movie's grim yet enticing aesthetic. Supervised and approved by Danny Boyle, this new restoration leverages a scan of the original 35 mm camera negative in 4K resolution. The exceptional clarity and detail offered by the 4K transfer highlight the film's unique production and costume design, bringing out subtleties that older Blu-ray versions, such as the Region-B Film4 release from 2009, simply could not match. The high-efficiency video coding (HEVC / H.265) with a 2160p resolution and 1.85:1 aspect ratio ensures that both bright and shadowy elements coexist harmoniously in the film, making it almost an ideal demo for Dolby Vision HDR technology.

However, the new color grading has sparked some debate among purists. While the overall density and fluidity of the presentation have vastly improved, this regraded version has altered certain color temperatures, most notably affecting whites and blues. Original cold blue skies and natural outdoor sequences have seen drastic changes—some replaced by teals—therefore giving the film a different visual tone. Even though some scenes benefit from this regrading—such as interior shots which now appear more dynamic with bright light intrusion—other scenes suffer from unintended flatness or disrupting chromatic shifts.

Despite these discrepancies, the presentation excels in other areas. Depth has significantly improved, with sequences like the iconic "Perfect Day" scene displaying excellent dimensionality and spatial accuracy. The high black levels ensure that darker scenes, such as nightclub interiors, are rendered without loss of detail or crushing. Moreover, the film maintains its gritty charm with well-preserved film grain and immaculate noise/artifact control. While this release is not without its controversies, it undeniably enhances various visual aspects of Trainspotting, offering a fresh yet sometimes polarizing viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Trainspotting offers two audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. While both tracks provide a rich auditory experience, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out for its enhanced spatial dynamics. This track utilizes five channels, plus a dedicated bass channel, allowing the subwoofer to deliver deep, resonant low-frequency effects—an essential part of the bass-heavy house and techno soundtrack that is integral to the film. Clarity, sharpness, and stability are exceptional throughout, with ambient sounds and the musical score seamlessly integrated into the rear speakers.

Despite the technical differences on paper between the two mixes, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track also performs admirably. Remastered from an original Dolby Stereo print master, the 2.0 track delivers consistent rear speaker activity for ambient sounds and music. Although it lacks the dedicated bass channel of the 5.1 mix, it still offers a robust low-frequency extension that doesn’t disappoint. Dialogue reproduction is crisp and audible in both tracks, though subtitles may be necessary during scenes with particularly thick accents.

Overall, the audio presentation on this release encapsulates the film's chaotic and vibrant atmosphere perfectly. The remastering work done at Pacific Ocean Post ensures that both audio tracks deliver high-quality, immersive experiences, with no anomalies detected in either format.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Trainspotting" by Criterion combines a rich array of new and archival features, delivering a comprehensive view of the film's production and its cultural impact. The disc includes an engaging commentary track featuring director Danny Boyle and key members of the cast and crew, providing humorous and insightful recollections. Additionally, the set introduces new interviews with costume designer Rachael Fleming and production designer Kave Quinn, alongside reflections from musicians involved with the film’s iconic soundtrack. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of the extensive "Memories of Trainspotting" and "Off the Rails: The Making of Trainspotting" documentaries, which offer a deep dive into the film’s development and reception. The extras also feature deleted scenes, original trailers, and test readings by Ewan McGregor.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by Danny Boyle, Ewan McGregor, Andrew Macdonald, and John Hodge.
• Designing: Interviews with costume designer Rachael Fleming and production designer Kave Quinn.
• Listening: Reflections from musicians featured on the soundtrack.
• Memories of Trainspotting: Documentary with cast and crew recollections.
• Off the Rails: The Making of Trainspotting: Archival interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Deleted Scenes: Several scenes with optional audio commentary.
• Teaser Trailer: Original teaser for the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Reading: Test readings by Ewan McGregor.
• Booklet: Includes essays by critic Graham Fuller, author Irvine Welsh, and Welsh's glossary of terms.

Danny Boyle's Trainspotting (1996) on 4K UHD Blu-ray from Criterion is a riveting cinematic experience, capturing the highs and devastating lows of a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, Scotland. Based on Irvine Welsh's novel, the film centers on Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor)—an on-and-off addict continually attempting to break free from his destructive cycle. The cast also includes memorable performances from Ewen Bremner as the hapless Spud, Jonny Lee Miller as the scheming Sick Boy, Kevin McKidd as the tragically naive Tommy, and Robert Carlyle as the terrifying Begbie. The character dynamics are critical and drive the narrative, focusing less on plot and more on the chaotic lifestyle and episodic misadventures of the group.

The film is notable for its impeccable blend of dark comedy and raw drama. Cinematographer Brian Tufano’s work vividly illustrates both the allure and repulsiveness of addiction, contributing to debates about whether the film glamorizes drug use. However, with unflinching scenes of withdrawal and tragedy, such as the haunting image of a deceased baby, Trainspotting provides a stark depiction of the consequences of heroin addiction. The screenplay by John Hodge successfully mixes biting social commentary with entertainment, critiquing the values of Thatcher's Britain through a series of powerful monologues and visual motifs.

What makes Trainspotting particularly iconic is its stylistic execution. Boyle's dynamic direction is complemented by staccato editing rhythms and a vibrant soundtrack featuring hits from Underworld, New Order, and Iggy Pop, among others. This sensory-rich approach paired with strong character portrayals cements Trainspotting’s status as a cult classic from the 90s. Its ongoing influence in popular culture and critical acclaim underline its importance well beyond its initial release, solidifying its place in the pantheon of seminal films.

Criterion’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Trainspotting" is a commendable effort, embodying the film's influential status with a striking new 4K restoration. Directed by Danny Boyle, this modern classic set in the underbelly of Edinburgh seamlessly merges stylish cinematography with substantive storytelling. Ewan McGregor leads an exceptional cast, depicting characters that remain relatable and reflective across time. The updated audio-visual presentation is both crisp and immersive, delivering a fantastic viewing experience that accentuates the film’s distinct aesthetic.

However, it is important to note that the new restoration alters the film's original theatrical appearance, a point that may be contentious among purists. Despite Danny Boyle's endorsement, some viewers may find these changes jarring. Nevertheless, the release balances these alterations with an impressive array of new and archival bonus features, catering both to longtime fans and cinephiles exploring the film for the first time.

In conclusion, this upcoming release of "Trainspotting" is a lot like the recent release of "Brotherhood of the Wolf." It introduces a brand-new 4K restoration that alters the film's original theatrical appearance but was endorsed by Danny Boyle. Some people will be fine with the changes, but a lot of people will find them quite frustrating. The release has an extensive selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features, so it is definitely worth picking up. However, I think that an opportunity was missed to deliver the definitive home video release of "Trainspotting." RECOMMENDED.