Withnail and I 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Withnail and I represents a significant leap forward in video quality for this cult classic. Sourced from a new 4K restoration of the original 35mm camera negative—supervised by cinematographer Peter Hannan and realized through a collaboration between Handmade Films, the British Film Institute, Criterion, and Arrow Films—the transfer is presented in 1.85:1 HEVC 2160p with Dolby Vision and HDR grading. The result is a presentation that excels in delineation, sharpness, clarity, and depth. Natural film grain is retained throughout, offering a pleasing texture without any intrusive digital corrections. Notably, while occasional fluctuations in grain are present—reflecting the film’s photographic origins—the image remains stable and visually spotless.

Color accuracy is a standout feature: Dolby Vision grading elevates the vibrancy and nuance, notably enriching primaries and expanding the dynamic range well beyond previous releases (including the earlier Arrow Video box set). Greens and earth tones in the Lake District scenes appear particularly lush and saturated, with superior color balance on both the 4K disc and the included Blu-ray. The dynamic range and saturation improvements are especially evident when comparing this release to both the Arrow and previous standard editions. Image stability is excellent across the entire runtime, with minimal source damage visible. Overall, the video presentation delivers an unsurpassed home viewing experience for Withnail and I, leveraging modern restoration techniques to honor the film’s original photographic intent while providing the visual clarity and depth expected from a high-caliber UHD release.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Withnail and I" utilizes a single English LPCM 1.0 monaural soundtrack, remastered from the film's original 35mm magnetic track. The remastering work is evident, as dialogue exchanges remain consistently clear and intelligible throughout the film. Despite the inherent limitations of mono, the track delivers surprisingly good dynamism for its format—with occasional bursts of energy, particularly in scenes featuring rock music, which help elevate the aural experience within its modest dynamic range.

Technically, the soundtrack demonstrates no perceptible age-related anomalies such as hissing or dropouts. However, listeners may detect some minor unevenness in a few segments—artifacts likely inherited from the original elements rather than introduced during this remaster. These do little to compromise the overall clarity or engagement but hint at opportunities where subtle audio enhancements might have yielded further improvements. Optional English SDH subtitles are included to support accessibility without impinging on the faithful preservation of the film’s original mono presentation.

Criterion delivers a thoughtful selection of extras for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Withnail and I," providing valuable context for seasoned fans and newcomers alike. The package includes two archival audio commentaries—one with actors Paul McGann and Ralph Brown, recalling their experiences from casting to production, and another with director Bruce Robinson fielding audience questions in an engaging 2020 watchalong. New content is highlighted by a Criterion-produced conversation between Robinson and lead actor Richard E. Grant, exploring the distinctive challenges and cultural contrasts in screenwriting, acting, and directing between UK and US cinema. An extensive making-of documentary, an anniversary Q&A session, a collection of rehearsal photographs by Ralph Steadman, a vintage trailer, and a substantial essay by David Cairns round out the offering. While not the most exhaustive release from Criterion, these extras exhibit both depth and historical perspective.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Paul McGann & Ralph Brown: Actors discuss casting, working with Robinson, and production anecdotes.
• Audio Commentary with Bruce Robinson: Director answers viewer questions during a 2020 watchalong.
• Bruce Robinson and Richard E. Grant: 2025 conversation delving into screenwriting and transatlantic filmmaking contrasts.
• Withnail and Us: 1999 documentary featuring interviews with main contributors and contextual analysis.
• Bruce Robinson and Richard E. Grant Q&A: 2017 British Film Institute session exploring their collaboration and careers.
• Photo Gallery: Ralph Steadman’s rehearsal photos of the lead actors.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for the film.
• Leaflet: Illustrated foldout with an essay by critic David Cairns and full technical credits.

Bruce Robinson’s “Withnail and I” stands as a defining cult comedy that incisively chronicles the closing chapter of Britain’s 1960s counterculture, fusing absurdist humor with bleak existential undertones. Set against the gray reality of 1969 Camden and the unforgiving rural isolation of the Lake District, the narrative follows two unemployed actors—Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and Marwood (Paul McGann)—whose escapades in the countryside spiral into chaos. Robinson’s script, semi-autobiographical and sharply observed, balances caustic wit with genuine pathos, drawing from his own experiences to deliver quotable lines and authentic exchanges inspired by real-life figures. The film gleefully lampoons bohemian aspirations through surreal set pieces, such as disastrous farming attempts and outlandish drunken exploits, while never shying away from the underlying desperation afflicting its protagonists.

The character work in “Withnail and I” is remarkable for its nuance and intensity. Richard E. Grant delivers a performance that borders on inhabitation rather than mere acting—his Withnail is both comically pompous and ultimately tragic, a self-destructive figure masking vulnerability with performative bravado. Paul McGann brings understated fragility as Marwood, whose gradual attempt at liberation anchors the film's emotional core. Their interdependence forms a darkly comic commentary on fading youth and friendship amidst a world shifting inexorably out of their grasp. Richard Griffiths’ scene-stealing Uncle Monty introduces an additional layer of dark comedy, complicating the rural sojourn with both menace and farce.

Unquestionably British with its biting dialogue and cultural specificity, the film is also a bittersweet reflection on transition and lost ideals. Cinematographically, despite its modest budget, it maintains a distinctive visual style and assured flow, vividly conveying both the squalor of urban London and the desolate beauty of the countryside. “Withnail and I” endures as a testament to Robinson’s ability to meld humor and melancholy within a scathingly honest period portrait.

Criterion’s 4K Ultra HD release of Withnail and I offers a significant visual and audio upgrade for this seminal British black comedy. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a 2160p HEVC transfer and Dolby Vision HDR (HDR10 compatible), the restoration brings out remarkable levels of detail, depth, and color richness rarely seen in previous home editions. The nuanced film grain is faithfully preserved, maintaining a natural texture that enhances the film’s period authenticity. Accompanying this is an English LPCM 1.0 mono audio track, delivering clear dialogue and effectively showcasing the film’s intricate sound design and atmospheric score.

All supplemental materials are thoughtfully curated to enrich both long-time admirers and newcomers’ understanding of Bruce Robinson’s direction and screenwriting. Subtitles are available in English SDH, and Criterion’s packaging includes both 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs, ensuring broad compatibility. The runtime stands at 107 minutes, allowing audiences to experience every moment of the film’s blend of humor, pathos, and biting social critique.

In conclusion, Criterion has delivered a reference-quality presentation that honors the spirit and originality of Withnail and I. This edition not only revives the film for modern audiences but preserves its boldness and emotional resonance. It stands as an essential acquisition for collectors and cinephiles seeking the definitive version of a uniquely influential work in British cinema.