Blue Velvet

Criterion's 4K UHD release of "Blue Velvet" stands as an exemplary presentation in the realm of home media. Featuring a native 4K transfer supervised by David Lynch himself, this release is presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The film benefits from a gentle HDR and Dolby Vision pass, which stays true to Lynch's original visual intent. The video quality showcases outstanding image stability, rock-solid fine detail, and phenomenal color reproduction. The darker scenes are handled with finesse through the Dolby Vision grade, revealing expanded nuances and better-defined backgrounds, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Comparing this 4K presentation to Criterion’s 2019 Blu-ray release reveals only modest discrepancies, but these nuances are notable. While the 1080p Blu-ray already boasts exceptional detail and dynamic range, the native 4K version subtly but effectively elevates these elements. Daylight sequences appear more balanced with superior dynamic range, and the fluidity of motion delivers a breathtaking visual experience on larger screens. Primaries and supporting hues pop, especially in visually striking scenes like Isabella Rossellini's stage performance, which exemplify the impeccable color accuracy and image clarity of this edition.

Ultimately, whether you already own the Blu-ray or not, this 4K UHD release offers a compelling reason to upgrade. The incremental upgrade may appear subtle at first glance, but for lovers of "Blue Velvet," the strengthened presentation in native 4K amplifies the film's intricate visual storytelling. Lynch’s meticulous craftsmanship shines through more vividly, making this Criterion release a hallmark of both technical excellence and artistic fidelity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Blue Velvet" provides both English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks, maintaining a high standard established by previous editions. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available and appear within the image frame. Both audio tracks on this release are restored versions initially offered on the Blu-ray edition of the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels, delivering clear and robust dialogue alongside the film's distinguished sound mix without any technical anomalies noted throughout the viewing experience.

Both the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and the 2.0 PCM surround track, supervised by David Lynch for a prior MGM Blu-ray release, offer an immersive listening experience. Mychal’s review for the Criterion Blu-ray edition aptly describes the quality sustained in this release: “The upgraded audio ensures strong dialogue and a dynamic sound mix, with Angelo Badalamenti’s haunting score rendered with excellent ambiance and fidelity.” The minimal age-related problems further reinforce these tracks as the highest-quality audio presentations "Blue Velvet" has achieved on home video to date.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Blue Velvet" is a quintessential addition for fans and cinephiles alike, presented with a comprehensive array of well-curated extras. Although the 4K disc itself contains only the film, the included Blu-ray disc is brimming with rich content. Highlights include nearly an hour of meticulously edited deleted scenes by Lynch, offering a fresh yet familiar journey into the film's enigmatic world. Additionally, archival documentaries and interviews provide deep insights into the film’s creation and legacy, with contributions from key cast and crew members. Noteworthy features include an in-depth look at the movie's genesis, production footage captured by Peter Braatz, and a fascinating audio excerpt from Lynch’s book, “Room to Dream.”

Extras included on this disc:

• Test Chart: Vintage testing footage with music.
• The Lost Footage: Deleted scenes and alternate takes curated by David Lynch.
• Blue Velvet Revisited: Archival program by Peter Braatz documenting the production.
• Room to Dream: Audio recording of David Lynch reading from his book.
• Angelo Badalamenti Interview: Composer discusses his career and work on Blue Velvet.
• It's a Strange World: Documentary on the genesis of Blue Velvet including interviews and location visits.
• Mysteries of Love: Archival documentary featuring cast and crew recounting their experiences.
• Booklet: 30-page illustrated booklet with excerpts from “Room to Dream.”

David Lynch's "Blue Velvet" epitomizes the captivating artistry and distinct filmmaking style for which Lynch is celebrated. The narrative follows college student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan), who discovers a human ear in a field, leading him into a shadowy underworld teeming with secrets and danger. Together with the detective’s daughter, Sandy (Laura Dern), Jeffrey’s investigation introduces him to night club singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini) and the unhinged Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). The plot skillfully maneuvers through settings that range from unsettling to perversely amusing, encapsulating the depths of human depravity juxtaposed with superficial suburban tranquility.

Lynch’s characters are unforgettable and richly developed, manifesting bizarre yet deeply resonant relationships. Particularly notable is Dennis Hopper’s portrayal of Frank Booth, a figure that radiates menace and unpredictability. This rendition is bolstered by Frederick Elmes' stunning cinematography, which captures some of the most original frames in contemporary cinema, emphasizing the chiaroscuro contrasts that enhance the film’s aura of suspense and unease. Angelo Badalamenti’s seductive score perfectly complements the visuals, enriching the film’s atmospheric tension. Badalamenti imbues the film with haunting melodies that resonate in tandem with Lynch’s profound themes.

"Blue Velvet" stands as one of Lynch’s more accessible ventures, yet it retains his signature touch of narrative complexity and thematic depth. Lynch invites viewers into an experiential journey, as illustrated in a quintessential scene where Frank coerces Jeffrey into joining a harrowing encounter that culminates in Dean Stockwell’s eerily sublime lip-sync performance to Roy Orbison’s "In Dreams.” This sequence underscores the surreal nature intrinsic to Lynch’s oeuvre—holding a mirror to an alternate reality that exists beneath the mundane surface. For viewers attuned to Lynch's wavelength, "Blue Velvet" is an enticing exploration of hidden darkness, making it a seminal work in his filmography.

David Lynch's "Blue Velvet" continues to be an essential film in modern cinema, now offered in a striking 4K UHD Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack that elevates its already celebrated visual aesthetic. The transfer is impressive, capturing the film’s vivid colors, deep blacks, and intricate details with native 4K resolution. This meticulously produced edition ensures fans of Lynch's work can experience the director's vision in pristine quality.

With supplemental material carried over from the 2019 Criterion Blu-ray release, this package provides a comprehensive exploration of "Blue Velvet", replete with insightful features on the film’s production, themes, and cultural impact. While the upgrade from the 1080p Criterion Blu-ray to this 4K UHD isn’t groundbreaking, it amplifies what was already an exceptional presentation, highlighting the film’s unique textures and atmospheric interplay of light and shadow even more effectively.

In conclusion, even if you already possess the Criterion Blu-ray edition of "Blue Velvet", this 4K UHD/Blu-ray combo pack is an indispensable addition for collectors and fans of high-quality cinema. The entire film looks sensational in native 4K. There is nothing else for me to add, really. This is exactly the type of impeccable and definitive quality I think collectors expect 4K Blu-ray releases to deliver. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.