Solaris Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Andrei Tarkovsky's "Solaris" is an impressive high-definition transfer that, despite some inherited limitations, presents an enhanced visual experience. Presented in a 2.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer was meticulously crafted from a 35mm low-contrast print derived from the original negative. Thousands of blemishes such as dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker were manually removed using MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean systems, while Digital Vision's DVNR system handled minor dirt and noise reduction. Notably, the telecine process was supervised by Lee Kline with coloring by Joe Gawler at The Tape House in New York, ensuring the highest quality of visual restoration.

While the meticulous efforts of Criterion yield a substantial improvement over previous DVD editions, some technical imperfections persist. Light color pulsations in reds, greens, yellows, and blacks occasionally affect clarity and contrast levels fluctuate at times, resulting in some scenes appearing softer than others. Additionally, darker footage may exhibit light noise, though overall detail remains commendably high. The space station sequences, in particular, showcase improved clarity and a more convincing color scheme. Despite extensive clean-up efforts, viewers might still notice small flecks, dirt, and scratches intermittently throughout the film.

Overall, this Blu-ray edition delivers a compelling visual presentation of "Solaris." The image maintains a beautiful cinematic quality with balanced contrast levels and crisp whites that enhance the sterile ambiance of Kris's room. Blacks are generally accurate with strong shadow delineation, although they can appear slightly faded in some scenes. Colors are both fuller and bolder compared to previous releases, with natural-looking primaries adding depth to Vadim Yusov's already captivating cinematography. This high-def transfer solidifies "Solaris" as a visually striking philosophical sci-fi classic.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Solaris" features a remastered Russian LPCM 1.0 track, bringing notable improvements over prior releases. Criterion's meticulous remastering process involved converting the monaural soundtrack to 24-bit from a 35mm optical soundtrack positive, with digital tools like Pro Tools HD and Audio Cube's integrated workstation employed to remove artifacts such as clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum. This results in a cleaner audio profile that retains the film's authentic auditory experience.

Dialogue reproduction stands out as a significant strength of this release. The Russian LPCM 1.0 track ensures that both whispered and spoken lines remain clear and intelligible, capturing every emotional nuance in the performances. However, some balance issues are inherent to the original soundtrack. For instance, certain dialogue segments tend to stand out while some background effects occasionally seem subdued. Additionally, the absence of low bass leaves the audio mix with diminished weight, contributing to a lack of presence during the film's quieter moments.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the audio faithfully represents the filmmakers’ intent, offering an authentic auditory experience aligned with Andrei Tarkovsky’s vision for "Solaris." The Criterion Blu-ray’s meticulous attention to detail and high-resolution codec deliver significant improvements over previous releases, ensuring that fans can enjoy the film’s rich dialogue and occasional discrete effects in excellent fidelity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Solaris" offer a treasure trove of information and context for aficionados of Tarkovsky's masterpiece. The highlight is the comprehensive audio commentary by Vida Johnson and Graham Petrie, which delves deeply into the film's production, themes, and Tarkovsky's personal significance. The collection also includes extensive interviews with key contributors, offering invaluable insights into their collaborations with Tarkovsky. Highlights include reflections by Vadim Yusov on his cinematographic approach, and Eduard Artemyev on crafting the film's distinct soundscape. Additionally, Natalya Bondarchuk and Mikhail Romadin provide personal anecdotes from the set, enhancing the viewer's understanding of Tarkovsky's vision. The deleted and alternate scenes present intriguing narrative deviations, enriching the understanding of Tarkovsky’s editorial decisions. An excerpt with Stanislaw Lem rounds out the selection, offering a balanced critical perspective.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted and Alternate Scenes: A collection of nine scenes removed from the final cut.
• Natalya Bondarchuk: Actress discusses her career and work on "Solaris".
• Vadim Yusov: Cinematographer shares his experience collaborating with Tarkovsky.
• Mikhail Romadin: Production designer recounts his contributions to the film.
• Eduard Artemyev: Composer discusses the unique electronic soundtrack.
• Stanislaw Lem: Author's thoughts on Tarkovsky's adaptation of his novel.
• Commentary: Scholarly audio commentary by Vida Johnson and Graham Petrie.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays by Phillip Lopate and Akira Kurosawa.

Andrei Tarkovsky's "Solaris (1972)" emerges as a monumental film within the sci-fi genre, acclaimed for its philosophical depth and compelling visuals. Winner of the Grand Prize of the Jury at Cannes, "Solaris" is not an easy watch, demanding patience and intellectual engagement. The narrative centers on Kris, a space psychologist sent to the orbiting station Solaris, where the crew experiences puzzling hallucinations. The film utilizes the mysterious force of the planet to delve into themes of memory, grief, and human consciousness. Tarkovsky's approach — privileging atmosphere over traditional storytelling — invites reflection on the meaning of life and identity, offering a melancholic view influenced by Soviet-era sensibilities.

"Solaris" is revered for its haunting imagery, meticulously captured by legendary cinematographer Vadim Yusov. Fluid transitions between the pastoral beauty of Earth's countryside and the sterile interiors of the space station create a striking visual contrast that underscores the film's existential themes. Yusov's work, complemented by Eduard Artemiev's evocative electronic score, elevates the visual and auditory experience, making each frame resonate deeply. At the core of the film is Tarkovsky’s capability to suggest complex ideas without explicit exposition, compelling viewers to introspectively engage with the unfolding drama.

The film's strength lies in its suggestive visual storytelling and meditative pacing, reminiscent of a philosophical treatise rather than conventional science fiction. As Kris encounters his resurrected wife Hari, questions about reality versus illusion intensify, exposing human vulnerability and the limits of scientific rationality. Tarkovsky’s "Solaris" is both perplexing and profound, its contemplative mood ensuring that its secrets unravel only through repeated viewings. Criterion’s Blu-ray release further enriches this experience with a suite of insightful commentaries and interviews, making it an indispensable addition for fans of cerebral cinema.

Andrei Tarkovsky's "Solaris" (1972) is an introspective masterpiece of Russian cinema, fondly regarded as one of the most contemplative and visually stunning pieces in the science fiction genre. Often whispered in the same breath as Kubrick's "2001," Tarkovsky's "Solaris" is less an attempt at competition and more an invitation to a unique, thought-provoking cinematic experience. The Blu-Ray release enhances its arresting visuals and meticulous sound design, providing a notable improvement over previous formats and ensuring the intricate details of Tarkovsky's vision are preserved.

The transfer on this Criterion collection Blu-Ray offers superb picture quality, expertly representing the film's subtle intricacies and atmospheric compositions. Paired with markedly improved audio fidelity, the sensory immersion aligns closely with Tarkovsky's original filmic intention. Notably, the supplements—while mostly ported over from the previous DVD release—remain rich and engaging, including invaluable insights into the film's production, historical importance, and thematic richness. These elements collectively make the Blu-Ray not only a means of viewing but a deep, exploratory dive into the essence of "Solaris."

In conclusion, Solaris is arguably one of the greatest and most influential science fiction films ever made. Andrei Tarkovsky's brooding masterpiece does not need promotion; it simply belongs in any serious film library. It is my hope that Criterion will extend their offerings to Blu-Ray releases of Tarkovsky's other seminal works such as "Ivan's Childhood" and "Andrei Rublev."