Memories of Murder Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Memories of Murder," presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, showcases an ambitious endeavour by Criterion. This release benefits from a meticulous 4K digital restoration, overseen by the film’s original cinematographer Kim Hyung Ku and director Bong Joon Ho, signaling an authoritative stamp of approval for the visual overhaul. The digital restoration process, utilizing a Cintel Blackmagic Design film scanner along with advanced restoration tools such as MTI Film's DRS, PFClean, and DIAMANT-Film, ensures a transfer that seeks to preserve the director’s and cinematographer’s original vision. The restoration efforts are further highlighted by the involvement of colorist Kim Seung Won at CJ PowerCast in Seongnam, South Korea, aiming for visual fidelity that is both authentic and evocative.

Upon comparing this Blu-ray release to its predecessors, notably the earlier release by Korean label CJ Entertainment, one can observe a significant alteration in the film's visual presentation. The new 4K restoration imparts a greenish/brownish color scheme that diverges markedly from previous versions, prioritizing a darker palette that engulfs the film in heavy ranges of blacks. This change in color grading leads to a more uniform but arguably flatter appearance, particularly noticeable in lower light conditions where the image tends to lose some of its depth and texture. Despite achieving striking image stability and cleanliness, this approach results in some scenes suffering from shadow crushing and minor detail smearing—a departure from the detailed visual intricacies evident in prior releases. The transformation suggests a deliberate stylistic choice, though it risks overpowering subtler hues and nuances, raising questions about the balance between artistic intent and digital interpretation.

Notably, this release is Region-A locked, requiring appropriate playback equipment for viewers outside the designated region. As this Blu-ray ventures into new visual territories with its bold restorative choices, it represents both a technological tribute to the filmmakers' vision and a provocative reinterpretation of the film's aesthetic dynamics. While the shift towards darker tones and a more unified color palette may invite debate among purists and fans alike, the technical proficiency and care in the restoration process are undeniable, offering a contemporary lens through which to revisit Bong Joon Ho's cinematic masterpiece.

The audio experience offered by the Blu-ray release of "Memories of Murder" is anchored in a singular Korean DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, complemented by optional English subtitles for the primary feature. This configuration underscores the distributor's effort to maintain the integrity and immersive quality of the film's original audio environment. Enthusiasts and audiophiles will appreciate the meticulous care in translating the full spectrum of the film's auditory landscape, ensuring no nuance is lost. The English subtitles, significantly finer in their translation, enhance viewer understanding and appreciation, making intricate conversational threads and narrative nuances more accessible and coherent.

Noteworthy is the exceptional fidelity of the lossless audio track, which excels in delivering clarity, depth, and balance across its sonic presentation. The film’s soundtrack, alongside its use of ambient and environmental effects, exploits the capabilities of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 format to great effect. This results in a richly textured auditory experience that pulls the viewer deeper into the cinematic experience. The filmmakers' innovative use of sound does not merely complement the visuals but adds a vital layer to the storytelling, appreciated best at higher volume settings to capture the intricacies and subtleties.

This release invites viewers into an enveloping audio experience, where every element from dialogue to background noises is presented with pristine clarity. The soundstage is wide and dynamic, allowing for an immersive soundscape that enhances both the tension and atmosphere pivotal to the film's narrative drive. As such, this Blu-ray epitomizes how adept audio mixing and mastering can elevate the entire viewing experience, making it an essential consideration for aficionados devoted to experiencing cinema in its most impactful and resonant form.

The Blu-ray extras for "Memories of Murder" offer an invaluable deep dive into the film's creation, showcasing a range of content from behind-the-scenes insights to inspirations drawn from real-life events. Noteworthy are the detailed deleted scenes with director Bong Joon Ho’s commentary, providing a glimpse into the decision-making process behind the final cut. The inclusion of multiple commentaries, including one with director and key cast members, offers diverse perspectives on the film's production complexities and thematic depth. 2020 additions like Guillermo del Toro’s analysis and discussions on the sound-image relationship in Bong Joon Ho’s films elevate the value of this collection, enriching the viewing experience profoundly. The archival materials combined with newer, insightful programs solidify this Blu-ray edition as essential for enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive understanding of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for Memories of Murder.
• Teaser: Vintage teaser trailer for Memories of Murder.
• TV Spot: Vintage TV spot for Memories of Murder.
• Deleted Scenes: A gallery of deleted scenes with optional directorial commentary.
• Perfect Cinema: Guillermo del Toro discusses the film’s visual and character composition.
• Commentary One: Archival audio commentary with the director, cinematographer, and production designer.
• Commentary Two: Archival audio commentary with the director and key actors.
• Commentary Three: New audio commentary with critic Tony Rayns.
• Imagination vs. Reality: Discussion on the real-life serial killer inspiration.
• Making Memories of Murder: Archival documentary on production history.
• Sonic Precision: New program on sound-image relationship in Bong Joon Ho’s films.
• Incoherence: Early Bong Joon Ho short film in 4K restoration.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay and technical credits.

Bong Joon-ho's seminal work, Memories of Murder (2003), is finely presented in the latest Blu-ray release by Criterion, spotlighting both the film and its historical and cultural nuances. This edition, region-A locked, comes packed with an array of supplemental features that enrich one’s viewing experience; these include vintage promotional materials, archival and new audio commentaries featuring insights from the director, cast, and critics such as Tony Rayns, alongside deleted scenes with optional commentary, a short film, and more, all subtitled in English. The meticulous restoration and the plethora of bonus materials make this edition a treasure trove for cinephiles and scholars alike.

The film itself delves into two entwined narratives set against the backdrop of 1980s South Korea. The primary plot revolves around the harrowing quest of two detectives, Detective Park (Song Kang-Ho) and Detective Suh (Kim Sang-Kyung), to capture a brutal serial killer amid the provincial landscapes of Hwaseong. This chilling storyline is underscored by an authentic depiction of police methods and societal reactions of the time, including misguided torture practices and pervasive media scrutiny. Simultaneously, Bong teases out a secondary narrative intricately connected to the political unrest and the looming democratic uprising against General Chun Doo-hwan's regime. This layer adds a profound depth to the film, suggesting that the serial killings and the detectives' quest are metaphors for Korea's struggle with violence, repression, and change.

Cinematographically, Memories of Murder stands out through the compelling lensing of Kim Hyung-ku, paired with Taro Iwashiro’s haunting score, crafting a visually rich and audibly poignant atmosphere that encapsulates the tension and dread of the era. The performances by Song Kang-ho and Kim Sang-kyung are pivotal, bringing to life the complexity of their characters with nuance and authenticity. Their dynamic captures a critical period in Korean history, making Memories of Murder not just a crime drama but a cultural commentary wrapped in dark humor and suspense. The 2003 accolades from the San Sebastian International Film Festival are a testament to its critical reception and enduring significance in cinema history.

The newly released 4K restoration of "Memories of Murder" on Blu-ray marks a significant departure from the version of the film that many discovered back in 2010. This polished rendition, supervised by cinematographer Kim Hyung Ku and approved by director Bong Joon Ho, represents a notable shift in visual fidelity, possibly offering a closer representation to its original theatrical presentation, which some viewers might have missed. While this change might not align with everyone's preference—particularly for those with an attachment to the ‘older’ version of the film—the overall quality and depth of the restoration are commendable.

This Blu-ray release stands out not only for its visual and auditory improvement but also for the comprehensive collection of both archival and exclusive new bonus content. These additions enrich the viewing experience, providing fans and newcomers alike with deeper insights into the film's creation, legacy, and enduring appeal. The effort to include such a wide array of extra material alongside the movie itself, making this two-disc set an essential acquisition for aficionados of "Memories of Murder," cannot be overstated.

In conclusion, despite some viewers’ preference for the film's previous version, the Blu-ray release of "Memories of Murder" with its 4K restoration presents an invaluable opportunity to see this cinematic masterpiece in a new light. The meticulously supervised restoration process, combined with an extensive selection of bonus features, makes this release highly recommended. Whether you're revisiting the film or experiencing it for the first time, the Blu-ray edition offers a comprehensive and immersive way to appreciate one of Bong Joon Ho's most renowned works.