Blue Velvet Blu-ray Review

Criterion's new 4K transfer of "Blue Velvet," presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, delivers a spectacular 1080p presentation that stands as a definitive high-definition release of the film. This new digital transfer was meticulously produced in 16-bit 4K resolution using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from the original 35mm A/B camera negative. Comprehensive manual cleanup was applied to address dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps. Technologies such as MTI Film's DRS sustained the film’s visual hygiene, whereas Digital Vision's Phoenix ensured jitter, flicker, dirt, grain, and noise were expertly managed.

Under the meticulous supervision of David Lynch and technical experts at EFILM and FotoKem, color calibration underwent significant refinement. The adjustments, although subtle, deliver non-generic enhancements that target specific saturation levels rather than uniform adjustments across the entire color spectrum. This is particularly evident in comparison with the MGM release, where screencaptures highlighted the nuanced differences. Viewers with projection capabilities will note enhanced background highlights that contribute to a richer visual experience. Clarity has seen perceptible improvement albeit in specific lighting conditions, primarily during daylight scenes. Despite these upgrades, the film retains excellent image stability and presents overall as vibrant and visually robust.

The grain structure is well-preserved, providing an organic texture consistent with the original filmic quality. The transfer effectively mitigates age-related issues making this Criterion offering superior to previous versions—arguably the best rendition available for home viewing. With Criterion's Region-A locking, it's crucial that viewers utilize compatible Blu-ray players to access this refined cinematic masterpiece.

The Blu-ray release of "Blue Velvet" presents two noteworthy audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, both accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The 5.1 track, which was supervised by director David Lynch, offers a pristine experience with superb clarity, depth, and dynamic range. When compared to the previous MGM release, any differences are subtle and nearly imperceptible, suggesting that the original remaster was already at a high standard. Lynch’s meticulous attention to sound design is evident, and this current track continues to deliver an engrossing auditory experience.

Additionally, the 2.0 PCM track preserves the film’s original audio mix, maintaining strong dialogue and a balanced sound mix. Angelo Badalamenti's evocative score is rendered with great ambiance and fidelity. Both the 5.1 and 2.0 tracks exhibit minimal age-related imperfections and collectively represent the best auditory presentation of "Blue Velvet" available on home video. With minimal discrepancies from previous versions, these supervised tracks ensure that the film sounds as compelling and immersive as ever.

The Blu-ray extras for "Blue Velvet" are an exemplary mix of archival content and new material, offering a robust behind-the-scenes look at David Lynch's cult classic. Highlighting standout features, the collection includes extensive deleted scenes and alternate takes curated by Lynch himself, an intriguing look into the unique musical score by Angelo Badalamenti, and a fascinating new documentary capturing varied insights from crew members on the filmmaking process. The inclusion of visual and audio documentation by Peter Braatz provides a meditative retrospective that enriches the understanding of the movie's cultural impact. Additionally, an audio recording of Lynch reading from "Room to Dream" adds a personal touch. Overall, this set significantly enhances the depth and appreciation of "Blue Velvet" for both new and returning viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Test Chart: Vintage testing footage with music.
• The Lost Footage: Collection of deleted scenes and alternate takes.
• Blue Velvet Revisited: A meditative behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Room to Dream: Audio recording of 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.
• Mysteries of Love: Archival documentary featuring cast and crew interviews.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with excerpts from "Room to Dream".

David Lynch's "Blue Velvet" emerges as a quintessential piece in the filmmaker's oeuvre, characterized by its dark, unsettling atmosphere and an intricate storyline that masterfully intertwines elements of mystery and psychological thriller. College student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) discovers a severed human ear in a field, plunging him into the enigmatic world of nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini) and the sadistic, drug-addled Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). Assisted by amateur sleuth Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), Jeffrey's investigation exposes the sinister underbelly lurking beneath the seemingly idyllic town of Lumberton, North Carolina. Lynch’s deliberate use of contrasting visuals and Bobby Vinton’s haunting rendition of "Blue Velvet" crafts an unforgettable entry into the weird and wonderful.

The film’s narrative thrust captures the viewer’s attention through Lynch's elegant blend of perversity and wit. Frederick Elmes' cinematography here is nothing short of stunning, featuring long, original shots that elevate the film’s aesthetic. Angelo Badalamenti's evocative score, a Lynch regular, complements the film's atmospherics superbly. The characters portrayed by the ensemble cast leave an indelible impression; MacLachlan’s portrayal serves as our eyes and ears into this bizarre milieu, while Rossellini's performance as Dorothy exudes complexity and depth, marking a significant point in her acting career. In contrast, Hopper crushes his role as Frank Booth with a terrifying intensity that revitalized his standing in Hollywood.

"Blue Velvet" stands out not only for its compelling story and memorable characters but for its thematic exploration of hidden perils and multifaceted realities. Each viewing unravels new dimensions to its rich tapestry, ensuring its place as a seminal work within contemporary American cinema. Its potent mix of intrigue, startling revelations, and Lynch's unparalleled direction ensures the film remains as mystifying and engaging as ever, even decades past its initial release.

Criterion's new release of "Blue Velvet" on Blu-ray, sourced from a 4K digital restoration, presents a visually stunning reimagining of David Lynch's iconic 1986 film. The image fidelity is impeccable, showcasing enhanced detail and color balance that make previous editions seem inferior by comparison. Subtle textures and nuanced lighting are more apparent, offering an enriched viewing experience that brings Lynch’s unique vision into sharper focus. The sound quality is equally impressive, with a meticulously remastered audio track that preserves the original atmospheric score while providing greater clarity in dialogue and sound effects.

Supplementing the main feature, this edition is enriched with an outstanding collection of new and archival bonus features. Notable among these is Peter Braatz's documentary "Blue Velvet Revisited," which offers rare behind-the-scenes footage and insightful commentary on the film’s production. This along with other extras provides an in-depth look at the creative process behind Lynch’s masterpiece, making it an indispensable addition for both casual viewers and cinephiles.

When in 2011 MGM produced its Blu-ray release of Blue Velvet, I thought that it was the best home video release of a David Lynch film that we had on the market. I still like it a lot. Criterion's upcoming release of Blue Velvet is sourced from a new 4K digital restoration. The end result here is different, and overall I think that it rebalances certain areas of the film in a slightly more convincing way. Even if you disagree and conclude that the previous presentation was more appealing, I think that there is some outstanding new and archival content -- Peter Braatz's documentary Blue Velvet Revisited is very nice -- on this release that you will enjoy a lot. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.