Citizen Kane 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu Ray presentation of "Citizen Kane" showcases an impressive restoration effort that breathes new life into this iconic film. Crafted using a combination of a 35mm nitrate composite fine-grain master and a 35mm duplicate negative, the restoration meticulously retrieved image details through 16-bit 4K scanning with high-density and 3-flash HDR technology. Despite the absence of the original camera negative, this painstaking process has resulted in an image quality that offers a substantial enhancement over previous home video releases. The film, originally shot on 35mm nitrate B&W film using Mitchell BNC cameras with Cooke Speed Panchro and Astro-Berlin Pan Tachar lenses, benefits significantly from this restoration, revealing fine textures and details previously unseen in home formats.

The HDR10 and Dolby Vision high dynamic range implementations deepen the visual experience, expanding the contrast range without exaggeration. This thoughtful application allows for richer darks and more pronounced brights without compromising the film’s original aesthetic. Grain structure is respected and preserved, maintaining the filmic look with medium grain in optically printed shots and transitions, while providing a cleaner appearance in others. This variance adds a layer of authenticity to the viewing experience, enhancing the film's historical texture. Scenes that might have exhibited softness in focus now present with remarkable clarity, from the intricate weave of fabrics to the detailed environments that frame the characters' interactions. The careful color grading, informed by a 35mm Academy print and earlier restorations, strikes a balance between fidelity to the original look and the leveraging of modern technology to enhance detail and depth.

Notwithstanding its source-related limitations—such as scratchy stock footage and optical effects inherent in the original production—the 4K presentation stands out as a marvel. The restoration work respects "Citizen Kane's" cinematic significance, achieving an image stability and clarity that approximates how the film might have looked upon its initial release. The efforts of Criterion and Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging have preserved the film's aesthetic integrity while utilizing contemporary restoration methodologies to achieve an image quality that offers viewers a dense, textured visual experience. Grayscale improvements bring a new dimensionality to the film, significantly enhancing perception of depth—a testament to the meticulous restoration process. This release, showcasing both technical proficiency and reverence for the source material, provides an unparalleled viewing experience of a classic film masterpiece in 4K UHD Blu Ray format.

The audio presentation of "Citizen Kane" on the 4K UHD Blu Ray release showcases a meticulous effort to honor the film's original sound while leveraging modern audio restoration techniques. The primary soundtrack diverges from previous releases, replacing the Criterion disc’s LPCM 1.0 mono track with a DTS-HD MA dual mono track. This Warner Bros disc, tested on a Denon AVR4300 coupled with a 7.2.4 Kef speaker array, delivers a pristine aural experience free from hiss, pops, crackles, or any form of audio coloration. The dialogue emerges with a notable clarity and immediacy, breathing life into the film’s narrative. Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score is treated with the reverence it deserves, presented with rich, full-bodied tones that lack nothing in depth or scale. Despite the inherent limitations of the source materials, the overall fidelity and stability of the audio are commendable, providing a fitting complement to the film's visual restoration.

While there exists only one standard LPCM 1.0 audio track on this release, subtle nuances in clarity, sharpness, and stability are observed when directly compared to Warner Bros' previous Blu-ray lossless track. Noteworthy improvements can be particularly discerned in scenes with a dense mix of sounds, although such differences might not be immediately apparent to casual viewers focusing on the 4K visuals. Optional English SDH subtitles are available, ensuring accessibility while not detracting from the overall viewing experience.

In examining the restoration of vintage audio tracks, "Citizen Kane" sets a benchmark for fidelity and clarity. The PCM mono track is remarkably clear, with only minor instances of static and high-frequency wobble which do not compromise the listening experience. The meticulous effort to eradicate all pops and hisses without introducing detectable repair artifacts mirrors the film’s visual restoration quality. Overall, this audio presentation not only pays homage to but enhances the original sonic experience of "Citizen Kane," making it a noteworthy reference point for enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Citizen Kane" boasts an extras package that, while reiterating content across its 4K and 1080p Blu-ray discs, primarily disappoints due to its lack of new supplemental material. Notably, the three audio commentaries, including a new one by James Naremore and Jonathan Rosenbaum, alongside archival ones by Peter Bogdanovich and Roger Ebert, stand out for their depth of analysis despite some criticisms of relevance. The Collector's Edition is marred by a redundancy of physical collector's items identical to those in the 70th Anniversary Edition, diluting its novelty. Comparison with the US Criterion edition highlights a missed opportunity to enrich this release with innovative extras. While the inclusion of documentaries, interviews including a unique feature on Orson Welles' TV appearances, and his earliest filmmaking attempt, provide value, the overall package lacks the freshness expected in collector releases. Noteworthy is Criterion's responsive action to address a technical issue involving HDR to SDR conversion that dimmed most of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentaries: Three audio commentaries, highlighting diverse insights into the film.
• The Complete Citizen Kane: A comprehensive BBC documentary on the film's production.
• Working on Kane: Interviews discussing the film's production aspects.
• On Toland: Cinematographers pay tribute to Gregg Toland's influential work.
• Craig Barron and Ben Burtt: A look into the unique effects used in the film.
• Robert L. Carringer: Video essay on the making of Citizen Kane.
• Farran Smith Nehme: Explores connections between Citizen Kane and William Randolph Hearst.
• Reframing Kane: Racquel J. Gates discusses challenges in teaching Citizen Kane today.
• Martin Scorsese: Archival interview discussing Citizen Kane's unique qualities.
• Stills Photography with Commentary by Roger Ebert: Ebert comments on various photographic stills.
• The Opening: The World Premiere of Citizen Kane: Newsreel footage of the premiere.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for Citizen Kane.
• My Guest is Orson Welles: Segments from Welles' television appearances.
• Joseph Cotten: Archival interviews discussing Cotten's relationship with Welles.
• Knowing Welles: Collection of interviews discussing Welles' personality and methods.
• William Alland: Interview discussing Alland's work with Welles.
• Mercury Theatre: Selection of radio and television appearances by Welles.
• Orson Welles: On the Nose: Program exploring Welles' fascination with prosthetic noses.
• The Hearts of Age: Welles' first film attempt at age nineteen.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay and technical credits.

Orson Welles' magnum opus, "Citizen Kane," presented in stunning 4K UHD Blu-ray, remains a paragon of cinematic brilliance over eight decades after its initial release. Acclaimed for revolutionizing the art form with groundbreaking technical innovations and narrative depth, the movie delves into the complex life of Charles Foster Kane, a character of boundless ambition and enigma, portrayed with unparalleled skill by Welles himself. The film's narrative, a pioneering use of non-linear storytelling through flashbacks and multiple perspectives, offers an intricate exploration of Kane's life and the elusive meaning behind his final word, "Rosebud." This approach not only captivates viewers with its efficiency in traversing vast temporal landscapes but also meticulously crafts a mosaic of human nature and ambition, underscored by Welles' masterful direction and performance.

Welles' innovative techniques—such as the unprecedented use of deep focus, allowing an entire frame to be in focus simultaneously, alongside the expressive use of German expressionism-inspired shadows and unconventional camera angles—remain as visually arresting today as they were at the time of the film's release. Moreover, the selective manipulation of narrative through the unreliable recounting of Kane's acquaintances ingeniously invites audiences to question the authenticity and bias inherent in storytelling, an aspect that resonates profoundly in today’s media landscape. The film’s commentary on media manipulation and the pursuit of power through the lens of a newspaper magnate echoes with unsettling relevance, hinting at Welles’ prescient awareness of media's burgeoning influence.

Despite its historical context, "Citizen Kane" transcends its era, offering timeless critiques on the construction of truth in media, the intoxication of power, and the human condition's complexities. Its enduring legacy, bolstered by this Criterion 4K UHD presentation, affirms its status not just as a pillar of cinematic achievement but as a crucial reflection on the influence of media moguls reminiscent of figures like William Randolph Hearst. As viewers, we're prompted to ponder whether Kane's narrative is a reflection of one man’s downfall or a broader cautionary tale about the pitfalls of wealth, power, and the illusory nature of success. Through its technical brilliance and narrative depth, "Citizen Kane" remains a compelling study of ambition's duality, both as a force for innovation and a harbinger of solitude and despair.

Citizen Kane," often lauded as a paragon of cinematic excellence, finds a new lease of life in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, underscoring its unassailable position in film history. This release, part of Warner Bros.' 100th Anniversary Studio Collection, celebrates ten iconic films, offering a lavish package that includes impressive packaging, booklets, and memorabilia. Despite the accolade, the 4K release of "Citizen Kane" somewhat disappoints with its lack of substantial new special features—a point of envy when compared to the US Criterion edition's abundance of materials. Nonetheless, this release makes "Citizen Kane" accessible in stunning visual clarity, reaffirming its status as a must-have for cinephiles.

The Criterion’s version particularly shines, offering an unparalleled viewing experience that arguably surpasses any previous encounters with the film. Enhanced by an exquisite assortment of special features, it's touted as essential, despite a minor Blu-ray SDR error that is promptly addressed. "Citizen Kane" transcends its narrative, with some seeing it as Orson Welles' ultimate satire on the industry and critics alike. This complexity adds layers to its appeal, making every rewatch a discovery of intricate jests hidden within its frames.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray releases of "Citizen Kane," especially the Criterion edition, magnificently encapsulate the film’s legacy as a cornerstone of American cinema. Despite criticisms regarding the sparsity of fresh special features in the Warner Bros. release, the film's sheer historical and artistic value, coupled with the technical superiority of these releases, renders it indispensable for both seasoned cinephiles and newcomers to Welles' masterpiece. "Citizen Kane" remains a definitive exploration of ambition and power, its relevance undiminished by time.