Come and See Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Come and See" showcases a stunning visual presentation, maintaining its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer. Derived from a 2K restoration of the original 35mm camera negative by Mosfilm, the new digital transfer ensures an impressive level of detail and clarity. The restoration team, comprising Igor Bogdsarov, Viktor Tamazin, Aleksei Senkovsky, and Irina Agafonova, brilliantly mitigated age-related imperfections like dirt and scratches, contributing to exceptionally stable and fluid visuals. The painstaking effort in color grading has yielded an image that surpasses previous DVD releases by a wide margin, offering balanced primaries and nuanced tonalities. The only minor caveat is the occasionally insufficient brightness in specific sequences, yet this does not detract significantly from the overall visual excellence.

Closeups reveal intricate facial details such as wrinkles, age marks, and expressions of horror, while wider shots of forest landscapes and military uniforms are rich in texture. The practical effects are vividly rendered, showing the grim realities of war with striking accuracy. The color palette is predominantly somber with foggy blues and grays, punctuated by vivid greens of the forest and the fiery hues of explosions. Skin tones are rendered naturally, and black levels are deep with no crush, contributing to a thoroughly filmic experience enhanced by a consistent layer of organic film grain. Additionally, there are no artifacts like banding, aliasing, or video noise present.

This Blu-ray release is a definitive upgrade from previous editions, rendering an unparalleled visual experience. The comprehensive restoration ensures that "Come and See" looks better than ever, offering viewers an immersive and stark portrayal of war with impeccable technical fidelity.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Come and See" features a Russian LPCM 1.0 monaural soundtrack, recently remastered from the 35mm magnetic track. This Criterion release ensures that the sound is exceptionally clean and sharp, with a dynamic range that captures the intensity of rampant gunfire, bombing runs, and horrific screams robustly. The track holds a thunderstorm of horrifying noises without any age-related anomalies, providing a stark contrast to quieter moments where atmospheric elements such as rain and rustling trees are effectively rendered.

The dialogue, available in Belarusian, Russian, and German, is consistently strong and clear, supplemented by high-quality English subtitles. The music track, including selections from Johann Strauss' "The Blue Danube" and Mozart's "Requiem in D Minor," exhibits remarkable clarity, fidelity, and directional accuracy. Despite the historical constraints of a mono soundtrack, there is a meticulous balance between voices and artillery sounds. While there are no bass or surround elements to accompany the monaural presentation, the immersive sound mix achieves high marks for engaging the listener. Importantly, there is an absence of typical audio issues like distortion, crackling, or hissing, making this release a significant upgrade over previous DVDs and likely the best auditory experience "Come and See" will provide on home video.

The Blu-Ray of "Come and See" includes an extensive collection of extras that deeply enhances the understanding of the film's production and cultural context. Featuring both new and archival interviews, it offers insights from key figures, such as director Elem Klimov, actor Alexei Kravchenko, and cinematographer Roger Deakins, addressing various technical and emotional aspects of the film. The inclusion of Flaming Memory, a series of documentaries depicting Belarusian WWII experiences, adds a poignant historical backdrop. The overall presentation is enriched by the meticulously curated Criterion booklet, containing essays and technical credits which underline the significance of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Rerelease Trailer: Original trailer for the restoration.
• Roger Deakins: Insights on visual style and filmmaking challenges.
• Elem Klimov: Director's reflections on production and WWII experiences.
• Alexei Kravchenko: Actor's memories of casting and filming.
• Victor Petrov: Production designer’s experiences.
• Flaming Memory: Three-part documentary series on Belarusian Genocide.
• German Klimov: Director's brother discusses Elem’s career.
• The Story of the Film Come and See: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays and technical credits.

Elem Klimov's "Come and See" (1985), now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, remains an unparalleled depiction of war's psychological torment and brutality. This seminal film is a visceral portrayal of the Holocaust's atrocities as experienced through the eyes of a young Soviet boy named Flyora. The narrative unfolds with Flyora discovering an abandoned rifle and impulsively joining the Belarusian partisans. The deterioration of his innocence is poignantly captured as he faces harrowing events, embodying the transition from naivety to the ghastly realities of wartime genocide. The powerful performance by Alexei Kravchenko, alongside Olga Mironova, underlines the stark human suffering and the real-life horror persevered by many during this period.

"Come and See" distinguishes itself not merely through its graphic depictions of violence but through Klimov's innovative and compelling use of cinematography and sound design. The 2K master, struck from the original 35mm camera negative, enhances the film's haunting visual quality, ensuring that each scene’s impact is preserved. Notable sequences include the excruciating forest bombing, where both Flyora and the audience experience partial deafness, amplifying the sensory invasion war imposes. The spontaneous rawness captured, especially in close-ups of real survivors and their kin, adds an unparalleled layer of authenticity, making the suffering palpable and disturbingly genuine.

The film’s portrayal transcends typical war narratives by embedding surreal and magical realism amidst its brutality. The shocking visuals—such as the burnt village or the graphic sight of Nazi soldiers' disdainful actions—are juxtaposed with tragic poeticism. These visual contrasts, supported by evocative soundscapes featuring ominously orchestrated explosions and classical music-like bombings, create a nightmarish atmosphere that lingers long after viewing. "Come and See" rightfully holds a place as one of the most important antiwar films ever made, with Klimov’s meticulous direction ensuring its lasting significance in world cinema.

"Come and See," now part of the Criterion Collection, stands as an unparalleled depiction of World War II, particularly focusing on the horrendous events in Belarus. The movie's raw and haunting imagery combined with poetic elegance elevates it to a significant cinematic experience. Criterion has done an exemplary job with this Blu-ray release, utilizing an outstanding 2K master. The visual transfer is sharp and lifelike, preserving the film's stark emotional texture. Audio transfer captures the ambient soundscape effectively, providing an immersive experience that complements the narrative's intensity.

This definitive edition from Criterion includes a plethora of informative special features that delve into the real-life historical context and the film's production. These features add substantial value and historical insight, making this release not only a work of art but also an educational tool. The captivating cinematography coupled with visceral depictions of war's brutal realities ensures that "Come and See" lingers in viewers' minds long after the credits roll. The Criterion release handles the somber material with respectful fidelity, ensuring every detail resonates with authenticity.

I cannot think of another war film quite like "Come and See." It is very hard-hitting but at times also unusually elegant and even poetic. Sadly, Roger Deakins is right to point out that these types of powerful authentic films can no longer be made because with the evolution of digital technology something special has been lost. Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Come and See" is sourced from an outstanding 2K master that makes revisiting the film quite an experience. If you reside in a Region-B territory, you can pick up the release as well. It is coded for Regions A and B. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.