Farewell My Concubine 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's release of "Farewell My Concubine" features a 4K UHD/Blu-ray combo pack, boasting a new 4K restoration that commemorates the film's 30th anniversary. The restoration process, undertaken by Tomson Films at Hiventy in France, utilized the 35mm original camera negative and a 35mm release print for color reference. While the 4K disc is region-free, the accompanying Blu-ray is Region-A locked. The 4K presentation provides a predictably stable and healthy appearance, yet it is noteworthy that it does not support Dolby Vision or HDR grades, which may disappoint some cinephiles seeking the ultimate in dynamic range.

Visually, the restored 4K version presents a mixed bag. While there are undeniable improvements in grain exposure, image stability, and depth, the altered color temperature results in significant tonal shifts throughout the film. The restoration introduces a warmer grade that enhances creamy yellow and turquoise hues. Consequently, reds often appear as dark orange, and blues lean towards turquoise, which can distract particularly during scenes emphasizing Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution. Clarity and sharpness fluctuations are apparent as well, with some close-ups marginally better than their 1080p counterparts but overall offering similar visual fidelity.

Comparative analysis between this and previous Blu-ray releases from Korean label Art Vision and the British Film Institute reveals substantial improvements, though these were derived from subpar masters. For viewers with a keen eye for detail, certain scenes in native 4K highlight these improvements more so than others. However, it is important to note that even on large screens, many may find the visual differences between the 1080p and native 4K presentations relatively minimal. Overall, while the Criterion release elevates "Farewell My Concubine" with more consistent image stability and refined grain structure, the color grading alterations and limited enhancement over the 1080p edition may temper some enthusiasts’ enthusiasm.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Farewell My Concubine" features a standard audio track of Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional English subtitles available. This upgrade from the previous 2.0 tracks on the older Blu-ray releases marks a significant enhancement, especially notable in scenes with mass footage, such as those depicting the communist takeover in the film's latter half. In dialogue-heavy scenes, both the 2.0 and 5.1 tracks perform comparably, but the 5.1 track delivers a more immersive auditory experience during complex sequences.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provides a richer, more dynamic sound environment, capturing the film’s ambient noises and subtleties with greater clarity and depth. The meticulous placement and balance of audio elements contribute to an enveloping soundstage that enhances the overall viewing experience. Notably, the English translation maintains a high standard, matching the film's narrative rigorously without compromising on the subtleties of the original Mandarin dialogue.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Farewell My Concubine" shines with a range of insightful extras, enhancing the viewing experience significantly. Notably, the trailer for the film's recent 4K restoration is presented in Mandarin with English subtitles, juxtaposing the nostalgia of the original with modern restoration efforts. The archival featurette, "The Making of Farewell My Concubine," offers a valuable behind-the-scenes glimpse with cast and crew interviews, complete with optional English subtitles. Chen Kaige’s interview on Charlie Rose provides deep insights into the film’s themes and its international reception. Additionally, the dialogue between Michael Berry and Janet Yang delves into the intricacies of the film's production and the broader Chinese film industry. An illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Pauline Chen rounds out this comprehensive set of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A new trailer for the 4K restoration.
• The Making of Farewell My Concubine: Archival featurette with interviews and raw footage.
• Chen Kaige and Charlie Rose: Interview discussing film themes and reception.
• Michael Berry and Janet Yang: Discussion on production and Chinese film industry.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by critic Pauline Chen.

Chen Kaige's "Farewell My Concubine," a Palme d'Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival, arrives on 4K Blu-ray through Criterion, offering an immersive cinematic experience rooted in the grandeur of Chinese opera and history. The film follows two homeless boys, Douzi and Shitou, in 1924 Beijing, who aspire to become renowned opera performers. Trained by a ruthless master, they endure harsh punishments to perfect their roles in "Farewell My Concubine," a poignant opera that serves as the film's thematic bedrock. As adults, Douzi and Shitou, now Chen Dieyi (Leslie Cheung) and Duan Xiaolou (Zhang Fengyi), emerge as celebrated stars but face internal and external turmoil that tests their bond, particularly with the entrance of Juxian (Gong Li), a beautiful prostitute who captivates Shitou.

The narrative spans significant historical events like the Japanese invasion of Manchuria, WWII's conclusion, the Nationalist government's fall, and the Communist revolution. Even though the film delves into dense historical contexts, it remains accessible through its intimate focus on an evolving relationship involving Douzi, Dieyi, and Juxian. Their interactions reflect broader societal shifts, with Douzi grappling with his sexuality and an emotional attachment to Dieyi that juxtaposes his on-stage persona as a loyal concubine. The complexities of their relationships are deftly portrayed by an outstanding cast—Cheung’s nuanced expressions vividly convey Douzi's inner turmoil, Fengyi demonstrates Shitou’s resilience, and Li’s portrayal of Juxian provides a compelling counterbalance.

Visually, "Farewell My Concubine" is a marvel. The set designs intricately recreate the period atmosphere, with cinematographer Gu Changwei enhancing the film's aesthetic through meticulous lensing. Despite its emotional depth and historical breadth, the film remains well-balanced and candid, avoiding melodrama while exploring profound human emotions under socio-political pressures. This 4K restoration does justice to Chen's vision, ensuring that this Chinese cinema classic continues to resonate with both historical significance and timeless human drama.

Review 1: The 4K UHD presentation of "Farewell My Concubine" is a visually stunning restoration that succeeds in bringing Chen Kaige's magnum opus into the digital forefront. The vivid colors and deep blacks do justice to the film's richly layered cinematography. Audio remains faithful to the original with a clear, immersive quality. However, there are occasional inconsistencies in image quality, with some scenes looking overly processed.

Review 2: "Farewell My Concubine" in 4K UHD offers a notable improvement over previous DVD versions. The remastering process has preserved the film's intricate details, making them more discernable than ever. The audio tracks are robust, providing an authentic listening experience. Unfortunately, certain parts of the restoration exhibit a digital sheen that detracts from the film's naturalistic period setting.

Review 3: The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Farewell My Concubine" provides a mixed experience. While the transfer showcases significant enhancements in color accuracy and detail, there are moments where the image appears digitally altered. The audio, however, is consistently strong, delivering clear dialogue and nuanced soundscapes. Some purists may find the modernized image treatment a bit distracting from the film's historical authenticity.

Review 4: "Farewell My Concubine" has received a much-needed 4K UHD upgrade that enhances its visual and auditory dimensions. The restoration has successfully brought out finer details and vibrant colors that define its epic storytelling. Yet, the digital restoration is not without flaws, as certain segments of the film display an artificial look that may alienate ardent fans of the original cinematography.

Based on these reviews, here's our own:

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Farewell My Concubine" masterfully revitalizes Chen Kaige's timeless masterpiece. The vivid colors and deep blacks greatly enhance the film's intricate visual tapestry, making previously indistinct details now vividly clear. This restoration significantly elevates the viewing experience by leveraging advancements in digital technology to breathe new life into an already visually compelling narrative.

Audio is rendered with impressive fidelity, providing an immersive sound experience that remains true to the original tracks. Dialogue is sharp and distinct, while ambient sounds enrich the storytelling ambiance. However, it cannot be overlooked that some portions of the film exhibit a contemporary digitized appearance, somewhat diminishing its historical authenticity. This sporadic digital sheen might be distracting for devoted fans who cherish the film's authentic period appearance.

Because there has not been a proper release of the original, much longer version of Chen Kaige's Farewell My Concubine in America, this upcoming combo pack is easy to recommend. However, the new 4K restoration that was prepared for its 30th anniversary should have been a lot more convincing. Farewell My Concubine should have a dazzling period appearance, but right now certain parts of it have an unmistakable contemporary appearance. In addition to the combo pack, there is a standard Blu-ray release that streets on the same date. RECOMMENDED.