The Power of the Dog 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Power of the Dog," shot with the cutting-edge ARRI Alexa LF and Mini LF cameras at 4.5K and featuring a true 4K digital intermediate, showcases a noticeable upgrade over its 1080p counterpart, particularly in terms of fine detail, contrast, and a more organic, film-like texture. Despite these enhancements, courtesy of its 2160p, HDR10/DV-enhanced transfer by Criterion, the visual spectacle does not consistently amaze. This nuanced discrepancy can be attributed mainly to the film’s predominant earth-tone palette and moody, dimly lit settings, which, despite their aesthetic fidelity to the narrative's tone, don't always capitalize on the high dynamic range's potential to mesmerize.

The outdoor scenes provide a somewhat different story, bringing into play the format’s strength with beautiful wide shots and enchanting magic-hour cinematography. Here, The Power of the Dog slightly broadens its visual appeal, leveraging the HDR10 and Dolby Vision enhancements to produce subtly improved shadow details and contrast. However, it's crucial to note that these enhancements offer only modest improvements overall. The color presentation remains faithful and stable but does not significantly benefit from HDR’s broader palette due to the film’s deliberate stylistic choices.

In sum, while the 4K release outshines its 1080p sibling—delivering a higher level of detail, improved contrast, and a richer, more authentic filmic appearance—the leap is not as monumental as one might expect. Granted, there are definite perks to choosing the 4K UHD Blu-ray for viewing, especially for aficionados seeking the best possible rendition of the film’s unique visual texture and nuanced landscape photography. However, the enhancements in HDR performance are relatively restrained, aligning closely with the director's intended aesthetic rather than showcasing the technology's maximum capabilities.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "The Power of the Dog" primarily leverages a Dolby Atmos mix that transitions seamlessly to a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core for setups lacking Atmos support. This technical feat ensures a broad compatibility range, offering an immersive audio experience regardless of one's home theater configuration. The mix predominantly focuses on delivering clear, front-forward dialogue and sound effects. However, it also engages rear channels effectively, creating a subtle yet atmospheric ambience that complements the visual storytelling. Despite these strengths, the audio mix rarely ventures into audacious territory, preferring to maintain a restrained approach that mirrors the film's contemplative nature.

Environmental sounds, including the howling wind and haunting quietude of the landscape, are rendered with meticulous care, grounding viewers in the film's setting. These elements, alongside sporadic instances where overhead channels are utilized — such as during scenes of Phil's banjo playing — enhance the narrative's emotional impact without overwhelming the senses. Jonny Greenwood's score, while sporadically penetrating the soundscape with thematic presence, occasionally errs on the side of being more intrusive than integrative. This inconsistency in the score's application marks one of the few areas where the audio experience falters slightly, suggesting a missed opportunity for a more cohesive auditory contribution to the film's atmospheric tension.

The inclusion of optional English subtitles, exclusive to the main feature, addresses accessibility without extending this consideration to the entirety of the disc's content. While this choice may seem limiting, it underscores an adherence to prioritizing the primary viewing experience. Overall, the audio presentation on this 4K UHD Blu-ray is commendable for its clarity and ambiance, though it stops short of fully exploiting the dynamic possibilities offered by its advanced format. The result is a solid but conservative auditory journey that faithfully serves the film's narrative and aesthetic sensibilities without daring to redefine them.

The Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "The Power of the Dog" is a meticulously curated collection that enriches the viewing experience by diving deep into the creative process behind the movie. It features a series of insightful interviews and featurettes exclusively on the Blu-ray disc, offering a comprehensive look into the film's adaptation from Thomas Savage's novel, the thematic depth explored by director Jane Campion and her collaborators, and the detailed work of the cast and crew. The extras, recorded mainly in 2021 with a notable contribution from novelist Annie Proulx in 2022, blend technical discussions with personal reflections, covering everything from cinematography and scoring to the significant influence of the novel and its themes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes with Jane Campion: An intimate interview plus rehearsals footage.
• Reframing the West: A broad analysis including insights from the cast and crew.
• The Women Behind The Power of the Dog: A roundtable discussion focusing on female contributions to the film.
• Anatomy of a Score: Insight into Jonny Greenwood's score creation process.
• Annie Proulx: Commentary on the novel and its adaptation.
• Theatrical Trailer: A brief promotional snippet.

The Power of the Dog," directed by Jane Campion and based on Thomas Savage's novel, is a slow-burning Western that delves into complex themes of love, hate, and loneliness set against the backdrop of 1925 Montana. The film viscerally portrays the strained relationship between wealthy rancher brothers Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Jesse Plemons), highlighting Phil's cruel personality and his disdain for the softer nature of those around him, including George’s new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). The narrative intricately explores personal rivalry, especially focusing on Phil's harsh and often humiliating conduct towards others, which is brilliantly contrasted with his struggle with latent homosexual feelings, a central pivot around which the movie's drama intensifies.

While "The Power of the Dog" showcases commendable performances and a fascinating story arc, its pacing is notably slow, especially in the first half. This pace might challenge viewer engagement despite the buildup to more enthralling dynamics as the plot progresses. The unfoldment of Phil's character from merely being perceived as antagonistic to revealing deeper, more complex layers offers a captivating study, yet might not hold all viewers' interest uniformly throughout. The film's original score by Jonny Greenwood, though striking at points, is described as inconsistent, further reflecting the mixed strengths of the cinematic experience.

From a technical standpoint, the release of the film in 4K UHD Blu Ray with Dolby Vision and Atmos has been met with mixed feelings. Some argue that such enhancement feels somewhat excessive for a film that does not primarily rely on visual or auditory grandeur. Despite these critiques, "The Power of the Dog" certainly carves out a niche for itself within the deeper, more introspective corners of the Western genre. Its nuanced portrayal of characters and slowly unraveling drama might find a more appreciative audience on platforms like The Criterion Collection, as opposed to mainstream outlets like Netflix, where its subtle intensity may not be fully appreciated at first glance.

The Power of the Dog," directed by Jane Campion, emerges as a nuanced, revisionist Western that skillfully combines the quiet tension and nuanced performances of its small ensemble cast. As Campion's first film venture since “Bright Star” in 2009, it delves deep into the slow-burn drama genre, gradually building momentum towards a powerful climax. However, this meticulous pacing may not cater to all, particularly those not immediately drawn into the intricate web of its characters. The film's gradual unfolding might seem tedious to some, leaving it less accessible to viewers unfamiliar with its deliberate storytelling style.

From a technical perspective, Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of the film stands out for its exceptional audio-visual quality, ensuring an immersive viewing experience that complements Campion's stark, atmospheric direction. The package comes replete with a commendable array of extras, enticing for fans and film enthusiasts keen on exploring behind-the-scenes content and insights into the film's production. While the film's distinct narrative approach and pacing might pose a challenge for some viewers, the physical release itself does not skimp on quality, providing a tangible asset for collectors and aficionados of cinema.

In conclusion, "The Power of the Dog" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a compelling purchase for those already enamored with Jane Campion's cinematic vision and the film's brooding narrative. With superior audiovisual presentation and valuable supplementary materials, it underscores Criterion’s commitment to quality. Nevertheless, given its slow-paced narrative and character-driven plot, prospective newcomers might benefit from streaming the film prior to committing to a purchase. This release is poised as a discerning addition to the collection of cinephiles who appreciate meticulous craftsmanship both in storytelling and in home video presentation.