Days of Heaven Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Terrence Malick's "Days of Heaven" presents a meticulously crafted 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and formatted in the filmmakers' preferred aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This high-definition digital transfer was created from a 35mm interpositive struck from the original negative and was supervised and approved by director Malick, cinematographer John Bailey, and editor Billy Weber. The meticulous restoration process employed multiple systems—MTI's DRS for dirt and debris removal, Pixel Farm's PFClean for flicker reduction, and Digital Vision's DVNR for minor grain and noise correction—resulting in a strikingly clean and stable visual presentation.

Visually, the transfer is exemplary, balancing fine detail, clarity, and contrast to create an almost painterly image. The color palette is rich yet natural, featuring vibrant yellows, greens, blues, dark reds, browns, and blacks. Daylight scenes exhibit impressive depth and nuanced hues, while the film's grain structure remains intact, maintaining an authentic cinematic feel. There are no significant issues with edge-enhancement or macroblocking, and stability is impeccable throughout the film.

However, some inconsistencies arise in lower lit interior scenes and nighttime exteriors where intentional photography choices result in slightly subpar black levels and shadow details. These minor drawbacks do not detract from the overall visual impact, which successfully captures the unique and experimental cinematography of Néstor Almendos. Reds and greens particularly benefit from the high-definition upgrade, appearing more vibrant and lively compared to previous releases. While some scenes look softer due to the film's age, the transfer as a whole preserves the film's ethereal aesthetic, making this edition a substantial improvement and a must-have for fans of "Days of Heaven."

The Blu-ray edition of "Days of Heaven" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that remarkably showcases the film's audio landscape. The technical prowess of this remastered soundtrack from the original 4.1 magnetic track is evident. While it may not push your audio setup to its limits, it offers a nuanced and meticulously balanced auditory experience. The sound design, including elements like wind blowing, birds chirping, and horses galloping, is rendered with impressive clarity. Dialogues are delivered crisply and clearly, ensuring ease of comprehension without overshadowing Ennio Morricone's exquisite score, which is smoothly integrated within the mix without any detectable pops, cracks, or hissing.

The lossless track's warm imaging and dynamic range further enhance its appeal. Dialogue placement in the center channel is flawless, while channel separation offers a satisfying depth to the soundstage. Low bass frequencies are notably improved, adding palpable depth to the action scenes. Despite being predominantly front-heavy, the rear channels are used effectively; subtle audio cues from environmental elements like distant wildlife and the locust infestation enrich the soundscape. This sound design creates an engaging atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the film. Overall, this high-resolution audio treatment is a substantial upgrade that preserves the integrity of the film's original sound design while enhancing its auditory appeal to modern standards.

The Blu-ray extras for "Days of Heaven" by Criterion Collection provide a comprehensive and deeply informative complement to the film itself. The standout feature is the archival audio commentary, exclusively recorded for Criterion in 2007, featuring editor Billy Weber, art director Jack Fisk, costume designer Patricia Norris, and casting director Dianne Crittenden. This commentary excels in its detailed technical insights and relaxed conversational tone. Additionally, there are compelling interviews with key contributors including Richard Gere, Sam Shepard, John Bailey, and Haskel Wexler. These segments explore various aspects of filmmaking, from actor preparation to the technical challenges of capturing Terrence Malick's vision. A highlight is Wexler’s poignant commentary on his involvement in the film. The inclusion of a 42-page illustrated booklet featuring essays by Adrian Martin and Néstor Almendros further enriches the viewer's understanding of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio commentary featuring key crew members discussing technical and historical aspects.
• Interviews: Insightful interviews with Richard Gere, Sam Shepard, John Bailey, and Haskel Wexler.
• Booklet: A 42-page illustrated booklet with essays by Adrian Martin and Néstor Almendros.

Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven (1978) receives a fitting tribute with its Blu-ray release by Criterion, encapsulating the intricate blend of narrative and visual poetry that defines Malick's filmmaking. The film, for which Malick won the Best Director award at Cannes in 1979, narrates the story of Bill (Richard Gere), who, after accidentally killing a foreman, flees to Texas with his girlfriend Abby (Brooke Adams) and his sister Linda (Linda Manz). Set against the backdrop of the Texas Panhandle, they encounter a wealthy, ailing farmer (Sam Shepard) whose subsequent love for Abby initiates an intricate web of relationships.

Malick's storytelling technique in Days of Heaven relies heavily on the evocative narration by Linda, creating a narrative structure that feels like a series of vignettes. This distinct style is enhanced by the near-documentary filming approach, highlighting nature as a pivotal character in itself. His utilization of natural sounds—breeze, water, and chirping birds—reflects complex emotional landscapes, transforming the film into a visual and auditory poetry. This immersive rendering of nature complements the human drama, revealing Malick’s philosophical portrayal of life’s constant motion and interaction between humanity and nature.

Cinematically, Days of Heaven is a masterclass in visual storytelling, achieved through the collaboration with legendary cinematographers Néstor Almendros and Haskell Wexler. Despite uneven footage reflecting life’s unpredictability, the film is adorned with arresting visuals that mirror Vermeer and Edward Hopper’s minimalist elegance. The mythic fable is further accentuated by Ennio Morricone’s evocative score. The Criterion Blu-ray supplements this experience with a substantial booklet featuring essays by Adrian Martin and excerpts from Almendros’s autobiography, offering an enriched understanding of the film’s production. This release not only preserves but magnifies the film’s transcendent beauty and thematic depth.

Terrence Malick’s “Days of Heaven” stands as a pinnacle of cinematic artistry, encapsulating emotions and visually stunning sequences that transcend simple narration. The Blu-ray edition from The Criterion Collection does an outstanding job of preserving the film's breathtaking beauty. The high-definition transfer enhances the richly-textured landscapes, elevating the visual experience to a new height. The impeccable restoration work ensures that each frame is a testament to Malick's masterful direction. Moreover, the audio presentation is carefully crafted, providing an immersive aural environment that complements the film’s visual splendor.

The narrative of “Days of Heaven” revolves around a tragic love affair set against the backdrop of early 20th century America. This thematic intricacy is mirrored in the visual spectacle, making the film as much about its surroundings as it is about its core storyline. The remarkable clarity and detail achieved in this Blu-ray release bring out the nuances in the natural scenery and period settings, which play an indispensable role in conveying the story's underlying emotions and themes. The supplementary features included in this edition offer insightful perspectives on the film’s production and thematic depth, further enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven is a film about feelings and emotions that cannot be described with simple words. It is also a visual spectacle, one that many, this reviewer included, believe ranks amongst the very best ever made. Criterion's treatment of the film is simply superb. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.