In the Mood for Love 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's release of "In the Mood for Love" on 4K UHD Blu-ray marks a significant effort in presenting this cinematic gem with both a physical and digital restoration to cherish. This package comes as a double delight featuring both 4K Blu-ray, which is region-free, and a regular Blu-ray that's locked to Region-A. It’s important for potential buyers to note that while screencaptures provided in some reviews might not truly showcase the 4K quality—being downscaled to 1080p—they offer a glimpse into the meticulous restoration process supervised by director Wong Kar Wai himself. This process was undertaken with a digital transfer created on an ARRISCAN film scanner from the 35mm original camera negative, highlighting an admirable commitment to fidelity and historical accuracy in visuals and sound, with the latter restored to present an immersive 5.1 surround soundtrack.

Despite the enhancements and dedicated restoration efforts, including the involvement of Wong Kar Wai as the transfer supervisor, the 4K presentation's lack of an HDR/Dolby Vision grade is a noticeable omission, especially considering the potential for such technology to elevate the film's visual storytelling. The resolution bump to native 4K ostensibly offers a tighter and more detailed image, particularly beneficial in appreciating the film's nuanced shadow play and delicate textures which typify Wong Kar Wai's visual style. However, some viewers might find these improvements nuanced, with the biggest contention being the new color grade. The shift from the original theatrical palette, notably its passionate reds to a newer, less fitting green hue, alters the film's emotional resonance considerably. This change has sparked discussions about fidelity to original artistic visions and how certain color schemes can influence narrative perception.

The consensus among enthusiasts indicates that while there’s an appreciable leap in technical quality with slight improvements in image fluidity and sharpness—brought into focus particularly in darker scenes or where shadow details are paramount—the controversial color grading decisions detract from the overall enhancement of this classic film's 4K outing. It demonstrates a curious case where technological advancements and directorial oversight may not align perfectly with audience expectations or the original cinematic experience. Prospective buyers and cinephiles should temper their expectations, understanding that while the film’s visual presentation does see objective enhancements, subjective preferences for color grading might affect their viewing experience.

The audio experience of "In the Mood for Love" on the 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition, featuring a Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, does an exceptional job in presenting the film's aural elements. This lossless track, carried over from its recent Blu-ray release, showcases a proficient handling of the film's nuanced soundtrack, offering an auditory experience that, while not vastly different from its predecessor, exhibits slight improvements in fullness in some aspects. The fidelity of this track ensures that each note of the film’s iconic score is rendered with clarity, enhancing the emotional depth and period atmosphere of the movie.

Highlighting the audio presentation, the dialogue delivery stands out for its crystal-clear quality, underpinning the performances with a stable and clean sound throughout. This precision in dialogue reproduction allows for an engaging and immersive viewing experience, ensuring that the emotional weight and subtlety of the character interactions are effectively conveyed. Furthermore, the optional English subtitles provided add an additional layer of accessibility to non-Cantonese-speaking audiences without detracting from the film's visual appeal.

Despite the minor enhancements in sound fullness, the overall auditory experience may not represent a significant leap forward from the recent Blu-ray release, but it undoubtedly maintains a high quality that complements the film's stunning visual restoration. The careful balance between music and dialogue, enriched by the dynamic nuances in quieter scenes, showcases the meticulous attention to audio detail that contributes to the timeless allure of "In the Mood for Love." This results in an audio presentation that, while subtle in its improvements, continues to play a pivotal role in crafting Wong Kar-wai’s evocative cinematic world.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "In the Mood for Love" particularly shines in its Blu-ray disc extras, despite the main 4K disc lacking any special features. The accompanying Blu-ray disc is loaded with a plethora of content that enriches the viewing experience significantly. It includes a comprehensive documentary by Jet Tone Films, offering deep insights into the making of the film through interviews with key personnel like Wong Kar Wai, Maggie Cheung, and Tony Leung Chiu-wai. Supplementary materials such as a unique short film by Wong Kar Wai, an analytical segment on the movie's distinctive soundtrack, detailed interviews, and a cinema lesson with Wong Kar Wai, press conference footage from TIFF 2000, intriguing deleted scenes with optional director commentary, an archival music video, and a trailer of the 4K restoration elevate the package. Additionally, an illustrated leaflet provides further reading. These extras compile an essential collection for fans and new viewers alike, enhancing understanding and appreciation of the film's intricate craftsmanship.

Extras included in this disc:

• In the Mood for Love Documentary: Insightful making-of documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew.
• Hua Yang De Nian Hua: Short film by Wong Kar Wai.
• The Soundtrack: Interview discussing the film's music.
• Wong Kar Wai Interviews:
  1. Interview with Wong Kar-wai on production challenges and characters.
  2. Cinema Lesson by Wong Kar Wai on his creative process.
• Toronto International Film Festival: Press conference footage.
• Deleted Scenes:
  1. Room 246
  2. Postcards
  3. The Seventies
  4. A Last Encounter
• Music Video: Archival performance by Tony Leung Chiu-wai.
• Restoration Trailer: For the film's new 4K restoration.
• Leaflet: Featuring Charles Yu’s essay and technical credits.

Wong Kar Wai's masterpiece, "In the Mood for Love," presented in a pristine 4K UHD Blu-ray edition by Criterion, encapsulates the rich visual and emotional tapestry of early 1960s Hong Kong. This deeply moving narrative unfolds through the lives of Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung) and Mr. Chow (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), neighbors who discover their respective spouses' infidelities and gradually, reluctantly, fall deeply in love with each other. However, bound by the social mores of the time and their own moral compasses, they choose a path of heartrending restraint. The film is a stunning portrayal of unrequited love and loss, brought to life by the formidable duo of Wong Kar Wai and cinematographer Christopher Doyle, whose work beautifully captures the essence of a bygone Hong Kong.

The intricacy of "In the Mood for Love" extends beyond its poignant storyline to its meticulous attention to period detail. The production's dedication to authenticity is evident in the exquisite sets, costumes, and hairstyles that vividly recreate the era. These elements, combined with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack featuring compositions by Michael Galasso and Shigeru Umebayashi, as well as classic Nat 'King' Cole songs, enhance the film's atmospheric quality. The soundtrack, in particular, serves not only as an emotional backdrop but also as a connection between the characters and the vibrant world surrounding them.

The 4K Blu-ray presentation honors the visual and auditory richness of "In the Mood for Love," ensuring that every frame conveys the film's intricate details and every note of its memorable score resonates with clarity. This release, which is region-free and includes a host of supplemental features like a documentary on the making of the film and interviews with key figures, provides an unparalleled viewing experience for both first-time audiences and long-time fans. The film's exploration of themes such as loneliness, longing, and the complexity of human relationships, coupled with its stylistic brilliance, cements its status as one of the most evocative and visually sumptuous films of its time.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition of Wong Kar Wai's classic, "In the Mood for Love," presents a somewhat contentious revamp that has not been universally embraced by aficionados of the original film. This restoration, much like the polarizing 4K update of "Out of Sight," has sparked debate primarily around its color grading choices. The film's original theatrical release was celebrated for its mesmerizing use of the color red, signifying passion and emotional depth. This new 4K version, however, has shifted towards a greener palette, which has notably altered the movie's aesthetic and overall tone. Such a significant change has led some to question whether this version maintains the director's original vision and emotional intentions.

Critics of the 4K restoration argue that this shift in color grading has not merely changed a few scenes but has transformed the entire atmosphere of the film, distancing it from Wong Kar Wai's renowned visual storytelling. The green hue that now permeates the film creates a different vibe, one that might not resonate with those familiar with the movie's initial lush and vivid presentation. Despite the technological advancements and the potential for higher image clarity that comes with 4K restoration, this particular aspect has proven divisive.

In conclusion, while the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "In the Mood for Love" is a testament to the continuing evolution of film restoration technology, it also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between enhancing visual quality and preserving the original aesthetic and emotional impact of a film. For purists and those seeking to experience the film as closely as possible to its original theatrical intent, it may be advisable to seek out Criterion's first Blu-ray release, which maintains the color grading that many have come to associate with this iconic film. This restoration presents a challenge: navigating between technological capabilities and fidelity to an original artistic vision.