Ivan's Childhood Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.34:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer of "Ivan's Childhood" on Blu-ray from Criterion is a visual marvel. This high-definition digital transfer, created from a 35mm fine-grain master positive on a Spirit 4K, has undergone meticulous restoration. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, and jitter were manually removed using DRS and PFClean, while Phoenix was used for minor corrections. Supervised by Lee Kline with color grading by Joe Gawler at Technicolor, the transfer showcases Tarkovsky’s film in stunning clarity and depth.

The high-definition transfer is remarkable, particularly during nighttime sequences where details previously obscured on the R1 DVD release are now vividly clear. Without any excessive degraining or problematic sharpening corrections, the image maintains a natural filmic texture. The colors are stable and lush, avoiding any artificial over-enhancement. The black levels are rich and consistent, supported by robust grays and gentle whites. The compression is excellent, ensuring a clean presentation free from major artifacts or frame transition issues. Despite some minor quirks like occasional specks and slight image roughness in specific archive footage shots, the overall upgrade from Criterion's previous DVD is substantial.

The black-and-white picture is enhanced further by a fine layer of grain that adds to the texture and authenticity of the film’s visual narrative. The clarity allows Tarkovsky’s evocative and haunting compositions to shine, highlighting every detail from fallen leaves to Ivan’s grime-covered face. Bright scenes benefit from well-balanced white levels and strong contrast, though it should be noted that black levels can appear elevated and washed out in darker sequences. Despite these minor imperfections, "Ivan's Childhood" emerges as a beautifully preserved piece of cinematic history on Blu-ray.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Ivan's Childhood" is offered in a Russian LPCM 1.0 mono track, with optional English subtitles. Despite its single-channel limitations, the audio mix impresses with clarity and depth, improving significantly over previous DVD releases. Dialogues are notably clear, stable, and easily understandable, devoid of the thin and boxy quality often associated with mono tracks from the same era. The absence of pops, cracks, distortions, or significant background hiss further contributes to a high-quality listening experience.

Tarkovsky's minimalist yet effective approach to sound design enhances the immersive quality of the film. By isolating and repeating specific effects, the director adds subtle ambiance and aural subtext that heightens the emotional and atmospheric impact of scenes. Elements like crackling fire, dripping water, creaking doors, soft footsteps, and the cooing of a cuckoo contribute a delicate sense of place and mood. The fidelity of these effects is crisp, with solid range allowing the film's score to breathe without distortion. Although gunshots and explosions lack the impact seen in modern soundtracks, and low-frequency activity is minimal, these limitations are consistent with the era's technical constraints.

In summary, the audio track on the "Ivan's Childhood" Blu-ray release is a commendable effort that faithfully preserves Tarkovsky’s artistic vision. The improved depth and clarity over previous releases offer an enhanced viewing experience, reinforcing the film’s poetic visuals with meticulous and subtle sound design. Criterion's translation work is excellent, further ensuring that audiences can fully appreciate the nuanced narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "Ivan's Childhood" by Criterion features an array of supplemental materials that enrich the viewing experience by providing deep insights into the film's production and thematic elements. The offerings include comprehensive interviews with key figures such as film scholar Vida T. Johnson, who explores the movie's place in Russian cinema and evaluates its symbolic visuals; actor Nikolai Burlyaev detailing his experiences working with Tarkovsky; and cinematographer Vadim Yusov discussing the unique visual style and the obstacles encountered during filming. These extras, diligently produced in upscaled 1080i with Dolby Digital 1.0 audio, offer viewers an in-depth understanding of Tarkovsky's debut feature.

Extras included in this disc:

Life as a Dream: Interview with Vida T. Johnson on production history and visual symbolism. Nikolai Burlyaev: Five clips with the actor discussing his role and work with Tarkovsky.

• Lead Role
• Screen Tests
• Finding Tears
• The Shoot
• True Patriot Vadim Yusov: Four clips with the cinematographer on visual style and challenges.
• Visual Language
• Preparation
• Dreams
• Texture Booklet: Featuring essays by Dina Iordanova, Andrei Tarkovsky, and a poem by Arseny Tarkovsky.

Andrei Tarkovsky's masterful debut feature, "Ivan's Childhood" (1962), is presented on Blu-ray by Criterion with stunning supplemental materials. The film explores the devastating impact of war on innocence through the journey of 12-year-old Vanya (Nikolai Burlyaev). Opening with a serene yet haunting dream sequence, the narrative quickly plunges into the grim realities of World War II, with Vanya operating as a spy for Soviet forces. Tarkovsky's use of poetic imagery juxtaposes enchanting memories against the stark horrors of war, creating a disorienting yet deeply atmospheric experience.

Within the film, Tarkovsky employs long, fluid camera movements and meticulously composed frames that are characteristic of his evolving style. The visual landscape alternates between haunting war-ravaged settings and idyllic pre-war memories, weaving a tapestry that captures Vanya’s inner turmoil and unyielding determination. Tarkovsky's attention to detail is evident in scenes such as an officer's pursuit of an army medical assistant through a dreary forest, where the camera mirrors the narrative tension and emotional space between characters.

The film remains poignant through its nonlinear storytelling, which is bolstered by Tarkovsky's experimental editing techniques. These transitions often blur the lines between past and present, employing sound to enhance the sensory experience. Despite minor pacing issues and occasional narrative disconnections, "Ivan's Childhood" is a profoundly affecting exploration of lost innocence amid the ravages of war. Tarkovsky’s early experimentation with stylistic elements in this film offers a glimpse into the thematic and aesthetic depth he would refine in his later works.

"Ivan's Childhood" on Blu-ray is a masterfully restored presentation of Andrei Tarkovsky's haunting examination of war's impact on youth. This early work showcases stark, poetic imagery and dreamlike sequences that leave an indelible mark on the viewer. Criterion's meticulous restoration is evident, providing the best visual and audio quality available for this film, free from significant technical defaults or age-related deterioration.

The video transfer is exceptional, capturing the film's atmospheric essence with precise detail and depth. The audio mix supports the visual delivery, enhancing the overall cinematic experience without flaws. Though the special features are somewhat limited, they include insightful interviews that deepen appreciation for the film and its historical context.

Ivan's Childhood is a stunningly beautiful, deeply atmospheric film from one of cinema's greatest masters, Andrei Tarkovsky. In the West, it is not as universally praised as his latter films, but I think that it is one of his most complete, most profoundly moving films. Criterion's presentation of Ivan's Childhood is outstanding. In fact, I believe that it is the best looking Tarkovsky film currently available on Blu-ray. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.