The New World Blu-ray Review

Terrence Malick's "The New World" is presented on Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC codec at 1080p resolution. Notably, this release includes three versions of the film: the Extended, Theatrical, and First Cuts, with particular emphasis on the Extended Cut which has been meticulously remastered in 4K. This process employed a Northlight 2 film scanner for the 35mm original camera negative, a 35mm interpositive, and even the 65mm original camera negative for selected scenes. This comprehensive endeavor was carried out under the watchful eyes of director Terrence Malick, cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, and film editor Mark Yoshikawa, ensuring a faithful improvement in visual quality. The primary aim was to address thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and other imperfections through advanced restoration techniques, culminating in a presentation that elevates the film's organic and visual essence significantly.

Upon comparison, the Extended Cut distinguishes itself with unparalleled detail and clarity, rendering landscapes and character moments with newfound profundity. Enhanced color grading revitalizes the film’s palette, restoring lost nuances and delivering a visually balanced experience that supports the narrative’s atmospheric demands. Critics have noted that this cut outshines its predecessors in terms of depth and fluidity, showing no signs of the digital manipulation that somewhat marred earlier versions. This remastering effort has evidently paid dividends, particularly visible in side-by-side analyses involving wide panoramic shots and subtle textural details within every frame.

Noteworthy is the technical parity across all cuts in this Criterion release when viewed across different mediums, though the Extended Cut enjoys a slight edge due to its recent 4K remastering. Despite minor variations among the cuts, including contrast levels and sharpness due to anamorphic lensing's inherent softness, each version maintains a commendable fidelity to Malick and Lubezki's original vision. This release sets a high benchmark for home entertainment, achieving not just a theatrical-like experience but in some aspects surpassing it, making it an essential addition to any cinephile's collection.

The Blu-ray release of "The New World," particularly the Extended Cut, delivers an audial experience that is both rich and refined, presented through an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This lossless track is celebrated for its outstanding clarity, depth, and balance, offering an immersive soundscape filled with the natural sounds and nuances deliberately woven into the film by its creators. The score by James Horner takes advantage of this clarity, creating a layered and engaging audio experience that complements the visual storytelling without distraction. Notably, the audio presentation is free from imperfections such as dropouts or background noise, ensuring an undisturbed listening experience. Optional English SDH subtitles provided are thoughtfully integrated within the image frame, enhancing accessibility without encroaching on the visual aspect.

Comparing the various available mixes across Criterion's Extended, Theatrical, First cuts, and the 2009 Extended Cut Blu-ray reveals a consistent excellence in audio quality, with all versions offering a 5.1 mix. While the 2009 release employs Dolby TrueHD, Criterion's releases opt for DTS-HD Master Audio. The remastering work on the Extended Cut by John Dougherty is noted for adding a layer of refinement, most notably in the sound effects department, though differences across versions remain subtle unless subjected to direct comparison. Terrence Malick's intricate sound design, characterized by its aural tapestries of voiceovers, environmental sounds, and classical music, is effectively preserved across all mixes, making any version a rewarding auditory journey.

Critics point out the effectiveness of up-mixing processing with these soundtracks for setups equipped with Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X, suggesting an elevation in the immersive quality of the film's audio through enhanced utilization of rear and overhead speakers. Despite a desire for more low-frequency effects (LFE) presence and curiosity about potential Dolby Atmos remixes, the Extended Cut's audio presentation stands out with slightly more refined sound effects. However, the First and Theatrical Cuts also deliver a robust and immersive experience, ensuring that viewers choosing these versions will not miss out on the film's rich auditory landscape.

The Blu-ray release of "The New World" is embellished with an expansive set of extras that enrich the viewing experience by giving an in-depth look into the creation and philosophy behind Terrence Malick’s vision. The highlight is the comprehensive documentary "Making The New World," which delves into every facet of production, offering insights from an array of production members, including pivotal contributions from production designer Jack Fisk, archeologist Dr. William Kelso, and actors Colin Farrell and Q'orianka Kilcher. Also notable are the discussions on the unique challenges posed by Malick's quest for authenticity in editing and costume design, as reflected in the programs featuring the editors and Jacqueline West respectively. Additionally, the inclusion of original theatrical trailers, a new book with scholarly essays and interviews, and direct comparisons between different cuts of the film provide a complete package that allows for a greater appreciation of this cinematic endeavor.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making The New World: An exhaustive behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the casting, location filming, design, and more.
• Theatrical Cut: Presented with optional English SDH subtitles and DTS-HD Master Audio.
• Actors: Colin Farrell and Q'orianka Kilcher discuss their experiences and insights into their characters and the film's production.
• Production: Insights into Terrence Malick's working methods, costume design, and the philosophical underpinnings of the film.
• The First Cut: Offers the first version of the movie with optional English SDH subtitles.
• Editors: Discussion on the editing process, Malick's approach to storytelling, and the pursuit of authenticity.
• The Versions: Exploration of the different cuts of the film and their structural differences.
• Book: Includes critical essays, interviews, and production inspirations.
• Trailer & Teaser: Original theatrical trailer and teaser to provide a glimpse into the film's promotion.

Terrence Malick's The New World, a stunning revisitation of the Pocahontas story, showcases the director's signature meditative style and lavish attention to natural beauty. The film, which stars Colin Farrell as Captain Smith and Q'orianka Kilcher as Pocahontas, elegantly intertwines their burgeoning romance with lush portrayals of the untouched American wilderness. Notably, The New World diverges significantly from traditional historical fiction and Disney's animated interpretation, instead offering a nuanced exploration of cultural encounter and personal transformation against the backdrop of America's early colonial era. This film marks Malick's return after a seven-year hiatus, further cementing his reputation for crafting deeply philosophical and visually arresting cinema.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of The New World is particularly noteworthy for including three versions of the film: the Extended Cut, Theatrical Cut, and First Cut, presenting viewers with varying lengths and nuances to the narrative. Each version amplifies different facets of the story's breadth, with the Extended Cut adding substantial depth and allowing for a richer portrayal of the characters' inner lives and the expansive landscape that envelopes them. The remastering process, especially for the Extended Cut, was meticulously supervised by both Malick and renowned cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, ensuring that the film's visual splendor is preserved and enhanced for home viewing.

Despite its modest box-office performance, The New World remains an exemplar of Malick's unique ability to evoke deep emotional resonance through his contemplative filmmaking approach. The Criterion release is complemented by a slew of special features, including new interviews with key cast and crew, making it an indispensable addition for cinephiles. Terrence Malick not only questions the moral implications of colonial conquest but also invites viewers into a reflective pondering on the essence of life and the intertwining fates of individuals caught in the tide of history. This Blu-ray collection not only brings the ethereal beauty of The New World into sharp relief but also celebrates Malick's enduring vision.

Terrence Malick's "The New World" receives a captivating Blu-ray release that promises an immersive and intimate viewing experience akin to the director's signature style. Emphasizing Malick's ability to blend narrative with visual poetry, this Criterion release showcases why "The New World" stands out as a pinnacle representation of his artistry during a particularly vibrant period. The inclusion of an Extended Cut, remastered in stunning 4K quality, alongside two other versions of the film, ensures that viewers can explore this mesmerizing depiction of history like never before. Additionally, the over three hours of bonus materials included enhance the richness of the package, providing a comprehensive look at the movie's creation and its aesthetic achievements.

The technical specifications of this release serve to elevate Malick's vision to new heights. While traditional narrative lovers might find his style challenging, those open to its lyrical qualities will discover a deeply rewarding experience. The excellence of the video transfers and the nuanced surround sound mix further solidify this release as the definitive version of "The New World" for the home viewer. Though some might yearn for an Ultra HD presentation or a Dolby Atmos sound mix, the quality on offer here is undeniably top-tier, presenting Emmanuel Lubeski's breathtaking cinematography and the film's subtle sound design with unparalleled clarity and depth.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of “The New World” is an essential acquisition for both cinephiles and newcomers to Malick's oeuvre. The combination of the film's three cuts, exceptional video and audio quality, and extensive supplemental content make it a compelling addition to any collection. Whether one is drawn in by the emotional journey, the visual poetry, or the historical narrative, this package comes highly recommended, living up to its promise of delivering one of the year’s most distinguished home entertainment experiences.