4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days Blu-ray Review

Cristian Mungiu's riveting "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" has been given a remarkable Blu-ray presentation by Criterion, boasting an original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and benefitting from a 1080p transfer. This release marks a significant upgrade from previous versions, such as the R2 DVD by Artificial Eye, with this edition originating from a new 4K digital restoration. Undertaken by Mungiu himself, the restoration utilized the 35mm original camera negative to ensure authenticity and fidelity to the director's vision. Additionally, this version features a fully digital soundtrack, with the 5.1 surround audio being mastered from the original digital audio master files using Pro Tools HD, promising an immersive auditory experience that complements the visual precision.

The Blu-ray's technical specifications are noteworthy, supervised by Mungiu with Laurent Morel serving as the colorist. These enhancements noticeably elevate the viewing experience, particularly in scenes under low light where the nuances are much more perceptible compared to the DVD release. The daylight scenes also benefit from superior grading, resulting in a well-balanced visual palette. Viewers using projectors will particularly appreciate the outstanding depth and stability of the image, ensuring that each frame contributes to an enveloping cinematic experience. This advancement underscores a dramatic leap in quality between this Blu-ray release and its DVD counterpart, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail in both image and sound restoration.

It is important to note that this edition is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible Region-A or Region-Free player to access its content. The commitment to quality is evident not only in the technical enhancements but also in ensuring the film's preservation and enhanced accessibility for its audience. All these elements combined result in a fantastic technical presentation that does justice to Mungiu's critically acclaimed film, setting a benchmark for future Blu-ray releases in both the fidelity of the transfer and the enhancement of viewer experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" presents its audience with a single audio option: a Romanian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This choice is accompanied by optional English subtitles, which are conveniently located inside the image frame for ease of viewing. This setup ensures that both Romanian speakers and those reliant on English subtitles can fully engage with the movie's complex narrative and emotional landscape, without distraction.

In adhering to the film's original production values, the audio track on this Blu-ray reflects a meticulous digital sound design that faithfully reproduces the studio's final mix. The use of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 enhances the viewer's experience by delivering a rich tapestry of organic sounds and ambient noises, which are crucial for immersing the audience fully into the film's meticulously crafted atmosphere.

Furthermore, the audio quality is characterized by its remarkable clarity and stability, ensuring that each sound element, from dialogue to background noise, is crisply rendered and integrated. This attention to audio details contributes significantly to the storytelling, augmenting the emotional depth and reality of the narrative. Overall, the technical execution of the Blu-ray's audio presentation solidifies its position as a standout release, skillfully balancing technical prowess with the director's creative vision.

The extra presentation of the Blu-Ray for "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" encompasses an insightful array of features that delve deep into the socio-political backdrop of the Romanian New Wave, the making of this seminal film, and its resonating impact. The collection commences with critic Jay Weissberg's analytical video interview, providing a foundational understanding of the film's context and significance within Romanian cinema. Direct insights from Cristian Mungiu himself offer a deep dive into the film's genesis and its reflection of social reality, recorded exclusively for Criterion. The inclusion of the Cannes Film Festival press conference adds a layer of prestige, showcasing the film's international acclaim. Meanwhile, "The Romanian Tour" featurette and an assemblage of alternate and deleted scenes offer viewers a nuanced look at audience reactions and the creative process behind the film’s narrative. The original U.S. trailer and an illustrated leaflet further enrich the viewing experience, making this collection vital for cinephiles interested in world cinema and the intricacies of filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

• Jay Weissberg Video Interview: A thorough discussion on the socio-political environment of the Romanian New Wave and Cristian Mungiu's significant role in it.
• Cristian Mungiu Video Interview: Insightful revelations on the conception and social realism captured in "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days."
• Cannes Conference: A filmed press conference featuring key individuals from the film’s production, celebrating its Palme d'Or win.
• The Romanian Tour: A featurette capturing Romanian audiences' reactions to the film.
• Alternate and Deleted Scenes: Includes two alternate endings and one deleted scene, offering a glimpse into the editing room’s choices.
• Trailer: The original U.S. trailer produced by IFC Films.
• Leaflet: Contains Ella Taylor's essay "Late Term" along with technical credits of the film.

In the Blu-ray presentation of Cristian Mungiu's "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days," distributed by Criterion, the film receives a refined treatment that underscores the grim realities of late-Communist Romania. Enhanced by a suite of supplemental materials, including insightful interviews and an original U.S. trailer, this release elevates the viewing experience with its meticulous attention to detail, preserved in Romanian with optional English subtitles, and locked for Region-A audiences. Particularly noteworthy are the candid discussions with director Mungiu and critic Jay Weissberg, whose conversations provide a deeper understanding of the Romanian New Wave's organic emergence post-Ceaușescu, debunking myths while revealing inaccuracies in common perceptions of this cinematic era.

Weissberg's intriguing discussion brings forth the unintentional yet pivotal role Romanian filmmakers played in crafting the New Wave, driven by necessity and an unfettered opportunity to capture the country's stark reality with minimal resources. This resulted in a style marked by long takes and sparse editing—not out of artistic preference but as a pragmatic response to financial constraints. Mungiu's "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" encapsulates this approach through its unflinching portrayal of two women navigating the perils of illegal abortion, undistracted by external political debates. This focus on their harrowing ordeal rather than the broader political implications adds a raw authenticity to the narrative, firmly rooted in the characters' experiences rather than serving an external agenda.

The film's narrative simplicity belies its complex emotional and social undertones, presenting a stark glimpse into a society where personal decisions become laden with risk and desperation. Set against the backdrop of Romania's oppressive regime, the ordeal of Otilia and Gabita underscores a broader commentary on freedom, choice, and survival. Through Criterion's meticulous release, "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" not only retains its profound impact but also gains an enhanced depth through supplementary content that contextualizes its place within Romanian cinema and the broader sociopolitical landscape.

Cristian Mungiu's "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" is a poignant exploration of the immediate aftermath following the Uprising in Timișoara and the subsequent overthrow of Nicolae Ceaușescu. The film draws a gripping and grim portrait of a society in turmoil, highlighting the swift yet deceptive transition of power from one faction of the Romanian Communist Party to another. Despite the overthrow, the reshuffling of power did little to alleviate the struggles of the ordinary Romanian people, with the old guard merely donning new guises to maintain their grip on society. The narrative delves deeply into the harsh reality that followed the Uprising, where, amid the socio-political vacuum and the scramble for economic dominance, the ideological battles of the past gave way to a more insidious form of control.

Mungiu's cinematic portrayal is brutally honest, presenting an unvarnished look at the degradation of the social fabric and the human suffering that ensued. The film not only focuses on the period when the communists prioritized economic over ideological power but also portrays the broader ramifications of these actions on ordinary lives. Through meticulous direction and a precise focus on character-driven storytelling, "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" transcends its historical context to speak volumes about the resilience and despair of those caught in the crossfire of political transition. The film's technical proficiency, coupled with its powerful narrative, underscores the tragic consequences of a rigged system adjusting to new global realities while sacrificing its people.

In conclusion, "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" stands as a monumental achievement in filmmaking that vividly captures a pivotal moment in Romanian history. By documenting the bitter aftermath of the Uprising and the cynical continuation of power by another name, Mungiu offers a searing critique of political opportunism and its human cost. This is not just a film about Romania's struggle; it is a universal tale of power, resistance, and survival. It comes highly recommended for its bold storytelling, historical insight, and unflinching honesty in depicting a nation's dark journey through change.