Three Colors: Blue 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's latest release of the "Three Colors: Blue" as part of the Three Colors 4K UHD Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack signifies a noteworthy advancement in visual quality due to the step up to native 4K resolution, implemented under the vigilant supervision of original crew members at MK2’s restoration project in France. This restoration capitalized on the original 35mm negatives for a crisper image fidelity while embracing HDR and Dolby Vision for enhanced dynamic range and color depth. Notable is the transition from Region-A lock for the Blu-ray to Region-Free for the 4K UHD disk, ensuring broader accessibility. However, it's important to highlight that the Blu-ray disc within this box set aligns with the previous release's color timing, presenting a disparity in visual consistency when compared alongside its 4K counterpart.

The leap to 4K undeniably accentuates visual clarity, density, and fluidity—elements expected from an upgrade of this magnitude. Screenings on large displays will reveal a more even and detailed image, a testament to the technological enhancements over the previous 1080p Blu-ray rendition. Despite these advancements, the revision in color grading towards a dominance of turquoise over the originally significant blue hues raises concerns about fidelity to the film’s emotional and narrative texture. This change notably affects sequences where blue serves not just as an aesthetic choice but as a narrative vehicle. The pool sequence, though less affected due to its intrinsic saturation of blue, becomes an exception rather than a norm within this new color paradigm.

Critically, while the image stability and cleanliness are impeccable, affording a visually immaculate presentation devoid of artefacts and degradation, the altered color balance challenges purists' expectations. Fans familiar with "Three Colors: Blue's" theatrical showcases may find the shift towards turquoise and cyan ranges disconnecting, diverging from the film's original atmospheric intent which heavily leveraged varying shades of blue to underscore its thematic depths. These color adjustments, seemingly introduced in post-production, suggest a reinterpretation rather than a faithful restoration of the film’s visual essence, marking a contentious point in what is otherwise a technically impressive release.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Three Colors: Blue" provides viewers with an exclusive French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, ensuring an immersive and vivid listening experience. Paired with optional English subtitles for the main feature, this setup caters well to a global audience aiming to enjoy the film without language barriers. Also noteworthy is the accompanying Blu-ray disc which offers additional flexibility with two standard audio tracks: French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and 5.1, accommodating both traditional stereo and modern surround sound setups.

In terms of audio quality, the release truly shines. The French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers unparalleled depth, clarity, and separation, encapsulating listeners in Zbigniew Preisner's emotionally resonant score with its unique contrasts and nuances. The sound field meticulously crafted for this release is both expansive and detailed, enabling audiences to engage with the film’s intricate soundscapes and musical intricacies on an intimately profound level. This meticulous attention to audio detail significantly enhances the overall viewing experience.

During our evaluation, we discerned no encoding anomalies or distortions within the soundtracks, underscoring the technical excellence of this release. The quality of the audio remains consistently high throughout, exemplifying the filmmakers' and curators' commitment to preserving the film's auditory integrity. This careful curation ensures that the film's audio aspect contributes effectively to its narrative and emotional impact, making the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Three Colors: Blue" a commendable choice for audiophiles and cinephiles alike who seek an unparalleled home viewing experience.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Three Colors: Blue" offers a compendium of behind-the-scenes insights and retrospectives that significantly enrich the viewing experience. While the 4K disc itself is surprisingly devoid of extras, the accompanying Blu-ray disc is loaded with content that yields deep dives into the making-of, thematic explorations, and detailed analyses of Krzysztof Kieslowski's masterpiece. Noteworthy are the video essay by Annette Insdorf and reflective discussions featuring Juliette Binoche and cinematographer Slawomir Idziak, among others, which intertwine personal recollections with the profound philosophical underpinnings of the film. Additionally, the inclusion of early Kieslowski student films adds a rare glimpse into the director's formative years. These supplements, coupled with a richly curated booklet, make this edition a must-have for cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for "Blue."
• On Blue: A video essay by Annette Insdorf.
• Kieslowski's Cinema Lesson: Kieslowski discusses a specific sequence from "Blue."
• Juliette Binoche: The French actress comments on specific scenes from the film.
• Zbigniew Preisner: An interview with the composer on his collaboration with Kieslowski.
• Reflections on Blue: Insights from key figures on the production and impact of "Blue."
• Kieslowski: The Early Years: An exploration of Kieslowski's early documentary works.
• Two Student Films: "The Tram" and "The Face," early works involving Kieslowski.
• Booklet: An 80-page illustrated booklet with essays and interviews regarding "Three Colors.

Krzysztof Kieślowski's "Three Colors: Blue," presented in a stunning 4K Blu-ray edition by Criterion, remains a pivotal exploration of human grief and recovery, marked by Juliette Binoche's captivating performance as Julie. Stricken by the loss of her husband and daughter in a tragic car accident, the film meticulously follows Julie's journey through despair and the complex process of emotional healing. Unlike typical narratives centered on tragedy, "Blue" delves into the nuances of liberation from past bonds, focusing on Julie's introspective quest for freedom and identity in the aftermath of her loss. This Criterion release ensures that every frame's visual elegance and emotional depth are elevated, allowing viewers to experience Kieślowski's vision with unparalleled clarity and depth.

The technical mastery of the film is further enriched by Zbigniew Preisner's hauntingly beautiful score, which interweaves itself with the narrative as a character of its own. The 4K restoration brings an enhanced visual texture to the film's iconic use of the color blue, symbolizing both Julie’s loss and her subtle progression towards liberty. This visual symbolism, paired with the film's minimalistic yet profound storytelling, is preserved meticulously in this release, offering an immersive viewing experience that honors the film's thematic complexity. Criterion’s edition not only showcases the film in its best visual quality but also includes valuable archival features that deepen the understanding of its creative origins.

As the first installment of Kieślowski’s revered Three Colors trilogy, "Blue" stands not just as a narrative about personal tragedy and recovery, but also as a reflective piece on liberty’s abstract nature. The 4K UHD presentation underscores the film’s artistic achievements while highlighting the director’s nuanced approach to exploring profound themes without descending into melodrama. It's a presentation that respects the original material's integrity, offering both longtime fans and newcomers an exceptional opportunity to engage with the film’s visual and emotional layers with renewed perspective.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Krzysztof Kieslowski's "Three Colors: Blue" has sparked debates among cinephiles and technophiles alike, particularly concerning its color grading. The new 4K restoration, while sharp and detailed, has altered the film’s original color palette, notably the titular blue that plays a crucial thematic and visual role in the narrative. This change has drawn comparisons to the 4K makeover of "The Italian Job," where similar color grading choices affected the film's original aesthetic. Despite this deviation, the technical quality of the restoration – in terms of audio and video clarity – is impressive and represents a significant upgrade from previous releases.

Interestingly, the inclusion of an alternate version of "Blue" in the Three Colors 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray box set offers a form of solace to purists. This version retains the original color timing and thus preserves the film's initial atmospheric intent. This additional disc not only acknowledges the importance of historical accuracy in film presentation but also gives viewers the ability to choose their preferred viewing experience. Such a decision by the distributors partially mitigates concerns regarding the new color grading, making the set a more attractive proposition to a wider audience.

In conclusion, while the altered color grading of "Three Colors: Blue" in its latest 4K UHD presentation has raised valid concerns, the overall release should be seen in a positive light. The inclusion of the original version alongside the 4K restoration offers a comprehensive package that respects both technological advancement and artistic integrity. As such, whether you are a first-time viewer or a returning fan seeking to experience Kieslowski's masterpiece in unmatched clarity, this set presents an invaluable opportunity to explore the depths of "Blue" in ways previously unattainable.