The Fisher King 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Crafted with meticulous attention, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Fisher King" presents an awe-inspiring visual treat. Shot in the traditional 1.85:1 aspect ratio and brought to life on a BD-100 disc, its Ultra HD video quality is nothing short of a revelation. The 4K restoration, supervised by Rita Belda for Sony Pictures Entertainment with color approval by director Terry Gilliam, enhances every frame with exceptional clarity and depth. This version, boasting a native 4K resolution facilitated by a 4K wet-gate scan of the 35mm original camera negative, exhibits a notable boost in definition. The colors are strikingly vivid, with tones balanced to perfection and secondary hues distinguished with precision. The flesh tones exude warmth, presenting a natural and textured look that complements the vibrant color grading done by Sheri Eisenberg at Roundabout Entertainment.

Criterion's release, a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack, showcases the film's profound visual upgrade. Region constraints aside (the 4K Blu-ray is region-free, while the standard Blu-ray is locked to Region-A), the package ensures accessibility to a wide audience. The digital restoration work by Prasad in Burbank and audio restoration by Deluxe Audio enrich the cinematic experience, making every detail pop with newfound dynamism. Scenes such as the arrival of the Red Knight demonstrate the dramatic improvement in visual quality, with enhanced dynamic range and color reproduction that dramatically alters the viewing experience. The Dolby Vision grade is thoughtfully executed, avoiding any unnatural spikes in color that would betray the film's early '90s essence. Grain exposure remains convincing, maintaining the original cinematic texture without succumbing to over-processing.

The technical presentation of "The Fisher King" on this 4K UHD Blu-ray sets a new standard for home cinema. With improvements in detail, color accuracy, and overall visual fluidity, the viewing experience is significantly enhanced. The film retains its early '90s charm yet feels revitalized through superior color reproduction and meticulous restorative work. For aficionados seeking the pinnacle of video quality for this classic, upgrading to this edition is imperative. There are no image stability issues; instead, viewers are treated to a spotless and visually sumptuous rendition of Terry Gilliam’s masterpiece, proving that "The Fisher King" has never looked better.

The audio presentation of "The Fisher King" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release exhibits an exceptional level of care and technological expertise, particularly noticeable in the restoration and rendering process. The soundtrack, redeveloped from the 2009 mix of the original 35mm LCRS DME stems, maintains a primarily front-oriented spatial arrangement. This meticulously crafted mix is characterized by its crystalline clarity and precise imaging, ensuring that dialogue remains tonally distinct and integrally woven with the front channels, creating a cohesive and immersive auditory experience. The choice to retain a singular standard audio track, an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, alongside optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility, underscores a commitment to maintaining high-quality auditory standards without unnecessary complexity.

In terms of technical execution, this release does not diverge significantly from Criterion's inaugural Blu-ray issuance, which was previously lauded for its excellent 5.1 lossless track. Despite the lack of new auditory features in the latest release, the quality of the audio remains undiminished, showcasing an outstanding fidelity that rivals its predecessors. Notably, this release is devoid of any encoding anomalies, indicating a seamless transition from the original. It’s clear that the engineering behind this audio track prioritizes not only fidelity to the original material but also an enhanced listener experience through carefully calibrated sound design. This auditory excellence supports the film's narrative and emotional dynamics, enriching the viewer's engagement without overwhelming with unnecessary auditory embellishments.

By adhering to a philosophy of quality over novelty, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Fisher King" sets a benchmark for audio presentation. It demonstrates that with diligent restoration and a focus on clear, immersive soundscapes, classic films can be revitalized for contemporary audiences without sacrificing their original essence. This approach ensures that both purists and new fans can appreciate the auditory nuances of this critically acclaimed title.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "The Fisher King" is a comprehensive and meticulously curated collection that provides an in-depth look into the making of this modern classic. From the insightful audio commentary by director Terry Gilliam that delves into the intricate details of the film’s production, character dilemmas, and its significant New York City backdrop, to a rich selection of interviews with cast and crew, including Jeff Bridges, Amanda Plummer, and the late Robin Williams, this array of extras enriches the viewing experience by offering perspectives on both technical and narrative elements. Deleted scenes with optional Gilliam commentary, costume tests, and Jeff Bridges's personal on-set photographs add layers of interest, while the technical explorations, particularly regarding the creation of the Red Knight, showcase the innovative behind-the-scenes efforts. The inclusion of detailed documentaries about the film's thematic depths and production history rounds out a package that is as educational as it is entertaining, ensured to engage fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Terry Gilliam’s detailed commentary on the film’s production and thematic elements.
• The Tale of The Fisher King: Documentaries on the film's production history, visual style, and key themes.
• The Tale of The Red Knight: Video piece on the creation of the Red Knight.
• Jeff's Tale: Jeff Bridges shares his on-set photography.
• Robin's Tale: A 2006 interview with Robin Williams about his role and experiences.
• Jeff and Jack: Jeff Bridges recalls training as a radio personality.
• Trailers: A collection of original trailers for "The Fisher King."
• Deleted Scenes: Selected scenes with optional commentary by Gilliam.
• Costume Tests: Early tests for various costumes used in the film.
• Leaflet: Features Bilge Ebiri’s essay on "The Fisher King."

Terry Gilliam's 1991 masterpiece, "The Fisher King," receives a notable 4K UHD presentation from Criterion, where the tragic tale of shock jock Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges) and his redemptive journey with Parry (Robin Williams), a mentally troubled homeless man, is vividly brought to life. After Lucas' careless remark incites a horrific event, his path crosses with Parry's, who is on a fantastical quest for the Holy Grail, believing it to be the key to his salvation. This compelling narrative is supported by an incredible cast including Mercedes Ruehl and Amanda Plummer, whose performances add depth to the film's rich tapestry of characters.

The film seamlessly merges elements of fantasy and stark reality under Gilliam's direction, embellished by Richard LaGravenese’s script that infuses the narrative with both humorous and dramatic undertones. This duality presents New York City in a light never seen before—a Gothic kingdom where the quest for the Holy Grail seems as plausible as the presence of yellow cabs. The cinematography by Roger Pratt further elevates the visual storytelling, creating striking contrasts between the mundane and the magical, making the city a character of its own.

The technical facets of this release are impeccable; George Fenton’s orchestral score alongside classic tracks from esteemed artists like Harry Nilsson and Ray Charles enrich the film’s atmosphere, making every scene memorable. Although some sequences might challenge the viewer’s suspension of disbelief, the film thrives on its ability to blend the surreal with the real, creating a unique viewing experience. The Criterion 4K UHD edition ensures every frame shines, capturing both the darkness and light of the human condition reflected in "The Fisher King.

The Criterion Collection's release of "The Fisher King" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is nothing short of a cinephile's dream come true. The film, directed by Terry Gilliam, is a multi-layered narrative blended with exceptional performances, insightful direction, and breathtaking cinematography. This particular release enhances the viewing experience, thanks to a meticulously restored audio/video quality that remains faithful to its original early 1990s essence. Unlike many older films that undergo the transition to 4K and end up losing part of their identity, "The Fisher King" preserves its charm and authenticity, making it a necessary addition for both enthusiasts and collectors alike.

When juxtaposed with its previous 2K restoration incarnation released in 2015, this new 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack elevates "The Fisher King" to unprecedented levels of visual fidelity. The restoration work is commendable, capturing every nuance and detail meant to be seen and experienced in the film's original theatrical presentation. The color grading, contrast, and detail in this 4K edition bring out the vibrancy and texture of Gilliam's vision in ways that are simply jaw-dropping. Coupled with a comprehensive set of supplements tailored for fans, this release is not just any ordinary home video edition; it's an archival quality piece that respects the film's legacy while embracing modern restoration technologies.

In conclusion, Criterion's "The Fisher King" in 4K UHD Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for anyone invested deeply in the art of cinema. This release stands as a testament to the film's enduring relevance and the unwavering effort to preserve cinematic history in its most authentic form. The combination of a remarkable restoration with fan-focused supplements renders it VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Whether you're revisiting or discovering "The Fisher King" for the first time, this edition offers the definitive viewing experience that does justice to both the film and its viewers.