The Grand Budapest Hotel Blu-ray Review

The latest Blu-ray release of "The Grand Budapest Hotel," sourced from a 2K master and supervised by Wes Anderson himself, promises an audio-visual treat true to the director's unique vision. This master, consistent with the original used by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for the film's first release in 2004, ensures that viewers get to experience the film as intended. With a transfer that supports aspect ratios of 1.37:1, 1.85:1, and 2.40:1, the film dynamically adapts its visual narrative to the timeframe it portrays, enhancing the storytelling without becoming jarring. The Criterion release boasts a considerable upgrade in bitrate, peaking at 37-39mbps compared to the original Fox release's 24mbps, ostensibly maintaining the film's intricate details and textures without a notable compromise in overall detail.

Viewers will appreciate the exceptional depth and crisp clarity offered by this version, as it showcases finer details and subtle visual gags with newfound clarity—elements that even frequent watchers might have previously missed. This enhancement is particularly evident in scenes featuring the Grand Budapest Hotel itself, where the added image depth and clarity bring the miniature work to life in ways not seen before. The transition between different aspect ratios serves a deliberate narrative function, rather than being a mere visual gimmick, allowing audiences to immerse fully in the meticulously crafted world of the film.

The digital transfer shines through its treatment of film grain, colors, and contrast levels. The fine film grain texture retains the cinematic quality of the 35mm original while accentuating the vibrant color palette characteristic of Wes Anderson's films. From the lush shades of the scenery to the delicate hues of costumes and set pieces, every color pops, complemented by deep blacks and clean whites. These micro-refinements in image quality, though subtle, make a noticeable difference, especially on larger screens where the visuals remain impressively stable and clear without any transfer-specific anomalies. The commitment to preserving the film's original aesthetic qualities while enhancing its visual presentation provides an exemplary Blu-ray experience for both new audiences and longtime fans of "The Grand Budapest Hotel.

The Blu-ray release of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" features an exclusive English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track, paired with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. A deep dive into the audio presentation reveals a meticulously prepared master audio mix, potentially crafted under the careful supervision of director Wes Anderson himself. The track stands out for its remarkable clarity, depth, and balanced soundstage. Throughout the entire film, no encoding anomalies were detected, underscoring the technical excellence of this audio track. Observations suggest that this mix effectively mirrors the original digital master's quality without any discernible alterations, maintaining its fidelity to the source material.

There's ongoing speculation about whether Criterion conducted any remixing for this release or chose to rely on the existing mix. Comparing it with previous releases does not immediately reveal any significant differences, suggesting that the originally excellent mix has been preserved. Dialogue remains perfectly clear, sound effects are strategically positioned to enhance the surround sound experience, and the spatial dynamics in even the serene scenes within the grand hotel are noticeably immersive. The dynamic range is most evident during the film's climactic sequence, where a carefully orchestrated gunfight demonstrates the track's capabilities in delivering intense action with precise audio placement.

Alexandre Desplat's memorable score adds another layer to the film's auditory experience. Its integration into the overall mix is seamless, emphasizing comedic moments with impeccable timing and enhancing the narrative's emotional resonance. Whether considered a new mix or a faithful preservation of its predecessor, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track serves as a vital component of "The Grand Budapest Hotel"'s Blu-ray presentation, enriching the viewing experience with its superior sound quality and attention to detail.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" provides an exemplary suite of extras that enriches the viewing experience considerably. The centerpiece is a comprehensive Audio Commentary featuring insights from Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola, Jeff Goldblum, and critic Kent Jones, offering deep dives into the film's production, influences, and stylistic nuances. Notably, the "Visiting The Grand Budapest Hotel" segment delves into the meticulous design, special effects, and music, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship behind the movie. Additionally, "The Making of The Grand Budapest Hotel" and new Storyboard Animatics provide an in-depth look at Anderson's filmmaking process. Video Essays by David Bordwell and Matt Zoller Seitz further explore Anderson's unique cinematic language, while the inclusion of both new and previously released featurettes covers everything from the story to the film's visual world. This collection not only celebrates the artistry of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" but also offers an immersive exploration of Wes Anderson's creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for The Grand Budapest Hotel.
• Visiting The Grand Budapest Hotel: Three-part program on design/special effects, music, and miniatures.
• The Making of The Grand Budapest Hotel: Behind-the-scenes footage showcasing Wes Anderson’s working methods.
• Storyboards Animatics: Six key sequences presented from storyboards to film.
• Video Essays: Includes "Wes Anderson Takes the 4:3 Challenge" and an analysis of the film’s identity.
• Featurettes: A collection focusing on the conception, production, and visual style along with cast interviews.
• Commentary: New audio commentary providing technical information and more by notable contributors.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet with critical essays, a double-sided poster, and other ephemera.

Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" makes its illustrious entry into the Criterion Collection with a Blu-ray packed with a trove of special features and physical extras that dazzle. This edition is notably region-A locked and accompanied by an impressive array of supplements including archival interviews, featurettes, and a particularly enlightening new audio commentary by a distinguished panel including Wes Anderson himself, co-writer Roman Coppola, actor Jeff Goldblum, and critic Kent Jones. Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate the added depth these provide to the viewing experience. The packaging elevates this release further, featuring a cardboard digipack case adorned with artwork that vividly captures the essence of the film's distinct aesthetic periods - the shabby chic of the 1960s and the vibrant pink emblematic of the hotel’s heyday. Included within are a foldout of film artifacts, a double-sided poster, and a booklet enriched with character designs and critical essays, highlighting the film's meticulous attention to detail and visual storytelling.

This release not only enchants with its supplemental material but also with the film presentation itself, offering pristine visual and audio quality that honors Anderson's vivid color palettes and meticulous compositions. With optional English SDH subtitles ensuring accessibility, viewers are invited into the whimsical yet poignant world of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" with clarity and immersion that surpasses its initial Blu-ray release by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment in 2014. This Criterion edition serves as a definitive version for collectors and cinephiles, capturing the magic and intricacies of Anderson's vision.

Reflecting on the film itself, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" stands out within Wes Anderson's filmography and amidst its cinematic peers for its unique blend of whimsy, visual storytelling, and deeply human commentary on the passage of time. Through the eyes of our protagonists, M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) and Zero (Tony Revolori), we explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and the inevitable decline of grandeur against the backdrop of a changing Europe. This Criterion release does not merely revisit the film; it celebrates it as an enduring work of art that continues to resonate with audiences, proving itself as more than deserving of its accolades in Original Score, Costume Design, Production Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling at the 2015 Academy Awards. As we await Anderson's next cinematic venture, "The French Dispatch," this Blu-ray serves as a compelling invitation to return to the enchanting corridors of The Grand Budapest Hotel, offering both nostalgia and new discoveries with every watch.

The Blu-ray re-release of Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" by the Criterion Collection emerges as a must-have for both aficionados of Anderson's work and collectors who prioritize supreme audio-visual (A/V) quality in their cinematic experiences. Sourced from the same 2K master utilized for its initial high-definition unveiling in 2014 by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, this edition distinguishes itself with a meticulous new encoding and a rich assortment of both retained and freshly introduced bonus features. While some might ponder the necessity of upgrading from the previous release, the comprehensive span of unique extras - primarily exclusive to this version - underscores its appeal, making it a compelling addition, especially for the devoted fans.

The presentation here steps up not only in terms of the roundness and depth added to the overall viewing experience but also through its commitment to enhancing collector value with substantive content. For enthusiasts of Wes Anderson or those with a predilection towards Criterion’s dedication to film preservation and enhancement, this release signifies an essential juncture. From audiovisual fidelity that assures a top-notch sensory journey through the whimsical and meticulously crafted world of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" to the expansive, engaging supplemental materials that delve deeper into the film's creation and legacy, this Blu-ray edition stands out as a remarkable achievement.

In conclusion, this re-release surpasses mere visual excellence, presenting itself as a holistic celebration of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" that marries quality with quantity in terms of bonus material. It is an indispensable upgrade for collectors and a fine tribute to Wes Anderson's uniquely stylized cinematic vision. Whether you're revisiting the film or experiencing its grandeur for the first time, this Criterion Collection edition enriches your encounter with one of contemporary cinema’s most captivating tales. Highly recommended for a comprehensive and deeply satisfying home viewing experience.