There’s 50% off a ton of The Criterion Collection’s 4K Blu-rays at Barnes & Noble, so I thought I would pick my six favorite discs, all of which I’ve tested as part of the Blu-ray Bounty. This is our monthly feature where I try the latest 4K releases, judging whether they make a worth addition to your collection.
Criterion is a regular feature in the Blu-ray Bounty because it’s superb at 4K restorations. Double Indemnity is still one of my top examples of what 4K can do for a classic movie, while Breakfast Club and Chunking Express are much more colorful, bolder movies that show off Criterion’s 4K prowess.
Dead Man is another black and white, contrast-rich move that looks staggering in 4K, and 3:10 To Yuma (1957) is another Western classic that shines in this image quality. Yi Yi is a quietly brilliant 4K restoration that has its moments where it will know you out, but looks great throughout.
My 6 picks from Criterion’s 50% off sale
Double Indemnity
Double Indemnity tells the story an insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) who conspires with the wife (Barbara Stanwyck) of a wealthy man to capitalize on his life insurance using a particular clause.
Double Indemnity is an excellent-looking 4K disc. The restoration is fantastic, and has not only given textures a 3D-like effect, but contrast looks superb as well. Black tones are inky, whites have a nice, punchy brightness to them, and there’s a great range of gray tones to give the picture more depth. There’s still film grain present for cinephiles, but new life has been breathed into this movie. If you have one of the best TVs, this contrast-rich disc will look superb.
Despite only having a monaural soundtrack, dialog is clear throughout and sound effects are accurately mapped to the action on screen. The score is delivered with real clarity too.
Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is John Hughes’ classic ’80s coming-of-age story about five high school kids from different backgrounds serving a Saturday detention at the same time.
Where The Breakfast Club really thrives in 4K is in its color reproduction. Reds in particular pop on screen, shown in the reds of Bender’s plaid shirt and the glossy Coca-Cola cans as the gang eats their lunch. Textures have been upscaled nicely, giving skin a realistic look but there’s still film grain retained to keep the movie’s iconic look.
The disc’s DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack sounds great. While not an audio showcase, it delivers the smaller details with precision, such as the scratching of a pencil, the squeaking of Bender’s leather boots or the incessant ticking clock in some scenes.
Dead Man
Dead Man tells the story of William Blake (Johnny Depp), a banker on the run who meets a Native American named Nobody (Gary Farmer) who believes he is the reincarnation of William Blake the poet.
Dead Man looks awesome in 4K. With some of the richest contrast I’ve seen on a 4K Blu-ray before. Presented in black and white, white tones are stunning and black tones are deep and bold. This is balanced with a big range of gray tones to give the picture real depth. Textures are crisp and and look incredibly lifelike, especially in the marks on people’s faces. Those with one of the best OLED TVs will be rewarded here.
Equipped with a DTS-HD 2.0 MA soundtrack, speech is clear throughout and the chugging guitars of Neil Young’s excellent soundtrack is refined, powerful and balanced. Other effects such as gunfire are clear too.
Chungking Express
Chungking Express follows the story of two different policemen in Hong Kong, both of whom fall in love. One falls for a mysterious woman, while the other falls for a server at a restaurant he regularly visits.
Chungking Express is a visually engaging movie that’s given another dimension on 4K. While there’s no HDR included, colors are still punchy and vibrant, whether it’s the neon of the Hong Kong markets or Faye’s bright yellow top. Textures have been upscaled here too, with details in the wrinkled shirt of the cop or in people’s hair, it’s a great-looking restoration.
Throughout the movie, the DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack does a great job of capturing the immersive feel of Hong Kong’s busy streets. Clinking plates, raised conversations and horns of passing traffic are all accurately placed and well-balanced, allowing each element to come through loud and clear. Through a great surround system, this will sound totally immersive.
3:10 To Yuma (1954)
3:10 To Yuma tells the story of rancher Dan Evans (Van Heflin) who is tasked with guarding and escorting an outlaw named Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) until the train to the town where his trial takes place arrives.
3:10 To Yuma (1957) is another superb Criterion restoration of a classic movie. Contrast is strong, again with punchy white tones, rich black tones and a full range of grays in between. Textures look detailed and realistic, with the deep frown lines on Dan Evans’ head or the stubble and sweat on various character’s faces showing the brilliance of this 4K disc.
There are two soundtrack options but really it’s the DTS-HD 5.1 MA mix that shines. There’s deep, rumbling bass from the gallop of horses, precise placement of gunfire and clear speech throughout. The soundstage is wide enough that all these elements are given ample room, delivering an immersive sound overall.
Yi-Yi
Yi Yi follows the story of the Jian family, who are based in Taiwan, focusing on the perspectives of three family members in particular: N.J, the father; Ting-Ting, his teenage daughter and Yang-Yang, his young son.
Yi Yi is a detailed and sometimes visually striking 4K disc. Textures such as hair and skin look realistic and the disc does a great job of showing off the more intricate details in environments. Every so often, the disc then hits you with a reference-level scene, namely the wedding at the start. The bold, punchy of the reds really pop on screen, and yet still manage to look natural. There’s still a good amount of film grain retained, too.
While there aren’t many sound system-testing scenes, dialog is consistently clear and there is a good sense of space to the mix. One karaoke scene does a great job of utilizing every channel in a sound system, with the singer’s voice from the center and the applause of audience from the reae speakers.
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