Stanley Kubrick`s polarizing swan song finally receives the meticulously crafted 4K treatment it deserves, courtesy of The Criterion Collection, offering cinephiles an unprecedented look into the director`s haunting vision.
Few filmmakers command the same reverence and mystique as Stanley Kubrick. His filmography, a meticulously curated collection of masterpieces, consistently challenged audiences and pushed the boundaries of cinematic artistry. Yet, among his revered works, one film stands as a particularly enigmatic capstone: Eyes Wide Shut. Released posthumously in 1999, mere days after Kubrick screened his final cut, this psychological drama, starring the then-power couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, initially divided critics and audiences. Some found its themes too unsettling, its pacing too deliberate, and its sexual undertones overtly explicit. Others, however, quickly recognized it as a profound, if challenging, exploration of desire, jealousy, and the fragile veneers of marital intimacy.
The Definitive Vision: Criterion`s Meticulous Restoration
Fast forward to today, and Eyes Wide Shut has found its rightful place in the pantheon of Kubrick`s work, now widely considered a masterpiece. This re-evaluation is perfectly timed with a monumental release from The Criterion Collection, a name synonymous with cinematic preservation and quality. On November 25th, fans can finally experience Kubrick`s final cinematic statement in stunning 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, a release that promises to be the definitive presentation of this complex film.
What makes this Criterion edition so significant? It`s not merely a resolution bump. This is a 3-disc set featuring a brand-new 4K digital restoration, meticulously supervised by the film`s director of photography, Larry Smith. This commitment ensures that the film`s visual integrity aligns as closely as possible with Kubrick`s famously exacting vision. Furthermore, and crucially for many enthusiasts, this release presents the uncensored international version of the film—the very cut Kubrick intended, free from the alterations made for its initial US theatrical R-rating.
Technically, the presentation is state-of-the-art, boasting Dolby Vision HDR for unparalleled color depth and contrast, paired with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. This combination ensures that both the haunting visuals and the film`s evocative soundscape are rendered with breathtaking fidelity, drawing viewers deeper into the surreal, dreamlike atmosphere of Bill and Alice Harford`s nocturnal odyssey through a labyrinthine New York City.
Beyond the Screen: A Treasure Trove of Insights
Criterion releases are renowned for their comprehensive supplementary materials, and Eyes Wide Shut is no exception. This edition is packed with bonus features designed to illuminate the film`s creation and its lasting impact:
- New Interviews: Hear fresh perspectives from director of photography Larry Smith, second-unit director Lisa Leone, and Kubrick archivist Georgina Orgill.
- Archival Insights: Revisit classic interviews with Kubrick`s wife Christiane Kubrick, producer Jan Harlan, daughter Katharina Kubrick, personal assistant Anthony Frewin, and even Hollywood legends Steven Spielberg, Todd Field, and Leelee Sobieski.
- Unfinished Visions: A compelling documentary, “Lost Kubrick: The Unfinished Films of Stanley Kubrick,” offers a glimpse into the projects that never saw the light of day.
- Kubrick`s Own Words: Listen to his 1998 Directors Guild of America’s D.W. Griffith Award acceptance speech and a 1999 press conference featuring Jan Harlan, Tom Cruise, and Nicole Kidman.
- Comprehensive Booklet: A physical booklet includes a rare 1999 interview with Kubrick and actor Sydney Pollack, alongside a new essay by acclaimed author Megan Abbott, offering critical analysis and historical context.
For those who prefer traditional Blu-ray, a new 1080p edition, also based on the 4K restoration, is available, ensuring a significant visual upgrade over previous standard Blu-ray releases.
Kubrick`s Cinematic Universe in 4K: A Growing Legacy
While Eyes Wide Shut marks only Criterion`s second Kubrick film to receive the 4K treatment (following the magnificent Barry Lyndon), it`s part of a broader trend. Many of Kubrick`s other iconic films—including The Shining, A Clockwork Orange, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Full Metal Jacket—have also seen stunning 4K restorations from various distributors. This means cinephiles can progressively build a high-definition library of one of cinema`s most important voices, experiencing his entire body of work with unprecedented clarity.
From the chilling corridors of the Overlook Hotel to the cosmic ballet of a distant future, Kubrick`s films continue to captivate. These 4K releases not only preserve his legacy but introduce his genius to new generations in a format that truly respects his vision. And for those who enjoy the tactile experience of collecting, special editions and box sets, along with invaluable books such as Taschen`s lavish compilations or insightful biographies, offer further immersion into the world of this unparalleled artist.
A Nod to Collectors: Savvy film enthusiasts might note the initial preorder discount of 30% available for the Eyes Wide Shut 4K Blu-ray, bringing the price down significantly from its retail tag. Such opportunities are a welcome sight, making it easier to acquire these premium editions without necessarily having to, shall we say, sell off any minor organs.
A Lasting Impact
Stanley Kubrick`s Eyes Wide Shut remains a film that sparks conversation, dissects societal norms, and delves into the intricate psychology of its characters. With this exquisite 4K Criterion Collection release, viewers are invited to revisit—or discover for the first time—this master filmmaker`s final, fascinating testament, in a form that finally does justice to its enigmatic brilliance. It`s more than just a movie; it`s an experience, now presented as close to the director`s ultimate intentions as possible.
Callum Darby