There is 50% off a huge selection of The Criterion Collection’s 4K Blu-rays at Barnes & Noble right now, so I thought I would pick my six favorite discs—all of which I have tested as part of the Blu-ray Bounty. This is our monthly feature where I try the latest 4K releases and judge whether they make a worthwhile addition to your collection.
Criterion is a regular feature in the Blu-ray Bounty because it excels at 4K restorations. Double Indemnity is still one of my top examples of what 4K can do for a classic film, while The Breakfast Club and Chungking Express are far more vibrant, bolder movies that show off Criterion’s 4K prowess.
Dead Man is another black and white, contrast-rich transfer that looks stunning in 4K, and 3:10 To Yuma (1957) is another Western classic that shines at this image quality. Yi Yi is a quietly beautiful 4K restoration that has moments where it can blow you away, and looks great throughout.
My 6 picks from Criterion’s 50% off sale
Double Indemnity
Double Indemnity tells the story of an insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) who conspires with the wife (Barbara Stanwyck) of a wealthy man to cash in on his life insurance using a special clause.
Double Indemnity is a stunning-looking 4K disc. The restoration is remarkable and has not only given textures a three-dimensional quality, but contrast looks perfect as well. Dark tones are inky, whites get a punchy brightness to them, and there is a wide range of gray tones to give the image more depth. There is still film grain present for cinephiles, but new life has been breathed into this film. If you own one of the best TVs, this contrast-rich disc will look incredible.
Despite having only a monaural soundtrack, dialogue is clear throughout and sound effects are accurately matched to the action on screen. The score is delivered with real clarity too.
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is John Hughes’ classic 80s coming-of-age story about five high school students from different backgrounds serving a Saturday detention together.
Where The Breakfast Club really shines in 4K is in its color reproduction. Reds in particular pop on screen, seen in the reds of Bender’s plaid shirt and the bright Coca-Cola cans as the group eats their lunch. Textures have been upscaled effectively, giving skin a natural look while still retaining film grain to maintain the film’s iconic appearance.
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 the poet William Blake.
Dead Man looks superb in 4K, with some of the richest contrast I have ever seen on a 4K Blu-ray. Presented in black and white, white tones are brilliant and black tones are deep and bold. This is balanced with a broad range of gray tones to give the image real depth. Textures are crisp and look highly realistic, 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 are detailed, powerful, and well-balanced. Other effects such as gunfire are crisp too.
Chungking Express
Chungking Express follows the story of two different policemen in Hong Kong, each of whom falls in love. One falls for a mysterious woman, while the other falls for a server at a cafe he frequently visits.
Chungking Express is a visually appealing film that is given another dimension on 4K. While there is no HDR included, colors are still punchy and vivid, whether it is 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 is a great-looking restoration.
Throughout the film, 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 every element to come through loud and clear. Through a great surround system, this can sound totally immersive.
3:10 To Yuma (1957)
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 excellent Criterion restoration of a classic film. Contrast is impressive, 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’ forehead or the stubble and sweat on other characters’ faces showing the brilliance of this 4K disc.
There are two soundtrack options but it is the DTS-HD 5.1 MA mix that shines. There is 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 plenty of room, delivering an immersive sound overall.
Yi Yi
Yi Yi follows the story of the Jian family, based in Taiwan, focusing on the perspectives of three family members: N.J., the father; Ting-Ting, his teenage daughter; and Yang-Yang, his young son.
Yi Yi is a detailed and occasionally visually striking 4K disc. Textures such as hair and skin look realistic, and the disc does a great job of revealing the more intricate details in environments. Every so often, the disc hits you with a reference-level scene, particularly the wedding at the beginning. The bold reds really pop on screen, yet still manage to look natural. There is still a fair amount of film grain retained as well.
While there are not many sound system-testing scenes, dialogue is consistently clear and there is a good sense of space to the mix. One karaoke scene does a great job of using every channel in a sound system, with the singer’s voice from the center and the applause of the audience from the rear speakers.
