For cinephiles and devoted admirers of Stanley Kubrick`s unparalleled filmography, an exceptional event is on the horizon. The Criterion Collection, long synonymous with meticulously curated and technically superior home video releases of cinematic landmarks, is poised to debut a brand new 4K UHD restoration of Kubrick`s 1975 masterpiece, Barry Lyndon. Adding to the excitement, this highly anticipated edition is currently offered at a significant 50% reduction from its standard retail price for a limited period.
Scheduled for release on July 8th, this Criterion presentation promises to elevate the viewing experience of a film already lauded for its stunning visual artistry. Barry Lyndon is renowned for its period authenticity and pioneering use of natural light, including sequences shot entirely by candlelight using specially adapted lenses. A 4K restoration handled by Criterion suggests a commitment to preserving and presenting these visual elements with the utmost fidelity, revealing the intricate detail and painterly quality that define the film`s aesthetic.
The Criterion Collection`s 4K UHD edition of Barry Lyndon is a comprehensive package comprising three discs. The core of the set is the 4K UHD disc, featuring the film in native 4K resolution enhanced with Dolby Vision HDR10, derived from Criterion`s meticulous digital restoration. This ensures that viewers can witness Kubrick`s deliberate compositions and breathtaking cinematography with enhanced clarity, color depth, and dynamic range. Audio options include the original uncompressed monaural soundtrack and a 5.1 surround sound mix in DTS-HD Master Audio, the latter supervised by actor Leon Vitali, who played Lord Bullingdon and was a dedicated collaborator with Kubrick. The set thoughtfully includes the 1080p Blu-ray version (based on the same 4K scan) previously released by Criterion, alongside a dedicated bonus disc replete with extensive supplementary materials.
The bonus features provide invaluable context and insight into the film`s creation and impact. Highlights include:
- Interviews with cast and crew members, offering firsthand accounts of working on Kubrick`s set.
- Archival audio recordings featuring Stanley Kubrick, providing direct access to the director`s thoughts and methods.
- An interview with historian Christopher Frayling focusing on the contributions of production designer Ken Adam.
- Analysis from film critic Michel Ciment, exploring the film`s thematic and stylistic complexities.
- An interview with Leon Vitali detailing his involvement in the audio enhancement process for the surround sound mix.
- An interview with curator Adam Eaker discussing the film`s rich influences from fine art.
- Theatrical trailers.
- Accompanying written materials, including an essay by film critic Geoffrey O`Brien and pieces from a 1976 issue of American Cinematographer magazine, delving deeper into the film`s visual techniques.
Based on William Makepeace Thackeray`s novel, Barry Lyndon chronicles the journey of an Irish rogue who attempts to infiltrate 18th-century English aristocracy through marriage. While its deliberate pacing has sometimes been characterized as a “slow burn” over its three-hour runtime, the film is universally recognized for its compelling character study and being a singular achievement in historical filmmaking. Its visual grandeur and technical innovation earned it four Academy Awards, including the Oscar for Best Cinematography.
The opportunity to acquire this definitive 4K edition at half price, reducing the cost from $50 to $25, is an exceptional offer for film enthusiasts. This significant pre-order discount is presented as part of a broader promotional sale currently running on numerous titles within the Criterion Collection catalog, creating an ideal moment for expanding one`s collection of world cinema classics and contemporary masterworks alike.
Given the film`s esteemed status, Criterion`s reputation for producing benchmark restorations, and the highly attractive price point, it is perhaps unsurprising that demand appears robust. Early indicators from retailers suggest a rapid uptake, with estimated delivery times already extending beyond the initial release date. For those keen to own this visually stunning film in what is likely its most impressive home video presentation to date, securing a pre-order promptly seems a judicious move to avoid potential delays or stock issues.
This release marks a notable moment for fans of Stanley Kubrick and the Criterion Collection, offering a chance to experience Barry Lyndon – a film widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ever made – in a format designed to honor its original splendor, and at a price that presents a compelling proposition.
