Stanley Kubrick’s Final Film Gets 4K Restoration from Criterion

Stanley Kubrick’s enigmatic final masterpiece, Eyes Wide Shut, is poised to receive the ultimate home video treatment. The Criterion Collection has announced a lavish 4K Ultra HD release of the film, set for November 25, promising to be the most definitive presentation of the director’s controversial and haunting swan song. This long-awaited release promises to immerse audiences anew in the film’s dreamlike and unsettling vision.

Starring then-married superstars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, the 1999 film follows Dr. Bill Harford on a surreal, night-long odyssey through a hidden world of secret societies and sexual intrigue after his wife reveals a shocking confession. The film, a meticulous adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s novella Dream Story, polarized critics upon release but has since been lauded as a profound exploration of marriage, jealousy, and the subconscious.

What Makes the Eyes Wide Shut 4K Release So Significant?

This new edition is significant because it marks the first time the film has been restored and released in the 4K Ultra HD format under the supervision of the original director of photography, Larry Smith. The process ensures that Kubrick’s precise visual composition, from the opulent glow of Christmas lights to the shadowy, masked rituals, is presented with unparalleled clarity and detail. The release includes both the 4K UHD disc with Dolby Vision HDR and a Blu-ray disc, making it a comprehensive package for cinephiles and collectors. The restoration is based on the international version of the film, which is the definitive cut.

A Treasure Trove of Special Features

Beyond the stunning visual upgrade, the Criterion release is packed with extensive special features that provide deep context and behind-the-scenes insight. The collection includes new interviews with key collaborators like cinematographer Larry Smith and second-unit director Lisa Leone. It also features archival materials, such as a press conference with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman from 1999 and Kubrick’s own D.W. Griffith Award acceptance speech. Documentaries like “Never Just a Dream” and “Lost Kubrick” explore the film’s lasting legacy and the director’s other unfinished projects, offering a fuller picture of the auteur’s final creative period.

The release arrives over two decades after the film’s debut, allowing for a richer historical perspective. Kubrick tragically passed away just days after presenting his final cut to the studio, leaving the film as his final statement. This Criterion edition serves not just as a home video release, but as a curated archive dedicated to understanding the complex layers of Kubrick’s last work.

This definitive 4K release of Eyes Wide Shut finally provides the presentation that Stanley Kubrick’s meticulously crafted final vision deserves, cementing its status as an essential, endlessly debatable piece of cinematic history. Secure your copy for a deep dive into one of cinema’s most fascinating puzzles.

Must Know

What is included in the Eyes Wide Shut Criterion 4K set?
The set includes a new 4K restoration supervised by the cinematographer, both 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs, new interviews with the crew, archival featurettes, a press conference with the stars, and essays. It is the most comprehensive home release of the film ever produced.

When will the Eyes Wide Shut Criterion release be available?
The Criterion Collection’s 4K Ultra HD edition of Eyes Wide Shut is scheduled to be released on November 25, 2024.

Is this the original version of Eyes Wide Shut?
Yes, the restoration is based on the international version of the film, which is the original and definitive cut released by Stanley Kubrick.

Why is Eyes Wide Shut considered an important film?
Initially met with mixed reviews, the film is now critically acclaimed as a profound study of marriage, trust, and secret desires. It is analyzed for its dense symbolism and is considered a fitting end to Kubrick’s groundbreaking career.

What is the plot of Eyes Wide Shut?
The film follows a New York City doctor (Tom Cruise) who embarks on a disturbing and surreal journey of sexual and psychological discovery after his wife (Nicole Kidman) confesses to fleeting thoughts of infidelity.