Barry Lyndon (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]

One either loves or hates Stanley Kubrick's films but for one to whom this is his favourite director I can only describe my fondness for the majority of his works of which this ranks among my favourites. For me Kubrick was always a master artist except that painted with the still-picture camera or the moving picture camera. The way he frames his shots makes me feel like I'm at a major art museum watching masterpiece painting after masterpiece painting go by as I sit. I get this feeling throughout all his movies but especially so here in this film which makes this effect even more pronounced with shots that mirror actual paintings that are sometimes shown on the walls of the sets. This film is a masterpiece of lighting and has to rank among the most authentic-looking and hence the best period piece movies ever made and I can't help but feel the movie "Amadeus" also was inspired by this film.Kubrick's films consistently represent the pinnacle of various film genres; anyone ever seen a list of best ever sci-fi films without "2001: A Space Odyssey" or "A Clockwork Orange" on it? How about a best ever comedy film list without "Dr Strangelove" or best horror list without "The Shining" or best gladiator movie without "Spartacus?" "Barry Lyndon" though as his longest film does require patience on the part of the viewer to fully reap the rewards on offer. For me the 185 minutes flew by as I was fully absorbed in taking in the colours and wonderful choices of frames that only a genius like Kubrick can come up with.This Criterion release is a treat for fans as it represents the best version of this film on blu ray that is currently out there; the 1:66 aspect ratio is what Kubrick wanted and the surround sound option is a real plus. Also included is a 44-page glossy colour booklet containing essays on the film. The 2 discs containing the film and the special features are nicely packaged in a slim plastic case and represents yet another great Criterion release.Highly recommended!

Simply amazing

One of the best 4k transfers I have seen. Bought this Criterion addition when it was half price. Contains both the bu-ray and 4K, on separate disk. Lots of extras and a nice booklet. Haven't seen the clarity and great drama of this beautiful movie since seeing it in the movies. A masterful work that should not disappoint anyone, especially Kubrick fans.

The best film by a man who stands among the very highest echelon of American artists. Barry Lyndon is Kubrick's best work . This film does for color cinematography what Citizen Kane did for monochrome.Unlike other Criterion releases, previous releases of Barry Lyndon were never lacking. There is no denial that this is probably the best this masterpiece will ever look. The candlelight shines like the sun though a church window. The blacks are truly black, and there is no image noise even on the best OLED 4k screens.In the correct aspect ratio for the first time, Criterion devoted an entire 2nd disc for the special features so as to fit the nearly uncompressed film on one disc. The features are worth watching, though features and overall packaging is decidely not as interesting or insightful as Dr. Strangelove or even The Killing.The cover art is not exactly original but is pleasing enough. This is no Moonrise Kingdom, but there are some interesting technical details in the accompanying booklet. I cannot decide if the long essay is a parody of the slow pace of the film, but you won't be reading it when the movie hits your screen.Barry Lyndon, like Citizen Kane, is the product of an American polymath at the apex of his artistic and technical skill. It is the best period piece ever filmed. Barry Lyndon is the rare film that dares to defy your attention, with it's exaggerated 18th century courtly pace. It is a 3 hour waltz with an unreliable narrator and in perfect timing to some of the most iconic classical music in the western cannon.Just buy the damn thing.

I had never heard of this movie until recently, but after reading some reviews I thought I would risk buying it, and it being Criterion, it was going to be pricey. The first was damaged unfortunately, but amazon replaced it and the second one arrived in perfect condition.The film is very good and the natural lighting and costumes are outstanding. Some of the costumes are original ones from the time. Incredible.Piano Trio in E - Flat by Franz Schubert is just the icing on the cake to what is now one of my favourite Kubrick movies.A must have for lovers of period movies.