Review: Criterion's 4K of 'Mulholland Drive' Well Worth It

The first time I watched David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive," I was alone in my bedroom, muttering variations of "What the fuck?" to myself throughout its duration. When it ended, I sat there confuddled, yet floored. An indescribable first viewing, Lynch's penultimate 2001 feature film (for now, at least) is arguably his best work, while at the same time it may represent one of the most infuriating experiences others have ever experienced. Friends have told me they've given it multiple chances, but still don't "get it." Others have flat-out dismissed it. That's the glory of art, and there is perhaps no artist as singular and challenging as Lynch with his eclectic body of work.

To date, half of David Lynch's 10-picture filmography has been added to The Criterion Collection. In addition to "Mulholland Drive," there's "Eraserhead," "Blue Velvet," "The Elephant Man," and "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me." However, "Mulholland Drive" is the first to earn the distinction of being released in Criterion's new 4K Ultra HD format. In fact, it is one of the very first to be re-released in 4K after Criterion first announced the transition earlier this year (other recent 4K debuts include "Citizen Kane" and "Menace II Society").

"Mulholland Drive" is a perfect pick for this fresh format, and collectors who already own the Blu-ray version of the film but truly care about capturing all its visual glory for the home viewing environment might still want to consider the upgrade. Filled with vibrant colors both bright and dark, and images both glorious and macabre, "Mulholland Drive" is 100% worthy of being one of the pioneering titles in Criterion's venture into 4K releases. The new 4K digital restoration was supervised by Lynch and director of photography Peter Deming. There is perhaps no cinematic artist from the past 50 years who creates better aural palettes within his works than Lynch, so the 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master audio soundtrack on the 4K UHD disc truly packs an auditory punch.

The bonus features mirror those included with the original Blu-ray release, but if you love this film and want to upgrade, it's worth it.