ADDITION: Criterion 4K UHD (February 2023): Criterion's have released Richard Linklater's "Dazed and Confused" to 4K UHD. Included is Criterion's 2011 Blu-ray, as evidenced by the M2TS dates:

The 2160 image is darker with richer, deeper colors, improved black levels and more layered contrast. It looked impressive on my system. A few instances of teal sneak in but otherwise it looks wonderfully vibrant.  

It is likely that the monitor you are seeing this review is not an HDR-compatible display (High Dynamic Range) or Dolby Vision, where each pixel can be assigned with a wider and notably granular range of color and light. Our capture software if simulating the HDR (in a uniform manner) for standard monitors. This should make it easier for us to review more 4K UHD titles in the future and give you a decent idea of its attributes on your system. So our captures may not support the exact same colors (coolness of skin tones, brighter or darker hues etc.) as the 4K system at your home. But the framing, detail, grain texture support etc. are, generally, not effected by this simulation representation.

NOTE: 24 more more full resolution (3840 X 2160) 4K UHD captures, in lossless PNG format, for Patrons are available HERE

We have reviewed the following 4K UHD packages to date: Three Colors: Blue (software uniformly simulated HDR), Invaders From Mars (software uniformly simulated HDR), Death Wish (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (no HDR), High Plains Drifter (software uniformly simulated HDR), Mystery Men (software uniformly simulated HDR), Silent Running (software uniformly simulated HDR), Dressed to Kill (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Power of the Dog  (software uniformly simulated HDR), Escape From Alcatraz (software uniformly simulated HDR), I, the Jury (no HDR), Casablanca (software uniformly simulated HDR), In the Mood For Love (NO HDR applied to disc), The Werewolf vs. the Vampire Woman  (software uniformly simulated HDR), Blow Out (software uniformly simulated HDR), Night of the Living Dead (NO HDR applied to disc), Lost Highway (software uniformly simulated HDR), Videodrome (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Last Picture Show (software uniformly simulated HDR), It Happened One Night (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Mummy (1932)(software uniformly simulated HDR), Creature From the Black Lagoon (software uniformly simulated HDR), Bride of Frankenstein (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Amityville Horror  (software uniformly simulated HDR), The War of the Worlds (1953) (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Incredible Melting Man  (software uniformly simulated HDR), Event Horizon (software uniformly simulated HDR), Get Carter (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Killing (software uniformly simulated HDR), Killer's Kiss (software uniformly simulated HDR) 

On their 4K UHD, Criterion use a, robust, DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track (24-bit) in the original English. There is a wonderful mix of mid 70's rock'n'roll classic including Aerosmith's Sweet Emotion, Deep Purple's Highway Star, Alice Cooper's School's Out, War's Why Can't We Be Friends, Peter Frampton's Do You Feel Like We Do?, Ted Nugent's Stranglehold, The Edgar Winter Group's Free Ride plus recognizable music from Bob Dylan, Foghat, Nazareth, Black Sabbath, ZZ Top, Rick Derringer, KISS, Seals & Crofts, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc. sounding deep and clear. The two discs offers optional English subtitles for the feature film - and is, like all 4K UHDs, region FREE, playable worldwide, while Criterion's included Blu-ray is Region 'A'-locked. 

"Dazed and Confused" is a rock'n'roll-infused cult-classic, coming-of-age, comedy written and directed by Richard Linklater after Slacker. It is famous for having many, eventual, bigger name Hollywood stars including Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey, Matthew McConaughey, Joey Lauren Adams, Renée Zellweger, and others. Actors considered, but rejected (often too young) for roles were Elizabeth Berkley, Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd, Brendan Fraser, Jon Favreau and Claire Danes. It is also listed in the top 'Best High School Movies' listings providing a decent slice of teenage American culture and its silly rites of passage. Amusingly Dazed and Confused was released on the HD DVD format (remember that?) in 2006. Tarantino included it on his list of the 10 greatest films of all time in the 2002 Sight and Sound poll. Inspired by Linklater's screenplay is the book Dazed and Confused: Teenage Nostalgia. Instant and Cool 70's Memorabilia. A Celebration of the Hit Movie. "Dazed and Confused" evokes memories of driving around looking for excitement as a teenager. It gets better each time I see it. Absolutely recommended for the stellar new image!

ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - October 11': Universal came out with their Blu-ray in August of 2011 and only 2 months later Criterion have released their own 1080P package. The visual differences? well, Universal seem to have the more robust technical transfer for the film - although I often lean to the Criterion with warmer skin tones. My eyes were starting to go square identifying differences between the two - but you can see there is more information in the top of the Universal frame and more in the bottom of the Criterion. Both are 1.85:1. The Criterion may be a shade 'harsher' and the Universal more passive in terms of color and balance. I doubt anyone would complain about either video transfer. They are both consistent and supply a solid HD presentation of Linklater's film.

Audio is a wash - both excellent. Strong lossless DTS-HD Master 5.1 at over 4000 kbps. The film never tests the depth and separations exist and are crisp although I wouldn't say a big part of the film presentation. It's strength is the dialogue and effects are less-relevant. Music is a big part from Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" to "Free Ride" by The Edgar Winter Group. It sounds super with buoyancy and resonance. Both discs offer optional subtitles. The Universal is region FREE and the Criterion is Region 'A'-locked.

While it is obvious Criterion eclipses in the area of supplements - duplicating their SD with the director commentary and more - I got a kick out of the Universal's The Blunt Truth (4:22) and the 2 short Retro Public Services Announcements (VD Is For Everyone + Crying Indian). Just to touch on some of the Criterion extras (all in HD) - there is the 50-minute 'Making of...', about 1.5 hours of interviews, 1/2 hour's worth of Behind-the-scenes footage, auditions etc. . Also is the liner notes book featuring new essays by Kent Jones, Jim DeRogatis, and Chuck Klosterman, plus character profiles, and memories of the film from cast and crew. And the original film poster designed by Frank Kozik.

Great film - amusing and profound - easy to watch - and worthy of re-visitation. The Criterion Blu-ray should appeal to those keen on investigating the extras. The Universal is significantly cheaper and also supplies a strong 1080P presentation. It's beneficial to have the option to own this essential film.

***

ON THE DVD: The image is pristine. Colors, contrast - everything is excellent. I see no flaws whatsoever. I was surprised that there are no, usual, optional subtitles but that is the only black mark on this stacked package. I realize there are other digital editions of this film previously available but, although we don't own them to compare, I highly doubt any could touch this image. The extras are extensive and I honestly have not waded through all of them yet, but the Linklater commentary is excellent.  

Criterion also released Linklater's Slacker in 2004 and this is a companion piece for it. Many will mock it, but viewing it first would be the first step to appreciating it. It is a modern examination - akin to an homage - of the 70's with commentary on communication easily ranking it as one of the most important teen films ever made. Give it a spin before you start criticizing.

Gary W. Tooze