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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
directed
by David Lynch
France/USA 1997
Lost Highway is reviewed on 4K UHD HERE
The thrill of this kind of enigmatic rhyming structure, combined with Lynch's
masterful and often powerful fusions of sound and image, is that it makes all
sorts of splashy expressionistic effects possible--moments of "pure" filmmaking
in which the ideological trappings of noir become subverted by the heady
mixtures (such as the literal and figurative grafting of the Mystery Man onto
the body of Arquette). The limitation is that, even if the thematic
preoccupations at times appear to float and circulate independent of the inner
tubes, their assumptions remain mired in the adolescent mind-set ("dirty" sex
and corrupted male innocence) that informs virtually all of Lynch's features.
(I'm less certain that this applies to
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, which I'll have to see again, but it
clearly forms the affective core of
Eraserhead, The Elephant Man,
Dune,
Blue Velvet, and
Wild at Heart.) Excerpt from Jonathan Rosenbaum's review at the Chicago Reader located HERE |
Posters
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Theatrical Release: January 15th, 1997
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
Comparison:
Universal - Region - 1 - NTSC vs. Cinema Club (2-disc SE) - Region 2- PAL vs. Shock Records (Australia) - Region 0 - PAL vs. mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) - Region 2 - PAL vs. MK2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray vs. Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray |
Big thanks to Gregg Ferencz for the French DVD screen caps
Box Covers |
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Coming to 4K UHD from Criterion in October 2022: Bonus Captures: |
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Distribution |
Universal Studios - Region 1 NTSC |
Cinema Club Region 2 - PAL |
Shock Records Region 0 DVD - PAL |
mk2 Region 2 - PAL |
mk2 Region 'B'-locked - Blu-ray |
Kino Region 'A' - Blu-ray
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Runtime | 2:14:20 | 2:08:40 (4% PAL speedup) | 2:08:48 (4% PAL speedup) | 2:08:40 (4% PAL speedup) | 2:14:08.041 | 2:14:46.078 |
Video |
2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced
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2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
2.35:1.00 Letterboxed WideScreen /
16X9 enhanced
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2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
Disc Size: 34,564,598,752 bytes Feature Size: 31,077,629,952 bytes Average Bitrate: 24.99 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video / 1080P 24 fps |
Disc Size: 38,391,415,068 bytes Feature Size: 38,076,100,608 bytes Average Bitrate: 31.95 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video / 1080P 23.976 fps
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Bitrate: Universal |
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Bitrate: Cinema Club |
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Bitrate: Shock Records |
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Bitrate: MK2 |
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Bitrate: MK2 Blu-ray |
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Bitrate: Kino Blu-ray |
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Audio | English (Dolby Digital 5.1) | English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (DTS) | English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo) | English (DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1) | DTS-HD
Master Audio English 2077 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 2077 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core:
5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit) DUB: DTS-HD Master Audio French 1993 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1993 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit) |
DTS-HD Master Audio English 1988
kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1988 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps /
16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio English 1561 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1561 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit) |
Subtitles | English. Spanish, French, None | None | None | French (removable), none | French, none | English. None |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: Universal Aspect Ratio:
Edition
Details: Chapters 18 |
Release Information: Studio: Cinema Club Aspect Ratio:
Edition
Details: Chapters 48 |
Release Information: Studio: Shock records Aspect Ratio:
DVD Release Date:
July 25th, 2001
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Release Information: Studio: mk2 Aspect Ratio:
Edition
Details: Chapters 48 |
Release Information: Studio: mk2
Disc Size: 34,564,598,752 bytes Feature Size: 31,077,629,952 bytes Average Bitrate: 24.99 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video / 1080P 24 fps
Edition
Details: Chapters 16 |
Release Information: Studio: Kino
Disc Size: 38,391,415,068 bytes Feature Size: 38,076,100,608 bytes Average Bitrate: 31.95 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video / 1080P 23.976 fps
Edition
Details: Chapters 8
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Comments: |
Lost Highway is reviewed on 4K UHD HERE NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc. ADDITION: Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - (June 2019) - I'm sure many have heard the controversy regarding this Blu-ray release from Kino. Director David Lynch has informed us that this is not from the original camera negative and appears to, essentially, disavowe this release. I would love to compare one day to a transfer - perhaps 4K UHD - taken from the original camera negative. As of the writing of this review, I personally, only own the versions here although I believe there is a UK release also available. So, as it is told; there was a miscommunication - Kino requested David's involvement as he has shown specificity in how he films are treated on digital (regarding chapter stops, no commentaries etc.). For whatever reason, the collaboration/ director input didn't transpire and Kino have released this Blu-ray edition - after a delay. How does it look? Solid. Even if not from the original camera negative - this obviously looks superior to the 2010 mk2 Blu-ray out of France. I prefer the colors (warmer flesh tones, earthier hues), it is authentically darker, shows more in formation in the frame etc. It looks the best the film ever has on my system - to-date. NOTE: We have added 28 more large resolution Kino Blu-ray captures for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE. Kino give the audio options of lossless DTS-HD Master tracks in either 5.1 surround and 2.0 channel (both 16-bit) in the original English language. It sounds excellent although may be lacking some depth if it had a more robust (24-bit) rendering. The score is by Angelo Badalamenti (David Lynch films including Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks- Fire Walk With Me, Wild at Heart Mulholland Drive, and The Straight Story among others. He's also done the score for Schrader's Auto-Focus, and other films like 44 Inch Chest, The Edge of Love, The Comfort of Strangers etc.) the film is further punctuated with haunting music; David Bowie's I'm Deranged plus tunes from Smashing Pumpkins, Lou Reed, Rammstein plus the 'Driving Theme' and Richard Butler's White Lines. It all sounds marvelous adding to the film's eccentric Noir-ish atmosphere. Kino add optional English subtitles on their Region 'A"-locked Blu-ray disc. There are no extras - most likely a concession to Lynch. This is such a hauntingly magical film experience. It is equal parts mood and mystery - almost speaking a new language of cinema ala Antonioni where externalities orbit narrative constraints with abandon. It so brilliant and this Kino Blu-ray is the definitive edition. Your digital library is significantly more pedestrian without it. Gary W. Tooze *** ADDITION: MK2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray - (December 2010) - MK2 in France have put out an English-friendly (we are given the choice of English or French menus), region 'B'-locked Blu-ray of Lynch's Lost Highway. It's advancement over DVD is quite subtle... but does exist. Because of the smokey-style manner that the film was shot the improvement doesn't leap to the usual heights of 1080P. It is a competent dual-layered transfer that maintains the same greenish colors scheme of their previous 2-disc Limited Edition DVD. Detail is superior but there is not a lot of depth. Compression artifacts found on the DVDs are to a much lesser extent. I thought it was solid in-motion and I could appreciate some of the HD superiority - but for may this may seem less dramatic than many have hoped - this, of course, will depend on the system viewed. Aside from the Universal DVD this is the only edition without PAL speed-up. The audio, a significant part of the Lost Highway film presentation, may have a more demonstrative improvement with a lossless DTS-HD 5.1 at 2077 kbps. There was always some aggressive depth to the track but this is more apparent now in the more crisply separated, dynamic, HD rendering. It is quite impressive aurally. There is also an untested lossless French DUB and only French optional subtitles on this Region 'B'-locked Blu-ray disc. Extras duplicate the 2005 MK2 LE package but minus the 78-page French text booklet and the latter (2005) Lynch interview. Everything else exists (interviews, making of... etc.), in original English, 'as is' in SD but now in NTSC running time (not PAL sped-up). Tough call for an upgrade - you may have to be quite discerning in your appreciation of the image quality bump but the audio superiority is readily apparent. Depending on your enjoyment of the film - I continue to run 'hot and cold' on - this is, obviously the best way to see it in your home theater. Lynch fans in region 'B' or who have adopted a region free player won't, and shouldn't, be deterred. MK2 have done a solid job with the transfer. Gary W. Tooze ***
ADDITION - Universal - NTSC - March 2008: Well, it looks as though Universal have done a slap-dash job with bringing this title to DVD (finally). I suspect they are unfamiliar with this film's vast appeal (they could have first checked the number of hits on this webpage at the bottom). Aside from there being no extras the image has had some definite red/black boosting. It is darker than the PAL releases and correspondingly skin tones look less accurate. While richer - there is still noise but more apparent grain. Detail seems strong though. The 5.1 track sounded pretty strong but is eclipsed by both the UK and French editions that also offer DTS. The only positives about this Universal DVD would be the optional subtitles, the original NTSC running time (no 4% PAL loss) and the reasonable price. Gee Universal, you could have really dolled this up - supplements (maybe a commentary), given us an un-manipulated image and charged a pretty penny (maybe making it a 2-disc'er) - I'll wager it would have sold well for you. I expect many will scoop this up solely because they are region-locked... and the decent price. For purists I suppose we'll continue to recommend the Cinema Club (or mk2) for superior image and extras. *** ADDITION - Cinema Club - PAL - March 2007: The Cinema Club two disc is exactly the same as the MK2 except in the following areas: 1) MK2 offers a French DUB and optional French subtitles. 2) The Cinema Club does not include the 78-page booklet (in French) Other than that they appear to be the same - anamorphic image, menus, digital supplements etc. BUT the good news is that the Cinema Club is 60% OFF HERE at the time of this comparison. ***
Just to 'cut to the chase' - the old Shock edition is quite poor especially in the area of colors next to the MK2, which wins in all categories (even though it has anamorphic softening). For more on the MK2- see Gregg's comments below. Gary W. Tooze MK2 states that the transfer of this release comes
from a new HD master.
Perhaps so, only I don't see it. Don't get me wrong. The anamorphic image
looks good enough. The best I have seen on video so far. But, there is a
lot of grain and compression artifacts visible in the darker scenes - and
there are many dark scenes. I get the impression that a high-definition
master was sourced from a standard definition source. I am not entirely
sure this was unintentional as I have not viewed Lost Highway on a movie
screen since its release in 1997. Still, I have to admit I expected a
better image. |
Menus
Universal - Region 1- NTSC
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NOTE Cinema Club and MK2 menus are exactly the same apart from the audio/sub options.
(Cinema Club (2 disc SE) - Region 2 - PAL LEFT vs. mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) - Region 2 - PAL RIGHT)
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(Shock Records - Region 0 - PAL LEFT vs. mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) -
Region 2 - PAL RIGHT)
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DVD Menus - Disc 2 of UK and French
NOTE Cinema Club and MK2 menus are exactly the same (apart from the audio/sub options).
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mk2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray
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CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Subtitle Sample
1) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC TOP 2) Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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Screen Captures
1) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC TOP 2) Cinema Club (2-disc SE) - Region 2 - PAL SECOND 3) Shock Records - Region 0 - PAL THIRD 4) mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) - Region 2 - PAL FOURTH 5) mk2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FIFTH 6) Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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1) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC TOP 2) Cinema Club (2-disc SE) - Region 2 - PAL SECOND 3) Shock Records - Region 0 - PAL THIRD 4) mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) - Region 2 - PAL FOURTH 5) mk2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FIFTH 6) Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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1) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC TOP 2) Cinema Club (2-disc SE) - Region 2 - PAL SECOND 3) Shock Records - Region 0 - PAL THIRD 4) mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) - Region 2 - PAL FOURTH 5) mk2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FIFTH 6) Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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1) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC TOP 2) Cinema Club (2-disc SE) - Region 2 - PAL SECOND 3) Shock Records - Region 0 - PAL THIRD 4) mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) - Region 2 - PAL FOURTH 5) mk2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FIFTH 6) Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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1) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC TOP 2) Cinema Club (2-disc SE) - Region 2 - PAL SECOND 3) Shock Records - Region 0 - PAL THIRD 4) mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) - Region 2 - PAL FOURTH 5) mk2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FIFTH 6) Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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1) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC TOP 2) Cinema Club (2-disc SE) - Region 2 - PAL SECOND 3) Shock Records - Region 0 - PAL THIRD 4) mk2 (2 disc Edition Limitee) - Region 2 - PAL FOURTH 5) mk2 - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FIFTH 6) Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
Box Covers |
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Coming to 4K UHD from Criterion in October 2022: Bonus Captures: |
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Distribution |
Universal Studios - Region 1 NTSC |
Cinema Club Region 2 - PAL |
Shock Records Region 0 DVD - PAL |
mk2 Region 2 - PAL |
mk2 Region 'B'-locked - Blu-ray |
Kino Region 'A' - Blu-ray
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