ADDITION: Criterion 4K UHD (September 2023): Criterion have released Nicolas Roeg's "Walkabout" to 4K UHD. It was one of their original DVDs (spine #10) in 1998 and they have done a Blu-ray edition in 2010. We have compared 6 digital editions (3 DVDs and 3 Blu-rays) of Walkabout HERE. We have made a few comparisons with a few 2160P captures below. The Criterion 4K UHD package includes the 2010 Blu-ray (with its extras) as evidence by the disc's M2TS file dates:

NOTE: 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.

The disc opens with the warning "Indigenous people are advised that this film includes images and recording of a deceased person." Yes, our attempt at 4K UHD replication does a solid job with the grain, framing but still has issues with color vibrancy - notably reds here (example the Bell pepper on the counter.) The Dolby Vision HDR pass has done wonders for the overall image where colors seem more balanced, detail rises and the outback landscapes are awe-inspiring. I've watched this twice waiting to get the captures and it is, easily, the best this, favorite film of mine, has ever looked on my system.   

NOTE: 74 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: Black Magic Rites, The Night of the Hunted (software uniformly simulated HDR),  The Rape of the Vampire (software uniformly simulated HDR), Gorgo (software uniformly simulated HDR), Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (software uniformly simulated HDR),  The Man From Hong Kong (software uniformly simulated HDR), One False Move, The Tall T (software uniformly simulated HDR), Cold Eyes of Fear (software uniformly simulated HDR), Rules of the Game (no HDR), The Manchurian Candidate (software uniformly simulated HDR), After Hours, Rain Man (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Changeling (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Night of the Hunter (software uniformly simulated HDR), 12 Angry Men (software uniformly simulated HDR), Branded to Kill (no HDR), Picnic at Hanging Rock (software uniformly simulated HDR), Two Orphan Vampires, The Shiver of the Vampires, Drowning By Number (software uniformly simulated HDR), Serpico (software uniformly simulated HDR), Cool Hand Luke (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Seventh Seal (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Maltese Falcon (software uniformly simulated HDR), Mildred Pierce (software uniformly simulated HDR), Tár (software uniformly simulated HDR), Marathon Man (software uniformly simulated HDR), Dazed and Confused (software uniformly simulated HDR), 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), Branded to Kill (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Killing (software uniformly simulated HDR), Killer's Kiss (software uniformly simulated HDR.)

Like their Blu-ray, on their 4K UHD, Criterion use a linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. It exports the film's flat audio - nature-related effects even carry some resonance and the brilliant score by the iconic John Barry (The Whisperers, Boom, Deadfall, The Chase, Midnight Cowboy, Dances With Wolves, Inside Moves and the Bond themes among his many credits) plus electronic music from "Hymnen" by Karlheinz Stockhausen, some cultural didgeridoos etc. all sound wonderful in the uncompressed. This music is a huge part of the film experience, imo. The disc offers optional English (SDH) subtitles - and is, like all 4K UHD, region FREE, playable worldwide. The included Blu-ray is region 'A'-locked.

The 4K UHD disc - has only the Roeg / Agutter commentary found on the 1998 Criterion DVD. All other extras are on the second disc Blu-ray - that also has the feature film in 1080P and commentary. There are 20-minutes of separate interviews with the lovely Agutter and actor Luc Roeg (the director's son) as they both discuss Nicolas Roeg and the making of the film. Gulpilil—One Red Blood is an hour-long documentary from 2002 on the life and career of actor David Gulpilil. The indigenous Australian actor and dancer, known for this film, The Last Wave, Storm Boy, Crocodile Dundee, Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Tracker. Gulpilil suffered from alcoholism when he was introduced to grog during filming of Walkabout. He passed in November 29th, 2021 (aged 68) of lung Cancer. We also get a lengthy theatrical trailer and the previous liner notes booklet featuring an essay by author Paul Ryan and filled with impressive photos.

Nicolas Roeg's "Walkabout" was his first film as a solo director. He was also the cinematographer. Edward Bond wrote the screenplay - loosely based on James Vance Marshall's 1959 novel of the same name. There are allegorical maturing themes in Walkabout about children abandoned in the outback finding their way home, perhaps with their adventures creating an irreversible loss of innocence. Communication (the father with the world, and the sister with the indigenous boy) and an over-civilized world juxtaposed with the exotic natural scenes - are also seen as dominating themes. BFI had a survey of the world's greatest films in 2012. Walkabout was represented in four critics' and four directors' lists of their favorite films. Walkabout is a masterpiece and the Criterion's 4K UHD release is the best a/v presentation without doubt. If you haven't adopted this new format - this package is a bona-fide reason to indulge yourself. Don't hesitate.

Gary Tooze