NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

I've owned the Maple Pictures single-layered Canadian DVD edition for a while without realizing that it was transferred in the incorrect aspect ratio (1.78 cropping away plenty of intended information). Obviously now we can easily dismiss it with its 2.0 channel audio and only a theatrical trailer as an extra.

Looking at the Criterion Blu-ray as compared to their simultaneously released anamorphic and progressive DVD version probably the more discerning will note the 1080P visual superiority.  The SD tends to look more like video - and the Blu-ray like film. Colors don't differ much coming from the same source but the HD version is significantly sharper, better contrast and tighter lines. The Blu-ray handles the darkness better (many scenes), runs smoother and shows more grain. Pretty much all the details that we expect from the advancement to the higher resolution.

Audio is the same thing - the lossless DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 3051 kpbs shows more 'umfff'. Bass response in some of the more violent scenes is notable on the Blu-ray with greater depth and crisper separation than its more limited counterpart. The Maple Pictures offered no subtitles and I required them on a few occasions as the accents were thicker than I was used to. This is despite the film having plenty of long scenes without dialogue. Both the Criterion DVD and Blu-ray have optional English subtitles and I'm sure quite a few may appreciate the translations. My Momitsu has identified it as being a region 'A'-locked disc.

Supplements on the Criterions editions are duplicated with the video featurettes and interviews being in HD on the Blu-ray. We start with two interviews - one with McQueen, conducted by Criterion this year (2009), for about 15-minutes and a second, conducted by film critic Jason Solomon, in 2008, with actor Michael Fassbender (Bobby Sands) running a bit shorter. There is a short documentary on the making of Hunger, which includes interviews with McQueen, Fassbender, actors Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham, and Brian Milligan, writer Enda Walsh, and producer Robin Gutch - it gives some varied reference as to the production - albeit short summations by the participants. “The Provo’s Last Card?,” is a 1981 episode of the BBC program Panorama, about the Maze prison hunger strikes and the political and civilian reactions across Northern Ireland. This is excellent background for the film topic recorded four months after the death of Bobby Sands. It has Sinn Féin leaders Gerry Adams and Ruairí Ó Brádaigh plus UK political leaders and the youths and families of Northern Ireland. It gives great reference to the story running a full 45-minutes. There is a theatrical trailer and both editions have a 16-page liner notes booklet featuring photos and an essay by film critic Chris Darke.

Impacting and unforgettable film that was a pleasure to view in its correct aspect ratio - and with the subtitles that I, personally, seemed to require. As far as value goes both Criterion editions are of equal price - so we obviously give our full endorsement to the Blu-ray although those who have not adopted the new format will also get great satisfaction from the DVD version. This seems an important film to have for a Criterion spine # - and one we certainly recommend.  

Gary Tooze