ADDITION: Criterion Collection - Region 'A' - Blu-rays (July 2014): Wow - what an upgrade. This is from a new 4K digital restoration! and it looks significantly different from the 1999 Criterion DVD. Generally contrast improves and the 1080P (dual-layered with a max'ed out bitrate) is brighter and shows much more detail. This is in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio and shows more information on the side edges than the old SD, 1.78:1, transfer (Criterion's first anamorphic DVD!). The HD transfer still retains some of the film's inherent thickness and has some texture. It was like seeing the film - for the first time.

The audio is transferred via an uncompressed DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel stereo at 2104 kbps in original Norwegian. There are gunfire effects that export some depth and the score by Geir Jenssen (Biosphere) sounds very atmospheric supporting the film extremely well adding a deep layer of suspense. There are optional English subtitles on the region 'A'-locked Blu-ray disc.

Criterion add supplements from their 15-year old DVD with a new, 21-minute, conversation between director Erik Skjoldbjærg and actor Stellan Skarsgard - recorded by Criterion in Oslo in January 2014. They talk about the making of Insomnia, including the development of teh script, the creation of the lead character of Engstrom, and their interest in inverting the genre norms of film noir. There are also two short films by Skjoldbjærg: Near Winter (1993 - 34:06) and Close to Home (1994 - 30:35). Skjoldbjærg was the first Norwegian to attend the National Film School in London, where he graduated in 1994. While there he directed these two shorts, among others. Criterion include a trailer, a liner notes booklet featuring an essay by critic Jonathan Romney and the dual-layered package has a DVD of the feature with all the extras of the Blu-ray.

Superb release from Criterion. I saw this because of their DVD and I always remember it. I am so happy to have this Blu-ray in my possession. Insomnia is a film I can watch repeatedly. Our highest recommendation!

***

ON THE DVD: A relatively early Criterion disc (their first anamorphic!) whose image, like all Criterion releases, is HD sourced. I understand that the film was shot in a very similar manner to this DVD appearance - heavily contrasted areas with apparent saturation. It is very dark at times and it tends to look very smeary and DNR'ed.

Audio is the original 2.0 track and the subtitles (one of Criterions hallmarks)  are perfect - a white font with black border can be seen with any background. Extras are only a a trailer and TV Spot and some liner notes. I enjoyed the more recent Al Pacino/Robin Williams version, but this original has a wonderful haunting claustrophobic sense to it that is more indicative of the story's text. Quite unforgettable. Stellan Skarsgård is excellent.  

 Gary W. Tooze