I Just Watched Wings of Desire | Quick Thoughts on the upcoming Criterion 4K! 

Greetings James! Many thanks for the very informative and enthusiastic video on Wings of Desire. Based on your insights, it sounds as if the story has a great premise. The desire to become human having been anointed an angel. Many of us have the opposite desire (ha, ha)! I haven't viewed this film as of yet but have welcomed a number of Wim Wenders films into my library recently. Bruno Gantz seems to be a very prominent actor and one I'm going to give close scrutiny to. To answer your question, I've stated previously I have a no upgrade policy for two reasons; (1) DVD quality to me is terrific and: (2) I'd much rather spent my resources on new titles. Each to their own as they say! My own most recent viewing experience was the 1957 film, Paths Of Glory, directed by Stanley Kubrick and featuring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, and Adolphe Menjou. Famously banned in France for 20 years after its release for its realistic and unflattering depiction of the French high command during World War One, this is a riveting account. Interestingly, Douglas, who was also a producer of the film, insisted that Kubrick not change the ending and we are all the better for that intervention. The film is in equal parts an examination of the machinations of a corrupt military culture and a testament as to the utter futility of war. It is certainly one of the greatest films of all time. My latest film acquisition was 2004's Miracle, featuring Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, and Nathan West. Thank you again for the terrific video and have a great remainder of the week!

DVD has been in my collection for years and never watched it! Must give it a view.

I love that film! It’s astonishing.

This is one of the 4K upgrades that is actually worth it considering the fact it’s a new 4K restoration from the original camera negatives. Having seen it in the cinema last year, I promise you it’s gorgeous. Wender’s has said himself that this is the best this film has ever looked due to the fact the production process resulted in release prints that were 6 generations on from the original negative.

Wim Wenders personally approved this release, and its somewhat known that some filmmakers are not a fan of HDR hence the reason why a lot of 4ks in the collection not having it.

Hey, James. Loved your thoughts on this film. I still haven't seen it, but it's been one I've wanted to check out for a while and I'll probably hold out for the July sale to pick it up. I think it's one that my wife will really enjoy, too. I've been thinking a lot about the 4K upgrades from Criterion having no new special features and no new packaging, and I think I've finally settled on an opinion. It feels to me that Criterion being so long in the physical distribution side of things is both a benefit and a detriment to them right now in terms of the 4K format. On the one hand, they have this huge catalog of films that people are anxious to see upgraded, but on the other hand they probably want to keep their brand on point and not feel like they're "forcing" their loyal customers to double-dip into movies they've already purchased years prior. I don't think every long-time Criterion fan would feel this way, but I know there would be some who would feel rubbed the wrong way that they're missing out on features because they don't have the money to re-purchase a film they already own. I think this makes it a little more difficult to stay relevant with other companies like Second Sight or BFI putting out their own releases with new art and features, but I can appreciate not wanting to confuse their customers. It may also be costly to get those features produced on top of the upgrade costs, which I'm sure is a major concern after all those layoffs last year. For me personally, it's mostly situational. I've been picking up the 4K releases if they're available even though I don't currently have a 4K setup (yet). My favorite Gilliam film, Fisher King, is about to release on 4K, but I'll hold off on the upgrade until I can upgrade on my end. However, I also have a plan in mind once I make the jump. If movies come out on 4K that I already own on BD, I'm thinking I'm just going to gift my older copies to friends or family who I'm sure will enjoy them. For me, that's worth more than what I would probably get on ebay and I get to share something I loved with them.

Beautiful film

This film is a treat. Even with no extra features, I'd still decide to upgrade. Because, it's going to be beautiful. I'm so glad you watched this James.

Thanks a Lot James. Wings of Desire is a great film, very glad you enjoyed the experience. For me these up grades don't melt my butter, I cannot justify the added expense given the modest nature of my equipment.

I have it on 4k and the transfer is lush. This is my favorite movie so upgrading to the new version was a no brainer.

You should also watch the sequel. It’s called Faraway so close. The same cast reprised their roles. Willem Defoe was in the movie too

Thanks!

There's no HDR on the Wings of Desire 4k - I would mention Curzon released the same restoration here in the UK earlier this year. I got that copy and as you've mentioned before the black and white is much more pronounced and overall the film is a major uptick, the colour switching is very impressive as well. They made a conscious choice with no HDR and I think it doesn't suffer from not having it.

Great review. I’m personally not buying any back catalog past 2 years from Criterion. I’m starting with my 4k collection and no reason to double dip.

I remember seeing this movie many years ago but I forgot if it's the original movie or the sequel. I forgot the titles of both movies.

Has it even happened to you that Criterion disc won't play in one particular player but, for some reason, works in another one?