Some pictures of Criterion Collection’s 4K release for Bong Joonho’s 2017 sci-fi/action-adventure film Okja. I actually had lukewarm reactions to the movie during my initial watch back when it was first streamed, but for reasons unknown I actually enjoyed it quite a bit more on my 2nd viewing on this 4K release.

The 2 disc set comes with a 4K UHD presentation on one disc and the regular blu-ray + supplementary materials on the 2nd.

This is actually a really fortuitous and important release for supporters of the physical media format because the film was bankrolled by Netflix, which as we all know is a strictly streaming only business model, except on very rare occasions as such. I suspect it was Bong’s close working relationship with Criterion that made this physical release possible, having also released 2 of his other films Parasite and Memories Of Murder.

The picture quality of the 4K presentation is excellent; the HDR does wonders for colors, skin tones and details in the blacks, and the images are sharp and crisp. The blu-ray version is fantastic as well, but upon comparison with the 4K version I can best liken the picture quality to JPGs that have been treated and sharpened too much that you start to see subtle banding and artifacts.

For the bonus features, the conversation with Bong on the making of the film ( recorded in 2021/22 ) is in my opinion the best of the lot, a really insightful and illuminating interview that sheds light on his film-making process. The interview with famed cinematography Darius Khondji (Se7en) is great as well, but it is rather short. I also really enjoyed the features on the visual effects ( VFX ), which is executed with great aplomb by Method Studios ( now part of Framestore, I think ).

Overall, it’s a fantastic package of bonus features on the making of the movie.

DIRECTOR-APPROVED 4K UHD + BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

– 4K digital master, approved by director Bong Joon Ho, with Dolby Atmos sound
– One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
– New conversation between Bong and producer Dooho Choi
– New interviews with actors An Seo Hyun and Byun Heebong
– New interviews with members of the crew about the film’s cinematography, visual effects, and costume and production design
– Short programs including a director’s video diary, featuring Bong; actors Paul Dano, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, and Steven Yeun; and others
– Teaser, trailer, and web promos
– English subtitle translation and English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
– PLUS: An essay by critic Karen Han

Criterion has released yet another winner with Okja, and an important one as well because the movie would never have otherwise seen the light of day for physical media because it was funded by Netflix. As I mentioned previously the 4K presentation is just splendid, as are the bonus features. I’m hoping Bong’s other monster film The Host will get the Criterion treatment in the near future.

I also recommend checking out the art/making of book for Okja as well as Dissident Cinema, a book on Bong’s films.



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