David Lynch's remastered Inland Empire gets theatrical re-release in Europe

[BluBonnet]

Studiocanal Sets European Release Dates for David Lynch’s Re-Mastered Version of ‘Inland Empire’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Studiocanal is releasing a newly re-mastered version of David Lynch’s 2006 surreal mystery drama “Inland Empire,” which is set to hit theaters in the U.K. and France later this month.

Supervised by Lynch, the new 4K master was undertaken by The Criterion Collection with the support of Studiocanal. It features 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio and uncompressed stereo soundtracks, newly remastered by Lynch and original rerecording mixers Dean Hurley and Ron Eng.

The first digitally shot feature from the famed director of such cult works as “The Elephant Man,” “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” “Inland Empire” stars Laura Dern as Nikki, a once-celebrated actress who lands the lead role in a film by director Kingsley Stewart (Jeremy Irons) alongside co-star Devon (Justin Theroux). The production is a remake of a work filmed several years ago but never finished because the main actors died before shooting wrapped.

Very much on the edge, Nikki’s reality soon begins to merge with her fictional role as she passes through realities and enters a nightmarish labyrinth that leads her down interconnected rabbit holes on a hallucinatory odyssey.

Studiocanal is releasing the restored film in the U.K. on May 26, while Potemkine Films is bringing it out in France on May 31.

Studiocanal will then release “Inland Empire” on Blue-ray and DVD in the U.K. on June 19, France on June 28 and Germany on June 29.

Special features include deleted scenes, the documentary “Lynch (One),” and interview with Lynch conducted in London as well as the original and new trailers.

[s2mikey]

Ya know, this movie remains very cool and yet frustrating at the same time. I wish it wasn’t so experimental and stuck more on the main plot. It’s too long also with more than a few scenes that drag on forever. It’s not anywhere near the level of Mulholland or Lost Highway.

But…. It can be captivating and I do have it on DVD. Every so often I give it a watch. Maybe I’ll grab an updated version. Dunno though.

[Joey9775]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Ya know, this movie remains very cool and yet frustrating at the same time. I wish it wasn’t so experimental and stuck more on the main plot. It’s too long also with more than a few scenes that drag on forever. It’s not anywhere near the level of Mulholland or Lost Highway.

But…. It can be captivating and I do have it on DVD. Every so often I give it a watch. Maybe I’ll grab an updated version. Dunno though.

It's the only thing Lynch has made that just won't connect with me. I've tried and tried with it.

[RevolverOcelScott]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Ya know, this movie remains very cool and yet frustrating at the same time. I wish it wasn’t so experimental and stuck more on the main plot. It’s too long also with more than a few scenes that drag on forever. It’s not anywhere near the level of Mulholland or Lost Highway.

But…. It can be captivating and I do have it on DVD. Every so often I give it a watch. Maybe I’ll grab an updated version. Dunno though.

Originally Posted by Joey9775

It's the only thing Lynch has made that just won't connect with me. I've tried and tried with it.

I pretty much agree with both of you. Saw it in theaters when it first came out, a couple times on DVD and just revisted it on blu-ray. The first half, maybe even 2/3 is pretty good, but the last of it drags on WAY to long. It's definitely one I'll revist the least in my lifetime.

[Mothravka]

So only two countries in Europe?

Would be nice to rewatch it in a cinema, but it would be a miracle if they would show something else than the usual suspects here and near or in most places. Some older films come to a cinema that is 30 kilometres away from where I live, but not that often.

[ravenus]

I dunno, I'd prefer to watch SD video projects on a smaller display at home.

[Michael11]

A remaster isn't going to make it any better.

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by RevolverOcelScott

I pretty much agree with both of you. Saw it in theaters when it first came out, a couple times on DVD and just revisted it on blu-ray. The first half, maybe even 2/3 is pretty good, but the last of it drags on WAY to long. It's definitely one I'll revist the least in my lifetime.

Yep - thats it. The first 2/3 mostly works despite having the usual vague, ambiguous Lynchian stuff in it and a few draggy scenes. But then, that last 1/3 is a chore. Like a major chore.

The ides of the original cursed film, the murders, the leads having an affair, etc. is all great. The tie-in with the Polish group & girl watching TV is also cool. But, anytime the films strays away from that I get bored fast.

Dare I say Id like to see this rebooted or remade.... by Lynch, of course, but a tighter, more focused film!

[Pieter V]

INLAND EMPIRE - From director David Lynch - Remastered in 4K - YouTube

[BluBonnet]

For folks in the US, the remastered version is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel, together with several other Lynch films

[EvaDK]

INLAND EMPIRE was shot in relative low definition on a consumer grade digital camera. It was then upscaled for theatrical exhibition.

It will never look great, because the master/source material is what is is - by design. Lynch was experimenting. You can't extract additional image detail out from a digital source; it's not the same as 35 or 70mm sources. So, I honestly don't understand the 4K remaster treatment of this title. But I'll never complain about giving consumers more options.

[Synchg]

they say remastered, i say 'artificially processed'

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by EvaDK

INLAND EMPIRE was shot in relative low definition on a consumer grade digital camera. It was then upscaled for theatrical exhibition.

It will never look great, because the master/source material is what is is - by design. Lynch was experimenting. You can't extract additional image detail out from a digital source; it's not the same as 35 or 70mm sources. So, I honestly don't understand the 4K remaster treatment of this title. But I'll never complain about giving consumers more options.

Correct. I have the DVD and it will probably look almost as good as the UHD will.

[EvaDK]

In fairness, they did make improvements with the theatrical re-release of the film. Details were improved, while maintaining the aesthetic look of how it was shot. It still looked like it was shot on video.

It remains a tough film experience for me to sit through.