DVD Corner

Paris, Texas Criterion 4K UHD Review

“Paris, Texas” is an engrossing character study. 

Written by Sam Shepard and adapted by L.M. Kit Carson, 1984’s “Paris, Texas” begins with a quiet drifter (Travis) crossing the Texas desert on foot in a red hat, suit and tie, with a water jug. After passing out and being looked after by a Doctor, Travis’s brother Walter is alerted to his whereabouts. Walter (who hasn’t heard from Travis in 4 years) travels from L.A. to Texas to meet him but discovers that Travis isn’t talking and seems troubled. Travis reveals he owns a piece of land in Paris, Texas while Walter reveals he and his wife Anne have been raising Travis’s son Hunter. Travis goes with Walter to L.A. to reconnect with Hunter. Eventually, Travis decides he wants to find his wife Jane who walked out on him and Hunter. Hunter decides he wants to join Travis on this road trip to reconnect with his birth mother.

Directed by Wim Wenders (best known for “Wings Of Desire” and “Perfect Days”), “Paris, Texas” is the type of film that is deceptively simple on the surface, but has so much going on thematically. This is a deep character study about family, dreams, amends, America, environments and maturity. There’s a lot of mysteries within the story that unfold over time. At its heart, it’s a road trip story about a man (Travis) trying to redeem himself by repairing his mistakes and helping his family. He was lost, but he finds himself again.

The cinematography by Robby Müller is breathtaking. From the L.A. hills to the Texas desert, the landscapes are a character themselves (and a symbolic one at that). This is a true visual feast for film buffs.

The late great Harry Dean Stanton was a wonderful character actor, but it was so rewarding to see him get a starring role like this. It’s even more rewarding in that he gets to work with such a complex character like Travis. Dean Stockwell (Walter) and Natassja Kinski (Jane) also turn in noteworthy performances here.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.66:1 2160p. How does it look? The original 35mm negative was scanned in 4K and the result is dazzling. The colors look particularly rich and this is an overall big step up from the Blu-ray release.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The crisp new 5.1 surround track gives the audio more dimensions.

Extras:
* Commentary by Wim Wenders (on the 4K and Blu-ray).
* Blu-ray disc.
* “Paris, Texas” trailer
* A booklet featuring credits, an essay by film critic Nick Roddick, interviews with Sam Shepard, Harry Dean Stanton, Natassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, and excerpts from Wim Wenders’ book “Written In The West.”
* “Written In The West” still photos by Wim Wenders and unit photography photos by Robin Holland still galleries
* 5 deleted scenes and 7 minutes of Super 8 footage set to music.
* A 2001 interview with Wim Wenders and German journalist Roger Willemsen.
* “The Road To Paris, Texas”- A 42 minute collection of interviews with filmmakers, actors, and more from 1989 about Wim Wenders (including chats with Wim Wenders himself).
* A 2009 conversation between Claire Denis and film critic Kent Jones.
* A 2009 extra in which Allison Anders reads from her diary from the production of the film.
* “Cinema Cinemas”- A segment from the French TV series about Wim Wenders and Ry Cooder working on the “Paris, Texas” score.

December 11, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Criterion Collection, Harry Dean Stanton, Paris Texas, Paris Texas Criterion 4K UHD Review, Wim Wenders