Punch-Drunk Love Criterion 4K UHD Review
“Punch-Drunk Love” is one of PTA’s best films.
In 2002’s “Punch-Drunk Love,” the story revolves around a business owner named Barry Egan. He’s a lonely, socially awkward, anxiety filled man with self-esteem issues who is prone to fits of rage and has a tendency to lie to cover up shameful and embarrassing moments. One night on a whim, a lonely anxious Barry calls up a phone sex line. It should have just been a one time thing, but the line is also a scam that is trying to take Barry’s money. While he’s dealing with this issue, Barry finds himself falling in love with Lena (a co-worker of one of Barry’s 7 pushy sisters). With Lena, Barry begins to open up more and potentially find his soulmate. Elsewhere in the story is a subplot involving pudding cups (which is actually based on true events).
Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson of “Boogie Nights” and “There Will Be Blood” fame, “Punch-Drunk Love” stands tall as one of PTA’s finest films. It’s an oddball, quirky romantic comedy about finding love, change, personal growth and stepping outside of your comfort zone. It’s also one of the best films ever made about anxiety (it even plays like an anxiety attack at times).
What’s really remarkable about ‘Punch’ is that even 23 years later, the film feels as fresh as it did in 2002. It has aged like a fine wine and somehow gets better with each repeated viewing. It’s an altogether different sort of rom-com (and so much more) that has so many strange little eccentricities from the Jeremy Clark color visuals, the Harmonium, the pudding cups, and the tune from “Popeye.”
‘Punch’ was also the movie that proved Adam Sandler was much more than a goofball comedy star. To this day, this and “Uncut Gems” are far and away the actor’s best screen work. The character of Barry just feels so fully realized, complex, and nothing short of fascinating. Emily Watson also shines as the sweet Lena. Philip Seymour Hoffman steals every scene he is in as the scamming Mattress man Dean.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.35:1 2160p With Dolby Vision HDR. How does it look? This is a bit of a curious release for Criterion given that ‘Punch’ was released on 4K in the Columbia Classics Volume 4 box set last year. This is the first stand-alone release on 4K so if you don’t have the set now is the chance to pick up this classic. As for the picture quality, this is an absolutely worthwhile upgrade. The 4K restoration offers up sharper image quality and richer colors.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? This is the kind of track you love to see for a catalogue title. It does wonders for the film’s audio (especially the Jon Brion score).
Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* A booklet featuring an essay by Miranda July.
* Mattress Man Commercial
* 3 trailers
* 2 deleted scenes
* “Blossoms And Blood”- A short collection of film clips with Jon Brion music.
* 12 Scopitones
* A 2016 interview with composer Jon Brion.
* A 2016 conversation with Lia Gangitano and Michael Connor about digital artist/painter Jeremy Blake. Additional artwork by Jeremy Blake is also included.
* Cast and crew studio interviews and press conference from the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.
* A 2000 NBC interview with the real Pudding Guy who served as inspiration for the story- David Phillips.
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