Citizen Kane 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

A simply masterful effort from Criterion that's worthy of Citizen Kane, the only faults lie at the source. Scratchy stock footage and chemical dissolves bring the only inconsistencies. The rest is flawless, spotless, and sparkling. The level of preservation exhibited here is standard setting. There's not a speck or scratch to be seen on the footage (again, aside from the stock materials) and fine film grain maintains total consistency throughout. Criterion's encoding keeps the film stock's aesthetic intact, even during difficult scenes with haze or snow.

Dazzling resolution shows meticulous texture in every frame. Felt costumes or furs all look impeccably defined. Set details shine, and makeup work is exposed near to a fault. Distance doesn't matter - wide shots look just as spectacular as those in close.

Dolby Vision adds marvelous dimensionality to the stern black & white photography. Citizen Kane doesn't spark any notable highlights - it's a careful, subtle, and guarded application. There's even remaining crush where intended, people blending into the shadows to preserve proper intent. This isn't spectacle, just measured and nuanced. That cautious hand makes an impression though.

Audio

In referencing vintage audio, Citizen Kane is a disc to remember. The PCM mono proves exemplary in its clarity. Occasional slight static follows the dialog, if causing no trouble. And sure, the score wobbles at the highest frequencies, yet each cue is significantly cleaner than most films of this age. Like the video, all pops and hisses disappear without making the stitching audible. It's marvelous work.