Lost Highway (1997) (Criterion Collection) UK Only [Blu-ray]

So let’s address the elephant in the room first; Yes, this U.K. release inexplicably does not come with the 4K disc, unlike the U.S. version. Much like the British releases of the Double Indemnity and Menace II Society Blu-ray’s before it, Criterion have forsaken us British fans a beautiful, UHD/HDR disc of one of David Lynch’s finest, most mysterious films. And as a result, there’s no way I can give this release the full 5 stars.Now, with that out of the way, what we do get is still pretty darn great. The Lynch-approved 4K restoration looks simply fantastic in 1080p, and this release is roughly a hundred times better than the HD version we got back in 2012 in that David Lynch Blu-ray box set, from an A/V standpoint. It’s also adorned with some excellent supplements, including the feature length “Pretty As A Picture” documentary, and a booklet with extracts from the “Lynch on Lynch” book.As for the film, it’s almost impossible to write a synopsis. It’s a demented fever dream that is best enjoyed if one simply just “goes with it”, accepting and unquestioning of some of the utterly strange and perplexing things that happen. And like every Lynch film, the more you watch it, the more the buried meanings are apparent, and another layer of revelation as to what might be going on is slowly peeled off. The film is full of terrifying and disturbing imagery that have stayed with me ever since I first saw it as an unsuspecting teen on Film4 back in the day. Things like the creepy videotapes, Fred Madison slowly disappearing into a pitch black hallway in his house, the Mystery Man, and the flashes of the recorded murder scene, are more existentially haunting and affecting than anything in a dozen Conjuring movies. It also has a great soundtrack.So yes, the inexplicable exclusion of the 4K disc in this country means this ultimately, and frustratingly, falls short of being the “definitive” release. But for those not bothered about a 4K disc, or who haven’t climbed onto the UHD bandwagon, this is the best version of this classic film we’ve ever had. Fantastic picture and audio, and a host of suitably excellent extras, the likes of which we’ve grown to expect from Criterion, I’d say this is a must buy for Lynch fans, and anyone who likes their Neo-Noir’s surreal, horrifying and hypnotic, in equal measure.

Review is for product, not the movie itself. Not only is the UK Criterion release missing the 4K disc but it also comes in a standard amray as opposed to the pleasing digipack used on the US release. Unbelievable.

As many have said why no 4K for this in the UK as opposed to the superior US release? It can't be licensing as both versions are Criterion for crying out loud!

Five star film, but there’s no reason, no excuse, for Criterion not to release the 4K UHD version in the U.K.!. As it stands, this release is a coaster.