Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Description

Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Criterion Collection | 152 min | Rated NR | 2025 Release
Genres: Drama, Romance, Historical

Video Quality

• Codec/Resolution: Native 4K HEVC (2160p) with Dolby Vision + HDR10
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
  • The new 4K digital restoration is breathtaking, offering crisp color separation, sharp detail, and immersive image fidelity—from the black-and-white Shanghai beginnings to richly hued scenes of political upheaval (MVD).

Audio Quality

• Track: DTS‑HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
  • Clean, dynamic multi-channel mix that enriches both the music-rich performances and the ambient storytelling. Subtle background textures are well integrated, with optional English subtitles (Amazon).

Special Features

• Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
  • Production documentary: A Week with Kiarostami (~90 min)
  • Home-video promo reel (15 min)
  • Archival interviews with director Chen Kaige & cast members
  • Theatrical trailer, and supplemental essay/booklet by critic Michael Berry (Amazon, MVD)

Cast

Leslie Cheung, Fengyi Zhang, Li Gong

Summary

Criterion’s 4K edition of Farewell My Concubine is a landmark release—an elegant, powerful cinematic experience with pristine A/V presentation, a rich surround track, and insightful bonus content. An essential rental for fans of epic storytelling and world cinema.

OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Highly Recommended