blue-7 Review of The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life (2011)

Criterion Extended Version A Must For Those Who Love This Film!

[10/10 · 11 September 2018]

There are more than a 1000 reviews on IMDB from film viewers -- many of them very lengthy with great insights. And there are, of course, many who hate this film or can not relate to it. Well the extended version of A TREE OF LIFE offered on the newly released Criterion 2-Disc Blu-ray set are for those of us who have been deeply touched by this masterful work by Terrence Malick. The 50 additional minutes add a greater depth to the characters of the story. They help us understand and care about them in a deeper way. In every way I find the longer version to be my preferred viewing. As for the new Extras I can only say that they are all priceless. I wouldn't say that the new transfer is superior to the original Fox release as it is a truly beautiful disc. But the extended version and the included Extras make the Criterion the Disc of the Year for those who consider Mallick's film one of cinema's greatest achievements. This may well be the finest disc set that the Criterion folks have ever released!